Practice Management Software: In Search of the Holy Grail
Will the right practice management software allow me to get my work done faster and easier so that I can spend more time with my family and/or rock climbing? Yes, say the ads. But is that reality? Or hype? I have used several different practice management programs but none have increased my family or rock climbing time. Sure, the problem could be entirely my own. I could have a time management problem, or I could be a workaholic, or I could have tech phobia such that I never learn to use the programs correctly, or of course it could be "all of the above." What in your experience or opinion is the best or most effective practice management software for small to mid-size personal injury law firms? And why?
I am currently using Amicus. It's a good program but it's not "flat" enough for me. I don't like to dig down through a bunch of menus and levels to find the desired info. I have used Time Matters, but it was too list based for my taste. I have used Needles, but its To Do function ("checklist" in Needles) is a real pain. I have not liked the To Do function in any of these programs. So far, the only To Do function that I like is the "Task" function in Microsoft Outlook. But as much as I would like to keep track of my to do's on Outlook and do everything else in Amicus, it just doesn't make sense. Two parallel systems would be a nightmare and defeat the purpose of having all information in one place accessible to everyone else. I have seen a demo of another program (Trial Practice?) that subs out the To Do and Calendar functions to Outlook and focuses on legal practice management. That seems appealing to me, but I don't know how well it works. Anybody have any experience with it?
I know, I know - there will never be a perfect system - even if I were to create my own. And I have been tempted to embark upon that endeavor. But fortunately I have had enough sense to keep my focus on practicing law.
The problem will all practice management programs is that you can build a beautiful file and not get much legal work done. I guess that's also a problem with any management system - working to satisfy the system instead of advancing the case.
Finally, there is the option of having no practice management software program - as was the case when I started practicing in the 80's. I worked in a large personal injury firm that had no practice management software. I never entered data in a computer and, in fact, hardly ever used the computer, but I was always on top of things. Why? Because I had an assistant whose sole function was to keep track of my stuff and keep me on track. I don't have that luxury anymore and I suspect that most attorneys don't either. So what's the best way to stay on top of everything?
