Data Transfer: The Embedded Client Portal Solution for Law Firms

Law practice management software – which is effectively a relational database for case management -- can also include almost of the related data for your cases, in its cloud iteration, via integrations.  And, if you’ve heard of case management software, you’ve probably also heard of ‘client portals’, which is a way for law firms to share information hosted or available through the case management software directly with clients. 



Now, this is advantageous, because that data remains in its encrypted form, at the case management software program, and isn’t sent anywhere, i.e. – it’s never exposed.  So, the client creates a password, and views the data in its secure format.  Now, the client may download or save the file or document – but then, it’s on them to secure it.  This method is safer/more secure than sending sensitive data via email, where that information can pass through a number of unencrypted servers, before reaching its final destination. 

 

So, if you have law practice management software: heck, yes! – use it to share secure data. 

 

But, what if you don’t have a law practice management software tool? 

 

Well, you can still use this technique, for documents and files.  If you have a subscription to either Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, you can share files and folders in effectively the same way, using Microsoft OneDrive or Google Drive.  Now, it’s a little less streamlined than using a case management software – because, in that system, you can directly share invoices via the time & billing feature, for example, whereas in a traditional document management system, you have to build the invoice first, and then share it.  But, honestly, if you put in a little more prep work, you can end up sharing all the things you share in a case management software via a productivity software. 

 

So, while it still makes good sense for law firms to also use a case management software (and potentially opt for that version of the client portal), even if you don’t have one, you can still get the benefit of secure file sharing. 

 

. . .

We can help you find undiscovered features in your existing technology.  Just reach out! 

Through a unique partnership between the Maine Board of Overseers of the Bar and Jared Correia’s Red Cave Law Firm Consulting, Maine attorneys have access to experienced law practice management consultants at a special discounted rate. 

To get started, visit Red Cave’s landing page for Maine attorneys, and start running your law practice like a business.

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