December 2003

Law Office Management Assistance Program (LOMAP) Offers "Law Office in a Box™"

by Peter Roberts

The mission of LOMAP is to assist solo and small-firm practitioners in the delivery of the highest-quality legal services.

Since 1998, LOMAP has expanded its services as we've learned of the practice-management needs of our members. In 2001, we began to offer use of a computer in the LOMAP office, the purpose of which is to demonstrate popular practice-management software. This "lab" enables members to compare software, and to discuss their particular needs and preferences with LOMAP staff.
 
LOMAP now offers "Law Office in a Box" (LOB). This moniker describes the combining of preselected software, hardware (if necessary), and initial services from LOMAP to members who are practicing as solos and want a fast way to set up the technical side of their practices. We hope members find this offering attractive because of its simplicity of choice, its discounts, and the law-practice training and coaching provided by LOMAP as part of the package. Dealers offer the software and technical training to any member because that is their business. LOB is limited to solo practitioners.
 
Practice-management software programs are mature products that lawyers say are essential to help them stay on top of their calendars and the many details of their matters. The programs provide organizational tools for better managing calendars, documents, telephone conversations, etc., so that lawyers can find, at a moment's notice, the information they need.

What Is the Rationale for LOB?

A solo practitioner often lacks the staff to assist with tracking details. The rationale of LOB is that practice-management software is a very important part of a solo's ability to manage the details and the calendar, particularly when staff help is not available. These software aids potentially reduce grievances and malpractice risks, and clients can receive prompt service.

What Happens with LOB?

The LOMAP advisor orders the software, loads it onto the computer, and provides the initial law-practice training and coaching in the LOMAP office. A commercial consultant provides subsequent support. Members pay the WSBA for the software and service in one price.

What Software Are We Talking About, and Why?

The software programs are Amicus Attorney (www.amicusattorney.com/) and PCLaw (www.pclaw.com/). Amicus Attorney handles calendaring and matter details, including timekeeping. PCLaw handles billing, trust accounting, and general ledger for the business side of the practice. There are many practice-management software choices for lawyers. The products offered are low cost, intuitive, and easy to learn; have good technical support; link very well; and are used by many lawyers in the United States and Canada.

What LOMAP Does Not Do

The WSBA is not a commercial dealer with "certified" technicians. Such dealers are available to members for subsequent service and support. LOMAP does not receive any financial incentive from software vendors. The 10 percent discount that the vendors offer a bar association is passed on to members. LOMAP offers LOB to solo practitioners only. For larger, networked offices, we recommend members use a dealer. The vendor or dealer, not LOMAP, will assist with any data migration into the programs.

What Is the Cost?

The cost is $710, and includes Amicus Attorney (advanced version), PCLaw (single-user version), installation/linking of the software, and three hours of consulting time to help members understand the basics of the programs and the most important practice aids. The cost does not include service agreements or data migration.

What Happens After the Sale?

LOMAP is available to answer questions about features of the software until a member has used the three hours of consulting time included with the purchase. After this time, the vendor and dealers are available to provide support.

For ordering information, contact Pete Roberts, LOMAP practice management advisor, at 206-727-8237 or peter@wsba. org. The WSBA accepts checks, Visa, and MasterCard. 

LOMAP is part of the WSBA Lawyer Services Department, which offers members the Ethics Line (206-727-8284); Fee Arbitration and General Mediation programs (206-733-5923); the Lawyer-to-Lawyer mentorship program (206-733-5914); and the long-established Lawyers' Assistance Program (206-727-8268), which provides counseling, therapy, and substance-abuse help.

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