Accounting
Built-in Accounting
It’s rare to find built-in accounting software that can replace the application you’re currently using. Yet, with features like check printing, bank reconciliation, a general ledger function, user permissions, and LEDES support, Actionstep can, likely, do just that. More importantly for some, though, lawyers can easily take client payments, send bills (hourly or a fixed rate), track expenses, and a whole host of other necessary accounting right out of the system.
Trust Accounts
Actionstep’s accounting software also helps firms fully manage their trust accounts. Obviously, this is important to most lawyers. Its trust accounting tools, reports, and controls help you navigate strict rules and stay compliant.
Integrations
Unfortunately, not everyone can shift to different accounting software on a moment’s notice. A lawyer may, quite simply, be limited by what their accountant uses. As such, Actionstep also features integrations with both QuickBooks and Xero. Although, the Quickbooks integration is only available with the Pro or above package.
Communication
Secure Client Portal
The secure client portal allows lawyers to send secure documents to their clients, chat in real-time, provide limited access to client files, and more. Although it doesn’t appear that users can send text messages through the platform, this portal should obviate the need.
Email
When using the built-in email, each matter that is created has its own inbox and outbox. Which should help keep track of all correspondence within the matter. However, if a lawyer prefers using Gmail or Outlook, they can integrate their account to stay on top of file notes, tasks, documents, and more.
Document Management
Document management is built right into each matter, so users can save documents locally, and logically, within the matter file. This is as opposed to saving them in a separate document folder. Additionally, files are automatically backed up on Actionstep. However, for those who prefer to use a third party, the platform also integrates with Box, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
Mobile App
Although the mobile app doesn’t grant full access to all of Actionstep’s features, users can track time, file notes, access matter details, and quickly see appointments.
Who Actionstep is For
Actionstep is a robust, comprehensive, cloud-based LPMS with a lot of hard-to-find features. It boasts full accounting, a secure client portal, integrated email, and a highly organized document management system. It also has organization-wide workflows, and document automation that integrates with MS Word. Although it takes some setup commitment, it’s still likely a good fit for any small to medium-sized firm looking to simplify their tech stack.
Alternatively, though, since not everyone needs robust built-in features, some lawyers will find more than they need here. Additionally, it is not a platform that one generally sets up in an evening. As with most all-in-one platforms, users generally enlist the help of a set-up specialist.
We are a very disappointed small firm.
I consider myself to be very computer-literate and I am proficient with most new technologies.
By way of background, I have had the opportunity to use LEAP and Lexis Nexus (affinity) in the past.
To cut to the chase, I strongly do not recommend Actionstep. I wish I was informed before I committed the implementation (cost is approx. $3000).
Reasons:
The lack of cohesion between :- 1. Actionstep (ie the software provider), -2. the separate company which implements the installation and maintenance; and – 3. The 3rd party add on providers (ie the conveyancing add on is done by a company called Konekta) is problematic and horrendous to navigate. This software is full of issues and there is no accountability by anyone.
The add on providers are extremely difficult to deal with as the only way you can speak with someone is if you log onto their website, and then create a “Ticket” for a call back. This is poorly managed and I have had to wait days for assistance. Ultimately, this service wastes hours of my day and is costing us money.
When issues arise, my experience was that each of the 3 before mentioned parties blame each other and then come up with excuses.
There are no workable precedents in my field (conveyancing – I also pay $49 for the add on). I found errors in the documents and some documents are out of date (by a number of years – and versions). Very embarrassing and potentially dangerous.
I’m sure this software would be beneficial for a large (100 people +) firm who wants a customizable program. However, if you are a small operation and do not have unlimited resources, you may want to steer clear of this software. I wish I did.
Standout Software - We love ActionStep
The most challenging aspect of Actionstep is the initial setup. The program has powerful flexibility and customizable features but someone must do all the customizing unless you purchase an “add on” through the ActionStep marketplace. Customizing can be done in-house if you have a reliable, tech-savvy person and the ability to map out your workflows. If you don’t have time, tech savvy, or a clear sense of your workflow, it’s best to work with an Actionstep consultant to assist with the initial setup and data migration. Actionstep support staff are available to assist throughout the process of set up and migration. For our firm the end result has been well worth the initial investment of time and energy to set up the processes. We have highly increased productivity, and our attorneys can handle a larger caseload while delegating more effectively to support staff. We aren’t putting out fires and can take nice vacations.
Robust and Adaptable!
Great for Specialty Firms
Easy & User Friendly