Case study
Access to justice is faster, cheaper and more reliable for regional law firm with help of Legal Tech Experts
GALLAGHER SOLICITORS + BOAB IT
CHALLENGES OF GENERIC IT PROVIDER
- Limited knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities that small to medium size law firms face in Australia
- Limited knowledge of software and technologies commonly used in the legal industry like Smokeball, Infotrack, and PEXA.
- Limited network of industry-specific contacts and partnerships with legal associations, councils, and societies.
BENEFITS OF LEGAL TECH SPECIALIST, BOAB IT
- Quickly evaluated current IT environment, compared to legal industry standards, pinpointed issues, and implemented effective solutions.
- Resolve tech issues fast with their friendly, knowledgeable and easy to access and understand IT Support team
- Recommend IT strategies that pre-empt common problems such as:
- Implement high-speed NBN for faster and more reliable/secure access to clients, courts and work
- Maximise mobility by leveraging the cloud and using laptops with docking stations and multiple monitors to suit individual needs
- Use hardware replacement guarantee
Gallagher sisters – Madeleine and Geraldine – took over their father’s small law firm in 2020 to carry on the family business with the same professionalism and compassion he demonstrated over four decades.
The business transfer collided with the Covid pandemic creating the opportunity for the next generation to use technology to improve access to justice and delivery of services to clients remotely.
SPECIALISED TECH ADVICE IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER
One of the challenges facing regional firms, like Gallaghers, is the additional time and cost associated with travelling to clients and courts outside of their local area. The uptake of video conferencing tools like Microsoft Teams and Zoom during COVID-19 means they can now meet clients, witness legal documents, and appear in courts electronically for minor matters. These productivity gains highlight the importance of relevant and strategic technology advice for continued success.
“We’re not IT people, we rely on our IT team to fix issues quickly and tell us what we don’t know,” says Principal Solicitor Madeleine Gallagher
A CHANCE ENCOUNTER LEAVES A LASTING FIRST IMPRESSION
Madeleine Gallagher and Office Manager Catherine Grayson weren’t actively seeking a new IT service provider when they met the BOAB IT team at a recent Smokeball conference. However, some ongoing IT issues motivated them to strike up a conversation.
“Gallagher says, “We never considered using a provider outside our local area, but the fact BOAB IT only deals with law firms really appealed to me. I immediately felt understood by the BOAB IT Team. They were friendly, spoke in plain English, and clearly knew the legal industry.”
“BOAB IT came across as a well-oiled machine. They instantly got us. I often go with my gut, and my first impression of BOAB IT was I could trust them to deliver exactly what we needed.”
ONBOARDING WAS QUICK AND PAINLESS
BOAB IT did an analysis of Gallaghers’ current IT environment and quickly prioritised IT which was limiting the firm, like poor internet speed and old computers. They introduced Gallaghers to their hardware replacement guarantee and gave them the option of setting up their new laptops with docking stations and dual screens — which they love.
Gallagher recalls thinking, “Wow! This is amazing! This is the kind of stuff that I want my IT people to tell me. It just makes working between home and the office so much easier and faster. I didn’t even know it was a thing.”
“BOAB IT makes everything so easy. I seriously can’t believe how quickly they respond to our requests. Nothing is too hard. They’re just a great mob. I love them,” Gallagher says.
STRONG RECOMMENDATION FOR BOAB IT
Gallagher has already recommended BOAB IT to a colleague in Coffs Harbour. They believe Boab’s specialised knowledge of the legal industry puts them above and beyond other generic providers. They’re also cheaper than their last provider. If Gallaghers had known IT could be managed this effectively and efficiently outside their local area, they would have switched much earlier.
GALLAGHER SOLICITORS & CONVEYANCERS
About
Gallagher Solicitors & Conveyancers is not your traditional law firm. Their 40 years of experience, provides a unique local perspective, coupled with progressive thinking, on a wide range of legal matters.
Gallaghers pride themselves on speaking straight up; avoiding all the jargon and communicating in a way that makes sense from the beginning. This fresh, honest, and loyal approach to legal matters ensures everyone is treated with respect, dignity, and positive energy.
Since
1976
Specialisation
General practice firm
Number of staff
8
Offices
Grafton
Principal Solicitors
Madeleine Gallagher
Geraldine Gallagher
Office Manager
Catherine Grayson
Practice Management Software
Smokeball
BOAB IT Solutions
- Managed network
- Managed laptops
- Management of existing desktop computers