Abacuslaw timetracker4/30/2023 PMS is a relational database starting with the client s contact information, then adding a case/matter for that client, and relating (or linking) all contacts, phone calls, time tracked, calendar items,, documents, etc., to the case/matter. Although the client (a contact) may continue on for years, it is the case that has a beginning, middle and end. Lawyers work on cases (or matters or files). Word or WordPerfect Contacts Clients, Attorneys, Parties, People Assemble Document Phone Calls Track time Organize web research Smartphones/Tablets PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE PMS Document Manager Appointments Reminders Matters/Cases organization Calendaring/Docketing A major distinction is that it is casecentric, rather than contact-centric like many of the nonlegal-specific contact manager or CRM software. For a more detailed listing of basic features of law PMS, see Figure 1. In the same way, in choosing the best law PMS to fit our situation, we need to know: What is law PMS? What basic features should I expect from good law PMS? What are some of the features that set one product apart from another? What are the products/options available? FIGURE 1 Historically referred to as case management software, PMS is a category of software designed to manage a firm s dayto-day client/matter information that is, appointments, deadlines, communications, notes, billable time, documents, accounts and trust accounts, as well as general office management information (such as attorney professional development dates and deadlines, associations and other non-client related matters). We also have researched houses, compared housing options, financed houses, moved into one or two, and modified them. Many of us know quite a bit about houses because we have lived in them throughout our lives. And, if you use and maintain your PMS properly over time, you will make a good return on your investment. If you make the right choice, you will benefit from being comfortable and efficient in your new home, and you will have a good base from which you and your staff may thrive in your work. You also want it to be aesthetically appealing, and it should have a place for you to put all the information (stuff) you need to store. You want it to have the necessary basic features just as a house would have basics such as a living room, kitchen and so forth, and distinguishing features such as a walk-in closet and detached workshop. o r g / A Z A t t o r n e yĢ I don t know how a lawyer, in today s law firm, can practice law without using practice management software, says a Phoenix litigation and criminal defense sole practitioner, June I wish I had the practice management software I used when I had my own firm, says a seasoned large firm attorney, MAETISA SHUTTERSTOCK.COM In many ways, choosing the law practice management software ( PMS ) that s right for your firm is similar to looking for a house. ![]() ![]() For more information see or contact Susan at or (602) A R I Z O N A AT T O R N E Y O C T O B E R w w w. She works with lawyers setting up practices, improving general office management, trust account recordkeeping, developing efficient office systems, with a particular emphasis on selecting and utilizing practice management software. ![]() ![]() TRAYLOR, Owner/Consultant of AZ Law Practice Management, LLC, has been helping Arizona lawyers for 14 years, teaching techniques and tools for running a law practice more efficiently and ethically. TRAYLOR PRACTICE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE Choosing the Best Fit SUSAN L.
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