We started the month by looking back at how far we’ve come since 2018. As we end our anniversary month, I’m excited to see how dedicated the team is towards making Practus even better moving forward. In our next 4 years I see us further optimizing our technology and cloud-based firm management, developing even better connectivity systems with clients and internally, and improving our diversity and inclusivity.
I can hope for this growth as much as I want, but the truth is progress doesn’t happen with luck, it happens with strategic planning and innovative thinking.
Optimizing technology at Practus
As I’m writing this, we’re in the midst of a firm-wide transition to our new cloud-based document solution, NetDocuments, making it easier for our attorneys to practice law from anywhere in the world at the click of a button.
Documentation really is at the heart of legal work, so we wanted to make sure every attorney on any device can access what they need to practice law. This solution is accessible from both Windows and Apple devices, meaning you get control over which device you use.
To complement this cloud-based update, we’re also launching a revamped intranet. Practus Intranet is truly a hub for all things law-firm related. You can access firm events, software, guides & resources, announcements, and search for anything you need to practice law. We even included a live ticker, so you don’t have to search for critical information – it’s shared to you conveniently.
As we continue to further optimize technology, we will always invest in the backend work to improve speeds, data security, and accessibility. As a virtual firm, it is in our infrastructure to give the opportunity for attorneys to practice law with any background and from any location.
Connectivity at all levels of the firm
Optimizing technology to make it work for attorneys results in connectivity at all levels. Using technology and new systems to connect seamlessly with each other and our clients improves our culture as well as attorney-client relationships. Our goal is to give clients top-tier legal service, and that can only be done if they can seamlessly connect with their attorneys.
Over the next 4 years, virtual attorney-client relationships will become the expectation rather than the exception, especially since 79% of clients today want the option to meet virtually with their attorneys. At the same time, we recognize there is still a need to meet in person, and it’s critical to meet clients where they are. Improving our connectivity systems will give clients the option to meet where they’re most comfortable – whether virtually, in person, or a little of both.
We’ll continue to work on this connectivity by optimizing technology and growing our team in more locations across the Americas, giving clients the top-tier legal services they expect at every single touchpoint during their representation.
A leap in diversity and inclusivity
Since the start, our values have emphasized embracing new thinking and ideas to deliver the best result to our clients while providing support that is responsive, innovative, simpler, and fair. The truth is, in order to truly give our clients the full service legal representation with independent, visionary lawyers that they deserve, we need a diverse team of attorneys and personnel.
Representation matters (and not just from the legal context). Being able to connect with clients and understand their issues stems from having attorneys from all backgrounds and areas of law. While we have made great strides in gender equality (50% of our leadership team is women), we know we can improve when it comes to diversity and inclusivity. That’s why we’ve taken a hard look at our recruiting practices and outreach and are making changes to the way we grow our firm.
A modern law firm removes barriers, creating the opportunity for attorneys to work from anywhere with any background while giving control back to the attorneys. We have the infrastructure; it’s what we worked together to develop over the last 4 years. As we progress into our next 4 years, we’ll be intentionally working to remove the historically exclusive barriers in the field of law.
Optimizing technology, developing connectivity, and expanding our team while improving diversity are all very attainable goals for us based on what we’ve accomplished so far. And I’m grateful to say that our team is committed and eager to make it possible.
Thank you to everyone who has been with Practus over the last 4 years, whether as a client, attorney, consultant, or follower. You have helped build the firm into what it is today. You have contributed to the bright future that lies ahead. I can’t wait to see what we do next.
