How Can CRM and Case Management Software Help Your Legal Career?
The legal industry has — as a general rule — had a conservative tendency when it comes to implementation of new technology. Whereas other industries began to modernize their client intake pipeline and client management processes in the 1990s en masse, it has taken the legal industry nearly twenty years to catch up. Finally, in both the Biglaw context and the in-house department context, the legal industry has not only begun to heavily invest in CRM and Case Management software, but is expecting attorneys to adapt rather quickly. Attorneys who are adaptable to such change and who become accustomed to the use of legal software early on will be better suited to make interesting career transitions, particularly in California, where firms and in-house departments alike tend to place a high value on technology literacy.
What is CRM and Case Management Software?
CRM and Case Management software make up the two primary categories of software being implemented by law firms today.
CRM software is designed to make the “customer relationship management” process more efficient. CRM software serves as a tool for attorneys to better automate tasks associated with relationship logistics, such as tracking progress with a client lead, and building datasets for understanding marketing success. For example, some CRM software will include analytics tools for client acquisition success/failure, while others will include email automation tools to help improve the efficiency of your marketing pipeline.
Case Management software is more ubiquitous than CRM software in today’s legal industry. Case Management software — such as Clio — are not designed with client acquisition as its central purpose. Instead, Case Management software is essentially a tool for project management in handling the work of existing clients. Depending on the software, it will serve as a central repository for case documentation, eDiscovery, task management (individual and team coordination), and compiling research. Given how tightly integrated Case Management software has become at various Biglaw firms and in-house departments, it’s increasingly important for attorneys to demonstrate competency in their use of such technology.
Technology Literacy is More Valuable Than Ever
Technology literacy is more valuable than ever in the legal industry, as firms and in-house departments have committed millions to expanding their technology base and improving software integration. Even if you have demonstrated experience with only one Case Management system, for example, that is sufficient evidence of competency. During the recruitment process, you may wish to highlight your experience with such systems, particularly if the target firm or in-house department is using similar technology. Here at Garb Jaffe & Associates, our legal recruiters have extensive networks and points-of-contact within prestigious firms and in-house departments throughout California, and are therefore capable of identifying the value of such technology literacy for a given workplace. We will work with you to help you package your skillset — both on the legal side, and the technology side — to maximally appeal to the employer at-issue.
Change is Rapid and Expensive
The legal industry is (and has been, for the past decade) going through a period of substantial change. There is little certainty about the future and what it may hold. Industry observers vary widely in their predictions. Some believe that the role of junior associates may disappear as AI technology — such as IBM Watson — advances to a sufficient level where research and discovery may be more cheaply and efficiently handled by software.
Of the few certainties in this industry, one is that technology will inevitably become a more significant part of the firm and in-house work process. Attorney candidates must strive to develop competency in CRM and Case Management software, and learn how to “sell” that competency during the recruitment process.
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In today’s legal industry, it’s more important than ever that young attorneys stay apprised of important technologies currently being implemented in various firms and in-house departments throughout California, and in the country at-large. Though specific “brand name” technologies may fade in-and-out of popular use over time, a demonstrated ability to effectively utilize legal software in general — such as CRM and Case Management software — can have a positive influence on your market appeal as an attorney. If you are already familiar with CRM and Case Management software and have become accustomed to its applications in the firm or in-house setting, then you must express these skills in a way that does not overstate or understate their value.
Here at Garb Jaffe & Associates, our legal recruiters have decades of experience assisting attorney candidates with the recruitment process. We understand that attorneys have wildly different backgrounds, training, and experiences, and that packaging and selling these unique skillsets in a persuasive manner requires a nimble hand — to that end, we work closely with attorney candidates from the beginning of the recruitment process to ensure that their preferences and skills are presented in a way that effectively targets employers.
Call us today at (310) 207-0727 to schedule a consultation with an experienced San Francisco legal recruiter here at Garb Jaffe & Associates. During this initial consultation, we will evaluate your preferences and develop an effective, step-by-step strategy for moving forward with the recruiting process.