Posted 23 August 2019
Legal client portals have come a long way in the past few years. These days, client portals allow lawyers to do so much more than just share information online with their clients. More firms are turning to automated client portals to develop innovative, online client services, whilst also boosting their profitability.
How does it work? Client automation portals use document and workflow automation to enable clients to instantly access and download firm-managed legal documents. By streamlining legal transactions, these self-service portals make it possible to engage in more sustainable fixed-fee arrangements, whilst also ensuring consistently high quality work.
With the right approach and technology, client automation portals can greatly improve efficiency, service differentiation, and profitability. Here, we take a more in-depth look at how client automation portals work and the key advantages of implementing them at your firm.
How do client automation portals work?
Client automation portals are custom-built for each firm, depending on their unique requirements. However, all client automation portals are created to enable clients to easily access automated versions of the firm’s most frequently-requested and highest-value documents. Clients login to their branded firm portal, where they can request a document (such as an NDA), complete a short online form, and then generate the firm-approved document. All of the master templates are managed by the firm to ensure clients access only the most relevant and up-to-date versions whenever they use the system.
What are the benefits of a client automation portal?
Client automation portals offer ample benefits for both firms and their clients. Here, we look at the top benefits of implementing a client automation for your firm.
Create service differentiation
The legal landscape has never been more competitive, and firms need to innovate to stay ahead of the curve. With client automation portals, firms can offer clients a differentiated experience - one that’s customised to the needs of the client. These unique portals also enable firms to expand their service offerings and uncover new and tailored ways of collaborating with clients.
For example, iManage, the leading provider of work product management solutions for law firms, uses client automation portals to provide guidance to their expanding network of implementation partners. Using the system, iManage partners can easily onboard their clients and quickly generate tailored implementation-related documentation, such as deployment guides and contracts.
Win new business
By developing innovative, online client services, firms also are better positioned to win new business and retain key clients. Client automation portals are a great way for firms to showcase their advanced automation capabilities, something that an increasing number of clients are requesting. Additionally, offering a broader range of services can go a long way in retaining current clients.
Bolster profitability
Fixed-fee arrangements have become commonplace, and firms must adapt. Client automation portals offer a profitable approach to fixed-fee transactions. Take for example, how charity law experts Bates Wells Braithwaite (BWB) use its Get Legal portal to provide fixed-fee advice to its charity clients. The firm’s charity clients can easily access and customise essential legal documents at reasonable prices, providing a cost-effective alternative to engaging full legal services. At the same time, BWB has more control over its costs and profit margin.
In summary, client automation portals can provide endless value to legal firms, and their clients. Not only do they increase efficiency and streamline transactions, they also allow firms to focus on what they do best - providing advice and counsel.
To learn more about how your firm can benefit from client automation portals, check out our client automation portal demo or get in touch with us.