Technology is now the cornerstone of almost every business process. In the legal field where document processing is a complex task that combines a broad range of human-oriented work, process automation and optimization can make an enormous difference.
But IT infrastructure is rarely a number-one priority for lawyers and the firms they work for. More than 70% of law firms have less than 10 employees, which obviously excludes the possibility of establishing a dedicated IT or cybersecurity department.
But law firms still need to manage compliance and adhere to security regulations, regardless of how large or small they are. Managed IT solutions offer law firms the ideal balance between functionality, security, and affordability. For less than half the cost of hiring a full IT team and equipping it with the resources it needs, law firms can implement scalable managed services that offer greater results.
Managed IT Solutions Solve Law Firm Challenges
Legal firms have clear needs when it comes to IT infrastructure. They have to mitigate the risk of downtime, adhere to strict security standards, and streamline internal collaboration. They also need to be able to integrate new software when necessary without worrying about compatibility concerns.
Managed IT services offer a compelling resolution to all of these issues by entrusting the day-to-day maintenance of technology equipment to an expert team of engineers. These professionals have a single responsibility to keep their customers equipment functioning optimally:
– Downtime. Downtime can cost thousands of dollars per minute. Interrupting complex legal processes can lead to errors, which further complicate the process of getting work back on track once systems are up. Law firms need to work with reliable service providers they can trust.
– Security. IT security is a challenging and dynamic field that is quickly becoming one of the most important concerns for all organizations. It is especially demanding for law firms because of the enormous amount of sensitive and valuable data these firms work with on a daily basis.
– Internal Collaboration. Document-related processes are a critical part of legal work. Lawyers are deeply aware of the amount of time they spend researching and communicating, and need to use tools that make these processes faster and easier. Managed IT solutions achieve this by implementing tools that enhance productivity and project management.
– Software Integration. Integrating new technology is risky for law firms, but often necessary. Digital transformation and process development is necessary for effectively handling billing, document management, and customer relationships effectively. Managed service teams make software integration a simple task.
– Compliance. Because law firms regularly deal with sensitive data, they need to comply with federal regulations that serve to protect the interests of legal clients. Preventing the inadvertent disclosure of sensitive information requires IT security expertise that most lawyers do not have.
Use Managed IT Services to Keep Up with Security Trends
Of all the benefits to switching to a managed service contract, the most urgent is improved cybersecurity. IT security is no longer the realm of cybersecurity professionals. It extends to every single person who uses a computer, tablet, or smartphone to do work.
Security represents the biggest risk that law firms face. Both lawyers and their teams have to undergo security training that helps them recognize the risks and understand the ways cybercriminals operate.
Managed service providers can help implement solutions that put legal firms at the forefront of the cybersecurity arms race. Managed IT security teams can also implement training programs that serve to educate lawyers and employees on best practices for maintaining security in today’s environment.
These training sessions must approach a wide variety of topics. Both lawyers and paralegals have to be able to identify suspicious emails for phishing attempts and have clear processes for dealing with potential attacks. Everyone working with a computer in a law firm should benefit from malware protection and know the differences between – malware vs. virus, ransomware vs. phishing, and other technical terms.
Most law firms are not currently benefiting from an environment conducive to an up-to-date cybersecurity infrastructure. Managed IT solutions are critical for implementing this infrastructure in a scalable, affordable way.
Use Managed IT Solutions to Protect Your Law Firm
Law firms are high-priority targets for cybercriminals for two reasons. First, they tend to have sensitive data on many clients, which can help propagate attacks on other targets. Second, cybercriminals see law firms as wealthy enterprises, which makes extortion more likely to succeed.
Legal firms need to put robust defenses in place to protect themselves and their clients from cyberattacks. Managed IT services can play an instrumental role in ensuring that lawyers are well-protected from these attempts.
With the help of our expert IT team, you can minimize non-billable hours while enjoying the best IT infrastructure available. Contact us to learn more!
Jocelyn Gorman, the Executive Vice President of DSI, possesses a deep understanding of the unique requirements of growing businesses. With over a decade of experience collaborating with clients across various industries, she closely collaborates with her Sales Team to develop and implement tailored technology solutions. These solutions aim to enhance office productivity and minimize operational costs. Her remarkable ability to effectively address business challenges has garnered recognition from prestigious publications such as the Cannata Report and Family Business Magazine.
