You face an endless stream of cases, administrative tasks, and client demands on a daily basis, but putting growth on the back burner sharply limits your firm’s potential. Choosing the best law firm CRM software—specifically tailored for the legal industry—can revolutionize how you manage client relationships and operations.  

The right client (or customer) relationship management (CRM) software gives your firm a competitive edge in speed and efficiency. When 78% of firms are already using these platforms to nurture new leads, streamline client communications, and cut admin time, getting lost in tedious day-to-day tasks and spreadsheets hampers your ability to grow.  

This post highlights how key features of a top legal CRM remove common barriers to growth and why it’s the best investment you can make in the future of your practice.  

The Unique Challenges of Growing a Law Firm

Offering exceptional client service is challenging when lead generation takes up a large portion of your time, but this is precisely what law firms today are tasked with. Managing contacts and clients the traditional way, often with spreadsheets and manual follow-ups, comes at the cost of missed opportunities and lost revenue.  

Running your firm without modern software solutions to streamline operations can also leave your client data and documents in disarray, leading to process bottlenecks that slow you down and inhibit growth. With clunky intake processes and no centralized insights to drive your marketing efforts, growth is hard to achieve. 

Profitable growth is only possible when you become more efficient by taking tedious client management tasks off your plate and organizing workflows with automation. Both are areas where a specialized law firm CRM can provide real value. 

How CRM Software Transforms Client Engagement

An effective CRM tool for legal client relationship management acts as a centralized hub for all your client information. With the right platform, you can expect improved client engagement through automation, organization, and personalization:  

• Automate Tedious Tasks: From sending appointment reminders to follow-up emails that nurture new leads, automation does the heavy lifting and frees up valuable time so you can concentrate on legal work. 

• Organize Data Seamlessly: Organized data helps you consolidate contact details, keep up with case notes, and manage communications in one secure system for easy access. 

• Enhance the Client Journey: Create a better client experience by using legal CRM to provide prompt, personalized service from the first contact through ongoing support.

A legal CRM drives client satisfaction and growth by minimizing manual work, ensuring your data is always accurate and current, and empowering your firm to engage clients more effectively. 

Choosing the Right CRM for Your Law Firm

When choosing a CRM, it’s essential to match the tool to your firm’s unique needs. Prioritize:  

• Legal-Specific Features: Your CRM should offer specialized features for the legal field, including custom client intake forms and automated legal appointment reminders. 

• Robust Integrations: Look for CRM integrations that connect with your firm’s practice management, billing and payments, compliant document sharing, and accounting tools. 

• User-Friendliness: Choose a system that is intuitive for both attorneys and support staff, offering easily accessible reports and time-saving automations. 

• Cost-Effectiveness: Balance essential CRM features with your firm’s budget to ensure a strong return on investment that supports your long-term growth.

Making these criteria a priority in your CRM search will ensure a good fit with the platform you choose, giving you the features you need at a price point that makes sense for your firm. 

Key Features of Legal CRM Solutions

Automation Capabilities

Automation is a game-changer for law firms, especially in managing prospective clients. CRM systems streamline many of the daily tasks that power your firm, like: 

• Client and prospect follow-ups 

• Document management 

• Securing client signatures 

• Appointment scheduling 

Templates and automation tools available in legal CRMs save time by handling routine tasks that support growth, like data entry and follow-up reminders, and free your team to focus on tasks that drive revenue.  

Flexibility and Customization

A standout feature of legal CRM software is the level of flexibility and customization the right platform can offer. With the ability to customize contact form fields, you can collect and categorize crucial client information, which helps you qualify leads quickly.  

The top legal CRMs provide substantial personalization options to ensure a tailored fit for your firm, from addressing emails and text messages with client names to setting up custom reports that keep your finger on the pulse of your progress. 

Integration with Existing Tools

Effective integration is essential for every CRM system. Making sure your data flows between your CRM tool and practice management software ensures a seamless transition from prospect to client. 

A CRM that integrates with your most-used tools is especially important during the client intake process to ensure that information flows effortlessly between systems. Integrations also minimize the time your team spends manually entering data to make your firm more efficient.  

Why a Legal CRM Is a Sound Investment  

Investing in a CRM system goes beyond keeping up with technology. It is a strategic move that drives efficiency and revenue. With benefits like these, think of a legal CRM as an investment in your firm’s future:  

• Save Time: CRM automation tools handle your firm’s most repetitive work and allow your team to focus on practicing law, not administrative tasks. 

• Improve Accuracy: Using a CRM to streamline data input reduces errors and ensures every client interaction is handled promptly. 

• Enhance Client Relationships: Personalized follow-ups, appointment reminders, and smooth intake lead to better client engagement and satisfaction. 

• Scalable Growth: As your firm expands, a flexible CRM adapts to your evolving needs without sacrificing billable time or dealing with process bottlenecks that slow you down.

The right legal CRM is a comprehensive tool that unites and centralizes your law firm’s operations, making it a sound investment in your firm’s ability to grow and thrive. 

Tabs3 CRM: Transforming Client Management  

Tabs3 CRM integrates directly within PracticeMaster. It makes client management simple for busy law firms with features that automate, personalize, and track every client interaction. Built-in tools enable you to be consistent with the marketing and communications tasks that drive revenue and client engagement.  

Nurture leads with personalized marketing campaigns and timely follow-ups, quickly qualify leads with automated client intake, and keep client and case data centralized with practice management software integrations.  

Power your firm’s ability to build strong client relationships with tools and features like these:  

• Automated Marketing Campaigns: Build personalized email and text message templates with drip automation tools to keep leads engaged with no forgotten follow-ups. 

• Customizable Intake Forms: Intelligent logic-based forms adapt to client responses to keep questions relevant, speed up intake, and make data collection easier with fewer manual errors. 

• PracticeMaster Integration: Tabs3 CRM works within PracticeMaster, which seamlessly integrates with other Tabs3 products and keeps prospect and client information synchronized across the suite of software.

With no data gaps and consistent contact monitoring in every stage of the funnel, your firm develops more streamlined workflows that set the stage for productivity and growth.  

Law Firm CRMs: A Smart Investment in Growth

A robust legal CRM system is indispensable for modern law firms who want to create room for expansion with more efficient workflows. Manual data entry and client management prevent scalable growth, but investing in the right CRM will remove those barriers and unlock more opportunities for your law firm.  

With time-saving features that optimize client intake, contact management, marketing, and synchronize with your top tools, Tabs3 CRM may be the proactive solution your firm needs to flourish. Schedule a demo now to learn how Tabs3 CRM can elevate your client management and secure the best future for your firm. 

Websites today play a critical role in making strong first impressions and conveying professionalism to potential clients. Poorly designed or underwhelming websites can harm a firm’s credibility, which directly impacts client trust and business growth. 

To convey the message that your firm is capable, professional, and trustworthy, you need a website that’s as informative and engaging as your legal arguments. Is there an easy way to get a polished, user-friendly site without the added cost, time, and hassle of outsourcing or building it from scratch? 

Using a service like Tabs3 Websites is a good solution for law firms looking for an affordable and efficient way to create a quality online presence. If your law firm’s website is lackluster, an attorney website solution that’s affordable and easy to manage is now within reach with Tabs3 Websites. 

6 Benefits that Tabs3 Website Provides  

1. Secure and compliant website designs built for attorneys 

Many well-meaning attorneys enter contracts with industry-agnostic web developers who boast strong security standards, yet don’t understand the specific risks and regulations law firms face. This can lead to data breaches and compliance violations that put your clients—and license to practice law—at risk.  

Attorneys often collect sensitive data from their clients, such as credit card numbers and birth dates. Depending on the practice areas served, they may even collect medical records, employment history, or proprietary business information. This makes your website a prime target for hackers who constantly seek ways to steal this information.   

When you choose Tabs3 Websites, you can rest assured that your site is hosted on a reliable platform with industry-leading, bank-grade SSL security. Your clients also benefit from a malware-resistant firewall and multiple layers of spam protection. SSAe, SOC2, and ADA compliance keep your site in good legal and ethical standing.  

2. Improve your law firm’s website ranking 

If potential clients can’t find you, they can’t contact you.   

A website that doesn’t appear on a Google search can be a major turnoff for prospects who have heard great things about your firm from referral sources and are considering working with you. It may even lead to them choosing a different attorney altogether.   

People who are just beginning their search for an attorney in their area often start with the number one search result and work their way down the list. This isn’t ideal if your site doesn’t rank on the first page of Google.   

Figuring out how to improve your website’s search engine optimization (SEO) ranking on your own is a never-ending experiment and often yields poor results if you don’t have experienced professional support. Plus, repeatedly changing your site in an effort to please the algorithm is confusing and off-putting for your current legal clients.  

Tabs3 Websites uses data-driven best practices to optimize your website for search engines so that finding your site is convenient for potential clients, with no guesswork necessary.   

3. Client and mobile-friendly website design 

Successful websites are both easy to use and visually appealing. Still, all too often, designers encourage law firms to include features that look nice but slow down load times and glitch out on mobile devices.  

When potential clients are pressed for time and seeking urgent legal help, they don’t have time to waste waiting for pictures or video to load, nor spend precious minutes (or even seconds) figuring out how to navigate your site for contact information.   

Law firm websites designed with an intuitive navigation system and clear, skimmable content stand out because they reduce stress for clients at an otherwise overwhelming time.   

That said, you don’t have to resort to dull imagery or forget about branding. Vivid visuals do a lot to create a positive impression. Tabs3 Websites strikes the right balance between form and function with high-quality photos, vibrant customization options, and a user-friendly interface that’s easy to use on any device. 

4. Legal website functionality to meet your needs 

From scheduling a consultation to paying their final bill, every interaction your clients make with your website shapes their opinion of your firm. When it comes to showing your clients that you care about their convenience, a one-size-fits-all “solution” that only includes static information won’t cut it. Your website should offer access to the resources and services your clients want most.

We work with you to determine which features suit your workflow and ideal clients best, including client intake forms, payment processing, and client portal access. From there, we work behind the scenes to make sure they flow together seamlessly.   

While many web designers consider these options to be “extras,” we consider them integral to the function of any legal practice’s website.  

5. Ready in weeks, not months  

You don’t have the time (or patience) to go back and forth between your firm and a design team over your website’s structure or minor details. And you shouldn’t have to.   

You need a team that understands how critical your website is to your clients and your workflow. Our team prioritizes efficiency to get the job done quickly. Instead of waiting months, you can receive a complete website draft within three weeks.  

6. Cost-effective website solution 

Your legal clients want a high-quality client experience, not higher prices.  

With traditional web design options, unexpected speed bumps can arise. Plus, upcharges for features that should be basic for law firms can easily cause you to exceed your budget. You may even need to recoup the cost by raising your rates.

With Tabs3 Websites, you get the service Tabs3 clients come to expect without paying extra for the features your firm requires to function at its best. 

Improve your website ranking and attract more clients with Tabs3 Websites 

If you want to ensure you’re doing all you can to maximize your web presence while maintaining compliance and security, you want a legal-specific website solution.  

That’s where Tabs3 Websites comes in. This exciting addition to the Tabs3 product line can help impress your clients, convert leads, and improve your firm’s profitability.

Schedule your free demo of Tabs3 Websites today.   

As an estate planning practice, you work with clients on emotional subjects: deciding what their legacy will be, mapping out their long-term care needs, and ensuring that their loved ones are provided for. Not only are you helping to plan for potentially difficult experiences for them and their loved ones, but the work itself also requires detailed and extensive documentation.  

As an attorney, your goal is to help your clients solve their problems and prevent friction on often-contentious subjects, not to add further confusion with poor communication or less-than-perfect documentation. You can do this by supporting your clients with the right tools in place to streamline communications and accounting.  

One of the most effective ways to elevate your practice is by integrating estate planning software tailored specifically for attorneys. This includes not only general legal practice management software but also solutions designed specifically for the intricacies of estate planning. Let’s explore why estate planning practice management software is essential for modern law firms. 

What is legal practice management software?

Legal practice management software is software designed specifically for law firms to help manage their practices more efficiently. Practice management software can range from comprehensive, all-in-one solutions to highly customized packages tailored to a law firm’s specific needs.  

Practice management software performs a number of different functions, including:  

• Contact management 

• Task and workflow management 

• Calendaring 

• Time and expense tracking 

• Reporting and analytics

Legal practice management software may also offer trust accounting, billing, payments, and client relationship management features. These features tie into the basic practice management functionalities, ensuring that information is accurate and easily accessible no matter how you’re putting it to use. 

Three reasons your firm needs estate planning practice management software

Estate planning is a unique area of law, involving a high level of client interaction, extensive documentation, and the need for precise legal advice. Here’s why estate planning software for attorneys is indispensable: 

1. Improve your client experience with better communication

Client communications are a critical component of estate planning law practices. Clients often seek legal assistance during emotionally challenging times, and estate planning practice management software can help attorneys maintain strong, organized relationships by providing tools for effective communication and data management. 

Legal client relationship management (CRM)

A strong first impression is vital to converting leads into clients. One of the best ways to make a strong first impression? Being responsive with your communication.  

A robust legal client relationship management (CRM) system within your estate planning practice management software ensures that you can track every interaction with your clients. From the initial consultation to ongoing communications, the CRM system helps you maintain a clear record of client needs, preferences, and concerns. This not only improves the client experience but also increases the likelihood of repeat business and referrals.  

For example, the CRM can automate follow-up emails, schedule reminders for key estate planning milestones, and even provide clients with updates on their case status. This level of personalized service builds trust and loyalty, which is crucial in estate planning law.  

Streamlined email management

A solid email strategy helps build long-term relationships with clients. It allows you to educate them on topics related to their needs, build rapport, and remind them of upcoming deadlines and appointments.  

That said, it can be difficult to stay on top of consistent communication for all clients without the tools to back it up.  

Practice management software is a great way to simplify email management and keep everyone on the same page. For example, PracticeMaster’s built-in email management software syncs with Outlook and allows you to add client emails to their corresponding matter. With this feature, you don’t have to go digging through hundreds of email threads to find where your last conversation left off or forward email after email to colleagues. 

2. Automate tasks to save time

Estate planning requires meticulous organization and record-keeping to ensure your client’s needs and wishes are followed correctly. If one task slips through the cracks, it can create a host of problems for both you and your clients. However, estate planning practice management functionalities can make it easier to stay organized without losing billable hours to project management work. 

Secure file-sharing and eSignature

With clients increasingly expecting digital solutions, secure file-sharing and eSignature capabilities are must-haves for any estate planning practice. These tools allow clients to sign documents and share sensitive information from anywhere, at any time, without the need for physical meetings. This not only speeds up the estate planning process but also enhances client satisfaction by providing a convenient, secure way to manage their affairs.  

Besides being user-friendly, file-sharing and eSignature tools also provide a high degree of security compared to paper documents. With bank-level security for sensitive client data, your clients will feel safe sharing their data, and you can rest assured that you’ll be protected from compliance risks. 

Document automation

Organization is vital to an effective estate planning practice, but ongoing document tracking and assembly can be a tedious and time-consuming task. When you use robust practice management software like PracticeMaster, it’s easier for legal teams to automate document assembly, importing, and sharing. PracticeMaster offers features like:  

• Document assembly: pull client information to fill forms and contracts with document assembly features, shaving hours off of traditionally tedious document assembly tasks. 

• Import documents: import documents and data. System plug-ins enable integration across Word, Excel®, Windows, Adobe® Acrobat, and more. 

• Built-in document management: track document changes, including which staff member made them. Firms can also link to documents and clients in their communications to keep everyone on the same page. 

3. Utilize accounting software that caters to your fee structure

Robust accounting features in practice management software can cater to different fee structures and simplify billing for all parties.  

Estate planning law firms in particular utilize a variety of fee arrangements to provide convenient solutions for clients. Some clients may rely on ongoing service agreements and trust accounts to secure services, while others may benefit from flat fee arrangements for more straightforward needs, such as drafting a last will and testament.  

Tabs3 Billing gives you virtually unlimited billing rate flexibility. Use attorneys’ standard rate, bill by timekeeper level (partner, associate, etc.), or create custom rates for any timekeeper for any client. You can also use contingency, split fee, flat fee, retainer, progress, and electronic task-based billing when needed.  

In addition to the features you need to create flexible billing structures, practice management software can also help you send your bills and accept payments faster, providing your firm with the tools needed to improve your cash flow. With Tabs3 Billing, your firm can:  

• Accept credit cards and online payments, and include a credit card remittance form on a bill for faster payment with Tabs3Pay 

• Print statements and email them as PDFs, one at a time or in large batches 

• Print draft statements and track which ones are still under internal review 

• Easily edit and update transactions on any bill to ensure accuracy for your clients 

Do your best work with Tabs3 Software’s full suite of legal practice management tools

Tabs3 Software is the ideal legal practice management software for estate planning law firms because it provides the tools you need to run an efficient and profitable practice. Tabs3’s powerful features can be customized to meet the precise needs of your firm, so you can spend more time focusing on the needs of your clients.  

See for yourself why Tabs3 Software has been trusted by law firms for decades and schedule a demo with us today. 

You’ve done the work. Your client is happy. Two weeks later, they get your bill. It sits on their dining table for a night, then a week, and is then buried under countless other pieces of mail. If you’re lucky, they’ll find it a month later and pay. But for many firms, accounts receivable are ultimately not received.

Getting paid for your work is essential for your firm’s ability to continue serving clients, and yet it often seems that getting paid is harder than the actual work. If you are getting fed up with this cycle, see how these four tips can help simplify your law firm’s collections to benefit your practice.

Tip #1: Start by setting expectations for the billing experience

As a practice management and legal billing software provider, we lean heavily on technology. However, no matter how much we like to think software can solve every issue, the truth is that people are what matter most in the legal sector.

Therefore, before we talk about collections, remember that every interaction you have with a client will influence the impression they have of you. Considering how vital referrals can be in the legal sector, it’s critical that your firm’s billing experience doesn’t alienate a client who could send business your way in the future. And while collections isn’t any client’s favorite topic, it is an opportunity to establish a strong relationship with them. So, take the time to set expectations upfront. Be sure to explain:

• How your rates are calculated
• How and when the client’s invoice(s) will be delivered
• What your client’s payment options are

Naturally, how this is communicated matters. Your clients could be going through an incredibly painful period in their lives. Communicate your billing practices clearly and concisely, and let your clients know how they can reach you if they have questions about your billing.

Finally, give them an opportunity to ask questions about your billing process. If a client is concerned about whether they’ll be able to pay, having that discussion can help them understand what they should do before starting. Building this foundation of clarity, transparency, and trust early can improve both your collections as well as your ability to work with the client.

Tip #2: Review your collection policies, procedures, and reporting practices

Consistency makes billing and collections easier, both for clients and your firm’s internal team. For example, when is a bill sent? When is a follow-up reminder sent? When is a client’s balance written off, and how is that squared in your books? Having a consistent approach to these situations makes it easier to automate, increasing your firm’s ability to collect and eliminating opportunities for client frustration.

Many firms don’t have these collections policies in place, and those that do often implement them inconsistently. This leads to two common outcomes:

1. Clients are billed, followed up with, or written down or off, but this isn’t clearly communicated internally. When this happens regularly, it can leave your accounts receivable in a confused state, putting your firm’s cash flow at risk.
2. Clients don’t know what to expect and, therefore, have a poor experience when they finally do receive your invoice. This can leave clients on a sour note, impacting their likelihood of being promoters of your firm.

Take the time to review your collections policies, procedures, and reporting practices. Doing so can improve your internal and external communications, make your teams more efficient, leave clients happier, and remove ambiguity from the billing process.

Tip #3: Provide clear and timely statements

We started by saying that one of the most important parts of billing is setting expectations, and we stand by that. Clients are more likely to pay when their service is recent and they know what’s coming. Alternatively, if your clients are surprised by a bill or there’s been a lapse between their service and your invoice, it’s almost always harder for your firm to collect. That means more time spent following up and less time on what drives your firm forward. Providing clients with easily-understood invoices promptly after their service is crucial to maintaining a predictable revenue cycle.

How can you do it? Dozens of ways. If you use a customer relationship management platform, you can enter notes and reminders there and add notifications letting you know when to bill. Then, you can execute those tasks in your accounting platform. You can then set a reminder for when to follow up. You can repeat this process until you’re able to collect. 

Tabs3 can help you quickly manage billing, follow-ups, and the rest of your firm’s collection needs. From sending invoices by email immediately after service to writing off client balances, Tabs3 helps your firm administrators accurately and efficiently enter billable hours, leaving them with more time for the work that drives your law firm forward.

Tip #4: Make it easy for clients to pay

The use of checks and cash is declining, and with so many forms of cashless payment available, each client may have different preferences for how they pay. Therefore, we recommend you avoid forcing a single payment method on your clients. For example, some clients may not have a PayPal account set up, so having your default payment method as PayPal may create enough friction to delay or prevent your collection.

Instead, offer as many payment options as you can. That way, clients can pick whatever they’re most comfortable with. Done manually, offering multiple payment options can be tedious, but it doesn’t need to be. Tabs3Pay allows you to share a single payment link in your emailed bills, letting clients pay securely as soon as they get your message.

Increase your connections to increase your collections

There are dozens of reasons a client might not pay their bill on time. They may have forgotten it, ignored it, or not understood it. No matter what the reason is, it can be prevented with quality communication upfront and a prompt, user-friendly billing process after. 

While you focus on setting expectations, lean on Tabs3 to simplify your billing process so your firm’s administrators can manage their time, not collections.

To learn more about how Tabs3 can help you bill better, schedule a demo today!

Your law firm’s website is the digital first impression you give potential clients (no pressure). However, it isn’t just a simple online brochure. It’s an important space where you can communicate your expertise, establish a strong sense of trust, and convert leads into paying clients.

But for many firms, creating or updating a website feels easier said than done.

A lack of experience and finding the time to maintain relevant content makes the process nothing short of overwhelming. After all, you’re likely already stretched thin by your demanding schedule. It’s no wonder you’ve put your online presence on the backburner.

Yet, improving your website in preparation for the new year could give your firm the boost it needs to grow.

Why many law firm websites simply fall short

There are a number of reasons why your outdated website may be missing the mark. They include:

1. Lack of time to focus on updates

Attorneys and legal professionals already juggle crammed schedules. It can feel impossible to dedicate countless hours to:

• Website planning
• Revisions
• Ongoing management

And for solo practitioners or small firms, this time crunch is even more stressful.

2. Content that doesn’t resonate

Many law firm websites end up looking generic or too formal, which can drive away potential clients. Creating content that speaks to client needs and shows your firm’s personality requires some serious thought—and time that most firms just don’t have.

3. Difficulty keeping up with new technology

Today’s clients expect mobile-friendly websites, fast load times, and safe client portals. Firms relying on outdated technology risk frustrating their potential leads or losing them altogether.

4. Challenges with SEO and visibility

Even a fantastic website won’t generate leads if it doesn’t show up in search results. Unfortunately, many legal professionals don’t have the resources or expertise to optimize their sites for search engines, which can greatly limit their ability to attract new clients.

5. Tools and processes aren’t in alignment

When websites aren’t integrated with the tools your firm uses (in particular, your legal client relationship management software) keeping up with leads and inquiries turns into a manual and time-consuming process.

Your CRM isn’t the only software that benefits from integrating with your website. Incorporating your payment platform onto your site via secure online payment links can increase your cash flow and decrease the amount of administrative time you spend dealing with payment issues.

You can make your website work harder

If you’ve established that your website needs some fine-tuning, you need a good strategy to stand out among competitors. Here are a few site elements you want to deliver on:

1. User-friendly design

Organize your content into thoughtful sections, like:

• Practice area pages
• Attorney bios
• FAQ sections

They should be easy to find and explore.

2. Clear calls to action

Every page should guide visitors toward taking that next step, whether that’s scheduling a consultation or filling out a simple contact form.

3. Speed and accessibility

Fast load times and mobile compatibility improve user experience. Make sure your site functions smoothly regardless of the device being used.

4. Fresh and updated content

Regularly update your blog, practice area pages, and FAQ sections to reflect changes in the law or your firm’s services. Outdated information can be misleading and cause unnecessary confusion.

A modern website is a powerful growth tool for your law firm

A new website can make all the difference for your firm, offering benefits like:

1. Keeping you credible

Clients are more likely to trust a firm with a polished, professional online presence. An excellent site design communicates your competence before a potential client ever even walks through the door. Remember, first impressions are everything.

2. Improving lead generation

Lead generation is what keeps you in business. Convert casual visitors into leads that want to be represented by you by using:

• Easy-to-find contact forms
• Crystal clear calls to action
• Client-centric content

3. Boosting your efficiency

Modern websites usually come with tools to streamline processes, from appointment scheduling to payment collection. By automating these tasks, you and your staff can focus on what you’re good at, which is practicing law and serving clients.

How Tabs3 Websites can help

While you likely understand just how important having a professional website is, it’s a lengthy process and huge time investment to create a new one. Tabs3 Websites bridges the gap between what your law firm needs and the challenges it faces in building a strong online presence. We make your life easier by:

A rapid development process

The team at Tabs3 understands that attorneys didn’t go to law school to build websites. We use a streamlined, no-nonsense approach so your site is up and running quickly and you can focus on your work. Your website will be ready in weeks, not months.

Custom templates designed specifically for law firms

Our templates are legal-specific, with layouts that highlight your specific practice areas, attorney bios, and testimonials. Every page will reflect the unique strengths of your firm.

A design mobile loves

Your clients are likely browsing your website and its features through their phones. A Tabs3 website makes sure your site looks professional and functions seamlessly across devices so every visitor has an experience they enjoy.

SEO tools so you stick out

We optimize your website for search engines so it ranks high in local searches for applicable legal services to attract potential clients. You won’t need to worry about learning complicated SEO techniques; we have you covered.

Secure client portals and compliant hosting

You’re handing sensitive client information every day. Privacy matters most in the legal sector, which is why Tabs3 Websites comes with powerful security features built into all aspects of your site, including:

• Bank-grade SSL security
• Strong spam protection
• A sturdy firewall against cyber-attacks
• Regular backups

Integrated practice management tools

Tabs3 websites connect directly to your Tabs3 practice management software to make lead tracking, payment collection, and client communication easy-breezy.

Easy content updates

With our simple content management system, you can quickly update pages or add new ones without needing to be a technical genius.

We also keep you in the loop with how your website is performing. Quarterly updates from the Tabs3 team keep your site not only relevant, but attractive to search engines.

Law firm web design made simple

If you want to improve your web presence without overspending and over-complication, our team at Tabs3 Websites can offer you the quick-turnaround you need. We’ll strategically design an SEO optimized, legal-specific website for your firm that easily attracts and engages with your ideal client base. We also offer safe, compliant hosting and features your clients expect, like a secure client portal.

Have questions or want to learn more? Schedule a demo today.

Law firms are increasingly turning to technology to streamline their operations, enhance efficiency, and better manage their workflows. The adoption of legal practice management software is at the forefront of this transformation, offering a comprehensive solution for law firm workflow management.   

Here, we will explore the pivotal role that legal practice management software plays in optimizing law firm workflows and highlight the efficiencies and game-changing advantages it brings to the table. 

Introduction to law firm workflow management

In the competitive legal market, the efficiency of your law firm’s workflow can be the difference between success and stagnation. An astounding 73% of businesses have identified ease of use, simple integrations, and reliability as the most crucial factors in selecting practice management software. However, the same percentage also believes that available solutions are lacking in one or more of these areas, posing a significant challenge for law firms aiming to enhance their workflow management.  

Are your legal workflows optimized, or are they being hindered by inefficient practice management tools and techniques? If you find your firm’s productivity faltering, it might be time to reevaluate your workflow management strategies and the tools you rely on. 

The critical need for efficient law firm workflow management

Effective workflow management is essential for any law firm looking to maintain a competitive edge. It involves optimizing the processes through which work is done, from client intake to billing, ensuring that every task is completed as efficiently and accurately as possible. A well-managed workflow not only boosts productivity but also enhances client satisfaction and improves the firm’s bottom line. 

The purpose of legal practice management software in workflow management

When you decided to invest in legal practice management software to streamline processes at your law firm, did you do any pre-planning? Many partners skip this essential step, never taking the time to consider which tasks attorneys need support with to improve workflow efficiency.  

“Practice management” is a phrase that can encompass a wide range of day-to-day operational tasks at your law firm. Without carefully auditing attorneys’ existing legal workflows, you risk inadvertently investing in a “solution” that lacks the document management, matter management, or project management tools you need.  

Investing in additional software to fill the gap might seem like a suitable compromise, but before you know it, your new “productivity-boosting” tech stack could decrease your law firm’s efficiency.  

If you’re staring at a laundry list of suites designed to “simplify” legal workflows but experiencing lower law firm efficiency than before you started, consider this:  

The purpose of legal practice management software is to manage your entire practice from one convenient, time-saving software interface.  

Your legal practice management software should empower you to complete all of your daily tasks without jumping between software, including:  

• Assigning due dates 

• Onboarding new clients and matters 

• Tracking matter progress 

• Coordinating clearly with legal staff 

• Organizing and searching matter files and tasks by status, attorney, due date, and more 

• Clearly visualizing the week and month ahead in an attorney-friendly calendar

If your legal practice management software lacks these capabilities, it doesn’t streamline processes. 

Key features of legal practice management software for enhanced workflow efficiency

Efficient law firm workflow management hinges on leveraging the right set of tools. Below, we explore the key features of legal practice management software that are essential for enhancing workflow management. These features not only streamline daily operations but also ensure that your law firm can meet its productivity and client service goals with ease. Whether it’s managing legal matters, optimizing document handling, or improving communication across your team, these functionalities are designed to address the unique challenges faced by legal professionals today. 

1. Matter management tools make finding critical information easy

Matter management tools create a control center for your law firm, where you can streamline processes by organizing and managing multiple legal matters on a single screen. Accessing this type of “control center” from anywhere empowers your team to collaborate and manage deadlines more effectively.  

When emails, fees, documents, appointments, phone records, and notes are just one click away, law firm efficiency skyrockets. 

2. Document management is more dependable

Even the best project management software in the world can’t make up for poor document management. Look for legal practice management software that streamlines legal workflows with built-in document management.  

Being able to track when changes were made to a document, as well as which staff member made them, is a game-changer when attorneys collaborate on a single client matter. Likewise, linking to documents or client matters makes communication between attorneys clearer and more informative. 

3. Attorney-friendly calendars streamline legal workflows

Save the paper planner for personal events. Any legal practice management software worth investing in should include an attorney-friendly calendar that syncs with Outlook, so you never miss an event.  

Whether you want to view everyone’s appointments on a single screen or just the events related to a specific matter or client, utilizing color coding and other organizational features make it possible.  

Legal project management features do more than make your calendar easier to read, though. Scheduling should also be a snap, so you can spend less time planning your work and more time completing it. Look for project management features that enable you to schedule single or recurring tasks and appointments for individuals, groups, or the entire firm.  

The best software for law firms should also include calendar plan templates, which allow you to schedule a series of events from one kick-off date. For example, the tasks you complete for every new matter (collection, follow-up, etc.) should automatically be added to your calendar when you onboard a new client.  

Double-booking alerts and optional task reminders can also improve workflow efficiency by keeping legal staff on task. 

4. Simple searches speed up checking for conflicts of interest

Rather than digging through piles of paper or sifting through spreadsheets for hours, instantly see conflicts of interest between potential clients and anyone in your firm. A reputable legal practice management software with robust document management and matter management tools should simplify checking for conflicts of interest to improve law firm efficiency.  

Search through legal documents, emails, attachments, and other files quickly and accurately with phrase matching, phonetic checks, and other flexible features. 

5. Email management supports document management

In the era of digital communication, email management is just as essential as document management. With legal practice management software that integrates with your email, it’s easy to track and bill time spent reading and drafting client emails.  

The most robust legal practice management software can also automatically upload attachments from clients’ emails, filing them conveniently within your document management system for later review. 

6. Track time for multiple clients with ease

If your law firm bills by the hour, time tracking is one of the most essential project management investments you can make. Billable hours are lost when attorneys fail to track the time spent on calls, emails, research, document assembly, and more—yet entering time while on the go is inconvenient without the right mobile-friendly software to support legal workflows.  

The right legal practice management software will allow you to track time for various client matters with the click of a button, whether you’re using your phone, tablet, or laptop. 

7. Billing is better with legal practice management software

Accurate, streamlined billing is more than a law firm efficiency issue. It’s critical to your bottom line. Because there’s no need to click through multiple websites and apps to get the job done, project management tools streamline the process of tracking time, invoicing, sending invoices, and managing trust accounts.  

In addition, industry-specific software keeps clients’ sensitive information more secure with features that restrict users’ abilities to edit, view, or delete client and matter billing information. 

Boost law firm workflow management with PracticeMaster

You could spend hours searching for comprehensive legal practice management software, but you shouldn’t have to. PracticeMaster encompasses all of these efficiency-boosting software functionalities and more.  

Tabs3 Software has created industry-leading legal software products for over 40 years, so you can trust that every PracticeMaster feature has been expertly developed to directly support legal workflows and boost law firm efficiency.  

Ready to see the difference that a more organized, more productive approach to project management can make for your law firm’s bottom line and overall client satisfaction?  

Schedule a demo today. 

As Thanksgiving approaches, families and friends throughout the country gather around the table to give thanks.

Your law firm should consider doing the same for your clients. No, you don’t have to send your clients pumpkin pie, but there are other ways to show them you value their business. Client appreciation in the legal industry is critical to maintaining healthy relationships; 74% of consumers tie loyalty more closely to appreciation than to a discount.

While considering year-end strategies to boost client relationships, your law firm can harness Tabs3 to show clients why you’re grateful for them.

Best practices for leveraging technology for client appreciation

Seventy-seven percent of legal professionals say that technology is important for their practice. The same tools you use daily to manage your clients, like client relationship management (CRM) software and client portals, can be implemented to show your appreciation. Tabs3 recommends these best practices to implement technology for client appreciation:

1. Use Tabs3 CRM for personalized communication

You may be familiar with utilizing Tabs3 CRM to nurture leads through the client intake funnel. You can also use these same tools to stay top-of-mind with current clients. Draft thank-you text messages or emails to clients that emphasize how grateful you are that they continue to work with your law firm. Personalize these messages by highlighting successes or wins you’ve helped them achieve.

Example message:
As the year wraps up, we just wanted to say thank you for trusting us with your breach of contract case earlier this year. We’re really proud of the settlement we secured for you and are pleased we could help protect your business. 

If you ever need legal support again, we’re here for you. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season and looking forward to working together in the future!

These emails can be tracked through Tabs3 CRM, to ensure you don’t overlook a single client. Alternatively, you can check past years’ emails to double-check that messaging doesn’t repeat from year to year.

2. Engage clients throughout the year

Setting up email drip campaigns and regular updates helps you stay relevant with potential clients year-round. With Tabs3 CRM, your team can create customized newsletter content with email templates. The focus on your newsletter can vary, but some ideas include:

• Educational content that highlights your specialties and practice areas
• Client reviews that showcase the excellent work you’ve completed
• Photos from events or speaking opportunities your lawyers may have participated in

Hit every preference in your target market with regular text message updates as well. The best part? The Legal CRM follows industry standards for text messaging, so your firm remains compliant. These features keep your firm compliant while giving clients control over their communications with you. This level of transparency fosters trust and strengthens your client relationships.

3. Build long-term relationships

Firms that actively engage with their current clients can earn 20 to 30% of their yearly revenue from them. Building long-term relationships allows your firm to maintain a consistent cash flow and minimize time on client acquisition.

Features within Tabs3 can help you put your clients’ needs first. For example, in your firm’s CRM, you can note preferences such as whether clients prefer text messages, emails, or phone calls. Then, you can review their account history to track open rates, response rates, and other metrics that allow you to assess how effective those methods actually are.

Soliciting direct feedback is also an important step, allowing you to better understand your clients needs for services and communication. Tabs3 makes this easy with automated post-service survey and review requests that give clients the opportunity to share their thoughts.

4. Measure the impact of client appreciation efforts

Data-driven decision-making is key to winning over clients.

Tabs3 software analytics offers robust reporting features so you can track client appreciation efforts and adjust tactics as necessary. The customizable dashboards come with 50 reports to glean relevant information from your data and track your key performance indicators (KPIs) in a handful of clicks.

For example, you can track referral rates from clients. If referrals are higher from certain clients, consider targeting them for additional appreciation efforts like exclusive invitations to events or special recognition.

Tabs3’s reporting tools can help you generate monthly or quarterly reports on client appreciation activities. Then, use this data to set specific goals—such as increasing referrals by 10% or boosting client retention by 15%—and continuously refine your appreciation strategies to meet those goals.

Beyond digital: traditional ways to show appreciation

While technology can and should be used in client appreciation efforts, there are tried-and-true methods that have always worked in the past. On top of incorporating software like Tabs3 into your regular workflows, consider trying one of the following to show appreciation as well.

Send personalized thank-you notes

The average office worker receives 97 emails per day, while the average household receives ten pieces of personal mail annually. With so few personal letters received every year, that one will certainly make your firm stand out amongst competitors.

Hold client appreciation events or seminars

“Free” is everyone’s favorite word. Show your clients how much you value them through exciting events or helpful legal seminars that offer insight into issues they may be having. Some ideas to consider include:

• Exclusive dinners at upscale restaurants for valuable clients
• Networking events where clients and potential clients can meet your team
• An educational workshop that offers insights into your practice areas and solves problems for clients

Give thanks to your clients this year with help from Tabs3

Client appreciation boosts client loyalty, making them much more likely to refer you to friends, family, and colleagues who may need legal services. Tabs3 integrates all aspects of client management, from communication to billing to payments, creating a seamless appreciation strategy.

Let our team show you how you can implement Tabs3 to streamline client appreciation and schedule a demo today.

When you work in the field of family law, you often work with clients who are experiencing difficult moments in their lives, working through life-changing problems such as divorce and child custody disputes. From splitting shared property or child custody to determining whether alimony is needed or how much child support is owed, navigating these matters can be an emotionally draining time.

As an attorney, your goal is to help your clients solve their problems, not add to their challenges by being disorganized or slow to respond. Support your clients by keeping things running smoothly with the right tools.

The best place to start? Choosing the right family law practice management software.

What is legal practice management software?

Legal practice management software is a type of software solution designed to help law firms manage their practices efficiently and profitably. Practice management software can range from providing all-in-one solutions to customizable packages designed for a law firm’s unique needs.

Functions typically included in practice management software include:

• Task and workflow management
• Contact management
• Calendars
• Time and expense tracking
• Reporting and analytics

Legal practice management providers may also offer billing, payments, trust accounting, and client relationship management features either as part of the package or as add-ons.

5 reasons why your firm needs family law practice management software

Because family law matters can be complex and time-sensitive, staying organized is a challenge. With the right family law software, your firm can streamline operations and enhance client satisfaction.

Consider the following five ways your family law firm can benefit from legal practice management software.

1.   Create repeatable workflows to provide a better client experience

Family law matters can move quickly. If you’re relying on inefficient workflows, it can damage the client experience. Missing a filing deadline, responding slowly to a client in crisis, and depending on inconvenient processes can all lead to subpar legal results, damage client trust, and impede your family law firm’s growth.

Family law practice management software can mitigate these problems by helping you create workflows that work better for your firm and your clients alike.

2.   Stay ahead of the curve with built-in calendars

Staying on track with deadlines and schedules is vital for your family law practice, but you need more than a pen-and-paper calendar or an industry-agnostic calendar. To maximize your time and energy, look for family law practice management software with an integrated calendar management system that syncs with your email and allows you to create firm-wide calendars. Other valuable uses of practice management calendaring tools include:

• Setting up recurring reminders for regular meetings and color coding events by staff member, activity, or matter type
• Applying federal, state, county, or even jurisdiction-specific criteria to reminders and due dates
• Implementing customizable security settings that determine which employees see appointments for certain attorneys and/or clients

 3.   Manage tasks more efficiently

While the calendar in your practice management software gives you a big-picture view of your schedule, a task management system helps you manage your day-to-day work. With the right family law software, you can establish repeatable workflows, delegate tasks, and communicate progress on matters. The beauty of task management tools is that they help you better collaborate with other attorneys and legal staff to ensure no one falls behind on important client work.

Your task management tools also help you provide a strong client experience. Task management enhances visibility as to matter progress, which means that your team can better answer client questions and provide updates. No more shuffling through notes or documents to figure out the status of a client’s case.

Automate tasks and save time

Speaking of workflows, there are few things more tedious than endlessly building and rebuilding tasks. Thankfully, this is a problem that practice management software can resolve for you. For example, within PracticeMaster, you can use the WorkFlows function to automatically start tasks and send reminders after an action is taken, including:

• Starting emails
• Adding appointments
• Assembling documents
• Displaying messages
• Running reports
• Launching other PracticeMaster features
• Launching other software programs

Not only does this save your team time, but automation leads to fewer errors and creates consistency in assignments.

 4.   Support better billing processes

When it comes to supporting profitability, your family law practice management software plays a significant role. Not only does maximizing productivity impact your billable hours, but it also helps you bill more efficiently when you:

• Implement robust time and expense tracking processes
• Convert activity into fees for billing
• Track the status of clients’ bills with matter management dashboards
• Access in-depth financial reports
• And more

5.   Improve the client experience with better communication and greater convenience

When a client is dealing with a family law matter, they want their lives to become less complicated, not more complicated. With family law practice management software at your disposal, your law firm can do a great deal to simplify complex legal matters.

Email management

Communicating with clients is essential for family law firms, and a big part of communicating with clients is managing your emails effectively.

Good client email practices start with using an email management system that helps you stay organized. For example, PracticeMaster’s built-in email management software syncs with Outlook and allows you to add client emails to their corresponding matter. With this feature, you don’t have to go digging through hundreds of email threads to find where your last conversation left off.

Secure file-sharing and eSignature

Family law matters are time-sensitive. It’s vital to get signatures and send information as quickly as possible. Secure file-sharing and eSignature tools expedite the process by removing the need to print, mail, and return documents. Clients can sign a contract or scan and send documents from their smartphone, removing added hassle.

Besides being incredibly user-friendly, file-sharing and eSignature tools provide a higher degree of security than paper versions. With bank-level security for sensitive client data, your clients will feel safer sharing their data and you can rest assured that you’ll be protected from compliance risks.

Do your best work with Tabs3 Software’s full suite of legal practice management tools

There are lots of family law practice management software options out there, but Tabs3 stands out because it provides everything a law firm needs to run an efficient and profitable practice. Tabs3’s powerful features can be customized to meet the precise needs of your family law firm.

See for yourself why Tabs3 Software has been trusted by law firms for decades, and schedule a demo with us today.

Law firms understand the importance of a website. After all, 87% of legal practices have one. A website acts as your law firm’s calling card on the internet, where people can find your services by searching relevant keywords on Google.

But just having a website isn’t enough. An outdated or non-user-friendly website can be one of the biggest hurdles to lead generation. There are lots of ways a website can scare off potential clients.

Scare factor #1: Outdated design

Your law firm has one chance at a first impression.

Think about your website the same way as you dress for meetings. You wouldn’t attend a motion hearing in casual attire, so you shouldn’t expect your website to be casual either.

In addition, an outdated design can make your team look unprofessional. Your prospective clients may question if you’re capable of paying attention to details or able to meet deadlines.

The solution: A website should have a professional design that impresses the user upon arrival. Include high-quality photography, branding that reflects your firm, and sufficient spacing to make the content easier to comprehend.

It’s also important that your site reflects the unique needs and expectations of the legal industry. Working with a legal-specific provider, like Tabs3 Websites, can ensure your site meets the brief.

Scare factor #2: Poor mobile responsiveness

Over 60% of website traffic comes from mobile devices. In today’s digital landscape, every website must work as well on mobile as it does on desktop.

After a long workday, potential clients don’t want to spend more time on a computer to try and solve their legal problems. They’re far more likely to look for legal services while scrolling their phone from the couch.

If you don’t take this into account, you may end up with a website that looks great on desktop but isn’t sufficiently responsive for mobile. This might include:

• Slow loading times
• Difficult navigation
• Clunky mobile forms
• Clumsy touch input
• Frustrating mobile popups
• Hard-to-read fonts

And these nonresponsive sites will frustrate users, causing them to leave your website for a competitor. What’s more, this can lead to poor bounce and/or conversion rates, which can directly impact your website’s search engine rankings.

The solution: The first step to a better mobile experience is to thoroughly test out your website and content across desktop and mobile devices. Tools like Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test can help you identify and fix issues.

Scare factor #3: Confusing and outdated content

Many clients will want detailed information about your law firm and its services, but they don’t speak legalese. Confusing content deters clients from reaching out because they don’t understand your services.

Confusing content is only half the problem; outdated content on a website can make your firm appear inactive or unreliable. If you only have listed awards from 2014, a potential client may wonder what happened in the last decade to the quality of your services. Plus, the less often you update your content, the lower your firm will rank on Google’s search engine results.

The solution: Explain your services using clear, straightforward language that’s easy for clients to understand.

Break your content into separate pages for each practice area, ensuring potential clients can quickly find relevant information. Regularly update your blog with posts that address common legal concerns.

Scare factor #4: Poor user experience

A website with poor user experience (UX) can frustrate visitors and drive potential clients away. Without thoughtful UX design, your site may feel clunky, making it harder for users to navigate and find key information. Common UX issues include:

• Unclear or hidden calls-to-action (CTAs): If users can’t easily find buttons like “Contact Us” or “Schedule a Consultation,” they may not reach out
• Confusing menus: A disorganized menu makes it difficult for users to navigate and find what they need
• No search functionality: Without a search bar, visitors struggle to locate specific information, leading to frustration
• Lack of visual hierarchy: If your content isn’t organized by importance, users may feel overwhelmed by information or miss critical details

The solution: Collaborate with a UX expert to simplify and enhance your website’s design. Focus on intuitive navigation with clearly labeled menus, a clean layout, and CTAs like “Schedule a Consultation” or “Contact Us” that are easy to locate.

Keep forms short to avoid overwhelming users and use a logical content hierarchy with clear headings and subheadings to break up text. Regularly review site analytics to identify areas of improvement and remove any potential barriers to a smooth user experience.

Scare factor #5: Lack of Search Engine Optimization

You could have a professional, clean website design, but if no search engine optimization (SEO) is completed, no one will find you.

Some SEO best practices that your law firm needs to follow include:

• Keyword research and implementation into blog posts and content pages
• Technical SEO such as a logical site structure, mobile responsiveness, and submitting extensible markup language (XML) sitemaps to search engines
• On-page optimization such as descriptive alternative (alt) text, meta descriptions, and proper heading structure
• Local SEO such as a Google My Business listing, managing client reviews, and citations from legal directories and local business listings

The Solution: Make sure your site includes keywords specific to your practice areas. Focus on implementing keywords naturally into your content without overstuffing. It’s also necessary to review your site’s technical SEO, checking for image sizes, redirects, server response time, and more.

For local SEO, make sure your firm is listed on Google My Business, and regularly manage your online reviews and citations. By consistently optimizing these elements, your law firm can increase its visibility to potential clients searching for legal services.

Scare factor #6: Absence of client engagement tools

A potential client shouldn’t just be able to look at your website, you should encourage them to be a part of it.

Client convenience tools increase engagement, through filling out a form for potential clients or accessing important documents and making online payments for current ones. When these tools aren’t active on your website, it creates more administrative burden for your team and you miss the chance to make your client’s life easier.

The solution: When you integrate client convenience tools on your website, you save administrative time while providing a better experience for your client. Tools to consider integrating include:

• Logic-based intake forms to gather relevant information ahead of client consultations. These can also help weed out potential clients who aren’t the right fit for your services.
• Legal client-relationship management tools to nurture leads and improve communication.
• Secure client portals for easy information sharing and messaging.
• Online payment to help clients manage billing and pay bills faster.

The right client engagement tools don’t just integrate with your website; they should also integrate with your legal practice management system. A comprehensive integrated solution reduces administrative burden, ensures greater data accuracy, and allows you to deliver better client services.

Make your website user-friendly with a modern design from Tabs3 Websites

By addressing these common website pitfalls, you’ll improve both user experience and search engine rankings.

Get started today by reaching out to schedule a demo and see how Tabs3 Websites can help you create a modern, professional online presence that attracts and retains clients.

In today’s digital age, law firms face unprecedented challenges in cybersecurity, managing vast amounts of sensitive data that attract cyber criminals. The consequences of a breach extend beyond data loss, potentially undermining a firm’s reputation, eroding client trust, and leading to severe regulatory penalties. Cybersecurity is not merely a technical requirement but a core component of a law firm’s ethical duty to protect client information, intertwining legal liabilities with ethical obligations.  

According to the American Bar Association (ABA)’s 2023 Cybersecurity TechReport, 29% of respondents reported a law firm breach at some point. With the vast amount of sensitive, valuable information involved in the day-to-day tasks of legal work, it’s no surprise that law firms and their legal technology are a common target for hackers.  

Therefore, law firms must adopt a proactive security stance. This approach involves advanced technological defenses and promoting a culture of security awareness throughout your organization. By exploring the multifaceted aspects of cybersecurity challenges and offering actionable strategies, this guide aims to equip law firms with the knowledge to enhance their defenses and prepare for future threats in the evolving cyber landscape. 

The importance of cybersecurity for law firms 

The necessity for stringent cybersecurity measures within law firms cannot be overstated. The data managed by law firms—from personal client details and confidential business information to sensitive legal documents—is inherently valuable, making it imperative that firms maintain robust security protocols to safeguard this information. Cybersecurity attacks can result in compromised communications, loss of access to essential information, data leaks, loss of trust in your law firm, and even malpractice claims.  

These attacks don’t just impact your law firm, though. They also put your clients at risk. As a lawyer, you have ethical and legal obligations to protect your clients’ information. As stated in ABA Rule 1.6: Confidentiality of Information, “a lawyer shall make reasonable efforts to prevent the inadvertent or unauthorized disclosure of, or unauthorized access to, information relating to the representation of a client.”  

Additionally, three ABA formal opinions you should be familiar with include:  

• ABA Formal Opinion 477R: Securing Communication of Protected Client Information 

• ABA Formal Opinion 483: Lawyers’ Obligations After an Electronic Data Breach or Cyberattack 

• ABA Formal Opinion 498: Virtual Practice

Even in the event of a cyberattack, you, as a lawyer, can be held responsible for any privacy breach that affects your clients.

1. Be cautious with emails 

Emails are common targets for phishing scams. Some common traits of phishing include:  

• Offers or statements that are too good to be true 

• Odd requests with a sense of urgency 

• Hyperlinks 

• Attachments that are unexpected or don’t seem to make sense

If you receive an out-of-character email from a colleague or client, check the email address to see if it’s legitimate. If you’re unsure about a link, hover over the link to see where it goes, and if it’s a popular site, be sure to check that everything is spelled correctly. If you find an email to be suspicious, it never hurts to get a second opinion or confirm with the sender through another form of communication.

2. Invest in a secure mobile solution 

If you’re working remotely, you’ll likely rely heavily on mobile devices like your smartphone or tablet. 

Although these devices provide a convenient way of staying connected to the office, they can also be a major security risk. Remote work, in general, increases the likelihood of a cyber attack, with approximately 20% of organizations experiencing a breach due to the actions of a remote worker.  

Fortunately, you can prevent your firm from contributing to this statistic by leveraging a platform that provides mobile and cloud access to your organizational data.  

A mobile-friendly legal software application helps you safely access your data from your server without copying files onto your personal mobile device. When you log out, the connection is severed, and your device is no longer an access point for confidential client information. 

3. Browse safely 

Whether it’s a pop-up, fake site, or questionable link, one wrong click can harm your device in a matter of seconds. When you’re working online, there are a few steps you can take to avoid compromising your data or device.  

For example, make sure you’re using Google Chrome as your default browser to access your preferred legal journal. This will allow you to add privacy extensions to block activity such as spying ads and hidden trackers.  

It’s especially important to browse safely when you’re working remotely. If you’re away from your secure workplace network, use a virtual private network (VPN) to hide your IP address and keep your browsing activity from being tracked. This is crucial when accessing legal documents or transmitting client information. 

4. Make sure your practice management software uses SSL 

Financial institutions and other entities that manage critical data use a Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to encrypt data between browsers, devices, and websites. This encryption security protocol can also create a secure connection between two servers.  

Using practice management software with SSL allows you to create an encrypted connection between your mobile devices and your server. With an SSL in place, you can confidently access confidential client documents and check off important tasks no matter where you’re working from.  

That said, if you’re using any software that isn’t integrated with the practice management solution, those files won’t be encrypted and may still be susceptible to cyber crimes.  

To limit your vulnerability to malicious digital activities, consider using a fully integrated practice management solution for your law firm. For instance, Tabs3 Software can support a wide range of core functions, including accounting, client relationship management (CRM), and more. 

5. Use secure passwords 

How many online accounts do you log in to regularly? Ideally, each of these accounts should have its own unique password. If your accounts share the same password, remember that one compromised account likely means multiple compromised accounts.  

In addition to having strong, unique passwords, you should change them regularly to keep them hack-proof. It’s also a good idea to enable two-factor authentication, which adds an additional layer of security to your accounts.  

If you’re concerned about being locked out of your own accounts, consider implementing a password management tool such as 1Password or LastPass to keep your passwords safe, secure, and all in one place.  

You’ll also want to train everyone at your law firm, from paralegals to partners, on how to create secure passwords and remind them of the dangers of sharing or reusing passwords. 

6. Verify that your data is encrypted 

Encrypting data involves encoding it using a digital key. Ideally, only individuals with access to the key will be able to unencrypt the data and access the underlying information. However, although an SSL encrypts data while it’s being shared between a server and device, your information may still be vulnerable while “at rest.”  

To maximize data security, you need a practice management solution that encrypts data at rest and in transit, which reduces data vulnerability and improves your cybersecurity stance. 

7. Prepare an incident response plan 

According to the ABA’s 2023 Cybersecurity TechReport, only 34% of respondents said their firm has an incident response plan (IRP). While implementing an IRP can be expensive and time-consuming, the aftermath of a cyberattack or data breach can be far more costly.  

Your IRP should include provisions for cybersecurity issues and natural disasters alike. This plan should outline specific steps to take in the event of different types of cyber incidents, identify roles and responsibilities within the firm for dealing with such incidents, and include communication strategies for notifying affected clients and complying with legal obligations. Regular drills and updates to the IRP can help ensure that the firm is always prepared to act swiftly and minimize the damage from cyberattacks. 

8. Leverage access restriction tools 

While fellow attorneys, legal staff, and even your clients may need access to different files, global access can put your law firm in a risky position. A safer strategy for access is creating a protocol for access restrictions.  

When setting up user profiles, you can implement access restriction rules, which govern what documents users can view, enter, edit, delete, or share. Use access profiles to keep sensitive information secure, prevent accidental deletions, and maintain the integrity of your database.  

It’s vital to use software that supports access restrictions. For example, PracticeMaster is an extremely versatile practice management solution that you can use to grant or restrict editing access down to specific fields.  

For instance, you might grant a support team member the ability to view important files but only allow them to edit basic data like appointment dates, client phone numbers, etc. This functionality guarantees sensitive information remains accessible only to those who need it. 

9.  Back up your data 

You likely have access to a fast, reliable internet connection and a robust Wi-Fi network when you’re in the office. When you’re working outside of the office, though, the quality and availability of your connection can vary greatly.  

You need a way to back up your data while you work that allows you to continuously save your work as you make changes, input new client information, prepare documents, or perform other mission-critical tasks. With a robust tool for backing up your data, you can rest assured that your data can be salvaged even if your device is stolen or damaged. 

10. Use auto-recovery tools 

Auto-recovery tools can protect your data from damage caused by lost network connections or power outages. This allows you to work confidently without worrying about sudden disruptions to your connection. 

11. Take advantage of eSignature and secure file-sharing tools 

Exchanging files and obtaining signatures is a staple of law firm work. But what happens when you need to share files with an outside entity while you’re not in the office?  

Using a standard email account exposes you to undue liability and can lead to a breach. A better alternative is leveraging secure file-sharing and eSignature software. These tools allow you to:  

• Send or receive encrypted documents from third parties 

• Request signatures on critical documents 

• Send and upload large files without compromising security 

Keep your law firm secure with Tabs3 

Our reliable, easy-to-use practice management software is designed to help law firms boost productivity, stay organized, and maintain client confidentiality. With secure file-sharing and eSignature features, clients can rest assured that their data is protected.  

For your security, Tabs3 Software offers the following features:  

• Tabs3 Cloud, which allows attorneys to work from anywhere and includes extensive data privacy and security features 

• Tabs3 Connect, which allows for secure mobile access with SSL encryption 

• HotBackup, which backs up your data on an ongoing basis 

• Auto-Recovery, which protects your data from power outages, lost network connections, and data corruption

Interested in learning more? Request a free trial or schedule a demo today.