Law Firm installs new Client Software system

Humphries Kirk, one of the largest law firms in Dorset is to implement SOS Connect case management and practice management accounts software from Bath-based Solicitors Own Software for 150 users. The review of the firm's IT needs was prompted by the withdrawal of support and 10 year age of the existing AIM system. The goal however is to improve on the status quo and take the firm forward with a modern, flexible and easily adaptable computing environment.

Humphries Kirk has 15 partners and operates from offices in Bournemouth, Poole, Dorchester Wareham and Swanage and has a presence in London and Yeovil. As well as providing a full range of services to private clients such as divorce lawyers and property solicitors, the practice has a strong international commercial arm and specific expertise in intellectual property, employment and the construction industry.

The law firm evaluated legal software from five suppliers and drew up a shortlist of SOS Connect and the IRIS planned replacement for the AIM system, which is currently in development.

There were a number of factors in favour of SOS. Head of administration and partnership secretary Rosemary Lewis comments: "As the provision of legal services gets more competitive we are keen to consolidate, refine and improve our business processes and efficiency across the board. With SOS Connect we could very readily see how to realise the potential of the software to move the firm forward. SOS Connect is also tried and tested and has facilities to simplify and speed up the migration from the old system, which were also important considerations. We liked the SOS people too and believe we will get great assistance to not simply replace what we have today, but to review and improve on our processes across the multiple offices."

Implementation plans for the autumn are being drawn up but Humphries Kirk can see that standard modules in SOS Connect such as for probate and conveyancing will deliver early benefits, as longer term decisions on customising workflows to precise requirements evolve.

David McNamara, managing director of SOS said: "Firms are needing to improve all operational aspects of the business and their competitiveness ahead of the impact of the Legal Services Act. SOS Connect is rapidly gaining a reputation for helping law firms operate as efficiently and effectively as possible and we look forward to helping Humphries Kirk to achieve their goals."

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