How to be a cloud law firm?

Published On : July 15, 2022

If you’re wondering what a cloud is, or what exactly is cloud-technology, it can be defined as “a network of hosted resources accessible via the internet”. And therefore, by extension, a  cloud law firm is a firm that uses cloud technology to run its business.  

Using cloud-based technology and similar law office software makes it easy for law firms to  use many different connected applications to help run their practice. There is concrete evidence that shows that law firms who use multiple technologies generate 40% more  revenues than those who don’t. As you can see cloud law firms have a clear business  advantage! 

While the term cloud technology may initially sound quite alien, chances are, you already are  a cloud user without ever realizing it. It’s simple. If you’ve ever used Amazon, posted on  Instagram, or check Gmail regularly, you’re already a cloud technology user. And as a cloud  user, you can vouch for all its benefits. Cloud technology offers flexibility and freedom  paramount to providing an exceptional client-centered experience. There’s never been a  better time to consider switching to the cloud. 

But what is a cloud-based law firm? 

A cloud-based law firm is one that uses cloud technology to run key elements of its business.  Legal professionals working in the cloud can use cloud technology seamlessly to streamline  bookkeeping, client intake, payments, and more. 

How does cloud technology work? 

Cloud technology is, quite surprisingly, very straightforward: Users access all law firm  software through either a web browser, or a dedicated, connected app. Because the company  that develops and owns the cloud software hosts the servers, users usually don’t have to  install any software on local systems. It’s the cloud provider’s responsibility to prioritize both,  the protection of their users’ data, as well as the users having access to everything they need.  And because this is the backbone of their business, technology companies make this their  primary focus. 

Why do law firms use cloud technology? 

Even as we discuss this, cloud technology is continuously propelling many industries and  sectors forward, including healthcare and government. In fact, nearly half of the US state and  federal governments rely on some form of cloud technology now. And while the legal sector has been one of the slower sectors to embrace this change, a survey found that nearly 80%  of law firms confirmed that they now store client data in the cloud. 

What’s responsible for the recent cloud adoption in the legal industry?  

Some reasons include rapid cybersecurity advancements, continuously growing client  demand for more advanced technology, and the new-found ability for law firms to improve  efficiency while cutting costs.  

More recently, we watched the pandemic force all businesses to adapt like never before.  Entrepreneurs and business owners — including attorneys — had to adapt rapidly to the  evolving business environment. With cloud technology, law firms become more agile and  flexible, and can better meet these ever-changing customer demands and market shifts. 

But is the cloud secure? 

A common misconception people have is that cloud storage — or a cloud-based law firm — is patently unsafe. However, this perception is incorrect because there were way more  cybersecurity limitations when the cloud was first introduced, when compared to today.  

In recent years, there has been significant investment and technological growth in  cybersecurity systems, paving the way for new and upcoming innovative technologies to be  inherently safer and much more reliable. Again, it’s important to understand that technology  companies invest enormously in security, backup servers, teams of IT professionals, and  additional security infrastructure.  

As cloud technology grows and enhances how lawyers run their firms, an interesting  correlation occurs. As cloud technology continues to gain traction, by extension, the inherent  drawbacks from on-premises servers have become more glaring. The truth is it’s never been  safer or more advantageous to become a cloud law firm. 

What are the limitations of in-house servers? 

Today businesses can’t afford to be docked and stalled by on-premises systems in this fast paced world, especially not the legal sector. Clients and customers need to reach you / your  firm when they need you, irrespective of your current location. Having an infrastructure  dependent on on-premises servers keep you and your team tied to your office. This has  always been a limitation for businesses, but now it has become exponentially dangerous for  the health of your business.  

The 2021 Legal Trends Report found that 79% of clients want the option to work remotely  with their lawyers. If clients themselves no longer value the in-person office experience as  much, that’s even more reason to cut investments / costs on large office spaces and thereby  run your firm virtually. This just won’t be possible with on-premises servers.  

Not to mention, using cloud technologies can streamline accounting, client-intake, payment  processes and more. You can quickly add safe, cost-effective applications which integrate 

seamlessly with your existing law office software. When used in tandem with legal practice  management software, these integrations can automatically run and measure every area of  your law practice, giving you all the necessary data to further streamline and optimize your  business.  

It is now safe to conclude that…. 

Being a cloud law firm is better for you, your clients, and ultimately, your bottom line. Just  imagine the ease of onboarding new staff when you can swiftly optimize workflows and  processes with the right cloud-based tools and the best law firm software like Beveron’s  Smart Lawyer Office, for instance.  

Moving your practice from on-premises law firm software to the cloud isn’t as difficult as you  think. Plus, the immense value you get from this transition makes the change worth it.