Futurelawyer

PcLaw Pro - Time and Billing Software

Typically when a software company upgrades a product, most of the time it simply adds bloated features to a bloated program, merely for the sake of the upgrade business. The maker of PCLawPro - Alumni Computer Group - has proven that it is a company that listens, and this upgrade to 32-bit functionality makes changes that strive to meet the needs of the customer. PCLaw for Windows is now a 32-bit Win95 application and has much improved the interface, design and on-line help functions of the best full function time, billing and financial accounting software packages on the market, at any price. The integration with Amicus Attorney Pro has been improved, and the program provides every financial function that a law firm might want or need. The new version still keeps track of all time and expenses, handles billing and reporting and has full trust accounting. Additional modules handle payroll and miscellaneous tasks. The software was one of the first Windows-based time and billing packages and, as a result, has matured faster than its more expensive counterparts. The new written manual is much easier to use, and combines instructions for PCLaw (up to ten timekeepers), and PCLawPro (more than ten timekeepers). Many of the changes will only be noticed and appreciated by users, such as the increase in data fields or law office customization. In the past, a purge of a client resulted in a loss of data, while the new version preserves essential client data after all matters for that client have been purged. Almost all data entries can now be corrected through a user-friendly correct function that is keyed to the type of data sought to be changed. In previous versions, some customers (including this one) were often annoyed by the requirement to use slash symbol in all dates. Thus, a date had to be entered 12/31/96. Miss a slash, and the date wouldn't be entered. This painful little problem has been corrected, and multiple date formats are now permitted, including the easy 123196 format. Flat fees can now be entered in the time box, merely by skipping the hours entry.

There are many other such changes, each of which addresses a specific ease of use problem. When taken together, Alumni Computer's attention to detail and wonderful concentration on ease of use, without sacrificing financial accuracy, makes this an even better buy than in the past. This is one company that has got it right, and the increasing popularity of the product in the legal market is a testament to that fact. Installation can still be a pain, however, and I've had to spend a couple hours on the phone with tech support at Alumni to get the old data converted properly. However, the relatively good customer support was more than adequate and, once the job is done, the pain of the install is quickly forgotten. Bulletproof Software.

This software is as bulletproof as anything I have ever used, which is saying something for a program that deals with a mountain of financial and client and matter data. In the five years of use of the product, it has never crashed my system. I hesitate to make that statement, but this is the rare program that seems to be well behaved in any environment. PCLawPro still does an excellent job of keeping track of firm billables and receivables, and the report and billing functions are fully customizable. The Windows environment provides a standard interface, and the software is equally at home in Windows 3.1 or Windows 95. I recommend the 32-bit Win95 version, however, since it takes advantage of the operating system that Microsoft has turned into the industry standard. Access to the program's functions is by a combination of drop-down menus, that make it easy to navigate. The user is never more than a mouse click away from the real work or functions required. The new icon tool bar allows for cutting and pasting of icons, adds an e-mail icon and Internet access, which permits the sending of any bill or report on the Internet or within the office intranet. Current bank balances are the click of an icon away, and case notes about any matter can be called up instantaneously. Flexibility a Plus.

One of the beauties of the system is its flexibility. The user can modify all of the client and matter codes and provision has been made for service charges and standard rates or fees for most services. The program, in addition to all of the time and billing and financial accounting functions, contains an amortization program, and can interface directly with Amicus Attorney, via the Amicus Link program. Any data entered into either program are automatically entered into the other, and only one entry needs to be made for any particular function. The beauty and power of the software lies in its rich reporting and formatting capabilities. It's a program written by lawyers for lawyers, and is law-office specific. This means that the software solutions are inherently applicable to the law office environment, and, unlike some if its competitors, the program fits nicely into most law office practice methods. The ability to modify and change printer and billing fonts and formats makes individualized billing possible. Statements can be customized to the needs and desires of the particular client. As with past versions, no aspect of law office accounting or financial reporting is left out, and the system is superior to competing systems costing thousands of dollars. The time, billing and financial reporting function in the law office, while essential, is not glamorous, and can be tedious. It is the lifeblood of the law firm, however, and no office can survive long if any portion of the billing cycle is not functioning smoothly. The power of the Windows95 operating system, and the speed and flexibility of PCLawPro, make it the perfect choice for the law firm of any size. After long use, software either becomes as comfortable as old shoes, or as cumbersome as a clunky old car that never starts. PCLawPro seems to improve with age. This software actually makes billing and financial accounting a pleasure. For more information on PCLawPro, contact Alumni at (800) 387 9785; www.pclaw.com