Heppenstalls consolidates on SOS as part of efficiency drive

Global News

02
Jun
2009

New Forest law firm Heppenstalls is consolidating its accounting and practice management operations and upgrading to the latest version of SOS software as part of a project to improve efficiency and marketing capabilities across the firm.

Heppenstalls, which was established over 110 years ago, first introduced SOS software over ten years ago at the office in Lymington and a second system was implemented for the practice in New Milton. A third office at Lyndhurst operates as a satellite to Lymington’s accounts system.

Until recently the three offices have run fairly autonomously but now Managing Partner Alexandra Jennings is keen to take the law firm forward:  “During these tougher times, we have a real opportunity to implement new systems and get into good shape for when we come out of the recession. The investment in IT is not just about improving efficiency and economy, but also about introducing consistencies and bringing the three offices together to function as part of a whole.”

As well as upgrading to the latest version of SOS software, the existing separate databases will be merged and the offices added to an integrated network. This is the first step towards improving marketing and client relationship management and providing fee earners with greater accessibility and visibility of client and accounting information.

Heppenstalls is happy to prepare for the future with SOS. “We have a good relationship with SOS”, comments Alexandra Jennings. “They know what they are doing and understand the needs of law firms. The software is among the best on the market and we are now taking the time to utilise its features more extensively.”

Heppenstalls will also be adding SOS’s legal aid module which will greatly enhance compliance with the latest Legal Services Commission requirements and is also looking at introducing case and workflow management for areas such as Probate.

“Heppenstalls is one of several SOS customers who are taking advantage of the recession to update their systems and emerge from these difficult times better equipped than ever to grow their businesses and improve efficiency,” says David McNamara, managing director of SOS. “We are delighted that Heppenstalls is staying loyal to SOS and hope to continue to support the firm to meet its aspirations for many years to come.”