024: Switching to a New Practice Management Software

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All law firm owners know that the firm’s practice management software is one of the key foundations of the business. Without it, the processes of the firm would be in utter chaos.

However, what about when it comes time to switch practice management softwares? This can be a bit of a scary topic. We’ve seen firms that have had the same software for years just sitting in a server.

It truly can be a pain to switch softwares. Some firms have even had bad experiences with switching project management softwares in the past. This makes them understandably very hesitant to switch.

However, we consider this a very important topic. For one thing, the marketplace for practice management softwares is huge right now. That much money can bring new options and products for your firm. There also may be new features on your current software that you just need to catch up on.

We want you to be able to take advantage of these advances so tune in and learn how to update your practice management software or switch to a new one.

Show Highlights:

• Why you need good team morale when switching practice management softwares.
• How to get staff buy-in.
• How to support your staff during the transition.
• Why the owner needs to participate in the transition.
• The importance of setting a timeline for the implementation of the new software.
• What to include in the timeline and how to communicate it to your team.
• How to efficiently transfer your data to the new software.
• Why you should set a cut-off date for switching billing over.

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Supporting Resources:

Venture Funding in Legal Tech source: https://news.crunchbase.com/news/legal-tech-venture-investment/

ACTION STEPS:

1. Sit down with a piece of paper or a blank Word document and write down what software you’re switching to and why. Try to include reasons that will help your team, not just the management of the firm. Remember, these are the people that will be using it on a daily basis!
2. Copy and paste that list into an email to your entire team letting them know that an implementation plan is on its way then press send.
3. Flip the page or open a new document and list out these 3 dates, working backwards:
4. Fully transitioned to new software
5. Last Billing Cycle in the old software
6. Purchase of new software
7. Get on the phone and share these dates with your new software company, consultants, and/or team members that are going to help you implement this plan. Don’t go it alone; get help!

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Danny Ozment.

He helps thought leaders, influencers, executives, HR professionals, recruiters, lawyers, realtors, bloggers, coaches, and authors create, launch, and produce podcasts that grow their business and impact the world.

Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com