How do you deal with your clients and contacts? Are you sure you have only one place where are you storing and managing contacts or do you have notes on your table, business cards, contacts on your social media profile, mailbox database… and CRM? Or even more, half of the important information is only in your head?

How to deal properly with client relationships?

In today’s competitive legal market, law firms need to effectively manage their client relationships to stay ahead of the curve. One of the most important tools that firms can use to do this is a customer relationship management (CRM) system. CRM systems are designed to help businesses manage their interactions with customers and clients, and they can be especially valuable for law firms. These systems allow firms to track client communications, schedule appointments, and manage case information all in one central location.

How important are CRM systems for law firms?

Let’s take a look at some statistics. A survey of law firm leaders found that 96% of firms believe that CRM systems are important for managing client relationships. Another survey found that law firms that use CRM systems are 21% more likely to report increased revenue than those that do not. A study by the Legaltech Association found that the use of CRM systems by law firms has increased by 45% over the past five years.

These statistics highlight the growing importance of CRM systems for law firms. Not only do firms believe that these systems are important for managing client relationships, but they also see real-world benefits in increased revenue.

A bogy named CRM

Implementing and using a CRM system can be challenging for law firms. Some of the biggest challenges that law firms may face when using a CRM system include data entry and management. Law firms often have a large amount of client data that needs to be entered and managed within the CRM system, which can be time-consuming and error-prone. Additionally, law firms may use a variety of other systems, such as billing and document management software, that need to be integrated with the CRM system in order for it to be effective.

Another challenge is user adoption. Getting all members of the firm to use the CRM system consistently and correctly can be difficult. Law firms also need to ensure that the CRM system is secure and compliant with data protection laws. Customization can also be an issue, law firms may have specific needs that are not met by off-the-shelf CRM systems and may require custom development to make the system work properly. Training, support, controlling, updating and deleting are also important. Law firms may need to provide training and ongoing support for users to ensure that they are using the system effectively.

Using a CRM system

Following issues may occur. Firstly, many off-the-shelf CRM systems may not be tailored to the specific needs of a law firm, making it difficult for firms to fully utilize the system’s capabilities. Inadequate reporting and analytics are another problems, CRM systems can collect a large amount of data, but without proper reporting and analytics tools, it can be difficult for firms to gain meaningful insights from that data. Data migration can also be a challenge when switching to a new CRM system, migrating existing client data can be a challenging and time-consuming process. Limited mobility is another issue. Some CRM systems may not have mobile capabilities, making it difficult for attorneys to access and update client information when working remotely or on the go. Lastly, limited collaboration and communication can also be a problem, without proper collaboration and communication tools, it can be difficult for teams within a law firm to work together effectively and share client information.

Never give up

It’s important for law firms to be aware of these challenges and take steps to address them. By working with experienced vendors, implementing proper training and support, and regularly reviewing and updating the system, firms can overcome these challenges and make the most of their CRM system. This is the ideal situation where the benefits outweigh the difficulties.