Client Profiles - Oct/Nov '02

Client Profiles Case and Financial Management, Version 6

Client Profiles is an all-encompassing case management software solution aimed at mid-sized law firms. Included with Client Profiles are a Client/Master Database, along with Docketing and Calendar/Appointment Tracking, Task and Event Management, Contact and Case Manager Tracking, Time Entry, Case History Reporting and a Conflict of Interest option. A recently completed financial system was designed to integrate with the case management software. The “Financial” module includes “General Ledger,” “Accounts Payable,” “Trust Accounting,” “Custom Fee Agreement” and “Settlement Processing” modules.

To run Client Profiles, you will need a Pentium 300MHz or higher with at least 64MB RAM. Client Profiles recommends 128MB or higher, depending on usage. You also will need to have at least 200MB of available hard drive space on your computer. To install Client Profiles on a server, you will need Windows 2000 or Windows NT 4.0 with Service Pack 6. However, it will install on workstations that use Windows 98.

After logging into Client Profiles, you will come to a screen with a standard pull-down menu with a taskbar beneath. The main screen is clean and efficient, so system navigation is easy. You can choose to use the menu bar or click on a representative icon to perform a specific task.

If you checked the “Auto-Load Desktop” option, a calendar will appear on the screen beneath the taskbar. Seven icons are found to the left of the calendar including “Inbox,” “Appointments,” “To-Do,” “Journal,” “Timeslips,” “Documents,” “Card File” and “User Comments.”

The calendar combines all of your pertinent resources, contacts and current case information onto a single screen. Client Profiles lets you view time, see what needs to be done, look up matters, find client contact information, schedule appointments and make notes. The level of detail you can record using Client Profiles is extensive.

System security is complex, with various security levels set for attorneys, administrators, and other staff. You can assign system users by group, assigning various staff members to a particular case, then setting security to allow access to that case only.

For quicker setup, Client Profiles comes with preset security levels split into groups (“Attorneys,” “Paralegals,” “Standard Users,” “Secretaries” and more). Although you can’t delete these specific groups, you can choose who belongs in these predefined groups.

The “Other Settings” option gives you choices including system assignments, and new item defaults that speed entering of new items. You can define and enter laptop setup information.

When opening a new case, you can choose what law type you wish to use, such as “Personal Injury,” “Litigation,” “Real Estate” and so forth. General matter information is then entered along with fee information. You can assign fees based on a percentage or a flat fee, depending on the case and the law type. If your firm routinely pays referral fees, there is also an area to enter the name of a referral payee on this screen.

Reporting options are thorough with Client Profiles. Reports can be selected by “Law Type,” “Data Range,” “Staff,” “Case Picklist” or “Case Party.” The reporting format also can be chosen here.

For locating a specific case in Client Profiles, use the “Case Search” option found under “File.” Here you can search for a case by name or Social Security number. You also can search by matter, by date or by choosing to view all recent firm activity.

Under “Maintenance,” you can delete cases, export timeslips, set up the rate system and maintain company entries.

For added versatility, there is a Palm handheld computing utility that can be used with Client Profiles to insure you will always have access to important information when necessary.

If staying organized is of utmost importance to you, Client Profiles can get you there.

Legal Application Holding Corporation
(866) 720-5005
www.clientprofiles.com

Price: $3,995 for five-user and server license.
Windows NT 4.0/2000/XP

Reviewed by Mary Girsch-Bock, a technical writer and independent software consultant based in Albuquerque, N.M.

Oct/Nov '02 Issue

PROS
Client Profiles is easy to navigate and has a desktop calendar feature that can keep even the most unorganized individuals on track.

CONS
Will only work on servers with Windows 2000 or higher, which eliminates users of Windows 95/98.

VERDICT
Client Profiles easily tracks case management information, records time and provides exceptional organizational tools. I definitely recommend firms looking for organizational assistance to look at Client Profiles.