Legal Technology Journal

Bath, 27 November  2008 —Masseys LLP, which specialises in high value dispute resolution for blue-chip and commercial clients, is the latest firm of solicitors to implement SOS Connect from Solicitors Own Software.

Masseys was launched in 2004 and has rapidly garnered a reputation for expertise in high-value, international and domestic, commercial litigation, arbitration, alternative dispute resolution and dispute avoidance. The firm has four partners, 9 lawyers and support staff. Success however, including with notable high value cases such as Bear Stearns Plc v. Forum Global Equity Ltd and SecTrack NV v. Satamatics & Ors, resulted in the business soon outgrowing its first IT system.

To replace the incumbent system, Masseys carried out a thorough evaluation of legal software suppliers, inviting presentations from five suppliers, which were then whittled down to a shortlist of two. Accurate and easy-to-use time recording with seamless integration to billing, was a critical requirement in addition to accounting and back office functions. High quality bill presentation was also essential in order to deliver the right image to Masseys’ clients.

In August 2008, Masseys signed contracts for a 15 user SOS Connect system. Partner Philip Young explains: “We liked the modern, flexible, accurate time recording capabilities in Connect as well as the user-friendliness. The fact that people here can access Connect through Outlook is also very convenient. SOS Connect is a good product and offers great value. However of equal importance to us, was SOS’ approach to customer service and account handling, which we have found to be excellent.”

The new system was also quick to implement and Masseys went live just four weeks from ordering the system. Benefits were felt immediately and Masseys has gained a rapid return on investment. “We have dramatically reduced the time that senior fee-earners now have to spend on checking and amending bills, such is the accuracy of SOS Connect. With the old system we often felt that not all time was accounted for and now are confident that any leaks have been plugged.”

David McNamara, managing director of SOS said: “This latest implementation demonstrates the flexibility of SOS Connect to provide exceedingly cost-effective solutions to firms like Masseys, providing highly bespoke and general counsel services, as it is for those needing to automate the more commoditised areas of their business.”