Posted by LCM on 7/21/05

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Practice and case management is always a hot topic at bar
associations. As an experienced paralegal and case manager
(15 years), I am opening a case management service and
consulting firm in the Fall focused on the needs and
budgets of small and solo firms. I am NOT attempting to
market my services here, so to ensure your privacy, you can
always respond and post anonymously.

As a consultant, I would evaluation a firm’s current case
management processes (intake to closing) and make
suggestions on improving those processes (if needed). As a
service, I would come in on a timed-basis and update a
firm’s case management software (CMS), files, calendars,
etc. If a firm does not use a CMS, I would, based on my
experience, recommend a desktop, network, or online CMS to
fit the firm’s budget and needs then provide the timed
service. If a firm does not want a CMS, I would use their
standard office software to design and implement a virtual
CMS then provide them the timed service.

Unlike a CMS software company, I would provide a service
not a product. And unlike a temp or office clerk, I have
many years of specialized experience being a case manager.
I have handled complex litigation, class actions, juggled
multiple cases, assisted at trial, and have trained
attorneys and paralegals on effective case management.

Because I am a paralegal, my case management services are
billable at whatever rate you set so my cost is actually
offset and the firm makes a handsome PROFIT. Case Study:
You are a solo practitioner with 65 active cases and are
inundated with paper. As your case manager, I make sure
you stay organized and have access to files, data, dates,
etc. at a moment’s notice. Say I charge $35 an hour for 6
hours each week ($210). You then bill your clients $75 an
hour ($450) for my services. Your firm would make $240!
That’s good, but it gets better. Because you now have time
to actually practice law, you can also bill for your
attorney services ($110 x 6 hours = $660). Your firm would
now make an extra $990 a week for using my service.
Multiply that times 52 weeks and the firm will profit
$51,480 a year! Because I’m an independent contractor, you
don’t have to pay for employee benefits or taxes. Crunch
the numbers using your rates – either way you profit
because you now have time (and can bill) to practice law!

Where your insight is needed: Based on what I described,
the case study, and your firm’s case management techniques:

1) Do you think there is a need for such a case management
service?

2) What do you think would be the best way to marketing my
services?

3) Would you use such a service if it were available in
your area?

You can post your thoughts here on counsel-net, but I would
prefer you EMAIL me instead of post them. Thanks, in
advance, for your time (reading this long post) and your
insight.

LCM

Question re: Practice/Case Management, 7/21/05, by LCM.

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