4 minute read
How to Cut Case Preparation 50
How to Cut Case Preparation 50% (A Solo Practitioner’s Success Story)
miChael miello
You’ve heard the nightmare of the overworked, stressed-out attorney. Buried in paperwork with too many meetings and forced to chase clients while finding new ones, the attorney develops panic attacks and questions why they chose this profession in the first place.
You’ve also heard that applying efficient processes into your practice (the notion of “work smarter, not harder”) can be life-changing and provide the calm and order we desire.
Yet, why is it so challenging to implement processes that can improve our lives?
This portrayal is very close to describing the life of a busy immigration attorney. And having spoken to several attorneys (especially solo practitioners and small firms), we discovered that the mere thought of trying new tools feels overwhelming and prevents taking a step forward.
Trying new tools doesn’t have to be daunting, and it can be rewarding. To illustrate, I wanted to share the success story of Ismail Mohammed. **He reduced his case preparation time by 50%** after moving all his case management activities to [Docketwise - the #1 rated immigration software] (https://www.docketwise.com/). With the extra time gained, he could focus on what he enjoys most: getting to know his clients and expanding his practice.
About
Ismail Mohammed is the owner and sole practitioner at the Law Office of Ismail Mohammed, a boutique law firm serving families and individuals in the Boston area since its founding in 2004.
Ismail focuses mainly on immigration law and criminal defense. He takes on cases for family-based petitions and applications for naturalization.
Problem
Before coming to Docketwise, Ismail used two other platforms: One for questionnaires and form preparation and one for general case management.
Although Ismail was frustrated with needing to use multiple platforms, his **main problem was with immigration forms preparation**. The platform gathered inaccurate and incomplete information from his questionnaires and forms.
Ismail spent significant time reviewing the information and following up with clients, often delaying his package filings. Time, money, and future business were at risk for Ismail.
Discovery
Ismail knew that there was a better way to get work done.
Ismail sought to replace his existing questionnaire/form software and **find an easy, all-in-one case management software** compatible with his immigration and criminal law practices.
For questionnaires/form preparation, the two non-negotiables were:
1. Accuracy of information inputted into the forms 2. Ease of use for both himself and his clients
As for an all-in-one solution to handle case management capabilities, it needed to include:
- invoicing and billing capabilities - time tracking (billing by time) - a way of organizing his immigration and criminal defense cases - and a secure and easy-to-use client portal.
Solution
Shortly after implementation, Ismail was up to speed on Docketwise and benefitting. Ismail reduced his hours managing immigration cases and filed them faster.
Ismail uses Docketwise Smart Forms and Client Portal to streamline his client onboarding and send out petitions or applications. **Docketwise Client Portal helps clients access all necessary documents and information for filing**. Since starting with Docketwise, Ismail noted that the time for case filling after entering the attorney-client relationship has reduced by half.
Invoicing and payment processing have become simple with Docketwise and their LawPay integration. The integration makes it easy to share invoices from Docketwise and collect payments or set up payment plans.
The Client Portal offers a secure and convenient way to find everything needed from questionnaires, forms, invoices, and tasks. In addition, it provides a safe method to upload all documents to include in the package. Ismail shares receipt notices and case tracking information to the Client Docketwise checked all the boxes as a case management solution for Ismail to move his immigration and criminal defense practices into one central platform and ditch the additional subscription.
Ismail recommends Docketwise for anyone involved with immigration cases and taking advantage of Docketwise no-risk free trial.
Are you interested to learn how Docketwise can simplify your life?
The story of Ismail is inspiring to us and why we dedicate our energy to making our software as best as possible for immigration attorneys. The more efficient we can streamline activities for you, the more impact you can have on others.
If Ismail’s story resonated with you, then I welcome you to please reach out to us. Let’s discuss your needs and if we can find a solution fit for you.
Thank you for your time, and I wish you a pleasant day!
Michael Miello, michael@ docketwise.com, [Docketwise] (https://www.docketwise.com/)
