If there’s one thing that slows down work at a law firm, it’s reinventing the wheel each time you do a sequence of tasks. To become the most efficient office engine, it’s important to automate where you can and develop systemized workflows to speed up how you get things done, reduce errors and eliminate confusion.
Find Your Flow
There are a few easy places to start on the road to improved workflows. Here are a couple to consider:
- Upgrade your tech – Specifically, consider converting to Microsoft Office 365 over the traditional Office suite. The upgrade will allow you to sync up all your devices and software. It will also offer greater control of all devices issued and used by the law firm. If you need to restrict access to certain files, Office 365 enables you to do this.
- Automate repetitive tasks – You can automate just about anything at your law firm. Start with low-hanging fruit, and think workflow instead of individual tasks.
- Speed up your file search process – If you find yourself consistently losing track of files or having trouble remembering which folder you saved them in, it’s time to get smart with your naming convention. Build a strong file naming system to shave off unnecessary time spent looking for files. A description of the document, its status and type (e.g., letter, case initiation, etc), and the date are good things to include.
- Speed up approvals – Don’t let work get bottlenecked while waiting for an approval. Look for ways to speed up the approval process by leveraging tech instead of paperwork.
Lastly, as you refine workflow processes that meet your firm’s needs, document them in detail in an app like Notion. You want enough specific information and job descriptions that any employee can pick up the document and know exactly what to do. Streamlining workflows can save you a surprising amount of time and help reduce unwanted errors at your firm. For help learning how to best leverage tech at your law firm, get in touch with our team at Honeycrisp.
