Providing computer support to law firms is markedly different from other businesses due to the specialized nature of legal work and the unique demands of the legal industry. It is insufficient to merely understand that attorneys need to bill for their time.

Each practice area within the legal field possesses distinct technology and support requirements. For instance, the needs of an estate and trusts practice differ significantly from those of a transactional firm. Estate and trusts practice practices often require the use of templated forms and secure document management systems that are able to handle sensitive information, while transactional firms might need the same secure document management systems as well as the ability to meet the security requirements of their clients.  Being able to pass their client’s data security audit is critical to maintaining the relationship with their client.

Firefly was established by an attorney, Don Brown, to specifically address the computer support needs of solo practitioners, small, and mid-sized law firms in Chicago. Don has been providing technology support services to law firms since 1999, and Firefly has been serving the Chicago legal community since 2008. Firefly’s foundation by a legal professional ensures that our services are tailored to meet the specific challenges faced by those in the legal sector.

In addition to the standard support services offered by other computer support firms, we leverage decades of experience working with legal professionals and law firms. This extensive expertise allows us to anticipate and respond to the unique technological needs of lawyers, from ensuring compliance with legal regulations to maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of client data.

Most importantly, we understand the ethical and business imperatives that are crucial to your practice, such as the importance of maintaining client trust and adhering to strict confidentiality standards. Our commitment to these principles ensures that your firm can operate smoothly and efficiently, leveraging technology to enhance your legal services.

Regulatory and Ethical Needs

Law firms manage extensive amounts of sensitive and confidential information, including client records, case files, and legal documents. This necessitates stringent security measures and compliance with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Furthermore, attorneys must ensure that any advice and support they receive aligns with their ethical responsibilities under Model Rule 1.1. , specifically note [6]

Retaining or Contracting With Other Lawyers

[6]  Before a lawyer retains or contracts with other lawyers outside the lawyer’s own firm to provide or assist in the provision of legal services to a client, the lawyer should ordinarily obtain informed consent from the client and must reasonably believe that the other lawyers’ services will contribute to the competent and ethical representation of the client.  See also Rules 1.2 (allocation of authority), 1.4 (communication with client), 1.5(e) (fee sharing), 1.6 (confidentiality), and 5.5(a) (unauthorized practice of law).  The reasonableness of the decision to retain or contract with other lawyers outside the lawyer’s own firm will depend upon the circumstances, including the education, experience and reputation of the nonfirm lawyers; the nature of the services assigned to the nonfirm lawyers; and the legal protections, professional conduct rules, and ethical environments of the jurisdictions in which the services will be performed, particularly relating to confidential information.

 

Legal Software

Before technology took over the legal office most lawyers had a secretary, a paralegal, and a law clerk.  However, technology has evolved to the point where most lawyers are able to get by without support staff.

The tradeoff is that lawyers have a much more complex software stack that requires a support company that understands the purpose of each piece of software as well as how it functions within a larger workflow.

Most of the software that lawyers use does not exist outside of the legal vertical.  Such software includes:

• docketing and calendaring systems
• template and forms generation software like Wealth Counsel
• case management systems
• e-filing
• legal research databases
• discovery
• trial software, and
• document management systems

Supporting a few law firms does not ensure an IT firm understands your practice area.

IT support providers must have broad based expertise in many different practice areas to effectively recommend, troubleshoot issues, provide training, and ensure seamless integration with other systems.

The legal industry’s reliance on these tools means that any downtime or technical issues can significantly impact on the firm’s ability to serve its clients and meet critical deadlines.

Software suggestions are ineffective unless your computer support firm comprehends how your practice operates and what others in your practice area are doing.

We understand the intricacies of your practice area and provide tailored advice accordingly. For instance, different practice areas will need different case management platforms:

• Real estate and estate planning firms require templated forms, speed, email filing, and automated calculations.
• Litigation firms need automated calendaring, conflict checking, automated document, generation, e-filing and courthouse access.
• Transactional firms require structured document storage, powerful search tools, and time capture tools.

Partnering with a computer support firm that has both specialized and has extensive experience in the legal industry can significantly enhance your technology experience.

Personalities

Attorneys are different than other service-based professionals.  Because our founder, Don Brown, is an attorney and because we focus mainly on the legal vertical we have extensive experience working with and supporting legal professionals.  This experience means that you don’t need to worry about explaining the nuances of your practice because we understand.  We also understand your ethical obligations.  This understanding means that we deliver exceptional technical assistance that is tailored to your firm’s unique needs.

Attorneys are known for their rigorous attention to detail. They meticulously review documents, contracts, and evidence, demanding accuracy from their IT support. This meticulousness ensures that all critical information is captured and nothing significant is overlooked.

We strive to communicate in a fashion that is clear and precise and responsive to attorneys’ inquiries.  This enables them to quickly understand and act on the information provided.

Additionally, attorneys often operate under strict deadlines and busy schedules. With court dates, client meetings, and numerous deadlines, prompt resolution of technical issues is essential to maintaining their workflow.

We understand the significance of time pressure and billing hours within law firms. We also recognize the critical difference between a general technical issue and one occurring during a trial.

It doesn’t matter if you are a solo practitioner or a midsized firm, legal offices in Chicago, regardless of size, have similar technology needs as large firms but often lack the budget for a full support team.

We provide corporate-level IT support to small law firms and solo practitioners using a team-based approach. Each client works daily with a dedicated team of three technicians, promoting quick issue resolution through familiarity and personal accountability.  We do not outsource any of our support services, all technicians and engineers are based out of our downtown Chicago office.