US regional law firm embraces new software and technology, implementing BigHand voice productivity software to increase staff efficiency

Global News

12
Jun
2009

Leading Indiana firm Bamberger, Foreman, Oswald, and Hahn, LLP has embraced sharing software in an attempt to provide staff with tools to make their jobs easier and more efficient

Indiana based Bamberger, Foreman, Oswald, and Hahn, LLP (Bamberger) has announced it has replaced legacy Olympus software with BigHand’s award-winning voice productivity software across the firm, and is already finding benefits from the software’s sharing capabilities with regards to teamwork and support staff efficiency.

BigHand software has been installed on desktops and BlackBerry smartphones across the firm’s Evansville, Indianapolis, Mt. Vernon, Poseyville, Princeton, and Vincennes offices allowing attorneys to record, edit and send voice files or verbal tasks to office based support staff. Voice tasks, instructions and dictations are sent on-the-go via BigHand then instantly enter the office workflow, and are tracked via status updates, priorities and alerts. Overall, BigHand helps attorneys get more work done, expedites the document production process, reduces support staff time and improves client service.

Additionally, Bamberger has realized a complete return-on-investment within three months of rolling out the product. ROI made throughout the remainder of the year will constitute clear profit on the law firm’s original expenditure; over a three year period the savings are projected to accumulate to substantial levels.

Terry Farmer, Bamberger Managing Partner, commented: “I have to admit at first we rejected the IT committee’s recommendation to bring in BigHand as it looked a little expensive when set beside our existing Olympus software, but the ability to manage our resources more effectively and genuinely boost mobility proved too strong a case in the end. We are obviously very satisfied that we reconsidered that original decision, as the software has paid for itself in record time. Now our attorneys can collaborate instantly with support staff in any office, utilize the BigHand dictation application on their BlackBerry smartphones, and view the live progress of specific client documents via their ‘Work in Progress’ interface. Our smaller offices can also be supported centrally when resources are stretched, which means we have a stronger overall infrastructure that makes it easier to produce a consistent quality of documentation.”

Out-and-out cost saving was never a key objective for Bamberger in the original project spec, however return-on-investment was an unexpected byproduct of the reduction of secretarial overtime promoted by BigHand software and the fact that, due to the workflow optimization and resource management features it offered, the firm has not had to replace assistants who left of their own accord. Going into the summer holiday period, the firm also expects that BigHand will make it easier – and more cost effective – to cover staff who are on vacation by automatically routing work to individuals with capacity.

Kerrie Weinzapfel, Bamberger Firm Administrator, commented: “BigHand software is a great tool in promoting a team culture and encouraging work sharing. Our support staff have formed virtual teams and really stepped up and embraced the technology in an effort to expedite client service. The fact they have called their teams names such as ‘Digital Divas’, ‘Busy Bees’ and ‘Awesome Assistants’ gives you an idea of how driven they have been to embrace this new technology and how they have made this project a real success.”

For more information on Bamberger, Foreman, Oswald and Hahn, LLP, visit their website at www.bamberger.com.