Let’s Talk About Law Firm Mobile Apps
Introduction to Law Firm Mobile Apps
With the advent and rapid advancement of technology, growing numbers of internet users are turning to their mobile devices to manage everything from their to-do lists to their select TV programs. With mobile apps now infiltrating nearly every industry, it is no surprise that such applications have begun to emerge within the legal sector as well. A law firm mobile app is a convenient and central hub through which potential clients and active clients alike can obtain construction-related services or information, while existing clients can access pertinent project details and updates at the touch of a button.
According to statistics reported by recent research, mobile ownership is on the rise. Currently, nearly half of adult Americans own a smartphone , with more than half of those individuals using their mobile device for internet browsing, according to recent data from the Pew Research Center. Mobile users now spend an average of 162 minutes per day using apps on their smartphones, which means that individuals now spend more than 11 percent of their waking hours per day utilizing mobile apps.
Mobile applications allow individuals and businesses alike to achieve maximum convenience – something that many busy people have begun to expect and even demand in many instances. With such an increase in mobile app use amongst businesses, it only makes sense that the legal sector would soon follow suit. As many law firms and companies within this field are now realizing, the creation of an innovative mobile app offers a unique opportunity to provide clients with unparalleled accessibility and service.
Vital Components of a Winning Law Firm App
A well-designed law firm app should have several key features. The first is client communication tools that allow for messages to be sent between the client and their attorney. This feature provides an easy way for any changes in telephone and email to be delivered without missing an important communication from your client.
A mobile app can also assist in managing your calendar, such as being able to schedule meetings with the client, the client’s insurance or other attorneys. A calendar app can also send reminders to client and attorney of upcoming appointments.
The majority of clients expect access to their information regardless of the time of day. That is not always possible in an office environment. A mobile app allows for your client to access their case information from their cell phone within seconds. They can check on documents, a court date, or other important information regarding their case.
Easy access to documents is a very important feature of a successful law firm app. Being able to take a digital picture of an accident scene and immediately provide it to your attorney is invaluable. It also allows the client to have access to documents about their case so they can study them on their own time before meetings with you.
The legal profession has long been behind the curve when it comes to technology. Mobile law firm apps are making legal services more accessible for clients, especially those currently using other mobile applications for everyday tasks.
Advantages for the Law Firm and the Client
The benefits for law firms and clients are clear: convenience and efficiency are the bywords of today, and "Lawyer on my iPhone" fits the bill perfectly. Some of the major benefits include:
Real-time Communication: Having a law firm app allows lawyers and their clients to open up an instant line of communication with the other party in their case. Both the client and your firm can easily send messages back and forth from the app regardless of their location at the time and then receive instant notifications anytime a new message comes through. This provides your firm with the tools necessary to be there for your client when they need you the most – and it allows your client to feel secure in knowing that they can access you at anytime.
Access to Information: Your clients can access their entire case information from any iOS or Android device, providing them with instant access to the information they need whenever they need it, all without having to download additional software or programs.
Simplified Process: Clients can view their invoices, make payments, upload files, and view scheduled appointments from their phones or other devices, making the entire process of continuing with their case that much easier. Along with reminding clients of upcoming appointments and limiting missed meetings, apps also allow clients to access legal information and tips from your firm without having to contact anyone directly. This frees up the firm to focus on the client’s case more, knowing that your clients have all the information they need at their fingertips.
Records Management: All of your client’s information is safe and secure whenever it’s within the app, thanks to encrypted systems and password protection. Also, this app makes it easy to find the right files or information that is needed quickly, reducing the time wasted looking for what may have been lost in other software programs or systems.
Increased Revenue: Having the ability to stay in contact with your clients and provide them with the information they seek allows for increased and more ongoing communication, which can lead to bigger and more lucrative cases in the future. Not only do your clients remain satisfied due in large part to easy access to your services, but your firm is able to maintain its good reputation and keep your clients informed and happy with the work you do.
Your firm can ensure that it’s always there for its clients no matter where they are or what they are doing with the right mobile app software. Keep clients informed, simplify their legal experience, and improve your bottom line all with one simple app.
Case Studies: Successful Law Firm Apps
Schaller Law firm, PLLC
The lawyers at Schaller Law Firm, PLLC have found that their firm mobile app provides a unique way to engage and communicate with clients. They have made it a point to encourage their clients to use it by adding it as a shortcut on their clients’ phones to make it easy for them to find. This has cut down on costly phone calls, equipped their clients with the information needed for quick cases and kept their clients consistently aware of where they stand in the process of their case.
Gordon & Associates, P.A.
The Orlando personal injury law firm of Gordon & Associates, P.A. has completely customized their mobile app to meet the needs of not only their firm but for those with personal injuries as well as DUI charges. The attorneys are able to provide important news and information to clients about cases, and are able to respond to medical questions as they come up. Clients are then able to submit information through their app without being left on hold for long periods of time and persons with injuries with have a tool that helps them destroy evidence from their car accident, in the event that they feel that this is necessary.
Law Firm App Development Challenges
There are some new challenges that law firms will need to address as they embark on developing a mobile application. Cost is always a concern for every law firm, no matter how large or small they may be. However, this is one area which I believe it would be worth the investment and firms may need to find the right application for their specific firm. Additionally, data security is always a concern for most law firms. As I mentioned above , using third-party data centers to store the law firm’s client data, the law firm can still ensure that client data is secured. With everything being web based you also have to consider whether clients and prospective clients are willing to adopt the technology that will be required to truly be mobile. Are they opening to downloading applications or working from a website created specifically for their device?
The Future of Law Firm Mobile Apps
The future of mobile technology in the legal industry points towards integration with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and an expansion of communication capabilities. As AI becomes more prevalent in the profession, we can expect to see an increase in the use of automated chatbots within law firm apps, allowing clients to get immediate assistance 24/7. These developments will likely lead to more personalized and customized mobile interactions and increased efficiency for lawyers and clients alike.
We should also expect to see a greater emphasis on cloud-based solutions that allow for real-time collaboration between clients and their counsel. This will enable seamless access to information and updates from any device and at any time, further fostering the client-attorney relationship.
As law firms continue to develop their mobile applications, it is crucial that they stay on top of these trends and listen to the feedback of their client base. By doing so, firms can not only enhance their mobile offerings, but also stay ahead of the competition in an ever-evolving legal marketplace.
Conclusion: Moving Forward with Mobile
In a world where instant access and real-time connectivity are the new normal, the legal industry must keep up with the technological curve to stay competitive. The adoption of mobile apps for law firms represents not just a trend but a fundamental shift in how clients interact with legal services. A law firm mobile app is no longer just a luxury; it’s an integral part of your firm’s digital strategy that can lead to more engaged, satisfied clients and a more streamlined practice.
The impending client demand for a mobile-friendly approach is evident, especially among younger generations that will soon be the largest segment of the workforce. According to a post by Seth Godin, as of August 2014 more Google searches were being done on mobile devices than on computers and laptops . This statistic tells us that there’s an overwhelming desire by consumers to navigate our increasingly vast digital landscape using mobile devices.
The path forward may not be completely clear, but a clearly defined course for success can be charted by law firms ready to embrace the future. Implementing a mobile app into your law firm’s marketing strategy may take time, effort, and resources, but the potential returns in terms of client engagement and operational efficiency are unrivaled. The mobile app revolution may not be fully here yet, but as digital natives increasingly make up the workforce, becoming a part of it sooner rather than later can be the difference between remaining relevant and falling behind.
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