Tabush Group's Cloud & Managed IT Blog

A few years ago, a hybrid work environment in a law firm would have been rare, but today it is the norm. From a firm’s perspective, however, supporting this flexibility comes with its own challenges. Cybersecurity, remote access, and productivity, which are essential to efficient and effective law firm operations, can be compromised when attorneys and staff work from home or on the go. That’s where Desktop as a Service (DaaS) comes in. Many law firms have made the switch to DaaS in large part because of its effectiveness in supporting a hybrid work environment.

As the cloud computing market continues to expand, more law firms are turning to a cloud service provider for some or all of their IT needs. By partnering with a cloud service provider, law firms can realize many benefits, including increased cybersecurity, seamless access to systems from multiple locations, scalability, lower and more predictable costs, and access to a wide range of professional IT expertise. But for many law firms, switching their files, data, and applications from on-premises systems to a cloud hosted by a third-party provider may feel like a daunting task. Below is a roadmap for ensuring a seamless transition.

Many firms have been turning to cloud for the myriad of benefits it brings. But attempting to move and maintain your firm on the cloud on your own will come with challenges and robust staffing requirements. A better solution would be to turn to a cloud service provider that can offer your firm more than an internal team alone, while also easing your IT concerns. Partnering with a good cloud service provider ensures your firm’s productivity and security while allowing you to focus on your business and clients. Here are the top 5 ways that working with a cloud service provider gives you more than an entire in-house IT department.

In today’s increasingly competitive legal environment, it is more important than ever for law firms to approach their IT as a strategic investment rather than a cost of doing business. By teaming up with a solutions-driven IT partner and involving the IT professionals in your law firm’s strategic planning process, you can develop IT infrastructure and applications that support your firm’s long-term operational needs and business goals. Law firms who invest strategically in IT can gain a competitive advantage over other firms when vying for both clients and top talent.

Just as your people, location, and corporate culture are intrinsic to how your law firm operates, so too is your IT. When an intrinsic part of your firm does not function well, it largely impacts your firm’s operations and the productivity of your attorneys and staff, ultimately influencing how clients view your firm. By approaching IT as a strategic investment rather than a cost and aligning IT with your operational needs and business goals, your firm can realize efficiencies while gaining a competitive edge. 

Many law firms think of IT as a cost of doing business rather than a strategic investment. As a result, their approach to IT tends to be reactive in nature. When problems occur, such as when the system repeatedly crashes or attorneys cannot access files remotely, the IT team troubleshoots and makes necessary adjustments – until the next issue arises.

Today, nearly everyone stores something in the cloud, whether it be photos, music, or documents. Cloud backs up your files, alleviates the need to purchase costly extra storage, and easily makes your files accessible from multiple devices. But one must take different factors into account when considering cloud for personal use versus cloud for professional use.

Cybersecurity attacks are becoming more sophisticated and rampant, so it is vital for law firms to take necessary precautions. But cybersecurity is not just a management or IT issue. In fact, everyone at your firm who has a computer needs to play a role to ensure your firm’s systems and data remain secure. 

About 60% of law firms partner with a cloud service provider for some or all their IT needs, according to the American Bar Association. Small and midsize law firms specifically see many benefits in working with a cloud service provider, from immediate access to the latest applications and updates and a stable of IT professionals with a wide range of technical expertise to scalability, predictable costs, and enhanced cybersecurity. But the fact is, some law firms benefit more from their relationship with their cloud service provider than others. Here are some ways to ensure you get the most out of your relationship with your cloud provider.