A Guide to IT Services for Law Firms

In 2023, 29% of law firms experienced a security breach and 19% reported not knowing if they experienced one. Not only is preventing security breaches important, but you should always know if one occurs so you can fix the issue.

If you have problems managing your technology, consider outsourcing to a professional managed service provider. Third-party managed IT services can benefit law firms in various ways.

Keep reading to learn what you should know about IT services for law firms.

What Are Managed IT Services?

Managed IT services involve delegating your IT tasks to a professional organization. Managed service providers (MSPs) can take on portions or all of your IT operations.

These third-party organizations offer a wide range of IT services for law firms. Some of them are specialized to help with the unique needs of a law firm.

When you choose a managed service provider, you need to know about the most common services offered.

Managed Communications Services

Effective communication is crucial for a law firm. This task can be time-consuming and labor-intensive for lawyers who are busy with claims and lawsuits. Managed communications services can help.

This type of service provides, but isn’t limited to, these solutions:

Video calling
Messaging software
Email services
VoIP systems

Some managed service providers will act as a third-party call center for law firms. This way, lawyers can focus on the work in front of them without having to answer questions or make appointments for new clients.

Managed Cybersecurity

Cybercrime has become more prevalent in recent years. No matter the size of your law firm, it’s vital to secure your network.

MSPs offer managed cybersecurity services that include:

Managed firewall
Intrusion detection
Virtual private network (VPN)
Antivirus services

These security additions can help scan your network for vulnerabilities and recommend solutions to increase cybersecurity efforts. MSPs will monitor your systems to look for internal and external attacks.

Hosted Cloud

Cloud-based services are an ideal solution for law firms that require mobility. Lawyers aren’t always going to be in the office. They’ll need to visit courtrooms, and police departments, and gather evidence for cases in other places.

With a hosted cloud, your team can share files and access data from anywhere at any time, as long as you have an internet connection. Cloud services are secure and cost-effective options.

Managed VoIP

Law firm technology can help your business, and managed VoIP is no different. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) allows anyone to place phone calls with an internet connection.

VoIP systems have capabilities that you won’t find with analog landlines. Plus, it’s a cheaper alternative.

Managed VoIP comes with features like mobile device integration and video conferencing. An MSP can host this type of service and tailor it to your law firm’s specific needs.

Benefits of IT Services for Law Firms

A lawn firm that partners with an MSP gains many benefits. These are the common advantages you’ll experience with professional IT services for law firms:

Streamline Your Operations

IT law firm solutions run smoother when you work with an MSP that has experience in the industry. Find a managed service provider that has worked with law firms like yours in the past to streamline your operations.

An experienced MSP will understand the ins and outs of your industry and help you optimize your systems for critical functions like:

Accounting
Document management
Important administrative tasks

Outsourcing these tasks helps your team focus on serving your clients.

Optimize Collaboration

Hosted cloud services and VoIP can improve communication and collaboration between your team and clients. Collaboration between lawyers and clients is necessary for the success of your law firm.

Minimize Downtime

As a lawyer, you likely value time because you are required to meet tight deadlines. Unplanned IT outages and downtime can make this challenging task even harder.

Unplanned downtime may cause you to miss deadlines, and appointments, or even lose clients. A reliable MSP can minimize downtime by handling proactive maintenance that prevents problems from occurring.

If an attack or outage falls through the security cracks, MSPs can help you recover from these issues quicker and more effectively to reduce delays.

Protect Client Data

A law firm has access to a lot of client data. Lawyers have to follow certain regulations and ethical duties to protect client information.

Most lawyers are obligated by regulatory duties to protect client data. This might present a challenge if you use technology that you don’t know how to maintain.

Managed cybersecurity services are comprehensive solutions that help you address technology. This holistic service protects your business and your client’s data.

MSPs know how to keep highly confidential information safe, preventing and mitigating costly security incidents.

Boost Your Savings

Time is the most valuable resource for a law firm. Hiring a managed service provider can help you save money each month by saving you time. MSPs can help prevent:

Slow internet speeds
Server breakdowns
Unplanned downtime
Costly tech issues

A reliable IT business will adopt security measures and disaster plans that prevent threats and other issues that can impact productivity.

All of this will allow you to make the most of your technology by optimizing your processes. Your team can focus on things that matter most; working on existing cases, gaining new clients, and closing deals.

Emergency Support

A law firm has a timeframe they must closely follow. You need to be on time for client meetings, court dates, and other tasks within your schedule.

Technology can prevent your on-time meetings because it can fail at any moment. Without a professional MSP, you won’t be able to get your network back up and running.

A managed service provider offering 24/7 support gets your technology back online as fast as possible.

Does Your Law Firm Need Managed IT Services?

Every business should acquire cybersecurity services to avoid data breaches and network downtime. While you might not think managed IT is necessary, it might be in certain situations.

You Lack In-House IT Expertise

Lawyers know the ins and outs of the law but likely don’t know much about IT. Lacking the necessary IT expertise is only a fault if you don’t hire help.

Outsourcing to a managed service provider can help you gain access to experienced professionals. Work with those who have worked with law firms in the past so you know they can adequately manage your IT infrastructure.

If your law firm hires a skilled and experienced IT team in-house, you might not need these services. However, outsourcing is typically the more cost-effective option compared to in-house IT teams.

Your Firm Is Growing

As your law firm grows, you’ll likely have more complex IT needs. Managed IT services can help you scale up your infrastructure quickly and effectively to accommodate growth.

Growing law firms can’t afford to experience downtime. In the event of system failure or data loss, an MSP will help you quickly restore data. Your systems will be back up and running in no time.

You’re a Target for Cyber Attacks

These days, all businesses are targets for cyber attacks. Law firms are especially vulnerable because they hold important client details and information.

Law firms are required to protect sensitive data. MSPs can provide these cybersecurity measures to keep your data safe:

Antivirus software
Firewalls
Intrusion detection

Law firms are responsible for complying with strict regulations regarding client data security and confidentiality. Managed IT services help you maintain compliance by implementing necessary security protocols.

Choosing a Managed IT Service Provider

When you choose a managed service provider, you need to do your due diligence. Don’t look for the most expensive or biggest MSP. Find one that can meet your law firm’s needs.

This is a list of the basics you need to look for in a managed IT service provider:

Industry Experience

Research different MSPs to find one with a proven track record of working with law firms. These providers will understand your unique industry needs.

IT companies that serve the legal industry know how important it is to align strategies with your law firm’s objectives.

24/7 Support

Get your money’s worth when hiring an MSP by choosing one with 24/7 support. Your technology can fail at any time, so don’t let your tech issues impact your law practice significantly.

Reliable and continuous IT support cannot be understated in the legal industry.

Backup and Data Protection

It’s important to find an MSP that offers the services you require, including backup and data protection.

Your firm likely has a lot of data to protect. Losing these files can lead to legal problems. A reliable MSP protects your data, backs it up, and helps you recover important documents if necessary.

Protect Your Law Firm With IT Services

IT services for law firms can mean a lot of things. Decide on your objectives to help you choose the right managed service provider for your needs. When you do, you reap the above benefits.

EMPIST is a full-service technology company that provides technical and digital solutions for law firms. With nearly two decades of technology experience, we are equipped to handle your various needs.