*BETA TESTERS NEEDED!*

Attorney's Back Office, Inc. is pleased to announce that the BETA release of Attorney's Back Office 2.0 is scheduled for March 20, 2015. This BETA release will be made available to allow users to test and evaluate the next major version of the Attorney's Back Office application.

Here's a great opportunity to help us make the upcoming release even better.

What's new in Attorney's Back Office 2.0?

The most immediately visible change to Attorney's Back Office 2.0 is the new, redesigned and dynamic calendar with the ability to sync with Google Calendar. A closer look shows that V 2.0 has a myriad of new and greatly improved features. Notable improvements include: custom created filtering for calendar events, a "search & report" processing component, a newer version of the Menu Editor, support for better collaboration through document sharing via the Client Portal, improved Tag Cloud search functionality, an addition of Tasks and Attached Documents in the Client Portal, a "new document folder" creation process, internal document attachment to outgoing emails, increased document size upload capacity to 25 MB, a streamlined accounting process, an addition of different field types in the Module Studio, and much more.
Behind the scenes, Attorney's Back Office 2.0 will support the new OpenDocument Format (ODT) standard, which will drastically improve the Document Generator's capabilities, and its ability to accept files in different formats (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx, etc.). This is in addition to other notable enhancements to the Client Portal. V 2.0 comes also with enhanced login security - it disallows 2 users to be concurrently logged in with the same user name. We’ve also made smooth upgrades from Ext JS 4 to Ext JS 5 in order to improve the application's functionality in the IE browser, and much more.

Bilingual BETA Availability

Attorney's Back Office 2.0 BETA will be immediately available in both US English and Spanish for the front-end and Client Portal.

Help us catch the bugs!

In order to release Attorney's Back Office 2.0 on schedule in July, users of the BETA release are encouraged to report any bugs, issues or errors to the following e-mail address: support@attorneysbackoffice.com

Special Incentives for the testers!

Those who join us in the testing of Attorney's Back Office 2.0 BETA version will be automatically eligible for our very special offer: a one-year, free-of-charge subscription to our services with no limit on the number of added users - an annual value of $360.00 per user. But hurry! Only the first 250 applicants will be eligible for this offer. If you are interested in participating in the BETA testing, please email us with your contact information (first & last name, title, company name and phone number) at support@attorneysbackoffice.com (include BETA TEST in the subject line).

Help us improve Attorney's Back Office!

If you are fluent in Portuguese (Portugal or Brazil), please contact us, as we are looking to add a Portuguese version of Attorney's Back Office by the end of this year. If you're willing to help us, please e-mail us:  info@attorneysbackoffice.com

Our developers look forward to receiving your feedback on this beta release of Attorney's Back Office 2.0!

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Attorney's Back Office
www.attorneysbackoffice.com

How a Virtual Law Office Helps Law Firms

A virtual law office is an on-line practice & case management software application with an integrated client portal that uses the latest web technologies and software solutions to deliver services to the public over the Internet. A virtual law office provides an attorney/paralegal access to the back office software used to run daily business operations, handle other business transactions related to the delivery of the legal services, and effectively collaborate with the firm’s clients on the matters, exchange documents and information via a secure client portal within a digitally secure on-line environment with an end-to-end encryption.

As an effective solution for both legal professionals and consumers due of its convenience and affordability, a virtual law office can help law firms in the following:

1. Data Consolidation, Conformity and Accuracy

One of the most important goals that any law office must achieve is to have a centralized repository of records, such as clients and matters information, documents and opposition information, etc., so that everyone in the firm has access to the same records, especially if there is more than one individual working in the same office and on the same matter. When any record is updated, it gets updated everywhere, and everyone can see those updates. It helps to avoid risks for data-entry mistakes; it is in conformity with the accepted and used standards and formats, and it should be accurate based on the entries made by the individual that updates the records last. The Attorney’s Back Office virtual law office application, for example, does these tasks in a programmatic manner: it automatically tracks and displays the date, time, and name of the user that has made those changes last. The whole process of record creation, editing, and deletion is automated, which achieves the main goal – data is concentrated and consolidated in the central repository location, organized by specific modules, such as Client Accounts, Contacts or Matters, Documents, etc., and is accessible by everyone working in the office based on their access rights and privileges; it is accurate and conforms to the accepted standards.

2. Accurate Accounting and Billing

The main advantages of a computerized accounting system are generating fast and accurate invoices, purchase orders, printing statements and payroll documents. All is done on time and automatically, improves the cash flow, maintains better client relations, and contributes to less work lost or written off. In the Attorney’s Back Office application, the accounting records are automatically updated. With the integrated time control and billing modules, it eliminates the need to search through calendar appointments or notes to try to reconstruct time spent with a client. Firm’s clients receive accurate and timely invoices via the secure client portal. The data is also instantly available to the virtual law office’s different users in different locations at the same time. The software helps reduce the staff's time processing accounts and audit expenses making sure the records are up-to-date and accurate. The major advantages of having comprehensive accounting and billing integrated into the application are that they allow to effectively manage clients’ payments, are cost effective, and save money in the long run.

3. Efficient Time Tracking

Time tracking modules ease the process of tracking the firm’s staff work and time and greatly contribute to the improvement of the company’s business functions as a whole. In the Attorney’s Back Office, the module usually comes in conjunction with reporting, accounting and billing modules, or can operate as a stand-alone. In the ABO’s virtual law office, for example, the time control modules are capable of not only tracking time with a real-time clock, but also tracking time against clients, matters, services, tasks, and deadlines; it can add notes and due dates, generate reports and creates invoices, manage client and matter information, and perform other essential functions to the firm and practice.

With all records organized, accessible, and manageable in one easy-to-access place, there is less time spent filing, hiring, paying someone else to file, or trying to figure out where information is. There is no longer a need to spend time switching between programs, spreadsheets, e-mail applications, or moving data and information from one program to another. It leaves more time to concentrate on the core functions of the business, clients, and matters. Ultimately, the Attorney’s Back Office virtual law office application, on-line practice & case management software application with an integrated client portal, is all about streamlining how you do business, saving you time, money, and helping improve your business's efficiency.

For more information on the features and functions of the On-line Practice & Case Management Software Application visit our site @ www.attorneysbackoffice.com

Introduction to a Virtual Law Office

A Virtual Office is a method of using the latest web technologies and software solutions to deliver services to the public over the Internet. A Virtual Office provides a solution for both the professional and the consumer because of its convenience and affordability.

What is a Virtual Law Office? 

Virtual Law Office is an On-line Practice & Case Management Software Application with an integrated Client Portal. The application provides an attorney/paralegal access to the Back Office software used to run daily business operations, maintains control over the Client Portal, and allows a firm’s clients to use certain parts of the application via the secure Client Portal. It is used by attorneys/paralegals and their clients to discuss matters within a secure on-line environment, download/upload/share documents and information, and handle other business transactions related to the delivery of the legal services. Digitally secure environment with the end-to-end encryption enables an attorney/paralegal to effectively collaborate with their clients. 

These do not apply to and are not considered a Virtual Law Office:

- Company Websites and E-mail Communications. 

These types of applications are not to be confused with the attorney’s/paralegal’s company websites that have integrated e-mail forms for informal “Inquiries” or “Contact Us” pages. A mere communication by the use of an e-mail program cannot and should not be considered a “Virtual Law Office” – an e-mail is usually not encrypted and, therefore, is not a secure method of delivering personal and highly sensitive data.

- Rented Physical Office Space

Rented physical office space with a receptionist service shared with other attorneys/paralegals/professionals – an office space for the purpose of meeting with clients – is not a Virtual Law Office because the arrangements usually do not include technology to operate or provide an On-line Practice & Case Management Software Application which allows them to work with clients on the web.

- Non-Internet Technologies

Use of the VPNs, extranets, or other popular applications that enable attorneys/paralegals to access their office computers remotely is not a Virtual Law Office. Neither the firm’s clients nor attorneys/paralegals themselves are able to access an On-line Practice & Case Management Software Application to work and collaborate with clients on the web. The provided services are not being delivered via the Virtual Law Office which uses the technology to establish the attorney/client relationship. Virtual Law Office is a law practice that is bound by the jurisdiction of the state bar in which an attorney using the On-line Practice & Case Management Software Application is licensed to practice law. 

These differences influence and affect the ethics and security issues related to the operation of the Virtual Law Office and the technology used to deliver it to the end users. Using and offering the Virtual Law Office services demands and requires, from an attorney/paralegal, a greater standard of care and attention to comply with the rules of professional responsibility and security which may not always apply to the process of running a business in the traditional brick-and-mortar way. 

The On-line Practice & Case Management Software Application with an integrated Client Portal are the primary features of the Virtual Law Office that deliver legal services over the Internet. Both must be accessible via secure username/password integrated software applications. However, the interfaces and layouts for each of these applications might be completely different. This secure portal, specifically designed for the company’s clients, is one of the key points that comprises a Virtual Law Office and is different from any other web-based companies that offer various types of services. 

Another use of the portal is to grant the user access to the opposing attorney. It will create a unique collaboration between two parties allowing secure communication and documents transfer within the Virtual Law Office environment.

For more information on the features and functions of the On-line Practice & Case Management Software Application visit our site @ www.attorneysbackoffice.com

How to Successfully Select an On-line Practice & Case Management Software Application in Eight Simple Steps

Since our first article publication, we've received a lot of feedback from both attorneys and paralegals with questions regarding the different strategies on how to select the right type of an On-line Practice & Case Management Software Application.

So, what is an On-line Practice & Case Management Application? It is a web-based software program that represents a wide variety of software tools and modules that provide attorneys, paralegals, and other industry professionals with a convenient method of effectively managing their day-to-day operations, from collecting data from your clients, matters, billing and accounting, to marketing, finance and reporting into a common database so that your law practice can share information, coordinate activities, and collaborate with your clients.

If you’re looking for your first On-line Practice & Case Management Application or looking to upgrade from an existing system, the evaluation, selection and implementation process is a long-term strategic decision for your law firm. Although, there are no perfect off-the-shelf software solutions that will satisfy your requirements completely, you need to be flexible and willing to learn how the program works to use it to the full extent of its capabilities. Work with the provider if you need help and, in some rare cases, to lightly customize the provided application. Those customizations might be the key elements that are missing in the solutions you currently use and might help improve your business workflows and successfully run your business.

The Suggested Steps

We suggest that you follow these eight simple steps before you select the On-line Practice & Case Management Application that is right for your business.

Step 1: Look for the On-line Practice & Case Management Applications with longer trial periods
Providers of the On-line Practice & Case Management Application usually offer trial periods ranging from 1 to 3 months. The longer trial periods, the better it is for you. It gives you more time to make the right decision. Be patient and willing to learn. If you need more time, ask the provider. Attorney’s Back Office ALWAYS extends trial periods up to 9 months in addition to the initial standard 3 months trial offer.

Step 2: Perform the Evaluation of the Software Application
Evaluate the software. You can do this yourself, or you can create a group of end-users from different departments within your company. If needed and budget permitting, hire a consultant to participate in the evaluation process. Establish an evaluation timeline cycle. Throughout the entire selection process, end each cycle with a meeting among all the group members that participated in the evaluation to come to an agreement and acceptance of the application’s functions and features.

Step 3: Make Your Own Assessment
Assess your daily company operations and routines. It will help you identify both your weak and strong points. This analysis and assessment will reveal problems that can be solved with the help and implementation of the On-line Practice & Case Management Application.

Step 4: Establish Your Own Standard Before Selecting the On-line Practice & Case Management Application
You will need to establish and develop your own selection standards to evaluate the available, on-the-market On-line Practice & Case Management Application solutions. The starting point for making a determination must be the applications‘ functions, pricing, platforms, compatibility, accessibility, support, and any other feature(s) that you and/or your application evaluation and selection group can think of. The standard must be set by the importance of the specific functions, features, etc., to your business, i.e. urgent, high, or low. To accomplish this, assign a score from 1 to 10, a progressive scale from 1 to 10 - low to high, to each identified standard in order to establish the assessment and evaluation process.
For example, if you are an immigration attorney practicing law in the Latino community where the majority of your client base speaks Spanish, you will need to determine whether it will be beneficial to both you and your clients to collaborate on-line using the same language. Therefore, during the selection process of the On-line Practice & Case Management Application make sure to find out whether or not the provider offers a multilingual solution.
Attorney’s Back Office is the only provider on the market that offers a BILINGUAL, both English and Spanish, solution for attorneys, paralegals and other industry professionals.

Step 5: Schedule a Demo
Call and set up a 15 – 20 minute phone meeting with an On-line Practice & Case Management Application vendor’s representative. Arrange an on-line demo of the application to obtain a better understanding and insight on the company-provider and the solution they offer. Be prepared to ask the selected On-line Practice & Case Management Application provider questions that will address your needs and concerns.

Step 6: Create a List of Providers
Create a narrowed-down list of up to three On-line Practice & Case Management Application solution providers that best meet your business needs.

Step 7: Contact the Selected Provider
Contact the On-line Practice & Case Management Application providers on your list to schedule an on-line or in-person (if the provider is local) presentation.

Step 8: Verify References
Ask the vendor to provide you with either one or two references where the selected On-line Practice & Case Management Application has been implemented and is being used.

Conclusion
By using and following this simple process, you should now be able to select the On-line Practice & Case Management Application solution for your business.

Call Attorney's Back Office at 818.217.0188 to schedule a free demo of the On-line Practice & Case Management Application. 

For more information on the features and functions of the On-line Practice & Case Management Software Application visit our site @ www.attorneysbackoffice.com

About  the On-line Practice & Case Management Software Applications

An On-line Practice & Case Management Application represents a wide variety of software tools that provide attorneys, paralegals, and other industry professionals with a convenient method of effectively managing their day-to-day operations.

An application usually includes features and functions that help manage client information, matters (both litigation and non-litigation), events, calendaring, tasking, deadlines, docketing and documents, details on the opposing party and their legal representation, and other specifics.

The core of the application is the CRM - Customer Relations Management software. The CRM allows a salesforce-type automation of the law practice eliminating the necessity to enter the same information more than once within the application – once a parent record is created everything else gets linked to it.

Applications are usually multi-user accessible. This means they allow information sharing with other attorneys and firm’s personnel. Nowadays, most of the On-line Practice & Case Management Applications are also mobile device-compatible - users can have easy access to client and matter information, calendar, tasks and schedules and other records anywhere and at any time needed.

On-line Practice & Case Management Applications usually vary in features, types of clients, and the area of law that a firm specializes in. For example, depending on the firm size, which ranges from solo practitioners to large law firms, some of the features might not be suitable for larger firms. However, some of the features might very well fit and serve effectively for a solo practitioner or small firm. Some of the application’s features might not work for an attorney that specializes in the bankruptcy law, but they will be a perfect fit for an immigration or personal injury attorney.

When time comes to select an On-line Practice & Case Management application:

-       Define what your practice management needs first;

-       Determine the features and functions that you and your personnel use daily;

-       Select an application that fits into your budget - pricing is crucial when it comes to On-line Practice & Case Management applications;

-       Make sure that the application provider allows you to have sufficient free trial time for you and your firm’s personnel to try the software and decide on its merits;

-       Select an application that will help enhance your practice effectively and provide you with the ability to collaborate and share matter information and documents with your firm’s clients seamlessly via an independent and secure client portal.

For more information on the features and functions of the On-line Practice & Case Management Software Application visit our site @ www.attorneysbackoffice.com