Installation and software customization
Software used by law offices often incorporates complex database programs that need to be installed with an understanding of the operating system, anti-virus and anti-spyware facilities in place, with knowledge of the storage and memory requirements as the databases grow from year to year, and with a plan to back up the precious data that will be maintained in these systems. General IT integrators and network support companies are typically not familiar with specialized legal application packages, and often their work needs to be corrected or redone at considerable expense. We get it right because legal software is our specialty.

Once the software is installed, it usually needs to be customized to best fit the needs of the firm. Billing systems typically require setup of bill templates, activities, and types of billing based on areas of practice. Calendar and case management systems need to be carefully tailored to meet the needs of each firm. In some cases, customized screens and reports need to be designed and set up. We will work with you to come up with a customization plan that will have the software working efficiently for your firm right from the start.

Data conversion
If you are moving from one system to another, you must transfer data. This is usually not a "push-button" process. Codes and fields may have to be changed; dates may be stored differently; fields may be of different lengths; there may be extra spaces or characters that prevent smooth importing of data. Amicus Consulting, Inc. has extensive experience in cleaning up and converting financial, practice management, and calendar data, and importing it into new systems.

Application integration
Which software packages “play well with others”? If you need a particular case management program, which billing and accounting programs will integrate best with it? If you use Outlook for email, which case management packages will interface best with it? Which case management packages link to document management packages? We have the answers to most common application integration questions, based on our many years of field experience.

With well-integrated software in place, you will greatly reduce duplication of data entry. You will have better control over the capture of time to be billed to clients. Your staff will operate more smoothly as programs link easily to each other. You will save time through more efficient operation and faster looking up of information. Because we support multiple products, we can offer you a range of choices from which the best integration solution can be developed.

Training
It’s a fact that you can’t pull everyone out of a busy law office for training. How then to provide training in specialized legal software for your firm? Local courses aimed at the general public may not address your legal-specific issues. Amicus Consulting, Inc. can offer legal-specific training, aimed at the particular needs of your firm. The training can take place in your offices, or if you prefer, can be offered over the web through Go To Meeting remote access sessions.

Training may seem like a luxury, but time and again we have been called in to fix problems that never would have arisen had the staff gained a basic understanding of their billing, accounting, or calendar and practice management software. For managing partners, understanding how to use the software to monitor the efficiency and profitability of the practice is key. Cross-training is also important among staff members to ensure that the firm is not dependent on just one person to run the bills or control the calendar.

Office Procedure Streamlining
With salaries and benefits costs increasing every year, it makes sense to evaluate how the office is operating to see if time can be saved and client satisfaction improved. Why add another paralegal or staff member when the firm is busy if better procedures, combined with automated tools, can improve efficiency? What if your manual tickler or reminder systems could be automated – would that free up time now spent by highly skilled administrators? What if your intake process could be improved? What about tracking documents that have been requested? All of these areas can potentially benefit from automated and optimized procedures. Amicus Consulting can assist you in analyzing your office procedures and creating a roadmap for change.

Electronic Billing Implementation
Insurance defense firms and firms who are of counsel to corporations often need to prepare bills in electronic format. Some of the most common formats are Ledes98, Ledes2000, Examen, and Tymetrix. If you have been asked to move to electronic billing, this can be a complex transition as it requires specialized software, setting up ABA codes, and training timekeepers and billing personnel in how to enter time and expenses to comply with billing requirements. Amicus Consulting has implemented electronic billing solutions many times over the past five years and can efficiently guide your firm through this process.