It’s been an unconventional year for both legal clients and attorneys. Your practice may look a lot different than it did at the beginning of the year, and you’ve had to find new ways to be there for those in need of your services. As we round out 2020 and look toward the new year, here’s a list of things to consider while planning for 2021.

Upgrade Your Tech Tools

Because remote work is becoming more common, you need the right technologies to run your law firm from anywhere. Integrate cloud-based applications that work in conjunction with one another, like NextChapter and Clio. Using these two tools together allows you to manage your cases from any place you have an internet connection, and helps you keep supporting your clients remotely with intuitive features and benefits.

Online Solutions for Your Clients

Another change you need to embrace is virtual communication. Remote meetings are now a must since it’s not always possible to meet with clients in person. You can utilize phone meetings or video conferencing tools to recreate meetings virtually, like Zoom or Google Meet.

Another online tool to integrate is online client intake. You won’t be gathering information in person, so using a platform with a digital questionnaire is helpful for you and your clients.

Embrace Automation

Your modern practice will become more efficient when you embrace new technologies like automation.

NextChapter has many features that automate your processes, including:

• Doc Creator: generate documents and create templates in seconds with autofill features.
• Client texting: Set up automatic reminders for clients so they never miss a payment, meeting, or deadline.
• NextChapter Notices: Save and manage your court documents automatically in the legal software. Notices are sent directly to your Notices Inbox and assigned to the right case.
• Credit reports: Use software that streamlines credit report integration. You can pull credit tri-merge credit reports for clients within NextChapter's software and import the data into the schedules.
• Paralegal as a Service: Get an extra hand in the new year by hiring a virtual paralegal who can take on administrative and case management tasks.

Start Practicing Bankruptcy Law

A great way to grow your practice this year is to take on a new area of law like bankruptcy. With the expected increase in consumer bankruptcy filings, picking up this practice area will help you expand your reach and help those in financial distress. NextChapter's software is perfect for new and experienced bankruptcy attorneys alike, and we have many resources available for new bankruptcy attorneys. Check out our archive of recordings from our first-ever Bankruptcy Week earlier this year, and look out for information about our 2021 Bankruptcy Week, coming soon.

Fastcase is another excellent bankruptcy resource. They have a large legal library of bankruptcy books and journals, and many other research opportunities so you can learn and master the basics.

Marketing

How is your law firm’s online presence? Boost your visibility by joining a lawyer directory like Modern Attorney. Create a unique profile that showcases your qualifications, education, tech offerings, workflows, and personality traits so potential clients can get to know you and reach out for a consultation. With a Premium Listing on Modern Attorney, you’ll get a ton of features like dashboard analytics, premium placement in the directory, access to a dedicated account manager, multiple website links, and more.

Another way to get the word out is to use a legal marketing firm like Postali. Agencies with a focus on law firms help you customize your marketing approach and reach more clients in need.

You may be more than ready to say goodbye to 2020. But make sure you focus on these tips as you’re creating your strategy for 2021 to ensure you’re staying up to date and always improving your practice.