Client Relationship Manager for Lawyers: Why More Firms are Using a CRM

Just as clients expect a high level of expertise in the handling of their legal matters, they also expect consistent communication, starting with their very first outreach to a law firm. CRM helps make that happen, which is why an increasing number of attorneys use a legal CRM platform. They recognize the value it brings to their law firm in building relationships with new and existing clients, as well as other communication tasks.  

Maximizing the First Impression 

When potential clients reach out to law firms for assistance, they typically base their final representation decisions on the follow-up they receive, with many prospects choosing the first firm that responds to their inquiry. Most consumers only seek legal representation when faced with a pressing legal issue. They may have been arrested or they are being sued. Maybe they have a business conflict that requires legal expertise. Each of these scenarios requires a sense of urgency that potential clients want respected. They are not willing to wait days or even hours for a response, so they go with the first firm that follows up.  

This time constraint can feel overwhelming for a busy law practice. With every member concentrating on current clients, it can be difficult to ensure quick follow-ups for every new inquiry. That’s where legal CRM fills in the gaps. It helps lawyers prioritize communications right from the start.  

Automation features are key to timely and substantive follow ups. Firms can customize a variety of communication methods to ensure that every lead receives a quick response regardless of the time or day. Whether leads come in through a website information form or call into the firm, legal CRM software automates the follow up process for consistent follow ups no matter how busy the law firm is at the time of their outreach. 

Automated data management is another way that first impressions are maximized with CRM for law firms. Necessary lead data can be automatically collected and organized into a user-friendly platform. All the information needed for robust lead nurturing is already available within the CRM platform.  

CRM Lead Nurturing  

Using data gathered through CRM, law firms can easily analyze prospects to identify which will most likely become viable leads. Legal client intake tasks are typically unbilled, so law firms need cost and time-saving procedures for handling them. With CRM data collection, they can quickly determine whether potential clients are a good fit for the firm.  

With lead and client data management, firms can maximize the legal client intake process through targeted communications that take specific lead details into consideration, such as where clients are in their legal representation journeys. For instance, clients that are considering whether to file a legal matter will receive different communications from those who are already deep into the case process. For fading leads, law firms can use legal CRM to send targeted content that keeps their legal services top of mind.  

Law firms can use customized document templates to streamline the intake process by quickly importing client demographics into legal templates. Document automation provides attorneys more time to build client relationships by providing personalized communications throughout the client intake process. Marketing strategies like automated email drip campaigns help law firms stay top-of-mind while guiding leads along the sales funnel to conversion.  

Informed Marketing Strategies 

Legal CRM offers law firms an easy platform for comprehensive data collection that can be quickly organized into informative marketing reports. By understanding the effectiveness of current marketing efforts, law firms can better craft future marketing strategies. Detailed CRM reporting showcases which strategies have resulted in the greatest return on investment so firms can make informed decisions about the best use of future marketing dollars. 

Analytics gathered from legal CRM can also be used to evaluate client behaviors relevant to marketing decisions, such as the most popular practice areas and lead sources. With this data, law firm leaders can better analyze their legal marketing decisions. CRM software for law firms helps lawyers confidently create future law firm marketing strategies using previous data. 

Law Firms Need Legal CRM  

CRM software for law firms helps streamline the client intake process from start to finish. To see why more law firms are using a legal CRM platform and learn more about Law Ruler’s innovative legal CRM features, click this link for a free demonstration.