# LawWare Legal Practice Management Software > Creating the law firm of tomorrow, today. ## Services ### legal practice management software ### software for solicitors ## Pages ### Client Support URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/about-us/client-support/ Client Support Helpdesk contact details You can contact our helpdesk by email or telephone. The quickest way to contact client support is by email. This will automatically raise a support ticket and one of our Helpdesk Team will be in touch with you within a short period of time. We pride ourselves in offering a truly first class client support service and focus on helping you every step of the way. Email: support@lawware.co.uk If you would like to speak to a member of our Helpdesk Team, please call during normal working hours on the number below. Tel: 0345 2020 578 If Client Support Helpdesk contact details You can contact our helpdesk by email or telephone. The quickest way to contact client support is by email . This will automatically raise a support ticket and one of our Helpdesk Team will be in touch with you within a short period of time. We pride ourselves in offering a truly first class client support service and focus on helping you every step of the way. Email: support@lawware.co.uk Contact Client support by email If you would like to speak to a member of our Helpdesk Team, please call during normal working hours on the number below. Tel: 0345 2020 578 If you are a potential new client requiring information, please complete your enquiry from our sales enquiry form. Visit the LawWare Academy Online Learning Centre Our LawWare Academy offers a host of information including training hints and tips, training courses, video tuition and user guides. Each are helpfully categorised for solicitors, cashiers and accountants, support staff and administrators. Visit the Centre by clicking the button below. LawWare Academy View the status of your LawWare data centre on our Status Dashboard Check to see the status of your LawWare installation and check for details of forthcoming maintenance work across all our data centres. You can also check the status of your broadband connection and internet service provider. Visit the dashboard by clicking the button below. LawWare Status dashboard Remote Client Support If one of our team wishes to assist you in resolving an issue, they will ask you to start remote support by clicking this button. Remote Support LawWare Connector You can download and install the new Connector for our Next Generation LawWare Platform here. Install LawWare AVD ### New LawWare URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-we-do-software-for-law-firms/new-lawware/ New LawWare – the new standard for legal practice management. For over 25 years, LawWare has been at the forefront of law firm software and legal practice management software development. New LawWare continues in that tradition. During that time our guiding principle has always been to create solutions that save you time and money, reduce your risk and increase your productivity. Then, we backup our software with high quality support and training. New LawWare: a new era. Now, with the release of our fifth generation of software, we are setting new standards all designed to improve the efficiency of your legal New LawWare - the new standard for legal practice management. For over 25 years, LawWare has been at the forefront of law firm software and legal practice management software development. New LawWare continues in that tradition. During that time our guiding principle has always been to create solutions that save you time and money, reduce your risk and increase your productivity. Then, we backup our software with high quality support and training. New LawWare: a new era. Now, with the release of our fifth generation of software , we are setting new standards all designed to improve the efficiency of your legal business. New LawWare is not just a facelift. We've completely redesigned the application to retain the familiar look, feel and functionality of V4. However, we included brand-new, powerful additions to help you streamline your work. That’s the technical bit - the benefits are much more wide-ranging. New LawWare: our approach. Our approach to New LawWare has very much followed the Land Rover Defender template. The original Landy was a robust, secure product with great longevity. Land Rover recently replaced it with a new, even more robust, hi-tech and much improved model. This guided our principles with it. Still robust and reliable but with many improvements designed to make your work experience simpler and more efficient. What's under the bonnet? Modern Interface and Enhanced Security New interface aligned with Microsoft's latest products. Utilises Microsoft’s latest cloud-platform technology for security and scalability. Accessibility and Customisation Adjustable display options and fonts for the partially sighted, including integration with the OpenDyslexic font. New screen filtering to create personalised views in Cases, Contacts, and Clients. Efficiency and Convenience Favourites and Last Accessed views for quick access to frequently used Cases. Instant Preview screens for highlighted documents and drafts. Comprehensive Case summary screen with key d... ### Client Agreements URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/client-agreements/ Below please find pdf links to copies of your contractual agreements. LawWare Customer Contract. LawCloud Customer Contract Certificate of Data Return Acceptance. LawWare Privacy Policy Below please find pdf links to copies of your contractual agreements. LawWare Customer Contract. LawCloud Customer Contract Certificate of Data Return Acceptance. LawWare Privacy Policy ### Your Journey URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-we-do-software-for-law-firms/your-journey/ Your journey with LawWare There are no short-cuts when it comes to getting the right practice management system for your firm. Throughout your journey with us, we promise to provide the best advice and the most effective solution. At LawWare, we are committed to building a long-term relationship with you. Take a look at each of the stages below to see how your journey with us will be managed. 1. Assessing Your Needs One size does not fit all… Looking for legal practice management software can be a daunting process. It needn’t be. At LawWare, we have a wealth of experience Your journey with LawWare There are no short-cuts when it comes to getting the right practice management system for your firm. Throughout your journey with us, we promise to provide the best advice and the most effective solution. At LawWare, we are committed to building a long-term relationship with you. Take a look at each of the stages below to see how your journey with us will be managed. 1. Assessing Your Needs One size does not fit all… Looking for legal practice management software can be a daunting process. It needn’t be. At LawWare, we have a wealth of experience working exclusively within the legal industry and our team is sensitive to the fact that every business has its own unique characteristics. Assessing your needs is the starting point. As experts in the field, we understand the needs of small to medium-sized law firms. We are highly skilled in translating your needs into solutions. Solutions that really help build stronger businesses. The starting point on your journey with us is getting to know you better. Our consultative approach starts with a listening ear from one of our experienced Product Consultants who will: Discuss your business needs, understand your culture and recognise where you are going as a business. Gain a better understanding of your current systems and what changing to a new one will mean for you. Work together with you outlining a proposal that will get the job done and meet your budgetary expectations. Show you the  software  and talk you through the kind of benefits it can provide to you and your team. Talk you through the process. Agree the likely timescales and develop a way forward where we can work together to achieve an agreed outcome. Assessing your needs is just the beginning of our comprehensive process. We understand that your practice management system is one of the key pillars of your business. The system will help you get your work done efficiently and manage your practice effectively. At the same time, it k... ### About LawWare URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/about-us/ About LawWare. About us: founded by Managing Director Warren Wander in 1995, LawWare now provides practice management technology to hundreds of legal practices in the UK and continues to grow. The aim was to produce innovative software specifically for solicitors and offer a first class range of support services to assist law firms to successfully implement the software and keep it operating smoothly thereafter. From its offices in Edinburgh and Manchester, LawWare’s flagship products are continually enhanced and supported by a dedicated team of project managers, developers, trainers and support staff. Our values are straightforward: Our aims are unmistakable: We have set ourselves About LawWare. About us: founded by Managing Director  Warren Wander  in 1995, LawWare now provides practice management technology to hundreds of legal practices in the UK and continues to grow. The aim was to produce innovative software specifically for solicitors and offer a first class range of support services to assist law firms to successfully implement the software and keep it operating smoothly thereafter. From its offices in Edinburgh and Manchester, LawWare’s flagship products are continually enhanced and supported by a dedicated team of project managers, developers, trainers and support staff. Our values are straightforward: We treat people as we wish to be treated ourselves. When we set correct expectations we strive to deliver them. We mix endeavour with integrity and passion with commitment. Our aims are unmistakable: We focus on the Legal marketplace. We produce software that saves time, saves money and reduces risk. Our software is designed to increase fee earning productivity. We support our clients with high quality services. We remain as committed to existing clients as we are to new clients. Our solutions will improve the quality of work undertaken on behalf of the client. We want to grow our business in a controlled manner. We have set ourselves real targets in terms of improving the efficiency of law firm staff by making it quicker to achieve tasks, which in turn improves the level of client service they supply to their clients. Our aim is deliberately to create an integrated system so that users are better and more fully informed in order to make the best decisions. We strive to continually be at the forefront of software development for the legal profession. To achieve this we work closely with firms of all sizes. Whether you are a single practitioner, a small or mid-sized firm, LawWare provides a scaled solution to suit your practice. Let our  clients   do the talking… But the real measure of how we are performing comes from our larg... ### About You URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/about-us/law-practice-management-software/ At LawWare, our ethical approach is all about you. Take a look at the sections below that best describe you and our law practice management software to see how we can help. Partner. You’re probably here because your practice management software is not delivering the goods… and you’ll be looking for re-assurance that your replacement system will provide you with a flexible, secure and value for money solution. As a partner you may be looking at what your peers are doing. With so many different practice management systems out there, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are several key areas to At LawWare, our ethical approach is all about you. Take a look at the sections below that best describe you and our law practice management software to see how we can help. Partner. You’re probably here because your practice management software is not delivering the goods… and you’ll be looking for re-assurance that your replacement system will provide you with a flexible, secure and value for money solution. As a partner you may be looking at what your peers are doing. With so many different practice management systems out there, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are several key areas to look at before making your decision: How will the software bring efficiencies, reduce costs, control and manage fee earners, control WIP, etc? Will the software meet all the  SRA  & Law Society  compliance rules? Will it be value for money? How secure will the software be – particularly if it is cloud based? LawWare is a complete, integrated and cost-effective practice management system. It can be server or cloud based and benefits from bank grade security. It is compliant with regulations and it will allow you to check easily upon the performance of your business as a whole and the efficiency of your fee earners, teams and staff. Being a partner in a modern firm involves many responsibilities. Balancing these can sometimes be difficult. When it comes to major decisions like your choice of practice management software, speak to the experts at LawWare. Fee Earner. Which hat are you wearing today? As a fee earner in a busy practice you’re expected to bring in the fees, manage your work effectively and bring in new business. As part of a small team it’s also your role to make a contribution to the smooth running of your practice. When it comes to selecting new  practice management software , you need to know that you are in safe hands. With LawWare you’ve come to the right people. We understand your needs and will work with you to deliver a solution that’s... ### Thank you for your client support request URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/thank-you-for-your-client-support-request/ Visit the LawWare Academy Online Learning Centre Our LawWare Academy offers a host of information including training hints and tips, training courses, video tuition and user guides. Each are helpfully categorised for solicitors, cashiers and accountants, support staff and administrators. Visit the Centre by clicking the button below. View the status of your LawWare data centre on our Status Dashboard Check to see the status of your LawWare installation and check for details of forthcoming maintenance work across all our data centres. You can also check the status of your broadband connection and internet service provider. Visit the dashboard by clicking Thank you. Thank you for your client support request. One of our support team members will be in touch with you very shortly to assist. Client Support Helpdesk contact details You can contact our helpdesk by email, telephone or by completing the support request form on this page. We pride ourselves in offering a truly first class client support service and focus on helping you every step of the way. Email: support@lawware.co.uk If you would like to speak to a member of our Helpdesk Team, please call during normal working hours on the number below. Tel: 0345 2020 578 If you are a potential new client requiring information, please complete your enquiry from our sales enquiry form. CLIENT SUPPORT request form. Visit the LawWare Academy Online Learning Centre Our LawWare Academy offers a host of information including training hints and tips, training courses, video tuition and user guides. Each are helpfully categorised for solicitors, cashiers and accountants, support staff and administrators. Visit the Centre by clicking the button below. LawWare Academy View the status of your LawWare data centre on our Status Dashboard Check to see the status of your LawWare installation and check for details of forthcoming maintenance work across all our data centres. You can also check the status of your broadband connection and internet service provider. Visit the dashboard by clicking the button below. LawWare Status dashboard Remote Client Support If one of our team wishes to assist you in resolving an issue, they will ask you to start remote support by clicking this button. Remote Support Thank you for your client support request. We value your privacy. We and our partners store and /or access information on a device, such as cookies and process personal data, such as unique identifiers and standard information sent by a device for personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, and audience insights, as well as to develop and improve products. Please note that som... ### Cookie Policy URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/about-us/cookie-policy/ How we use cookies. LawWare Cookie Policy: cookies are small files which ask permission for placement on your computer’s hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. The web application can tailor its operations to your needs. Likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences. We use traffic log cookies to identify which pages you use. In particular, portions of this website use Google Analytics, a web analytics service How we use cookies. LawWare Cookie Policy: cookies are small files which ask permission for placement on your computer's hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. The web application can tailor its operations to your needs. Likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences. We use traffic log cookies to identify which pages you use. In particular, portions of this website use Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google, Inc. (“Google”). Google Analytics uses cookies to help the website analyse how users use the site. Information. The information generated by the cookie about your use of the website will be transmitted to and stored by Google on servers in the United States. Google will use this information for the purpose of evaluating your use of the website, compiling reports on website activity for website operators and providing other services relating to website activity and internet usage. This helps us analyse data about web page traffic. It also helps us improve our website in order to tailor it to client needs. We only use this information for statistical analysis purposes and then we remove the data from the system. Google may also transfer this information to third parties where required to do so by law, or where such third parties process the information on Google's behalf. Google will not associate your IP address with any other data held by Google. You may refuse the use of cookies by selecting the appropriate settings on your browser. However please note that if you do this you may not be able to use the full functionality of this website. By using this website, you consent to the processing of data about you by Google. Overall, cookies help us provide you with a better website, by enabling us to monitor which pages you find useful. A coo... ### LawWare Timeline URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/about-us/lawware-timeline/ The story of LawWare from its beginnings in 1995 to the present day. Scroll through the LawWare timeline to discover the main events. If, after taking a look at the LawWare timeline, you would like to find out more about our services, please visit our main “What we do” page. You can also find out more about what makes us tick by visiting our “About Us” section of this website. The story of LawWare from its beginnings in 1995 to the present day. Scroll through the LawWare timeline to discover the main events. 1995 Development beginnings – Genesys Legal Office - Access V1.0. 1995 1996 Instrumental in the development of HSSK (High Street Starter Kit) project – Consortium of Law Societies of England & Wales, Scotland & Ireland. 1996 1998 LawWare Limited incorporated. 1998 1999 LawWare Classic launched in Scotland alongside support from The Law Society of Scotland . 1999 2000 Y2K – Year 2000 bug attracts early adopters looking for alternatives. 2000 2001 3 Year distribution partner agreement with Coherence Ltd (management buyout of IT dept. of D M Hall Surveyors). 2001 2003 LawWare reaches 100 client milestone with steady continued growth. 2003 2004 Development continues of the new SQL Server edition of LawWare. 2004 2007 LawWare Enterprise (SQL Server based Edition) launched. 2007 2009 LawWare reaches 200 client milestone with solid growth. 2009 2011 LawCloud launched as a leading light in Cloud technology and a strong response to the recession. 2011 2014 LawWare opens new offices in Manchester. 2014 2014 LawWare reaches 300 client milestone with ongoing UK growth. 2014 2016 UK growth and strong financials as LawWare continues to expand. 350 client milestone reached and new branding and website introduced. 2016 2018 New, more modern LawWare software version, new client portal, new mobile app and client training area introduced. 2018 2019 LawWare celebrates 20 years in business and reaches 450 client milestone. 2019 2020 LawWare moves completely to remote working. 2020 2021 LawWare launches brand new version of its market leading software - LawWare Version 5. 2021 2024 LawWare celebrates over 25 years of serving the legal profession by launching "New LawWare". 2024 If, after taking a look at the LawWare timeline, you would like to find out more about our services, please visit our main " What we do " page. You can also find out more abou... ### Links URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/about-us/links/ Follow the links below to take you directly to the sites. 〉〉 Legal Links. 〉〉 Legal Resources Links. 〉〉 LawWare Social media Groups. 〉〉 Legal Media Links. 〉〉 Legal & Technology Resources 〉〉 Miscellaneous Links. Follow the links below to take you directly to the sites. 〉〉 Legal Links. Law Society of England and Wales Law Society of Scotland Solicitors Regulation Authority Bar Council 〉〉 Legal Resources Links. Delia Venables UK and Ireland Legal Resources infolaw.co.uk The Institute of Legal & Finance Management The Legal Aid Practitioners Group BAILII Command Papers Courts Service Directgov Employment Appeal Tribunal House of Lords judgments ICLR Incorporated Council of Law Reporting Law Commission legislation.gov.uk Ministry of Justice Scottish Courts Website Supreme Court UK Parliament Legal Futures 〉〉 LawWare Social media Groups. LawWare Blog LawWare on Twitter LawCloud on Twitter Cloud computing for lawyers Facebook page Cloud for Lawyers Linkedin Group 〉〉 Legal Media Links. The Lawyer The Journal Modern Law Magazine Law Society Gazette Legal Week Solicitors Journal New law Journal Chambers & Partners Directory The legal 500 〉〉 Legal & Technology Resources Legal IT Professionals Blog Legal Tech News IT Analysis Computer Weekly Legal Software Suppliers Association 〉〉 Miscellaneous Links. The Truth About Lawyers (Humour) A Trip Down Memory Lane – The Sinclair ZX81 Computer weekly: A History of Cloud Computing ### Our Mission, Vision & Values URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/about-us/our-mission-vision-values/ Our Mission: “ Our mission is to be the leading supplier of specialist Practice Management Software for small & medium sized law firms in the UK. Helping them to manage their data, control their risk and grow their businesses. “ Our Vision: “ To grow our business in a manageable, responsible & considerate way by: “ Our Values: “ “ If you’d like to find out further details of how we can help you to grow your business, please contact us.  Our Mission: " Our mission is to be the leading supplier of specialist Practice Management Software for small & medium sized law firms in the UK. Helping them to manage their data, control their risk and grow their businesses. " Our Vision: " To grow our business in a  manageable, responsible & considerate  way by: expanding  our successful software portfolio throughout the UK with a culture where the  needs of our clients  are at the heart of what we do developing  strong relationships  with clients by  listening, consulting and delivering solutions  that meet their expectations developing  Innovative, Industry leading products & services  that support the changing commercial, technological and compliance needs of the UK legal profession and by growing our  talented team  by recruiting the best staff with  experience and understanding of the legal industry  and ensuring that LawWare remains ahead of the game and a great place to work. " Our Values: " We put our clients first. We are passionate about delivering what clients want in a no-nonsense, down to earth way. We strive for excellence. We seek out new and better ways of working to be the best at what we do. We lead through technological development. We believe technology is the servant of good business practice and our aim is to lead innovation in practice management solutions We act as a team. We recognise each other’s strengths and share knowledge to ensure that we all have the tools to do the best possible job. We celebrate success. We show respect. We listen and are considerate, open and respectful towards one another at all times. We foster achievement. we motivate, challenge and inspire ourselves and others to reach our full potential. We aim to make  Lawware  a great place to work. We all contribute to a positive, friendly and rewarding workplace. We enjoy what we do. We take responsibility. As individuals we recognise and accept responsibility for our actions. Outside the workplace ... ### Privacy Policy URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/about-us/privacy-policy/ The web site is operated by LawWare Limited (“LawWare”) of CBC House, 24 Canning Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EG and Adamson House, Towers Business Park, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2YY. Privacy Policy: LawWare will control the information which you provide on registration and subsequently during any visit to this website at: https://www.lawware.co.uk (“the Website”). If you have any questions about the collection or use of your information through the site, you should contact LawWare by email to innovate@lawware.co.uk or by post to the above address and we will deal with your query as promptly as is reasonably practicable. Privacy Policy. This privacy The web site is operated by LawWare Limited ("LawWare") of CBC House, 24 Canning Street, Edinburgh, EH3 8EG and Adamson House, Towers Business Park, Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 2YY. Privacy Policy: LawWare will control the information which you provide on registration and subsequently during any visit to this website at:  https://www.lawware.co.uk ("the Website"). If you have any questions about the collection or use of your information through the site, you should contact LawWare by email to innovate@lawware.co.uk or by post to the above address and we will deal with your query as promptly as is reasonably practicable. Privacy Policy. This privacy policy sets out how LawWare Limited (“LawWare” / “us” / “we”) use and protect any information that you give us when you use this website. We commit to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using this website, you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy policy. We may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes. What we collect. We may collect the following information: name and job title contact information including email address and phone number demographic information such as postcode What we do with the information we gather. We require this information to understand your needs and provide you with a better service. We do this for the following reasons: Internal record keeping; We may use the information to improve our services; We may periodically send promotional emails about special offers or other information which we think you may find interesting; From time to time, we may also use your information to contact you for market research purposes. We may contact you by email, phone or mail. We may use the information to customise the website according to your interes... ### Terms and Conditions URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/about-us/terms-and-conditions/ Please read the terms and conditions of use carefully before using this website. By using the LawWare Ltd site, you signify your agreement to these terms and conditions of use. If you do not agree to these terms of use please do not use the LawWare Ltd Site. We reserve the right, at our discretion, to change, modify, add, or remove portions of these terms at any time. Please check these terms periodically for changes. Your continued use of this LawWare Ltd Site following the posting of changes to these terms will mean you accept those changes. By using the LawWare Please read the terms and conditions of use carefully before using this website. By using the LawWare Ltd site , you signify your agreement to these terms and conditions of use. If you do not agree to these terms of use please do not use the LawWare Ltd Site. We reserve the right, at our discretion, to change, modify, add, or remove portions of these terms at any time. Please check these terms periodically for changes. Your continued use of this LawWare Ltd Site following the posting of changes to these terms will mean you accept those changes. By using the LawWare Ltd Site, you signify your agreement to these terms of use. If you do not agree to these terms of use please do not use the LawWare Ltd Site. We reserve the right, at our discretion, to change, modify, add, or remove portions of these terms at any time. Please check these terms periodically for changes. Your continued use of this LawWare Ltd Site following the posting of changes to these terms will mean you accept those changes. Restrictions on use of materials. All materials contained in any LawWare Ltd Site are the copyrighted property of LawWare Ltd Limited, or its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and/or third-party licensors. All trademarks, service marks, and trade names are proprietary to LawWare Ltd Limited or its affiliates. No material from any LawWare Ltd Site or any Internet site owned, operated, licensed, or controlled by us or our affiliates may be copied, reproduced, republished, uploaded, posted, transmitted, or distributed in any way, except that you may download one copy of the materials on any single computer for your personal, non-commercial home use only, provided that (i) you keep intact all copyright and other proprietary notices, (ii) you make no modifications to the materials, (iii) you do not use the materials in a manner that suggests an association with any of our products, services, or brands, and (iv) you do not download quantities of materials to a database that can be us... ### Virtual Law Office URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/about-us/virtual-law-office-software/ No bricks and mortar? No problem. As competition increases, more and more solicitors are turning to virtual law firm structures. The aim is to cut costs and overheads and place themselves at the forefront of technology via the use of virtual law office software. The bricks and mortar approach to business is being replaced by virtual practices operating from anywhere. To set up in virtual practice you will need the following: The cornerstone of a virtual firm. The benefits of these working methods are obvious. However, they are all underpinned by the need for an effective practice management system that operates No bricks and mortar? No problem. As competition increases, more and more solicitors are turning to virtual law firm structures. The aim is to cut costs and overheads and place themselves at the forefront of technology via the use of virtual law office software. The bricks and mortar approach to business is being replaced by virtual practices operating from anywhere. To set up in virtual practice you will need the following: An internet connection A mobile phone A laptop Cloud based practice management software and possibly a client portal. Consider outsourcing certain key services such as cashroom, P.A. and admin work, digital dictation and more. The cornerstone of a virtual firm. The benefits of these working methods are obvious. However, they are all underpinned by the need for an effective practice management system that operates from anywhere. LawCloud from LawWare provides a virtual law firm software solution without compromising data security, compliance or confidentiality. Technology has long been a catalyst for change. It allows organisations to increase productivity and adopt more competitive business models in place of traditional set-ups. In the business of law, “virtual law firms”  are redefining how legal practices operate and the services they offer. To find out more about how LawWare can help you set up your virtual practice, please contact us. Further reading: how do you get started with virtual law office software? Virtual law firms have been around for a while now. Many went down that route due to enforced homeworking. Others found their existing practice decided to move to a virtual model to save overhead. Yet others decided to become self-employed. Opening a virtual law firm is an appealing idea. Start-up costs are low and there is minimal overhead. It sounds ideal for a sole trader or even a small firm. Yet, before you take the leap into the cyberspace, there are some important points to consider. Also take a look at this informative web... ### Why Choose LawWare Legal Software? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/about-us/why-choose-lawware-legal-software/ See what our clients think. Why choose LawWare legal software? With an extensive family of clients based throughout the UK, it is their feedback that provides the most accurate picture. The key reasons for choosing us as cited by our clients are: And more… For further reasons to choose LawWare, please read our client testimonials. See what our clients think. Why choose LawWare legal software? With an extensive family of clients based throughout the UK, it is their feedback that provides the most accurate picture. The key reasons for choosing us as cited by our clients are: It’s easy, there is no big sales contract. We rely on the strength and scope of our software and services. And want to develop a long-term relationship with you and all your staff who use LawWare. There's no tie in. If you don’t want a certain element of the software, you don’t have to take it. We have an active User Group – to ensure you are getting the most from your relationship with us and to help us develop the software to meet the needs of the future. Support comes as part of the package. Therefore, there are no additional extras to surprise you. Remote support tool allows you to log us on (i.e. with your permission) and share your screen, keyboard and mouse and then we can really see what you are seeing. You can also use it as a training aid to help us  show you on your screen what should be done, while talking to you on the telephone. This is invaluable to firms in more remote locations. We deliver updates regularly and seamlessly without interruption to normal service. Consequently, we ensure the software is fully compliant, flexible and up-to-date. And more... We are not trying to sell you everything up front, take what you need just now. When you are ready to expand later, we will work with you. Helping you to gradually upgrade your systems and integrate new islands of information.. We excel in the legal software field and supply dedicated products to the legal industry alone. Our focus is the development and extension of our software and services and the server or cloud based technology that underpins them. We have an extensive family of clients all using LawWare. All are very satisfied with the service we provide – from the Highlands & Islands of Scotland, throughout England and Wales and down... ### Working For Us URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/about-us/working-for-us/ We want to work with the best people and the best organisations to help us deliver innovative solutions. As a growing business and we are always on the lookout for new talent to complement our existing team. working for us We would like to hear from you particularly if you have legal industry experience and expertise in: If you are looking for a new challenge and have experience in any of the above areas, please contact us with a few basic details about yourself… … and then let’s have a chat. Equal Opportunities. LawWare is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and Harassment We want to work with the best people and the best organisations to help us deliver innovative solutions. As a growing business and we are always on the lookout for new talent to complement our existing team.  working for us We would like to hear from you particularly if you have legal industry experience and expertise in: Product consultation. Software Implementation. Client care & account management. Software development. Client support. Software training. Legal cashiering. If you are looking for a new challenge and have experience in any of the above areas, please contact us with a few basic details about yourself... ... and then let's have a chat. Send us your details Equal Opportunities. LawWare is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and Harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees. And to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at LawWare are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. We do this without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex, age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. LawWare will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics. ### Contact Us URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/contact-us/ Looking for the best plumber in town? Schedule a Consultation Get in touch with us now and book your appointment or get a free consultation for the issue you are facing. Send Us A Message Make your new sales enquiry. Contact us now and book your appointment or get a free sales demonstration to address your needs. Either complete this form, email us or contact us by telephone on the number below. Tel: 0345 2020 578 Email:  innovate@lawware.co.uk Important notice for existing LawWare users. If you are an existing LawWare client and require assistance with any issues concerning your LawWare software, please get in touch with us from our client support page . Client Support SALES enquiry form. Edinburgh CBC House, 24 Canning Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EG Tel: 0345 2020 578 Email:  innovate@lawware.co.uk Directions Manchester Adamson House, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 2YY Tel: 0345 2020 578 Support:  support@lawware.co.uk Directions We value your privacy. We and our partners store and /or access information on a device, such as cookies and process personal data, such as unique identifiers and standard information sent by a device for personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, and audience insights, as well as to develop and improve products. Please note that some processing of your personal data may not require your consent, but you have a right to object to such processing. Please see our privacy policy for further information. What we do with the information we gather. We require this information to understand your needs and provide you with a better service. We do this for the following reasons: Internal record keeping; We may use the information to improve our services; We may periodically send promotional emails about special offers or other information which we think you may find interesting; From time to time, we may also use your information to contact you for market research purposes. We may contact you by email, phone or mail. We may use the information to customise the website according to your interests. ### Thank you for your enquiry URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/thank-you-for-your-enquiry/ Looking for the best plumber in town? Schedule a Consultation Get in touch with us now and book your appointment or get a free consultation for the issue you are facing. Send Us A Message Thank you. Thank you for your enquiry. A member of our sales team will be in touch with you very soon. Make your new sales enquiry. Contact us now and book your appointment or get a free sales demonstration to address your needs. Either complete this form, email us or contact us by telephone on the number below. Tel: 0345 2020 578 Email:  innovate@lawware.co.uk Important notice for existing LawWare users. If you are an existing LawWare client and require assistance with any issues concerning your LawWare software, please get in touch with us from our client support page . Client Support SALES enquiry form. Edinburgh CBC House, 24 Canning Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EG Tel: 0345 2020 578 Email:  innovate@lawware.co.uk Directions Manchester Adamson House, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 2YY Tel: 0345 2020 578 Support:  support@lawware.co.uk Directions We're here to help. Contact Us Today. 0345 2020 578 Email us Thank you for your enquiry We value your privacy. We and our partners store and /or access information on a device, such as cookies and process personal data, such as unique identifiers and standard information sent by a device for personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, and audience insights, as well as to develop and improve products. Please note that some processing of your personal data may not require your consent, but you have a right to object to such processing. Please see our privacy policy for further information. What we do with the information we gather. We require this information to understand your needs and provide you with a better service. We do this for the following reasons: Internal record keeping; We may use the information to improve our services; We may periodically send promotional emails about special offers or other information which we think you may find interesting; From time to time, we may also use your information to contact you for market research purposes. We may contact you by email, phone or mail. We may us... ### LawWare Legal Practice Management Blog URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/legal-practice-management-blog/ The legal practice management blog for solicitors from LawWare. You may also like our sister blog: Lawcloudcomputing. The legal practice management blog for solicitors from LawWare . You may also like our sister blog: Lawcloudcomputing . ### Legal Practice Management Software URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/ Legal Practice Management Software trusted by hundreds of UK law firms, every day. Achieve greater efficiency, accuracy and control, all in one place. LawWare is the complete legal practice management software solution designed specifically for law firms. From seamless case management and intuitive billing to secure document handling, everything you need is in one powerful, easy-to-use platform. Boost productivity, ensure compliance, and free up time to focus on what matters most – your clients. ▼ You’re in the right place… Easy to Use Simple & intuitive interface.Quick onboarding & training.Streamlined workflows. Learn More ► All-in-One System Case & document management.Time recording Legal Practice Management Software trusted by hundreds of UK law firms, every day. Achieve greater efficiency, accuracy and control, all in one place. LawWare is the complete legal practice management software solution designed specifically for law firms. From seamless case management and intuitive billing to secure document handling, everything you need is in one powerful, easy-to-use platform. Boost productivity, ensure compliance, and free up time to focus on what matters most - your clients. Book a Demo Download Brochure ▼ You're in the right place... Easy to Use Simple & intuitive interface. Quick onboarding & training. Streamlined workflows. Learn More ► All-in-One System Case & document management. Time recording & billing. Compliance & risk management. Learn More ► Reliable & Secure Accessible from anywhere. Compliant and secure. Responsive support & updates. Learn More ► Cost-Effective & Scalable Affordable pricing. Scales with your firm. Boosts productivity and efficiency. Learn More ► Easy to Use Simple & intuitive interface. Quick onboarding & training. Streamlined workflows. Learn More ► All-in-One System Case & document management. Time recording & billing. Compliance & risk management. Learn More ► Reliable & Secure Accessible from anywhere. Compliant and secure. Responsive support & updates. Learn More ► Cost-Effective & Scalable Affordable pricing. Scales with your firm. Boosts productivity and efficiency. Learn More ► Discover our products Case Management The building block for your entire electronic client and case files. LawWare organises all your information by case. It logs every activity, be it a phone call, a document created, an email, time recorded and many others and stores them within the case record. More about Case Management Legal Accounts All the legal accounting features & benefits you demand. Our legal accounts software is fully integrated. It uses the same database as the case management system, eliminating the ne... ### Legal Case Management Resources URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/legal-case-management-resources/ Welcome to the LawWare Legal Case Management Resources Centre. Your information bank for all things related to Cloud Computing, Practice Management Software and the LawWare System. Welcome to the LawWare Legal Case Management Resources Centre. Your information bank for all things related to Cloud Computing , Practice Management Software and the LawWare System . ### What We Do - Software for Law Firms URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-we-do-software-for-law-firms/ LawWare’s extensive features and benefits. LawWare software for law firms is a great deal more than just a simple case management system. It provides accounts, reporting, CRM and many other features. Take a look below to get an idea of its full potential for your business. This “What We Do” section details all the features and all the benefits. Everything explained in bite-sized chunks. Click on the boxes below to get the full picture. For further information about any aspect of our software for law firms and what we do, please contact us. LawWare's extensive features and benefits. LawWare software for law firms is a great deal more than just a simple case management system. It provides accounts, reporting, CRM and many other features. Take a look below to get an idea of its full potential for your business. This "What We Do" section details all the features and all the benefits. Everything explained in bite-sized chunks. Click on the boxes below to get the full picture. What is LawWare? A complete, integrated practice system for law firms. Legal Case Management The building block for your entire electronic client and case files. Legal Accounts Software Making life easier for accountants and cashiers alike. Time Recording Take the hard work out of time recording and billing. Email Management Organise your in box and file client emails seamlessly. Document Management Create, modify and file your legal documents with ease. Strongroom Manage and track your clients' wills, deeds and documents. CRM Keep in touch with clients and generate new business. Microsoft Office Word, Outlook and Excel are at the very heart of LawWare. Management Reporting Giving you accurate, up-to-date information at your fingertips. Risk Mgmt. & Compliance Developed in line with Law Society and SRA regulations. Workflow An advanced tool to help you develop process-driven task lists Client Portal & Mobile App Secure client access to case details online. New LawWare The latest version of LawWare software - available now. Third Party Integrations Complementary applications to add value to your system. Making Tax Digital Complete integration with HMRC's online tax service. Outsourced Cashroom LawWare's Your Cashier for all your cashiering needs. Your Journey with LawWare The onboarding process for new LawWare users. For further information about any aspect of our software for law firms and what we do, please contact us. Software for Law Firms  is software designed to manage a law firm's case and client records, billing and book... ### Client Portal URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-we-do-software-for-law-firms/client-portal/ The two-in-one solution for clients and staff alike. The LawWare Client Portal is a web-based application that runs in a browser and complements the LawWare desktop application. It is designed to: A robust, lightweight application designed to make your work experience simpler and more efficient as well as keeping your clients happy. Access to the Portal is via a secure login, is password protected with optional multi-factor authentication built in. Mobile Connect. The Portal’s Mobile Connect facility is a lightweight web app that gives your team the ability to look up information about all contacts, clients, cases and activities / attachments. The two-in-one solution for clients and staff alike. The LawWare Client Portal is a web-based application that runs in a browser and complements the LawWare desktop application . It is designed to: Enable your team to access their contacts, clients and matters out of the office on their smartphones or tablets when needed. Present controlled matter information to selected clients and third party contacts in real-time. A robust, lightweight application designed to make your work experience simpler and more efficient as well as keeping your clients happy. Access to the Portal is via a secure login, is password protected with optional multi-factor authentication built in. Mobile Connect . The Portal’s Mobile Connect facility is a lightweight web app that gives your team the ability to look up information about all contacts, clients, cases and activities / attachments. You can use it from a browser, iPad, iPhone or Android when you are on the move. Case and matter access for your team. At client level you can lookup an address, main phone number and email address and view case files. At case file level it shows the financial balances and supports access to activities. At activity level you can view basic information and the attachments are also accessible. Staff can record new generic activities for meetings, phone calls and file notes with time also recorded and can dictate directly into the notes of activities using a phone speech to text capacity. Staff (with permission) can also invite Clients to join the the Portal and decide which Case Files and which Activities to publish - for Clients to access. You can set different security permissions for each of your team members. It’s all designed to enable your team to check the progress of multiple case files when they need to. Client Connect. Clients are becoming ever more demanding. The Portal’s Client Connect option gives you the opportunity to keep them briefed on case progress proactively. Client Connect is acce... ### CRM & Marketing URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-we-do-software-for-law-firms/crm-marketing/ Built-in Client Relationship Management comes as standard. Your existing clients are the lifeblood of your business and, as you work with them, you amass a great deal of data about them. LawWare allows you to capitalise upon this via its CRM & Marketing module. The CRM allows you to segment your clients by work type, type of business or any other appropriate criteria. This gives you the ability to send them targeted messages; keeping them updated and keep your business at the forefront of their minds. Whether it’s newsletters or simple reminders, the CRM & Marketing module integrates with Microsoft Office Built-in Client Relationship Management comes as standard. Your existing clients are the lifeblood of your business and, as you work with them, you amass a great deal of data about them. LawWare allows you to capitalise upon this via its CRM & Marketing module. The CRM allows you to segment your clients by work type, type of business or any other appropriate criteria. This gives you the ability to send them targeted messages; keeping them updated and keep your business at the forefront of their minds. Whether it's newsletters or simple reminders, the CRM & Marketing module integrates with Microsoft Office and makes the job of informing and cross selling to your clients a routine operation. Grow your Business. The business of attracting new clients is equally important for ambitious law firms. This can often be a difficult and time-consuming job. The LawWare database isn't just there to store information about your existing clients. Indeed, you can use it with ease to store information about prospective clients. It can keep a record of contacts or visits you've made, log event invitations you've sent and more. You can use it for targeted email or mailshot programmes and gives you the ability to keep track of and monitor the success of your activities. In essence, it provides you with an integrated digital marketing interface. That makes the job of building your business that much simpler. Don't let opportunities pass you by. The LawWare CRM & Marketing module helps to prevent you from missing out on potential new business. So, you can mark wills and other documents with review dates. The system will then automatically remind you when the review date is due. You can set up automatic reports to give you reminders of when to contact clients and potential new clients as part of your daily routine. Find out more about the CRM. Often misunderstood and under-estimated, the database is the key to an effective practice management software suite. In LawWare the Microsoft compl... ### Document Management URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-we-do-software-for-law-firms/document-management/ Create, modify and style your documents with ease. Fully integrated within the LawWare relational database, the Document Management Module provides: All of this allows you to operate your business in a paper-light or completely paperless way. Find your documents quickly and easily. All your documents are stored within the appropriate matter file providing you with the ability to search and find them with ease and to look at the version history of each. Collaborate with others and share your documents. Version history is not there just to give an historical overview. In situations where multiple fee earners or teams handle the Create, modify and style your documents with ease. Fully integrated within the LawWare relational database, the Document Management Module provides: Extensive style library facilities to create customised document templates for re-use Automatic merging of addressee details, letter headings, case information, etc Pre-defined sets of styles according to worktype Fully networkable integration with Microsoft Word and Outlook A ‘Virtual’ file with all documents/letters accessible as “Activities” within the file The ability to attach any type of file or document, including scanned images and paperwork The facility to drag and drop incoming e-mails into appropriate files and raise e-mails from the case file Reduced risk management through consistency of documentation content The ability to send SMS text messages to clients and store the messages within the case file. The ability to use third-party tools such as document banks or forms packages. All of this allows you to operate your business in a paper-light or completely paperless way. Find your documents quickly and easily. All your documents are stored within the appropriate matter file providing you with the ability to search and find them with ease and to look at the version history of each. Collaborate with others and share your documents. Version history is not there just to give an historical overview. In situations where multiple fee earners or teams handle the same matters, LawWare makes your documents available. Available for both viewing and input by other fee earners and appropriate staff. Consequently, you can do the job in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. More about Document Management. Often overlooked by firms, especially where secretarial skills and typing are something of a mystery to fee-earning staff, many firms regard Document Management as little more than the method by which secretarial staff place copies of letters and documents in manila files. However, LawWare’s Document an... ### Email Management URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-we-do-software-for-law-firms/microsoft-outlook-integration/ Efficiency and time saving with email auto filing. Filing emails can be a real pain. If you receive hundreds every day, getting them all into the correct case file can slow you down. With New LawWare’s enhanced email management system, emails are tracked and automatically filed to the correct case file. Automatic email filing essentially means that your software recognises individual emails and to which case file they belong. That means you never lose track of your correspondence. Put yourself in control with “drag and drop” email. If you are uncertain about the automatic approach, LawWare provides you with the functionality Efficiency and time saving with email auto filing. Filing emails can be a real pain. If you receive hundreds every day, getting them all into the correct case file can slow you down. With New LawWare's enhanced email management system, emails are tracked and automatically filed to the correct case file. Automatic email filing essentially means that your software recognises individual emails and to which case file they belong. That means you never lose track of your correspondence. Put yourself in control with "drag and drop" email. If you are uncertain about the automatic approach, LawWare provides you with the functionality to place incoming and outgoing emails within a case file. It does this via the use of a simple "drag and drop" mechanism. In more complex matters, there may be a need to store the same email in multiple case files. The "drag and drop" technology gives you the option to do this effortlessly. Thus, it saves you time and allowing you to get on with the business in hand. LawWare also prevents emails from being duplicated to a case file. It also automatically recognises response emails from clients. This gives you the option to place them in the case file at the touch of a button. Microsoft Outlook Integration and your LawWare system. Microsoft Outlook integration means your LawWare software works seamlessly with Outlook. It solves the problem of storing emails in one place and other matter correspondence in another. The "side-by-side" layout of the LawWare user interface allows you to work on a case file whilst viewing Microsoft Outlook at the same time - giving you the flexibility to file your emails against a case file with ease. You can also create outgoing emails from within case files using the details held in LawWare and automatically store the activities. ### Are You Ready For The Cloud? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-is-cloud-legal-software/are-you-ready-for-the-cloud/ Checklist: assess your cloud readiness. Establishing if you are ready for the cloud is very much dependant on a number of key factors not least of which is timing. The best time to look at The Cloud is if you are starting a new law firm and have a clean sheet to work with. However, it is equally as relevant if you are looking to modernise or replace ageing equipment. If you are already facing a considerable bill for upgrading your existing office based IT infrastructure, then The Cloud could offer you a compelling alternative. If you have recently invested in Checklist: assess your cloud readiness. Establishing if you are ready for the cloud is very much dependant on a number of key factors not least of which is timing. The best time to look at The Cloud is if you are starting a new law firm and have a clean sheet to work with. However, it is equally as relevant if you are looking to modernise or replace ageing equipment. If you are already facing a considerable bill for upgrading your existing office based IT infrastructure, then The Cloud could offer you a compelling alternative. If you have recently invested in a new on premise system then the time may not be quite right for you just now, perhaps until you have realised your investment. However, Cloud brings many different benefits that could be worth considering alongside your on premise solution and The Cloud's ability to provide you with data backup and a disaster recovery alternative is just one of many complementary provisions that are worth exploring. Clearly, you need good reliable broadband along with the support of a trustworthy IT supplier to make it work well but the benefits are clear as outlined in our "Why Go Cloud?" section. To help assess your readiness, we have assimilated 20 key questions for you to consider. If you can answer yes to at least 10 of the following 20 questions then you are well on the way to being ready. Answer yes to at least 15 of these questions then we suggest that you could be ready. Is your server nearing end of life or overdue for replacement? Are you currently paying a high cost for server maintenance that you can save by going Cloud? Do you currently face an expensive bill to replace your server? Is your local application software out of date and possibly even no longer supported? Are you using an outdated version of Microsoft Office? Are you fearful when and IT issue confronts you? Do you feel your internal IT systems are too complicated? Do you have a good, fast and reliable broadband package? Have you researched Cloud and ... ### Legal Accounts Software URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-we-do-software-for-law-firms/legal-accounts-software/ Legal accounts software for solicitors. LawWare’s legal accounts software module completely integrates with the rest of the software. It uses the same database as the case management system. Consequently, this avoids the need for posting and reposting between one system and another. All accounts information is available in real-time. This allows you to view reports instantly and determine the overall well-being of your practice as well as individual client matters. Reporting and notifications allow cashiers to identify debit balances, case files where fees can be recovered and easily navigate to case files with Client Debit balances. All the legal accounting features Legal accounts software for solicitors. LawWare's legal accounts software module completely integrates with the rest of the software. It uses the same database as the case management system . Consequently, this avoids the need for posting and reposting between one system and another. All accounts information is available in real-time. This allows you to view reports instantly and determine the overall well-being of your practice as well as individual client matters. Reporting and notifications allow cashiers to identify debit balances, case files where fees can be recovered and easily navigate to case files with Client Debit balances. All the legal accounting features you demand: Providing full compliance with all accounts rules, LawWare's solicitors accounts software includes:- Full Client Accounting systems. Firm Accounting. Designated Deposit Accounts. Automated Feeing systems integrating WIP. Advanced Reporting. Automated month, VAT quarter and year-end routines. On-screen and electronic Bank Reconciliations. VAT reporting (both fees rendered & cash basis). Real time surplus monitoring (for Scotland). A multiple Cashier system with electronic posting slips. English Section 22 & Scottish Accounts Rule B6.3.1(a) compliance. English Interest calculation. Scheduled Transactions. Cheque printing. Increasing efficiency and reducing risk. LawWare's billing system with its customisable billing templates, makes the process of raising and generating bills straightforward and more efficient. Consequently, this ensures there are no billing delays or errors which could lead to late or difficult to recover payments. LawWare also handles all your client accounting responsibilities just as efficiently. This ensures client monies are safe and client transactions dealt with in an accurate and timely manner in full accordance with Law Society of Scotland and SRA / Law Society accounting rules and regulations. The database at the heart of LawWare keeps you fully up to speed on the ... ### Legal Case Management Software URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-we-do-software-for-law-firms/legal-case-management-software/ The building block for your entire electronic client and case files. LawWare legal case management software organises all your information by case. LawWare logs every activity, be it a phone call, a document created, an email or time recorded and stores it within the case record. This allows you to find and locate all relevant information about the transaction with ease. Lay your hands on the right information instantly. You know the data is in your practice management system, but finding it can sometimes be a challenge. With New LawWare’s advanced, powerful search facility, case, client, work type and fee earner The building block for your entire electronic client and case files. LawWare legal case management software organises all your information by case. LawWare logs every activity, be it a phone call, a document created, an email or time recorded and stores it within the case record. This allows you to find and locate all relevant information about the transaction with ease. Lay your hands on the right information instantly. You know the data is in your practice management system, but finding it can sometimes be a challenge. With New LawWare's advanced, powerful search facility, case, client, work type and fee earner information is there at the touch of a button. Keep track of everything that's been done for each of your cases. The database at the heart of LawWare keeps you fully up to speed on the progress of all your case and give you alerts when certain key stages or key costs of the case come around. It gives you complete control over case management and is a cornerstone of helping you run your business efficiently. Customise how you manage your cases. Whilst many of the different cases you are dealing with at any given time may be similar in nature, no two cases or work types are the same. LawWare law firm case management software addresses this issue by giving you the option to add custom fields to your cases. This provides you with complete flexibility and a mechanism for storing important information that can be used for management reporting. Considerations for implementing a Case Management system. Introduction Firstly, it is necessary to define Case Management. The phrase has become nothing more than an umbrella term for everything and anything to do with electronic files, automated document production, scanning, all the way through to automatic (computerised) workflow processing. For the purposes of this exercise we would suggest establishing two clearly understood areas – 1. Case Management and 2. Workflow. Case Management – is using the benefits of comp... ### Cloud Security For Solicitors URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-is-cloud-legal-software/cloud-security-considerations-for-solicitors/ Cloud Security for solicitors: a Best Practice guide for UK Law Firms. Cloud computing is a new choice of IT platform for lawyers in the UK. Firms are moving their IT processing and data, to servers which are located outside their own law offices. For many of these law firms, Cloud has been an appropriate choice for them because it is a flexible and affordable alternative to traditional or ‘on premise’ server and desktop-based platforms. Cloud security for solicitors is at the top of the agenda. Despite these benefits and the continued growth of cloud computing both in the business and Cloud Security for solicitors: a Best Practice guide for UK Law Firms. Cloud computing is a new choice of IT platform for lawyers in the UK. Firms are moving their IT processing and data, to servers which are located outside their own law offices. For many of these law firms, Cloud has been an appropriate choice for them because it is a flexible and affordable alternative to traditional or ‘on premise’ server and desktop-based platforms. Cloud security for solicitors is at the top of the agenda. Despite these benefits and the continued growth of cloud computing both in the business and legal worlds, there are still concerns that the adoption of cloud technology by law firms in the UK may bring with it security, confidentiality and data protection issues. These concerns are indeed justified if cloud computing is not implemented under expert IT guidance, particularly where the firm has no in-house IT support. Nevertheless when addressed properly, these concerns can be alleviated. Does your law firm have and implement a defined security policy? From a security perspective, all of the firm’s data should be secured from any threats of unauthorised access in every way possible. For this purpose, great attention should be given to passwords, as your firm’s network, whether this is held physically on premise or virtually in the Cloud, is only as secure as the weakest password. It is recommended that firms ensure that staff use strong passwords, with separate passwords used for access to the firm’s network and for access to the legal practice management software itself. This can be enforced by switching on a strong password policy in Windows. A strong password is at least 8 characters in length and should include characters and numbers and other symbols (!”£$%^&*;:) with a mix of upper and lower case letters. Furthermore, it is recommended that a policy of changing passwords should be implemented on a regular cycle of no more than 60 days. This can also be imple... ### Making Tax Digital for Law Firms URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-we-do-software-for-law-firms/making-tax-digital-law-firms/ Overview In April 2019 the UK government’s plans for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for came into operation. So what is Making Tax Digital and what will it mean for law firms? Essentially, legal and other businesses that meet the VAT threshold will have to keep their records digitally and provide their VAT return through MTD compatible software. The cornerstones of MTD. There are four main reasons for the change to digital taxation: Better use of information. Business owners won’t have to give HMRC information that it already has, or that it is able to get elsewhere. For instance from employers, banks, building societies Overview In April 2019 the UK government's plans for Making Tax Digital (MTD) for came into operation. So what is Making Tax Digital and what will it mean for law firms? Essentially, legal and other businesses that meet the VAT threshold will have to keep their records digitally and provide their VAT return through MTD compatible software. The cornerstones of MTD. There are four main reasons for the change to digital taxation: Better use of information. Business owners won't have to give HMRC information that it already has, or that it is able to get elsewhere. For instance from employers, banks, building societies and other government departments. Tax in real time. HMRC will collect and process information affecting tax as close to real time as possible, to help prevent errors and stop tax due or repayments owed building up. A single financial account. By 2020, customers will be able to see a comprehensive financial picture in their digital account, just like they can with online banking. Interacting digitally with customers. Business owners will be able to interact with HMRC digitally and at a time to suit them. They already have access to a digital account which will present them with an increasingly personalised picture of their tax affairs. This will be assisted by prompts, advice and support through webchat and secure messaging. LawWare & MTD. We have been working closely with the tac authorities and are now fully HMRC recognised . This has led to the development of a new application within the LawWare software that will allow users to submit VAT returns directly. The application is now available to all LawWare clients. Further information. You can find further information on Making Tax Digital for law firms by following the links below. Overview of MTD by HMRC. A series of MTD articles provided by the Institute of Chartered Accountants. HMRC Flat Rate VAT Scheme. HMRC Flat Rate Calculator. ### Management Reporting URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-we-do-software-for-law-firms/legal-practice-management-reporting/ Managing your practice. The core of effective Legal Practice Management Reporting is having accurate, up-to-date information at your fingertips. This is where LawWare really comes into its own. Our database includes two heavy duty reporting modules – The Report Centre and The Productivity Centre. These both include a wide variety of Key Performance Indicator reports built-in as standard. The key Legal Practice Management Reporting categories are: Budgeting Client and File Management Feeing Analysis Feeing and Credit Control Financial Reports General Accounting Purchase Ledger Strongroom Time Recording and Profitability The list is by no means exhaustive. With help from us, you can Managing your practice. The core of effective Legal Practice Management Reporting is having accurate, up-to-date information at your fingertips. This is where LawWare really comes into its own. Our database includes two heavy duty reporting modules - The Report Centre and The Productivity Centre. These both include a wide variety of Key Performance Indicator reports built-in as standard. The key Legal Practice Management Reporting categories are: Budgeting Client and File Management Feeing Analysis Feeing and Credit Control Financial Reports General Accounting Purchase Ledger Strongroom Time Recording and Profitability The list is by no means exhaustive. With help from us, you can create additional reports to address any other management information requirements that you may have. You can also generate reports for Law Societies and the SRA . Herding cats... It's all very well having a team of bright fee earners at your disposal - but how do you know how well they are performing? LawWare's Productivity Centre provides you with the perfect resource to capture key performance data and use it to manage your staff more effectively and efficiently. Standard Legal Practice Management Reporting includes: Fees Recovered Report Listing Fees Rendered Report Summary Activity Type Analysis Aged WIP Report Management Analysis of WIP Average days to be paid by Department Average days to be paid by Fee Earner File turnaround by fee earner. Managing your Finances. We are all in business to make a profit. And it is critical from both management and compliance standpoints to ensure that the business is performing soundly and that any potential problems can be flagged up as early as possible. LawWare's financial management reporting infrastructure is extensive; it covers all the regular accounting reports you would expect and it can provide you with real-time assessments of how your business is performing. Typical financial reports include: Balance Sheet Firm's Trial Balance Client Tri... ### Official Cloud Guidelines URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-is-cloud-legal-software/official-cloud-guidelines/ Publications and Official Cloud Guidelines. Various organisations have published and commented upon the use of cloud services over the years. Here is a small selection of those, which are most relevant to your practice, together with links to them. Official Cloud Guidelines, if you like. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has published: ♦  ICO Guidance on the use of Cloud Computing The Law Society of England & Wales. ♦  See: Practice Notes on Cloud Computing Cloud Industry Forum. ♦  Cloud adoption quality guide The Law Society of British Columbia. ♦  Practice Resource Cloud Computing Checklist The Ministry of Justice guidance – CJSM users must comply with. Publications and Official Cloud Guidelines. Various organisations have published and commented upon the use of cloud services over the years. Here is a small selection of those, which are most relevant to your practice, together with links to them. Official Cloud Guidelines, if you like. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has published: ♦    ICO Guidance on the use of Cloud Computing The Law Society of England & Wales. ♦     See:  Practice Notes on Cloud Computing Cloud Industry Forum. ♦    Cloud adoption quality guide The Law Society of British Columbia. ♦     Practice Resource Cloud Computing Checklist The Ministry of Justice guidance – CJSM users must comply with. ♦     Ministry of Justice guidance on Cloud Computing and CJSM Microsoft Office 365 – A view on the UK legal Sector guidance. ♦     A paper published by Microsoft with their view on compliance of Office 365 for the UK Legal Sector Cyber-security Information Sharing Partnership (CiSP) ♦     A joint industry government initiative to share cyber threat and vulnerability information CESG (Communications Electronics Security Group) ♦    The Cyber Essentials Scheme A Final Word... As the Law Society notes, "Cloud systems may provide an alternative means of storing and processing data." Depending on whom you talk to, "Cloud computing" may be simply the latest IT buzz word or a dynamic infrastructure used by many organisations. Cloud computing providers claim that they can offer law firms a low-cost alternative to storing and processing data and software on their own computer or local server. Instead, data and software is stored and processed remotely in the cloud provider's data centre, accessed as a service by using the internet. One of the main benefits of cloud computing is that it is paid for on a service basis which avoids high initial investment and ongoing upgrade fees associated with software licensing. Other benefits cloud providers claim to offer inclu... ### Microsoft Office Integration URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-we-do-software-for-law-firms/microsoft-office-integration/ Microsoft Office – powerhouse of the LawWare Suite. Microsoft’s Office Suite: Word, Outlook and Excel is at the very heart of LawWare. In many respects, LawWare can be regarded as the fourth Office component. Microsoft Office Integration The ability to work with both LawWare and Office as integrated components of the software package allows you to: This level of Microsoft Office integration also allows you to use client detail data to generate bulk mailings and emails. Thus allowing you to keep your clients up to speed via newsletter or to canvass them for more business. More about MS Office. Microsoft Office comprises a Microsoft Office - powerhouse of the LawWare Suite. Microsoft's Office Suite: Word, Outlook and Excel is at the very heart of LawWare. In many respects, LawWare can be regarded as the fourth Office component.  Microsoft Office Integration The ability to work with both LawWare and Office as integrated components of the software package allows you to: Open Word documents from within LawWare. Drag and drop emails into client files from Outlook. Store all your office generated documents within your matter files. This level of Microsoft Office integration also allows you to use client detail data to generate bulk mailings and emails. Thus allowing you to keep your clients up to speed via newsletter or to canvass them for more business. More about MS Office. Microsoft Office comprises a collection of office-related applications. Each application serves a unique purpose and offers a specific service to its users. For example, Microsoft Word allows you to create documents. Microsoft Excel provides spreadsheet ability and Microsoft Outlook manages email and calendars. There are others as well. There is a multitude of applications to choose from. Consequently, not every user needs all of them. Microsoft often groups the applications together in collections called suites . However, the web-based Microsoft Office 365 is the version that Microsoft would prefer users to adopt. Integration and automation. Microsoft office integration means your LawWare software works seamlessly with Outlook. It solves the problem of storing emails in one place and other matter correspondence in another. The “side-by-side” layout of the LawWare user interface allows you to work on a case file whilst viewing Microsoft Outlook at the same time. This gives you the flexibility to file your emails against a case file with ease. With automatic email filing, your software recognises individual emails and to which case file they belong and files them accordingly. That means you never lose track of ... ### Outsourced Legal Cashiering URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-we-do-software-for-law-firms/outsourced-legal-cashiering/ About Your Cashier and outsourced legal cashiering. Your Cashier is LawWare’s sister company providing an outsourced legal cashiering service. The employment and management of legal cashiers is often a time-consuming and expensive burden to any law firm. Finding a good cashier is a full-time job in itself, one that can prove costly, especially when employing recruitment agencies to root out the best candidates. That means outsourced legal cashiering should be high upon your list of considerations. Whether full or part-time, the addition of a cashier leads to increased salary and resource bills, as well as employment regulation and welfare considerations. Despite About Your Cashier and outsourced legal cashiering. Your Cashier is LawWare’s sister company providing an outsourced legal cashiering service. The employment and management of legal cashiers is often a time-consuming and expensive burden to any law firm. Finding a good cashier is a full-time job in itself, one that can prove costly, especially when employing recruitment agencies to root out the best candidates. That means outsourced legal cashiering should be high upon your list of considerations. Whether full or part-time, the addition of a cashier leads to increased salary and resource bills, as well as employment regulation and welfare considerations. Despite all of this, cashiers are a vital component of any law firm. The Your Cashier service was created to take care of your cashiering requirements whilst removing the usual associated burdens. Established in 2015 Your Cashier offers an outsourced Cashroom service to Law Firms in the UK. We provide a client focused cost- effective solution designed to meet your needs and your budget. Your Cashier’s approach is flexible and adaptable. We offer a full cashiering service, work together with existing cashroom staff and provide holiday/sickness cover. Our aim is to establish excellent relationships and provide a friendly, professional solution for your practice. Our Approach. We assign two cashiers to each of our clients so you can develop a relationship as you would if they were in your office. You can continue to use the software you currently use. If you do not have software we can provide an accounts system and load on your starting balances. Software we currently use includes: LawWare, Perilaw, Lawpro, Clio, Leap, SOS, Xero & Sage. The Benefits of Outsourced Legal Cashiering. Reduced costs. Saved time. No holiday cover required or sick days to worry about. No Employers ER’s, NI’s or Pension expenses. Confidentiality. Monthly Health Checks. Well-established work from home business with systems that have be... ### Risk Management & Compliance URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-we-do-software-for-law-firms/risk-management-compliance/ Keeping you compliant. Recent years have seen law firms being inundated with new regulations and procedural niceties by both the SRA and the UK Law Societies. Consequently, risk management & compliance have never been so important. As we develop our software we perform a rigorous assessment of all the regulations. We do this assisted by our close links with the SRA and UK Law Societies. We then build our software with adherence to these requirements in mind, allowing you to stay compliant by: Performing strict anti money laundering checks Retaining a databank of evidential ID verification records Performing conflict of interest Keeping you compliant. Recent years have seen law firms being inundated with new regulations and procedural niceties by both the SRA and the UK Law Societies. Consequently, risk management & compliance have never been so important. As we develop our software we perform a rigorous assessment of all the regulations. We do this assisted by our close links with the SRA and UK Law Societies. We then build our software with adherence to these requirements in mind, allowing you to stay compliant by: Performing strict anti money laundering checks Retaining a databank of evidential ID verification records Performing conflict of interest checks Remaining up to date in terms of compliance as new regulations emerge Keeping abreast of GDPR responsibilities. Making Tax Digital Risk assessment questions can be tailored by you if necessary. LawWare can then store an historical trail of risk assessments for case files. Jurisdictional sensitivity. At LawWare we are sympathetic to and understand the differing requirements of the different legal systems across the UK. If you are based in Scotland, our systems fully take into account all the requirements of the Law Society of Scotland's regulations and guidance norms. We tailor our software specifically for them. Similarly, for both England and Wales, we tailor our software to address both SRA and Law Society regulations. This makes the job of ensuring your practice remains compliant at all times that little bit easier. Risk management & Compliance: help for COLPs and COFAs Risk is something that can be difficult to predict. Managing it can place an extra weight of upon the shoulders of your team. Our software includes an area where you can keep track of assets and review your anti money laundering checks. It ensures compliance with accounts rules and maintains a risk register to make the management of risk integral to your business planning and development. ### Why Go Cloud? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-is-cloud-legal-software/why-go-cloud/ What are the benefits? What are the benefits of the cloud for lawyers? Here are the top 10 reasons our clients suggest have encouraged them to go for a Cloud based system. In today’s competitive marketplace, it is essential that you have the best IT systems in place. You need this to meet client demands and your firm’s operational needs. You need to know that you can focus on what you are good at – the art of delivering high quality legal services and looking after your clients, without needing to be concerned about the availability and reliability of your technology What are the benefits? What are the benefits of the cloud for lawyers? Here are the top 10 reasons our clients suggest have encouraged them to go for a Cloud based system. In today’s competitive marketplace, it is essential that you have the best IT systems in place. You need this to meet client demands and your firm’s operational needs. You need to know that you can focus on what you are good at - the art of delivering high quality legal services and looking after your clients, without needing to be concerned about the availability and reliability of your technology infrastructure and systems. A good Cloud system should:- Introduce Flexible working by enabling a work from anywhere capability. Increase staff morale & help you to attract and retain quality staff by demonstrating your investment in the latest technology and commitment to the business. Simplify your technology, by reducing, even removing the need to manage a complicated on premise server. Eradicate the expensive 5 year server replacement cycle. Enjoy the real peace of mind knowing that backups are taken care of. Rest assured you have a ready-made, in-built disaster recovery plan in place as a by-product of the Cloud service. Minimize downtime and Maximise business continuity. In the event of a local failure or force majeure disaster prohibiting access to your offices by enabling the facility to connect to your systems from any internet enabled location. Future proof your technology by having all future patches & version updates taken care of by a specialist team of dedicated professionals. Increase efficiency & competitiveness through the utilisation of leading edge software backed up by a first class support team and an on-going all inclusive staff training commitment. Assure yourself of optimum performance and enhanced data security. Do this by knowing that you are using the newest operating systems and platforms to host your essential systems. Nurture your team spirit, bond your staff and link r... ### Strongroom URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-we-do-software-for-law-firms/strongroom/ Securely store and keep track of your clients’ documents. LawWare’s Strongroom is a fully integrated mechanism for keeping track of all client documentation stored in a physical strongroom or other secure place. From wills to powers of attorney or title deeds to insurance documents, The Strongroom feature allows you to keep track of all client confidential materials. Security enablement comes as standard. Consequently, this ensures only relevant people have access to appropriate materials. Review your Strongroom contents quickly and easily. Every document tracked by The Strongroom function can be allocated a review date and a report can then be generated from Securely store and keep track of your clients' documents. LawWare's Strongroom is a fully integrated mechanism for keeping track of all client documentation stored in a physical strongroom or other secure place. From wills to powers of attorney or title deeds to insurance documents, The Strongroom feature allows you to keep track of all client confidential materials. Security enablement comes as standard. Consequently, this ensures only relevant people have access to appropriate materials. Review your Strongroom contents quickly and easily. Every document tracked by The Strongroom function can be allocated a review date and a report can then be generated from within the LawWare KPI (Key Performance Indicators) reporting suite to determine if action is required. With this, you can make sure you take proper action on behalf of clients before deadlines have expired. Use Strongroom reporting to generate new business. The added bonus of the Strongroom reporting feature is that it provides you with the ability to generate both new and repeat business. Once your KPI report has been generated, you can integrate the results seamlessly into a Microsoft Word document template or email, then contact clients individually or in bulk advising them that their wills or other documents are due for review or update. More about the Strongroom. Built into the LawWare core database is a powerful electronic strong room enabling you to index and track vital documents that are held in the physical strong room or other secure locations. Key pre-defined document index types include:- Power of Attorney Wills Titles Deeds Stocks & shares information General Insurance You can also define your own types of document items for indexing. A comprehensive reporting suite enables you to produce reports on document types. This includes a power of attorney list as required by SRA and Law Society regulations. Each pre-defined item type has specific fields relating to that particular item. You can attach d... ### Third Party Integrations URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-we-do-software-for-law-firms/third-party-integrations/ Extend your capability by integrating additional software resources. Whilst LawWare provides the overwhelming majority of all your practice management needs from matter management to accounts and reporting, all legal practices are different and sometimes require third-party integrations. There are many third Party Integrations and applications out there which can add value to your system. From legal portals to digital dictation. LawWare’s design includes built-in flexibility to meet any specific needs you may require. It can integrate with third party software products; improving your productivity and keeping everything you need to do your job under the same roof. Some of our current Extend your capability by integrating additional software resources. Whilst LawWare provides the overwhelming majority of all your practice management needs from matter management to accounts and reporting, all legal practices are different and sometimes require third-party integrations. There are many third Party Integrations and applications out there which can add value to your system. From legal portals to digital dictation. LawWare's design includes built-in flexibility to meet any specific needs you may require. It can integrate with third party software products; improving your productivity and keeping everything you need to do your job under the same roof. Some of our current integration partners... FormEvo Comprehensive and secure, cloud-based, electronic and digital legal forms library. FormEvo’s comprehensive range of legal forms combined with a common user experience to submit data to various government agencies, including those using digital forms, just keeps things simple and reliable for you. More about FormEvo Exizent Transform the way you deliver estate administration services. Improving the bereavement experience for everyone. Give your team and clients the support they deserve with our software specially designed for executry and probate professionals supporting customers through bereavement. More about Exizent Amiqus Digitally verify & onboard clients in minutes via this legal compliance platform. Amiqus is a digital identity verification tool. It enables your firm to remotely check if the people you want to represent are who they say they are. It’s often the first step to getting to work on the things that matter. More about Amiqus HMRC Digital Comprehensive integration with HMRC systems for electronic VAT returns. We work closely with HMRC to ensure smooth integration with their systems. This led to the development of a new application within LawWare allowing you to submit VAT returns directly. More about HMRC LMS LMS is one of the UK's lea... ### Time Recording & Billing URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-we-do-software-for-law-firms/time-recording-billing/ Integrated time recording and billing. Even in this day and age, many regard time recording and billing as something of a chore. With LawWare, time recording is an integral feature of the software and operates seamlessly as you work. Even if you spend the majority of your time on fixed fee work, time recording has benefits. It is a valuable management tool. It can help you establish the real cost and value of the work to your business. Simplified billing. You can generate bills at the press of a button. There is also the option to bill in full or interim Integrated time recording and billing. Even in this day and age, many regard time recording and billing as something of a chore. With LawWare, time recording is an integral feature of the software and operates seamlessly as you work. Even if you spend the majority of your time on fixed fee work, time recording has benefits. It is a valuable management tool. It can help you establish the real cost and value of the work to your business. Simplified billing. You can generate bills at the press of a button. There is also the option to bill in full or interim bill. Additionally, you can include a Time Cost Statement if required. The system also gives you the ability to customise the look and layout of your invoices to suit your house-style. Keep tabs on your time both in and out of the office. Whether you’re working from home, court or visiting clients,  LawWare  comes with a mobile app giving you the option to record time on the go as well as look at case files and the state of the latest bill. The app is designed to work with all types of mobile phone and tablet. Thus, allowing you to take your work anywhere and keep track of your time. Matter Management – Activity & Time Recording / Feeing / Legal Aid. Either loved or hated, time recording was once seen as the key element of client-charging calculations, but with LawWare the Activity & Time Recording Module is much more than a simple time-recording tool. This module is part of LawWare’s Matter Management suite. The suite aims to bring generic file administration and file access firmly into the realm of IT in the 21st Century. Time recording in real-time. Automatic on-screen stop-watches. User definable, flexible charge rates. Separate private & Legal Aid fee rates. Full Integration with accounts / fee preparation system. Risk management through accurate recording of activities. Supported by an advanced suite of reports & time & WIP analysis tools. Specifically designed to integrate with the complete set of mo... ### What is LawWare? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-we-do-software-for-law-firms/what-is-lawware/ LawWare is a complete, integrated and secure practice management system. Designed exclusively for the legal profession and taking care of all your matter management, business process, accounts, and financial management needs, LawWare is the latest generation of practice and legal case management software for forward thinking UK law firms. Additionally, it is compliant with Law Society and SRA regulations and is secure and robust for your ultimate peace of mind. LawWare was conceived and engineered to meet the needs of both small and growing firms and today continues to develop to provide efficient solutions for those firms as they expand. As LawWare is a complete, integrated and secure practice management system. Designed exclusively for the legal profession and taking care of all your matter management, business process, accounts, and financial management needs, LawWare is the latest generation of practice and legal case management software for forward thinking UK law firms. Additionally, it is compliant with Law Society and SRA regulations and is secure and robust for your ultimate peace of mind. LawWare was conceived and engineered to meet the needs of both small and growing firms and today continues to develop to provide efficient solutions for those firms as they expand. As your practice grows, LawWare has the flexibility to grow with you. Key Features: Matter Management Time & Activity Recording & Billing Accounts / Cashroom E-mail Management Document Management & Automation Strongroom CRM & Marketing Microsoft Office Integration Management Reporting Risk Management & Compliance Workflow Client Portals LawWare Mobile Bespoke Solutions Third Party Integrations Key Benefits: Affordable - to meet you budgetary needs Scaleable - providing flexibility to grow as your firm grows Secure & Robust - meeting your data and security concerns High Performance - making your practice efficient and profitable Compliant - covering SRA and Law Society requirements Excellent support - for your peace of mind High productivity - getting the most out of your team Flexible - for remote and mobile working Enabling - allowing your fee earners to provide the highest levels of client service Control - allowing you to keep your practice well managed Built with business development in mind - providing a platform for you to grow your client-base What is LawCloud? Put simply, LawCloud is the LawWare software hosted on The Cloud - providing all the security and flexibility that goes with a cloud based solution. LawCloud is one of the legal industry's most established cloud-based software solutions. Created for the lawyer who w... ### Workflow URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-we-do-software-for-law-firms/legal-workflow/ Managing your workflows. There are two sides to every coin. When it comes to legal workflow it’s a question of both ensuring that the service your clients receive is first class and building in measures to ensure the work is carried out efficiently and profitably. LawWare incorporates tools to help you build your own workflows. You can set it up to deal with a range of worktypes where a systematic approach is the key: As much or as little as you need. When you configure your LawWare case management software you have the option to establish workflows as rigidly or as Managing your workflows. There are two sides to every coin. When it comes to legal workflow it's a question of both ensuring that the service your clients receive is first class and building in measures to ensure the work is carried out efficiently and profitably. LawWare incorporates tools to help you build your own workflows . You can set it up to deal with a range of worktypes where a systematic approach is the key: Estate Agency Conveyancing Debt Recovery Insurance Litigation Licensing Leasing Wills Probate / Executries Trust Administration Complaints and more... As much or as little as you need. When you configure your LawWare case management software you have the option to establish workflows as rigidly or as fluidly as you see fit. The system will allow you to: Completely automate routine tasks Track tasks completed and work undertaken Proactively prompt fee earners to complete tasks or move on to the next task Post time and costs to the file to track WIP. LawWare's workflow management aims to tackle structured transactional work. We can work with you to help you set up your worlflows and, where available, we may be able to offer a starter template to help you create a bespoke workflow management system. You can use workflows to help you improve consistency and reproduciblity and capture expert knowledge of how to do things. Legal Workflow / Case Management Your firm may require an automated Workflow (sometimes called Case Management) system in addition to Matter Management. To cater for this, LawWare offers Workflow Case Manager. This featires the capture and production of all the information required to optimise the efficient processing of cases for the firm and its clients. Full case details A record of all actions carried out to date and time recorded Copies of all documentation produced Copies of all documentation received with document image processing A schedule of tasks to be undertaken Full automated Workflow capabilities LawWare represents workflow/... ### What Is Cloud Legal Software? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/what-is-cloud-legal-software/ Cloud Computing: A Simple Description. In the most simple terms, cloud legal software is taking services (“cloud services”) and moving them outside an organisation’s firewall on shared systems. You access applications and services via the Web, instead of via your local hard drive. In cloud computing, services delivered and used over the Internet, all being for by the cloud customer. Typically this happens on an “as-needed, pay-per-user” business model. The cloud provider maintains the cloud infrastructure, not the individual cloud customer. Cloud computing networks are large groups of servers and cloud service providers. They usually take advantage of low-cost computing technology, Cloud Computing: A Simple Description. In the most simple terms, cloud legal software is taking services ("cloud services") and moving them outside an organisation's firewall on shared systems. You access applications and services via the Web, instead of via your local hard drive. In cloud computing, services delivered and used over the Internet, all being for by the cloud customer. Typically this happens on an "as-needed, pay-per-user" business model. The cloud provider maintains the cloud infrastructure, not the individual cloud customer. Cloud computing networks are large groups of servers and cloud service providers. They usually take advantage of low-cost computing technology, with specialised connections to spread data-processing chores across them. This shared IT infrastructure has large pools of systems all linked together. Cloud providers often use virtualisation techniques to maximise the power of cloud computing. Cloud computing is the delivery of computing as a service rather than a product. This allows shared resources. Software and information pass to computers and other devices as a utility (like the electricity grid) over a network (typically the Internet). Clouds are classified as public , private or hybrid . What are the advantages of The Cloud? These are many and varied but here is a general list of the accepted benefits: Companies need only pay for the storage they actually use, typically an average of consumption during a month. This does not mean that cloud storage is less expensive, only that it incurs operating expenses rather than capital expenses. Businesses using cloud storage can cut their energy consumption by up to 70% making them a more green business. Also the vendors deal with higher levels of energy and making them better equipped to manage it – keeping costs down. Organisations can choose between off-premises and on-premises cloud storage options, or a mixture of the two options, depending on relevant criteria complementary to in... ## Articles ### Why Small and Mid-Sized Law Firms Are Moving Beyond Legacy Legal Software URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/moving-beyond-legacy-legal-software/ Date: 2026-05-15 For many law firms, their legacy legal software has been part of the furniture for years. It runs quietly in the background, storing client and matter information, producing documents, supporting accounts and helping the firm keep moving. But there comes a point when “it still works” is no longer enough. Across the legal sector, small and mid-sized law firms are under increasing pressure to work faster, improve visibility, manage compliance more confidently and deliver a better client experience. At the same time, many still rely on systems designed for a very different era of legal practice. That does not mean every ### Independent Legal Software That Puts Firms First URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/independent-legal-software-for-law-firms/ Date: 2026-05-15 Why LawWare Stands Apart in a Consolidating Legal Software Market The legal software industry has undergone a quiet but relentless transformation with independent legal software suppliers, once the backbone of innovation and personal service, increasingly absorbed by large corporate groups hungry for market share, recurring revenue, and shareholder returns. On the surface, these acquisitions are often wrapped in reassuring language. Customers are told that “nothing will change” and that it’s “business as usual.” And for a short while, that can feel true. The familiar support team remains, the software continues to run, and the new parent company keeps a respectful distance. ### How to Increase Law Firm Efficiency: 10 Methods That Work URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/increase-law-firm-efficiency/ Date: 2026-04-06 Most Law Firm Efficiency Advice Misses the Real Problem If you’ve read articles on how to increase law firm efficiency, you’ve probably seen the same advice repeated: All valid. All useful. But they miss something fundamental. Most law firms don’t have a productivity problem. They have a systems problem. Multiple platforms, repeated effort, and avoidable friction. Fee earners aren’t inefficient because they lack discipline. They’re inefficient because the tools they’re using make their jobs harder than they need to be. And that’s where real efficiency gains are found. What Inefficiency Really Looks Like in a Modern Law Firm In a typical ### Law Firm Compliance Checklist for England & Wales: What You Need to Stay Compliant URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/blog-law-firm-compliance-checklist-england-wales/ Date: 2026-03-25 This Law firm compliance checklist England and Wales is intended as a guideline and a starting point. Compliance for law firms in England and Wales is becoming more demanding every year. With increasing regulatory scrutiny, evolving anti-money laundering rules, and growing data protection responsibilities, firms can no longer rely on informal processes or manual tracking. This guide outlines a practical compliance checklist tailored specifically to firms regulated in England and Wales – helping you reduce risk, stay audit-ready, and operate with confidence. Why Compliance Matters More Than Ever Regulators are taking a stricter approach to enforcement. The Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) ### Law Firm Compliance Checklist for Scottish Solicitors URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/blog-law-firm-compliance-checklist-scotland/ Date: 2026-03-25 Introduction This law firm compliance checklist for Scotland provides a practical overview of the key areas every Scottish legal practice should review regularly. It also explains how structured processes and modern legal practice management software can help firms maintain consistent compliance across all matters. Maintaining compliance is an essential part of running a successful legal practice. Scottish solicitors must follow professional rules, regulatory guidance and legislative requirements designed to protect clients and ensure high professional standards. For many firms, however, compliance can feel complex. Between managing cases, supporting clients and running a practice, it can be difficult to ensure every regulatory ### Law firm challenges URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/law-firm-challenges/ Date: 2026-03-03 Recent years have brought a plethora of challenges to all businesses. Law firm challenges follow suit. Here are some of the key ones that we hear from our clients. Economic uncertainty. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of the UK’s economic landscape. The convergence of escalating interest rates and the ever-increasing cost of living has cast its shadow on specific sectors of legal practice. This phenomenon has nudged clients to become even more discerning when it comes to selecting a law firm. The emphasis on cost considerations has reached new heights. Harbour, a litigation funder and lender to law firms surveyed ### Innovation with a purpose in legal software URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/innovation-with-a-purpose-in-legal-software/ Date: 2026-01-08 Innovation with a Purpose: Why the Latest Platform Matters (and Why the Company Behind It Matters Too) Why is innovation with a purpose in legal software so important? Modern law firms can’t afford to run on outdated, stitched‑together systems. Legacy platforms slow teams down, create data inconsistencies, and introduce unnecessary risk. When information doesn’t sync, entries disappear, or workflows feel clunky, confidence erodes and productivity suffers. New LawWare New LawWare avoids these pitfalls by being built entirely on the latest Microsoft technology platform. This modern foundation delivers: But technology alone isn’t the whole story. The company behind your software matters just ### LawWare is hiring URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/lawware-is-hiring/ Date: 2025-11-10 LawWare is hiring for three new and exciting positions: Hybrid work. Permanent, Full-time. 24 Canning Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EG. Please read the job specifications for each below then complete the application form. Please complete the application form below. ### FCA Takes Over AML Oversight: What UK Law Firms Must Know URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/fca-takes-over-compliance/ Date: 2025-10-24 FCA takes over compliance. The UK government is transferring anti-money laundering (AML) supervision from the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Law Society of Scotland to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), marking a major shift in the regulatory landscape for law firms. Understanding these changes and preparing now will help firms stay compliant and avoid unnecessary disruptions. What This Change Means for Law Firms 1. Centralised AML Oversight The FCA will become the Single Professional Services Supervisor, taking responsibility for AML compliance across law firms, accountants, and other professional services. This centralisation aims to simplify supervision, reduce fragmented oversight, and create ### Changing Legal Software: Why It Doesn’t Have to Be Daunting URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/changing-legal-software/ Date: 2025-10-01 For many law firms, changing legal software can feel like a mountain to climb. Even when their current system no longer meets their needs, the idea of switching often seems overwhelming. Concerns about downtime, data migration, and staff training are common – and they stop firms from taking a step that could transform their practice. Why Firms Hesitate to Change Legal Software The thought of moving to a new system can feel disruptive. Law firms worry about: These concerns are understandable, but they shouldn’t hold firms back from improving efficiency and reliability. The Problem with Third-Party Integrations One of the biggest ### We are Hiring - Helpdesk Product Support Specialist URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/we-are-hiring-helpdesk-product-support-specialist/ Date: 2025-09-05 Helpdesk Product Support Specialist (Remote or Hybrid – Edinburgh) Full job description LawWare Ltd – we are hiring – helpdesk Product Support Specialist. 24 Canning Street, Edinburgh EH3 8EG Hybrid work Permanent, Full-time Job Summary Established in 1998, LawWare is one of Scotland’s leading providers of Cashroom & Case Management Software for law firms. We are Hiring – Helpdesk Product Support Specialist. This is a rare opportunity to join our experienced team, reporting to our Client Success Manager. We are looking for a proactive and technically skilled Product Support Specialist to join our busy Helpdesk. This is not a call centre ### Unlock PDFs Directly in New LawWare URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/unlock-pdfs-directly-in-new-lawware/ Date: 2025-09-02 We are excited to announce a powerful new feature designed to allow you to unlock PDFs directly in New LawWare and streamline your document production: an integrated PDF Matcher. Your practice can now transform any existing PDF into a dynamic template using your familiar LawWare merge fields. This eliminates the need for external software and complex workarounds, saving you time and boosting productivity. The Challenge with PDFs in Legal Practice For years, law firms have relied on PDFs for their security and standardised format. They are essential for court forms, official documents, and client-facing materials. However, their static nature has always ### How LawWare Software Transforms Small Law Firms URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/legal-software-small-firms/ Date: 2025-08-05 Introduction In an industry where time is money, small law firms often face the uphill challenge of managing growing caseloads, maintaining compliance, and delivering high-quality client service – all with limited resources. Fortunately, there’s a powerful solution designed specifically for this reality: LawWare – legal software for small law firms. More than just case management, LawWare is an all-in-one legal software platform that assists small firms to run smarter, leaner, and more profitably. In this guide, we’ll explore how LawWare transforms the day-to-day operations of small legal practices across the UK. Why Small Law Firms Need Specialised Legal Software Small law ### Essential Features of the Best Legal Practice Management Software URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/best-legal-practice-software-features/ Date: 2025-07-28 Choosing the right legal practice management software can be one of the most important decisions a law firm makes. With so many solutions on the market promising to streamline operations, boost productivity, and improve compliance, it can be difficult to know where to start. This guide explores the essential features you should expect from any modern legal software, helping you shortlist options with confidence. Why Modern Law Firms Need Better Software Law firms are under pressure to do more with less – clients expect transparency and speed, regulators demand compliance, and staff want flexible, user-friendly systems. The best legal practice management ### How to Switch Legal Software Without Disruption URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/switching-legal-software/ Date: 2025-05-14 Switching legal practice management software can seem like a daunting task, especially when you’re trying to ensure that your firm’s operations run smoothly throughout the process. However, with the right approach and the right team behind you, a migration to a more efficient and intuitive software system – such as LawWare – can be completed with minimal disruption to your daily operations. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key steps to ensure a seamless migration to a new legal practice management system. 1. Assess your current system and needs Before making the decision to switch legal software, it’s important ### The Case for Legal Case Management URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/the-case-for-legal-case-management/ Date: 2025-03-10 Why should you Embrace Legal Case Management In legal practices everywhere, time is money, and efficiency is everything. Staying organised isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity and that’s where legal case management software comes in. Software, like LawWare, empowers your firm to streamline workflows, reduce admin burdens, and focus on what truly matters: delivering exceptional legal services. Here’s why adopting a robust case management system is a game-changer for modern law firms. Streamlined Processes LawWare case management offers a centralised platform where all case-related information is stored and is easily accessible. This eliminates the need for manual tracking and ### Streamline Risk and Compliance with LawWare URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/streamline-risk-and-compliance-with-lawware/ Date: 2025-02-18 For UK law firms, navigating the complexities of risk and compliance is a constant challenge. From SRA and Law Society of Scotland regulations to data protection (GDPR) and anti-money laundering (AML), the pressure to stay compliant while maintaining efficiency can be overwhelming. LawWare offers a comprehensive solution designed to streamline risk and compliance alleviating these burdens, and empowering firms to proactively manage risk and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements. LawWare provides a centralised platform that helps firms identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks. Here’s how: Centralised Data Management LawWare acts as a single source for all client and matter information, reducing ### Top 5 Challenges Facing Small Law Firms and How Technology Can Help URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/challenges-facing-small-law-firms/ Date: 2025-01-28 Running a small law firm comes with unique challenges, such as limited resources, time management struggles, and meeting client expectations. By adopting the right legal practice management software, these obstacles can be turned into opportunities. Below, we explore the top five challenges facing small law firms and how LawWare’s legal technology solutions can help. 1. Limited Resources and Budgets Small law firms often operate on tight budgets and minimal staff, making it difficult to compete with larger practices. How Technology Helps With legal software for small law firms, you can automate repetitive tasks like case management, invoicing, and document organisation. LawWare ### The Importance of Effective Practice Management Software in Ensuring Law Firm Compliance. URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/law-firm-compliance/ Date: 2025-01-15 In Scotland’s legal sector, law firm compliance with the Law Society of Scotland’s regulations is paramount. Effective practice management software can significantly enhance law firms’ ability to meet these requirements while improving operational efficiency. With a broad range of software options available, it is essential for firms to select a solution that ensures compliance with the Law Society’s standards, optimises processes, and supports growth. Key Considerations When Selecting Software When reviewing practice management software, firms should focus on the following core factors: Steps to Make an Informed Decision Firms should adopt a structured approach to selecting the right software to ensure ### Law firm cyber-attacks - how to protect yourself URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/law-firm-cyber-attacks/ Date: 2024-12-14 The number of law firm cyber-attacks in the UK has risen by 77% in the last year, making cybersecurity a critical issue for the legal sector. Law firms oversee large amounts of sensitive data, including confidential client information, legal strategies, and personal details. This data is highly valuable, not only to legitimate stakeholders but also to cybercriminals. A data breach can result in significant financial, reputational, and legal repercussions. Therefore, a robust cybersecurity strategy is essential for UK law firms to protect both their clients and their own businesses. The Growing Threat of Cybercrime in the Legal Sector The legal industry ### New LawWare on the road URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/new-lawware-on-the-road/ Date: 2024-10-15 New LawWare will be on the road in October at both CLT Scots Law and the Law Society of Scotland’s Annual conference. Our team look forward to meeting you at either or both events. You can find details below. CLT Scots Law Join us at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh for the Scots Law Series on October 28th and 29th and explore the evolving legal landscape with the range of autumn conferences, featuring the latest insights into specialised legal topics. Browse the specialist topics below for more information and to book online. The Law Society of Scotland Annual Conference 2024 New LawWare ### Summer holidays for solicitors URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/summer-holidays-for-solicitors/ Date: 2024-07-23 Can you find the time for a holiday? Summer holidays are a much-anticipated time for everyone, including hard-working solicitors. However, taking time off can sometimes present challenges in the legal profession, especially in transactional work like conveyancing. So, what can you do about it? Plan Ahead The key to fitting in a holiday is planning well in advance. Take a look at your workload and identify periods when you can afford to take time off. This might involve coordinating with colleagues to ensure that there is adequate coverage during your absence. By planning ahead, you can also inform clients about upcoming ### Digital marketing for law firms URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/digital-marketing-for-law-firms/ Date: 2024-05-15 Do UK Law Firms Need Digital Marketing? In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, digital marketing for law firms has become an indispensable tool for legal businesses that wish to grow and prosper. Many law firms in the United Kingdom have bit the bullet but there are still those who have not. While traditional methods of client acquisition and retention remain relevant, integrating effective digital marketing strategies can significantly enhance a law firm’s visibility, credibility, and overall success. Why Should UK Law Firms Embrace Digital Marketing? Key Components of Effective Digital Marketing for Law Firms 1. Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) SEO ensures that ### Strategies for a healthier legal workplace: Mental health well-being URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/strategies-for-a-healthier-legal-workplace-mental-health-well-being/ Date: 2024-05-08 Looking after the mental health of your team in a law firm is crucial for the well-being of legal professionals. So, in this National Mental Health Awareness week, let’s take a look at some strategies for a healthier legal workplace culture. Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA): Implement the MHFA initiative within your firm. This program trains individuals to act as first points of contact for colleagues experiencing mental health difficulties. MHFA training covers various aspects of mental illness, providing legal first aiders with the knowledge and skills to address immediate needs and direct colleagues to further support where necessary. Promote Work-Life ### Safeguarding Law Firms From Ransomware URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/securing-law-firms-against-ransomware/ Date: 2024-05-02 Cyber shields up: make sure your law firm is not the next victim of ransomware. Securing law firms against ransomware is a hot topic at the moment. In the modern digital age, law firms stand at the crossroads of both technological advancement and peril. The insidious rise of ransomware attacks on the legal fraternity poses an existential threat to legal practices, jeopardising client confidentiality, operational continuity and professional reputation. All forward-thinking firms must adopt a resolute stance against this cyber scourge. In this article, we look into the strategic imperatives that can help you avoid these problems and prepare for the ### LawWare gains Law Society Approved Supplier status URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/lawware-approved-supplier-status/ Date: 2024-02-09 LawWare gains Law Society Approved Supplier status. Practice Management software leader, LawWare, has recently gained Approved Supplier status from The Law Society of Scotland. LawWare’s latest edition of software is due to be rolled out in 2024 and will provide a whole host of new features and benefits designed to improve the efficiency of firms throughout Scotland. From small acorns… LawWare pioneered the provision of legal software in Scotland and has been at the forefront of legal technology for over 25 years. Starting back in 1995, Warren Wander, LawWare’s visionary founder, teamed up with the Law Society of Scotland to develop ### What does 2024 hold for law firms? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/what-does-2024-hold-for-law-firms/ Date: 2023-11-28 As the new year approaches, what does 2024 hold for law firms and what should they be thinking about? The legal sector is facing a number of challenges and opportunities in the coming year, as the UK economy, the conveyancing market, the regulatory environment, the technological landscape and the client expectations continue to evolve. Here are some of the key trends that UK law firms should be aware of and prepare for in 2024. Economic pressures: The UK economy was volatile in 2023 and this will probably continue in 2024. Rising interest rates and the cost of living have slowed some ### The future of legal IT URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/the-future-of-legal-it/ Date: 2023-11-20 An Exclusive Interview with LawWare’s Warren Wander. Warren Wander, the visionary behind LawWare, has been at the forefront of UK legal technology for almost three decades. In this exclusive interview, he shares his insights and vision for the future of legal IT. Warren’s perspective provides a unique glimpse into the evolving landscape of legal technology and its potential impact on law firms and the wider legal profession. Q: Warren, what does the future hold for legal IT, and what do you believe are the primary drivers of this transformation? Warren Wander (WW): The future is both exciting and challenging. Technology is ### Cross Selling for lawyers: a practical guide URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/cross-selling-for-lawyers-a-practical-guide/ Date: 2023-11-08 In the dynamic legal landscape, our law firms must constantly evolve to stay competitive and achieve sustainable growth. One strategy that is often underutilised yet holds immense potential is cross-selling for lawyers. Cross-selling involves leveraging existing client relationships to offer additional legal services, and it’s a practice that I wholeheartedly advocate. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the intricacies of cross-selling and provide valuable insights for lawyers seeking to harness its potential within their legal businesses. 1. Understanding your clients’ needs. At LawWare, we firmly believe that the first step to effective cross-selling is a profound understanding of your clients’ ### Legal practice management software contracts - the devil is in the detail URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/legal-software-contracts/ Date: 2023-10-13 UK law firms, like any other businesses, should understand their legal software software contracts for a variety of important reasons. With this purpose in mind, here we take a look at some of the common pitfalls in legal software contracts and attempt to seek the “devil in the detail”. 1. Termination and Exit Strategy. It may sound strange to start with this issue. Yet you’d be surprised how many times we at LawWare have spoken to law firms who are hamstrung by their existing softwware contract. Many facing punitive issues to extract themselves from a relationship with a supplier they no ### Selecting Legal Practice Management Software: Key Considerations for UK Solicitors URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/choosing-legal-software/ Date: 2023-10-11 Choosing the right legal practice management software is a critical decision that can significantly impact the efficiency and success of your law firm. With numerous options available, it’s essential to understand the key considerations when evaluating software solutions. In this blog post, we will examine 10 key factors that UK solicitors should carefully assess in their quest for the ideal legal practice management software. 1. Comprehensive Functionality and Tailored Features. To effectively manage your law firm’s operations, it’s crucial to prioritise software that offers comprehensive functionality aligned with your specific practice areas. Look for features such as case and document management, ### UK-based Legal Software URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/uk-based-legal-software/ Date: 2023-09-21 Using a UK-based legal software system like LawWare, designed specifically for the legal industry in the UK, offers several distinct advantages for law firms. A foreign system, anglicised for UK use may not be quite so forgiving. Here are some key benefits: 1. Legal Compliance: Tailored to UK Laws and Regulations: UK-based software systems like LawWare are developed with a deep understanding of the local legal framework, ensuring compliance with specific laws and regulations relevant to the UK legal industry. This minimises the risk of non-compliance and legal issues. 2. Customisation and Adaptability: Industry-Specific Features: UK-based legal software is designed with ### Do more with legal technology URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/do-more-with-legal-technology/ Date: 2023-08-07 How can you do more with legal technology? Is your law firm, like many, struggling to find, recruit and retain top talent? If so, now is the time to focus on technology to fill the gap. It has been said before, “do more with less”. Should that now be, “do more with tech”? Giving your team software that is easy to use, customise and above all helps to streamline your existing workflows is imperative to your success. So, how can LawWare software help? The solution… Firstly, having a true all-in-one system (accounts and case management) minimises errors in duplication and speeds ### LawWare: your legal team's virtual member. URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/virtual-legal-team/ Date: 2023-07-25 In today’s fast-paced legal landscape, staying ahead of the competition requires innovative solutions. Imagine having a virtual member on your legal team – one that optimises efficiency, streamlines processes, and enhances collaboration. This blog post explores the numerous benefits of integrating LawWare legal practice management software as a virtual ally, empowering your legal practice for unrivalled success. 24/7 Accessibility and Remote Work. With LawWare as a virtual member of your legal team, accessibility becomes a seamless reality. Its cloud-based platform allows lawyers to access crucial data and files securely, from any location, at any time. This unparalleled remote work capability ensures ### Maximise ROI and unlock the efficiency of your law firm with LawWare Software URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/maximise-roi-for-your-law-firm/ Date: 2023-07-03 How do you maximise ROI for your law firm? LawWare Software is not your ordinary Practice Management System. It’s a powerful ally that empowers legal professionals to focus on providing exceptional client service, winning cases, and driving business growth. In this blog post, we will explore why investing in LawWare is a smart decision that pays off in multiple ways. From streamlining workflows to comprehensive case management and powerful analytics, LawWare Software unlocks tremendous value and helps you achieve a remarkable return on investment (ROI). Streamline Your Workflow: Efficiency is key in the legal industry, and LawWare Software allows you to ### The NCSC Cyber Threat Report: UK Legal Sector URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/ncsc-cyber-threat-report/ Date: 2023-06-29 The NCSC Cyber Threat Report: UK Legal Sector is a report published by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). It aims to help law firms, lawyers and legal practices understand current cyber security threats, and the extent to which and the extent to which they affect the legal sector. A new update to the report is now available. The report reveals that cyber criminals stole more than £11 million of client money 2016-17. It also offers practical guidance to help firms put relevant protection in place. The report explains the current cyber security threats that are targeting the legal sector. It ### Streamlining Legal Compliance for Law Firms: The Role of LawWare URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/streamlining-legal-compliance/ Date: 2023-06-03 Introduction. Streamlining legal compliance is at the top of the agenda for many law firms. They face the ongoing challenge of navigating complex legal compliance requirements while delivering quality legal services. LawWare, is a comprehensive software solution that plays a pivotal role in assisting law firms with their compliance efforts. This article explores how LawWare supports your law firm in performing strict anti-money laundering checks, retaining evidential ID verification records, conducting conflict of interest checks, staying updated with evolving regulations, complying with GDPR responsibilities, and complying with Making Tax Digital requirements. Performing Strict Anti-Money Laundering Checks. LawWare delivers robust anti-money laundering ### Chat GPT and law firms - are you being replaced? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/chat-gpt-and-law-firms/ Date: 2023-05-23 Will Chat GPT Replace Lawyers? Exploring the Role of AI in the Future of Legal Practice. Chat GPT and law firms have been coming together for a few years now. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked debates and speculations about its potential to disrupt various industries. This includes the legal profession. One question that arises is whether Chat GPT, an AI-powered chatbot, will eventually replace lawyers. In this blog post, we will look into this topic, examining the capabilities of Chat GPT. Then weigh them up against the complexities of legal practice, and the evolving role of AI in ### Reduce your legal website's carbon footprint - 10 simple steps URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/reduce-your-legal-websites-carbon-footprint/ Date: 2023-05-19 To reduce your legal website’s carbon footprint is an important step in promoting sustainability and minimising the environmental impact of online activities. But, how do you go about doing this? Here are 10 simple hints and tips to assist you in achieving this goal. 1. Optimise your code: Efficient code reduces the amount of energy required to run your website. Minimize unnecessary code, remove unused scripts, and optimise images and other media files to reduce file sizes. 2. Use a content delivery network (CDN): CDNs distribute your website’s content across multiple servers worldwide, reducing the distance that data needs to travel. ### How to Build Your Law Firm Brand: A Comprehensive Guide URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/how-to-build-your-law-firm-brand/ Date: 2023-05-17 In today’s competitive legal landscape, knowing how to build your law firm brand is crucial for attracting clients, establishing credibility, and standing out from the crowd. A well-crafted brand not only helps you connect with your target audience but also sets the foundation for long-term success. In this blog post, we will delve into the key steps to build your law firm brand and provide you with what we hope will be valuable insights on how to effectively implement them. 1. Define your brand identity. To start, it’s essential to define your law firm’s unique brand identity. Identify your firm’s core ### Key challenges for law firms URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/key-challenges-for-law-firms/ Date: 2023-05-04 Key challenges for law firms in the UK come in different forms. These include: legal industry landscape, regulation, technology, clients, workforce, and financial challenges. In this article, we will explore these challenges and suggest some potential strategies that firms can adopt to tackle them. 1. Legal Industry Landscape. One of the key challenges currently facing UK law firms is increased competition. The traditional legal market is being disrupted by new entrants. Entities such as alternative legal service providers and legal technology firms, offering new ways of delivering legal services to clients. These new players are often more agile and have lower ### Multifactor Authentication for law firms URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/multifactor-authentication-for-law-firms/ Date: 2023-05-04 Multifactor Authentication for law firms is an absolute must these days. At LawWare, over the last few years we have seen an increase in attempted hacking of Microsoft Outlook email accounts. To help avoid this happening to your firm we strongly recommend that you consider switching on Multifactor Authentication. The problem of user adoption. Despite the clear benefits of multifactor authentication (MFA) for law firms, the lack of user adoption remains a significant challenge. While MFA provides an additional layer of security to protect sensitive information, some users may find the process of using MFA to be cumbersome or time-consuming, leading ### What do law firm clients really want? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/what-do-law-firm-clients-really-want/ Date: 2023-04-28 Sometimes when, you are dealing with perhaps some of the more difficult ones, you may ask yourself what do law firm clients really want? Clients expect a lot from their legal representation. A good UK law firm should be able to deliver on these expectations. Be they legal expertise and strategic thinking to a commitment to excellent client service. From my 30 years working with the profession and talking to clients, here are some of the key things they generally expect from a good UK law firm. 1. Legal expertise. Obviously, this one goes without saying. Clients expect their lawyers to ### Artificial intelligence and law firms - what does it all mean? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/artificial-intelligence-law-firms/ Date: 2023-04-26 Artificial intelligence and law firms is certainly a phrase many people bat around frequently nowadays. Yet, does anyone really know what it means? I took a look at this question a couple of years ago but, since then, things have moved on. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a generic term for a whole ragbag of technologies, system architectures and software. I have yet to meet two people who have given it the same definition. It is transforming many industries, and the legal sector is no exception. Law firms are increasingly using AI-powered tools to streamline their operations, improve efficiency, and enhance the ### Accounting software for law firms - 5 key aspects URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/accounting-software-for-law-firms-5-key-aspects/ Date: 2023-04-25 Law firms, like other businesses, must stay on top of their finances. Accounting software can help law firms manage their finances more effectively and efficiently. This blog post discusses the features and benefits of accounting software for law firms, as well as how to choose the best software for your firm’s needs. What is Accounting Software? Let’s start with the basics: However, when it comes to making the decision about which package to choose, many suppliers cover all these bases. So, let’s take a look at what you should next consider. 5 key considerations. 1.Improved Efficiency. There is little point in ### 8 key characteristics of highly successful law firms URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/successful-law-firms/ Date: 2023-04-06 Successful law firms share many common characteristics. There is no single, magic formula for success. Every firm is different and their service offerings and markets can vary widely. That said, there do seem to be overriding principles which, when put into place in a firm, yield results. Let’s take a look at some of these. 1. Create a clear business strategy. This is probably the most critical characteristic. Armed with both a clearly defined service proposition and market you wish to serve, you are half way there. Once these are decided, there is no room for distracting forays into areas that ### Legal compliance: is your legal software helping you? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/legal-compliance/ Date: 2023-04-05 Maintaining legal compliance for small and medium-sized practices isn’t getting any easier. You only have to take a look at what has come into force over recent years and what is likely to be in the pipeline going forward. We’ve seen the introduction of both the EU’s GDPR regulations and HMRC‘s Making Tax Digital. There’s more to come which will likely include further changes to the SRA‘s accounts rules. This all increases the burden of work for your practice and, as we all appreciate, non-billable work reduces efficiency and ultimately profitability. So, when it comes to legal compliance, is your legal ### Law firm structures: partnership, LLP or limited company? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/law-firm-business-structures/ Date: 2023-03-23 Law firm structures are often a hot topic of debate in the legal profession. The traditional partnership or sole practitioner approach used to be the norm. However, there are now a host of options and choosing the right one for your legal business can be tricky. It is important to remember that the structure you choose has implications. These range from how you operate the business to the way the taxman looks at you. There is no single structure that works best for all firms. Let’s take a look at the options. Disclosure. Whichever structure you choose does not make a ### Social Media for small law firms - how to promote yourself successfully URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/social-media-for-small-law-firms/ Date: 2023-03-14 You cannot underestimate the importance of social media for small law firms in the modern business world. This is true for all legal businesses, including small law firms and sole practitioners. In this article, I shall take a look at the different types of social media and provide a few examples of how you can use them to promote your practice successfully. First of all, let’s define the beast. What is social media? Surprisingly, that’s not a straightforward question to answer. There is no commonly agreed definition of social media. However, most regard it as an online platform that allows people ### Lock-up: are you cracking the WIP? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/lock-up-are-you-cracking-the-wip/ Date: 2023-03-01 Lock-up is often an uneasy subject of discussion at partners’ meetings. But there is no getting away from it – it is something all law firms should be managing effectively. Since the last time I blogged about this subject over two years ago, by now, you’d think the penny would have dropped for legal practices. However, it seems that the issue remains and may well be getting worse. Huge problem? Recent surveys suggest that over one-third of UK law firms have lock-up in excess of 150 days. Even the average level is around 130 days. No self-respecting managers in non-legal businesses ### Flexible legal software URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/flexible-legal-software/ Date: 2023-02-08 Flexible legal software can make a big difference. Whether at home or in the office, a comfortable working environment matters. That’s where the advantages of flexible legal software come into play. As appealing as working from your kitchen or favourite spot on the sofa sounds, selecting a space specifically for work will increase your productivity. Many people, if possible, choose a separate room with a good source of natural light, which becomes a dedicated home office. Using different spaces in your home, like this, can help to create a physical distinction between working and relaxing, making the boundaries between home-life and ### LawWare and Exizent: executry and estate administration URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/lawware-and-exizent/ Date: 2023-01-16 LegalTech software experts LawWare and Exizent join forces to seamlessly provide leading executry and estate administration functionality to LawWare users LawWare, specialists in legal practice management software, and Exizent, the leading provider of estate administration software to the UK market, have teamed up to integrate their market-leading platforms and provide LawWare users with seamless access to Exizent’s deep specialist functionality. This will enable firms across the UK to conduct their estate administration work more efficiently and deliver a higher level of service to clients.  With an excellent track record in case management innovation and over 480 customers, LawWare provides industry leading ### Guidance for new law firms URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/guidance-for-new-law-firms/ Date: 2022-12-05 LawStart from LawWare is a new service designed to provide guidance for new law firms. Starting your own law firm is a major step in your legal career. You’ll need to have all the right systems in place so that you hit the ground running. Starting up your own legal business is a big step and something they don’t teach you at Law School. LawStart aims to provide help for new law firms ranging from straightforward advice to practical assistance. What does LawStart encompass? The service is designed to provide you with all the essential guidance for new law firms you’ll ### New Year's Resolution? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/starting-your-own-law-firm/ Date: 2022-11-02 New Year, new start? As 2023 approaches rapidly, you may be thinking about a brighter future by starting your own law firm. Whether you are thinking of going solo or teaming up with colleagues, it’s wise to plan carefully. There are many benefits to running your own firm – you control your own destiny, reap your own rewards and you can determine your own work / life balance. However, benefits bring responsibilities with them… Always remember: you are running a business. Life in the legal world can be hectic. It’s a demanding profession and day-to-day work can mean that business performance ### Email security for law firms URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/email-security-for-law-firms/ Date: 2022-08-04 Hacking & spoofing – how secure is your email account? Email security for law firms is an ever present concern. These days we are all aware of the potential dangers of fraud when it comes to our emails. For the purposes of this article, I will be focusing specifically on email through Microsoft Office 365 as this is the mail platform we resell to clients, and which is fast becoming the most popular email service for businesses. So, what are the main issues that you might face when dealing with malicious email? Let’s define a couple of terms and then look ### Law firm mergers - what are the benefits and the drawbacks? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/law-firm-mergers/ Date: 2022-07-19 That old chestnut – law firm mergers – appears to be back in the headlines in the legal press. It’s hardly surprising as we live in interesting times where Covid seems to have changed everything and economic uncertainty is rife. I published an article several years ago on this subject. Since then, much has changed but the basics of getting a merger to work remain constant. Law firm mergers can be a bit of a caution. Mergers take place in all business sectors. However, there is a widespread belief in the legal community that they are a fast-track to growth, efficiency ### New LawWare on location URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/new-lawware-on-location/ Date: 2022-05-06 Can you really work from anywhere? Some weeks back, a LawWare client emailed to say that he had been successfully using New LawWare whilst on an aircraft travelling to watch a rugby match in Italy. That surprised me and prompted me to think about testing the durability and accessibility of the system in a few far-flung places. This is what happened – New LawWare on location, you might say. The place I chose to do this is the city of Granada in Spain. An ancient, beautiful and historic location, 50 miles from the southern Spanish coast and at an altitude of ### FormEvo and LawWare URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/formevo-and-lawware/ Date: 2022-03-23 FormEvo and LawWare are pleased to announce a new partnership. The partnership aims to improve both productivity and flexible working for UK law firms. What is FormEvo? FormEvo is a cloud-based Forms Library. It replaces the traditional on-premise forms applications which rely on your IT Department or users to download software and content updates. FormEvo provides you with cloud-based access to the only vendor-independent, comprehensive and secure, electronic and digital legal forms library in the UK. The UK Government’s “Digital by Default” service standard is integral to our service. This smooths the transition from paper to electronic to digital forms. It ### Law firm data breaches URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/law-firm-data-breaches/ Date: 2022-03-07 A recent study of law firm data breaches shows that 40% result from staff addressing emails to the wrong recipient. This and other data were provided by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) following a Freedom of Information (FOI) submission by 2twenty4 Consulting on 14 January 2022. These are the headline figures: The analysis of data breaches by type is useful in that it may help determine which areas to focus attention on. For the third year running ‘Emailed to the wrong recipient’ clocks in as the highest reported instance of a data breach. A more interesting trend is the rise in ### LawWare and Amiqus: AML Compliance URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/lawware-amiqus-aml-compliance/ Date: 2022-03-04 We are delighted to announce the recently signed partnership between LawWare and Amiqus. Having listened to our clients, we are looking to bring our LawWare users an integrated AML product and Amiqus is by far the best fit. Their product is comprehensive yet easy to use and they are continually innovating to be at the forefront of technology and regulatory change. At the same time, we align with their values as a business: accessibility, trust and privacy. We know that we already have many mutual-user firms, but hope that this formal partnership brings many more in the coming months and years. ### Law firm websites: is yours bringing in the business? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/law-firm-websites/ Date: 2022-01-25 Is your website doing the business? No legal practice can market itself effectively nowadays without a website. The question is, how do you get your law firm websites to do the business? We really do live in the age of the magpie mentality. Internet searching for legal services is the norm and, no matter how near the top of the search engine rankings your practice is, the back button is just one click away. If your website doesn’t engage viewers instantly or is difficult to understand, they’re gone. So, consider the following: Make it easy to contact you. It sounds obvious but you’d ### Law firm client retention: give ‘em enough rope... URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/law-firm-client-retention/ Date: 2021-06-10 Law firm client retention can be a thorny issue. Now, more than at any other time, holding on to key clients and marketing new services to them is vitally important. Give them too much rope and they’ll be gone. Let’s look at some basic facts: New client acquisition can cost 15 times more than retaining existing ones. Most lawyers spend their limited business development time chasing new clients. Studies show increasing client retention by 5% can increase profitability by 25%. So, how do you get the most out of your existing clients? Structure your firm around your clients. In testing times ### Best legal software? See what LawWare users think URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/best-legal-software/ Date: 2021-04-15 There is much debate as to which is the best legal software around. With a bewildering number of options on the market, you could find it difficult to make the right choice. The bottom line is: what do long standing users of the products think? Let’s take a look at what three very different firms think about LawWare practice management and accounts software. Eric Lumsden at Sneddon Morrison. Sneddon Morrison Solicitors and Estate Agents are based in Whitburn, West Lothian. The firm consists of 6 branches, 7 partners and over 20 staff. They handle a variety of legal work including: property, ### Remote working for legal firms: 6 simple steps to get started URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/remote-working-for-legal-firms/ Date: 2021-01-28 Remote working for legal firms was something of an aspiration even before the advent of Covid-19 and lockdown. Now it’s turning into a must have. The benefits are obvious: Firms that embrace remote work have 25% lower employee turnover. People who work remotely at least once a month are 24% more likely to behappy and productive. That’s why, globally, 52% of employees work from home at least once a week. The benefits are there for all to see – but, how to you get the ball rolling? Virtual meetings, remote collaboration and teleconferencing make it all sound complex and costly. It ### Take the free LawWare client health check URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/lawware-client-health-check/ Date: 2021-01-12 The LawWare Client Health Check Service is a vital part of our Client Relationship programme. It aims to proactively assist LawWare clients optimise their use of their LawWare/LawCloud system. Following the initial implementation process, we find clients are better positioned to discover the extra value the LawWare software offers. This free of charge service provides a guide to help our clients uncover the undiscovered benefits of all LawWare systems. Systems, training, support and backup are only one side of the coin. At LawWare we aim to improve both our products and your user experience – ensuring the highest quality service for ### Virtual law firms: did 2020 make you look again at the way you work? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/virtual-law-firms/ Date: 2020-10-07 A lot of lip service is paid to setting up virtual law firms. The real question is how to go about this practically. However, what is the reality of working in a virtual law firm and do the benefits outweigh the drawbacks? When COVID-19 forced many law firms to send their people home to work, remote work’s time had really arrived. The rush to give employees access to all the tools they’d need to work from home all came very suddenly. Yet, once everyone settled down, what quickly became apparent to many office-based firms is that employees could be productive and ### Legal e-signatures: LawWare partners with Sign&Send URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/legal-e-signatures/ Date: 2020-05-13 Legal e-signatures are becoming more and more the norm. According to The Law Commission, documents signed electronically have legal force. Even when a statutory requirement for a signature predates the digital age. Consequently, electronic signatures are a viable alternative to handwritten ones. LawWare is pleased to announce a new partnership with leading electronic signature provider, Sign&Send. You can now benefit from the flexibility of digital signatures from within Microsoft Word, directly from the LawCloud platform. How does it work? Sign&Send’s eSign allows you to invite your prospective signatories to sign documents online. You simply set up a covering Sign&Send letter, supply ### Law firm insurance - is your practice fully covered? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/law-firm-insurance/ Date: 2020-01-20 Law firm insurance may well be something you and your practice take for granted. However, it’s worth taking a closer look. A recent piece of research by law firm Leigh Day opened up a Pandora’s box of issues when it comes to law firm insurance. The firm commissioned IRN Research to survey and report on how law firms deal with regulatory and compliance matters. Responses from 200 law firms to the survey yielded some eye-watering statistics. Less than 50% of firms had sufficient cover to give them a fighting chance when up against the SRA. Management Liability Insurance. The report states ### Email marketing for law firms: 12 handy hints and tips URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/email-marketing-for-law-firms/ Date: 2020-01-03 Is email marketing for law firms all it’s cracked up to be? The problem with cold call email is that, from the recipients’ points of view, it’s instantly disposable. How many unsolicited emails do you receive at work or on your mobile each day? More to the point, how many do you actually bother to read? Let’s be honest, bulk email returns nothing like the response rates that we used to get from traditional postal mailshots. A traditional mailshot with a 10% response rate was pretty good. For email, you are usually looking at a 2% return if you are lucky. ### More clients for your law firm - or just better ones? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/more-clients-for-law-firm/ Date: 2019-12-12 Do you really need more clients for your law firm? Throughout my career I’ve worked with many legal practices and the answer I hear from most is “yes”. Let’s turn that mindset on its head. How would it be if you had fewer clients but better ones than you currently have? Or alternatively, could you turn your existing clients into better ones? Okay, so I’m a big fan of minimalism and modernism, but could Mies van der Rohe be right – can less really mean more? Take time out. Have a look back at the clients you have dealt with over ### Dyslexic font for lawyers - a helpful new solution from LawWare URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/dyslexic-font-for-lawyers/ Date: 2019-10-22 You may not have heard of a dyslexic font face for lawyers. However, you can integrate it easily into LawWare’s practice management software. Dyslexia is a neurological difference and can have a significant impact during education, in the workplace and in everyday life. As each person is unique, so is everyone’s experience of dyslexia. It can range from mild to severe, and it can co-occur with other learning differences. Usually it runs in families and is a life-long condition. It is important to remember that there are positives to thinking differently. Many dyslexic people show strengths in areas such as reasoning ### How do you deal with difficult legal clients? 10 hints and tips URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/difficult-legal-clients/ Date: 2019-08-20 Difficult legal clients can become the bane of your life. Let’s be honest, few of us march headlong into confrontational situations with great relish. So, why should you do that when it comes to selecting clients? Inevitably, during the course of your legal career, you will come across these bêtes noires. Here are a few handy hints and tips for managing that unpleasant occurrence. Pareto principle. If you haven’t heard of this idea before, it’s really quite simple and useful. It’s also known as the 80 / 20 rule. In many businesses, 80% of turnover comes from 20% of the client ### Law firm billing: 10 tips for improving your billing efficiency URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/law-firm-billing/ Date: 2019-06-25 Law firm billing is a subject of much debate. Many small firms regard billing as a means to an end. Then they wonder why they struggle to get paid. There are a number of things you can do to avoid this unfortunate consequence. In this article we shall take a look at a few of these and some others that will help with your general productivity. 1. Manage your clients’ expectations. When you go to a restaurant, you know how the billing procedure works. Either it’s pay after the meal in the more salubrious establishments or pay up-front in your local ### New business for law firms: 30 rainmaking tips and tricks URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/new-business-for-law-firms/ Date: 2019-05-28 Bringing in new business for law firms can be difficult at times. Some solicitors seem to have the knack. Others are not so sure-footed when it comes to bringing home the bagels. So, what sets the rainmakers apart? There’s no single technique. They use a combination of different ones encompassing both direct and indirect methods. Of course, this must be allied with the confidence to ask in the first place. Getting over your reluctance to do this is the first hurdle to overcome. Once you have done that, you can divide up your activities into five areas: Client Care. It’s always ### Which are the best social media platforms for solicitors? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/best-social-media-platforms-for-solicitors/ Date: 2019-05-20 There is no doubt that social media has become an important marketing and communication tool for most businesses. But which are the best social media platforms for solicitors? You may be tempted to use all platforms to ensure you get the most out of your online output. However, that may waste a lot of your time – or even cause damage. Indeed, in this blog, we have looked at the pitfalls of social media before. So has the SRA. There is a plethora of social media outlets available: Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Linkedin, Instagram and Pinterest are the most widely used. So, ### How to sign up for Making Tax Digital for VAT URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/making-tax-digital-vat/ Date: 2019-03-07 As HMRC’s deadline approaches, many of our clients are asking about how to sign up for Making Tax Digital for VAT. If you are a LawWare client, your software will be updated before the deadline so that you can connect. However, you still need to sign up with HMRC to get the ball rolling. To help you to do this, they have produced a series of videos and online guides. The video below gives the basics for signing up. In addition to this you can also find a general overview of how MTD affects your business in the video below and ### Facebook marketing for law firms - how to get it right. URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/facebook-marketing-law-firms/ Date: 2018-12-04 In previous articles I took a look at the use of social media for small firms and advice on its use from the regulators. So, why focus in on Facebook marketing for law firms in particular? The answer is simple: for most small, high street practices, Facebook is almost certainly the most important platform. If you work in this type of legal practice, your client base is likely to be made up of private individuals and local businesses. At the last count, of the 65 million people in the UK, 32 million are Facebook users. That means almost half of your ### Agile working for law firms - is it working for you? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/agile-working-for-law-firms/ Date: 2018-11-14 A great deal of lip service has been paid to agile working for law firms but has any of it really been turned into action? Many other industries have bought-in to the mantra. It allows businesses to empower employees and give them flexibility. However, the UK legal profession still lags behind. So, let’s take a look at some of the practical benefits of the idea. Benefits for people. These are obvious. Agile or flexible working arrangements provide the following advantages: Benefits for law firms. With flexible /agile work schedules, employers experience these benefits: There are also key organisational challenges you need ### Selling for law firms - is your firm still as bad as ever? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/selling-for-law-firms/ Date: 2018-10-05 Selling for law firms. Why Is selling still such a dirty word in the legal profession? I recently bumped into some old college chums who run their own legal practice. I asked them a perfectly straightforward question: “How is your sales team doing?” I’m annoying like that. However, the looks of bewilderment and horror I received were similar to those you would find in Picasso’s Guernica. Shocked by my question they may have been, but I was even more shocked by the reception it received. It illustrated to me just how little has changed in the 20 years I’ve worked with ### Law firm management #2: how to make your law firm more profitable URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/how-to-make-your-law-firm-more-profitable/ Date: 2018-07-13 Doubtless you will have come across consultants and accountants offering new ideas on how to make your law firm more profitable. There is no silver bullet, just solid business planning combined with excellent marketing and service delivery. In my first article on this subject, I looked at managing costs and fee earner performance. Now I shall focus upon business strategy and marketing. Strategic Focus. Your firm probably has some form of business strategy document. Is it just a wish list? Do you ever act upon what it states? If you were a new business looking for finance, would your business strategy ### Law firm management #1: how to manage law firm costs and performance URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/how-to-manage-law-firm-costs-and-performance/ Date: 2018-07-04 In this, the first of a series of two articles covering legal business management fundamentals we shall take a look at how to manage law firm costs and performance. As the summer holiday period approaches and business slows a little, it is an ideal time to take a hard look at the performance of your legal business to strengthen it for the future. Let’s begin with costs. Costs. Each year it is essential that you review all significant costs to your business. This involves analysing any growth in specific costs compared to earlier years and any new trends that have developed. ### Fraudulent bank calls to law firms - how to protect yourself URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/fraudulent-bank-calls-to-law-firms/ Date: 2017-05-24 Fraudulent bank calls to law firms have increased in recent months. It’s not a new phenomenon but it is one of a variety of methods criminals are using successfully. For this subject, protecting yourself is quite down-to-earth. So how does the scam operate? Firstly, you need to understand the criminal slang – phishing, vishing, smishing and spoofing. Phishing. This is when you receive a fraudulent email alerting you to a problem. Generally, the email looks genuine and may lead you to a website that looks exactly like your bank’s website. You can check out the validity of the email in several ways. ### Converting telephone enquiries into clients - a best practice guide URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/converting-telephone-enquiries-into-clients/ Date: 2017-04-26 Converting telephone enquiries into clients may sometimes appear a little difficult. If significant numbers of enquiries are coming in but you are not seeing client numbers increase, there are a few simple things you can do. In a recent report: published by Inside Conveyancing, Professor Ian Cooper showed the way in which you can make a big difference. His report surprised many. Mainly because it makes clear that the solutions are straightforward and easily implemented immediately. Here are some of Professor Cooper’s tips together with a few of my own. First impressions count. Even if the phone is ringing off the ### Lexcel Accreditation: the benefits and the drawbacks URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/lexcel-accreditation/ Date: 2017-03-23 Since September 2010, Lexcel accreditation has been attainable by any law firm or in-house legal department anywhere in the world. The scheme continues to be administered by the Law Society of England and Wales. For some practices, accreditation is an absolute must have, whilst for others it represents a distraction from day-to-day practice management. The key question to ask is: why do you want it? Usually there are three possible drivers: Assisting with regulatory compliance. Earning the badge to stay on a level playing field with competitors. Developing and implementing your practice’s business strategy. Of course, Lexcel can assist with all these aspects. However, it’s ### How well is your practice run? Law Firm Key Performance Indicators URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/law-firm-key-performance-indicators/ Date: 2017-03-14 There is a bewildering plethora of business management metrics out there. Often some of these dominate far too much management time whilst others are left ignored. So, which are the most important law firm key performance indicators? Let’s take a look at some of the more obvious ones and a few that are often overlooked. Cashflow Forecast. No prizes for guessing that this one would come top of the list! Cashflow is the key marker of business performance. It allows you to determine if your sales margins are appropriate and is the main indicator looked at by the banks. To create your ### Marketing for Lawyers #3 to blog or not to blog? URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/blogging-for-law-firms/ Date: 2017-03-08 Blogging for law firms is becoming more important for a variety of reasons. You may regard the task of churning out a regular article to post to your website an onerous one. Even worse, you could be charged with chasing up your reluctant colleagues for their contributions. Why bother? As Winston Churchill once said: “To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” This is something that Google has really taken to heart. Updating your website and adding new content is a key part of Google’s ranking system. Sites that remain static for long periods lose credibility and slip down ### Remote Working For Lawyers URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/remote-working/ Date: 2016-11-28 Are you balancing the risks and the benefits? Remote working for lawyers is one of those old chestnuts. A great deal of lip service is paid to it but it is rarely put into practice effectively. The key benefits of remote working are clear: Improved productivity Increased staff retention Increased morale and work / life balance Significantly lower operating costs. Consequently, many firms are searching for robust and compliant methods to roll out flexible working for their partners and fee earners. However, what do you need to look out for? Make sure your working practices remain compliant You must balance the benefits ### Failing to plan is the same as planning to fail URL: https://www.lawware.co.uk/blog/planning-for-law-firms/ Date: 2016-09-13 Setting Objectives I have to commend Brian for starting his recent Business Briefing with the key business message that everyone needs to hear at this time of the year. It’s unpalatable for some but I know that those people who do make plans, continue to do so, year after year, so there is something in it. One tip that I have learned over quite a period is similar to the ‘keep it real’ message — especially if you are just starting out setting objectives — keep it really achievable! Planning for law firms follows this mantra. It is awfully tempting to ## Contact - Company: LawWare Legal Practice Management Software - Email: mike@lawware.co.uk - Phone: 03452020578 - Website: https://www.lawware.co.uk --- Generated by AI-Ready WP 4.5.2 | 2026-09-07