Posted 25 September 2019
Before accepting a new client or case, law firms need to gather specific information and details, including background information and identity verification. With the 5th Money Laundering Directive and an increased focus on data security, it’s crucial that firms put controlled processes and routines into place to ensure the right information is gathered and documented. Unfortunately, most of the time, these processes are completed manually by various people within a firm, which greatly increases the risk of error.
Fortunately, automation and workflow technology have made it easier for firms to streamline their client intake processes, whilst ensuring compliance with regulations such as GDPR and MLD5. If your firm is still using manual processes and paper intake forms, it’s missing out on a number of benefits that can be provided by online forms and automated processes. Here, we look at three core reasons to move to a digital client intake solution.
Improves Quality
With a digital client intake solution, client information can be shared across other internal systems, such as finance, case management, and CRM, which results in considerable time savings and increased quality across all systems. Additionally, when clients themselves are directly involved in the process of updating their information, the risk of error decreases. A digital solution also enables every step of the process to be documented and routed for approval to ensure quality control.
Ensures Compliance
Digital client intake solutions can be customised to suit the unique needs of each firm and to ensure compliance with specific regulations. For example, top-tier international law firm Wikborg Rein recently launched a digital client intake solution based on Sysero’s workflow platform that uses a built-in risk matrix to trigger further processes in accordance with current compliance regulations. If a new client or case falls outside the requirements, it is automatically routed to a simplified workflow for further assessment. As the solution is based on the Sysero platform, future changes in the compliance regulations can be incorporated into the workflow as needed.
The system also automatically checks client data against various public registers and databases and authenticates their identity via their Bank Identifier Code. All of the client data is stored (and deleted) in accordance with GDPR legislation.
Speeds Up Acceptance
By replacing manual processes and siloed solutions, with an integrated and automated client intake process, firms can greatly reduce redundancies and speed up client acceptance. Clients and lawyers have access to a user-friendly and intuitive web interface where new clients and case can be registered quickly, and within compliance regulations. The quicker new clients and cases can be accepted, the sooner firms can start billing hours and sending invoices.
The benefits of a digital client intake solution are endless - that’s why many innovative firms, like Wikborg Rein and COBALT, are moving to a digitised solution. To learn more about taking your client intake process digital, get in touch with our team or learn more about our Know-Your-Client Solution.