Automation can save time, streamline, and decrease the chance for human error by reducing the number of repetitive tasks you need to do as part of running your law firm.^[1]

Understanding these goals can help your firm determine which processes you should automate.

Save time

Make a list of the processes at your law firm that are repetitive or fairly consistent from one day to the next. Next, estimate how much time these tasks take up. You may eventually want to automate all of these tasks, but it’s easiest to start with steps. Pick one that you feel would make a difference in your workday.

For instance, many firms are beginning to use document automation to create routine documents that change little from one iteration to the next. Contracts, motions, pleadings, and other standard documents lend themselves easily to automation.

You need to build the template, but with the help of a modern practice management system, you can then merge client information—and produce these standard documents in a fraction of the time.

Streamline

Save your team and your clients a little frustration and streamline where you can. Instead of having clients come into your office to fill out new client paperwork, have them complete initial forms online.

Not only is this approach more convenient for them, but it allows your practice management system to easily organize their information so that it’s available when you need it, such as for automatically drafting a motion for a family law client.

With streamlined intake, meetings with new clients can be more focused on getting work done and building relationships.

Reduce the chance of errors

Finally, it’s always worth considering automation any time you or your team are stuck doing unnecessary data entry—which eats up time and comes with the risk of old-fashioned human error.

For example, an automated billing system allows you to create bulk invoices and send them out in batches. When clients pay, information updates in your billing and accounting ledgers—no more risking entering a different number into your accounting books that results in a headache when it’s time for reconciliation.^[2]

Simplify your firm’s processes

At the end of the day, automation is all about simplifying your firm’s processes and creating more opportunities for billable work. Look to automate repetitive processes and save time, streamline, and reduce error.

References

1. How Outsourcing and Automation Can Benefit Your Firm and Improve Your Work/Life Balance
2. Mastering the Reconciliation Process with Accounting Software & Bank Data Feeds