The decision to implement legal case management software represents one of the most significant investments a law firm can make in its operational future. For Kenyan legal practitioners navigating an increasingly competitive market, the right technology choice can mean the difference between a thriving practice and one struggling to keep pace with client expectations and regulatory demands.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every consideration necessary to make an informed decision about legal case management software for your practice, whether you're a solo practitioner in Nairobi, a growing firm in Mombasa, or an established practice looking to modernize operations.

Understanding Your Practice Management Needs

Before evaluating any software solution, you must first understand your practice's unique requirements. Legal case management software isn't one-size-fits-all, and the system that works brilliantly for a corporate law firm may frustrate a litigation practice.

Assess Your Current Pain Points

Start by identifying where your current systems are failing. Are you losing billable hours because time tracking is too cumbersome? Are clients constantly calling to check case status because they lack transparency? Is trust accounting compliance creating anxiety before every Law Society of Kenya audit?

Document these pain points systematically. Talk to your team members, from senior partners to administrative staff. Review client feedback and complaints. Examine where cases have fallen through the cracks or where billing disputes have arisen. These pain points will become your evaluation criteria when comparing software options.

Define Your Practice Profile

Your practice type fundamentally influences your software needs. A solo practitioner handling family law matters has vastly different requirements than a ten-lawyer firm managing complex commercial litigation.

Consider your practice areas. If you focus on real estate conveyancing, you need robust document management with template automation. Criminal defense practitioners require excellent calendar management with court date tracking and integration with Kenya's court systems. Corporate lawyers need contract management capabilities and client collaboration tools.

Firm size matters significantly. Solo practitioners need simplicity and efficiency without unnecessary complexity. Small firms of two to five lawyers require collaboration features and workload distribution capabilities. Larger practices need sophisticated user permissions, department management, and comprehensive reporting.

Your growth trajectory also influences software selection. If you're planning to expand from solo practice to a small firm, choose software that scales without requiring complete replacement. WakiliCRM's architecture, for instance, supports practices from single practitioners to large firms without forcing system changes as you grow.

Evaluate Your Technical Readiness

Be honest about your firm's technical sophistication. Some practices have tech-savvy teams who will embrace advanced features, while others need intuitive interfaces with minimal learning curves.

Consider your current technology infrastructure. Do you already use cloud services? Are team members comfortable with mobile applications? What's your internet connectivity like, especially if you have lawyers working from various locations across Kenya?

Your budget reality also matters. Legal software represents an investment, not an expense, but you still need pricing that aligns with your financial capacity. Consider not just upfront costs but ongoing expenses, hidden fees, and the total cost of ownership over three to five years.

Essential Features Every Law Firm Needs

Certain capabilities are non-negotiable in modern legal practice management software. These foundational features should be your baseline expectations, not premium additions.

Comprehensive Case Management

At its core, legal software must provide digital workspaces for every matter you handle. Each case should have a centralized location containing all relevant information: client details, opposing parties, court information, important dates, document storage, communication history, and financial records.

The case management engine should support your workflow rather than forcing you to adapt to rigid structures. You should be able to customize case types, create practice-area-specific templates, and establish automated workflows that guide matters from intake through resolution.

WakiliCRM's case management system provides this flexibility while maintaining the structure necessary for consistency. Our platform allows you to create custom case types for family law, corporate transactions, litigation, real estate, and any other practice area, with each type having appropriate fields, workflows, and automation rules.

Client Relationship Management

Legal software must go beyond case tracking to support comprehensive client relationship management. You need visibility into every client interaction, from initial consultation through matter completion and beyond to relationship maintenance.

A proper CRM system tracks not just current matters but the complete client history. When a past client calls, you should instantly see previous cases, billing history, communication records, and relationship notes. This institutional memory prevents embarrassing situations and enables personalized service that builds loyalty.

The system should also support business development activities. Track referral sources, monitor potential client communications, and manage follow-up processes. Some practices lose substantial business simply because inquiries fall through administrative cracks. Systematic CRM prevents this revenue leakage.

As highlighted in our blog about smarter legal practice workflow tools, modern client relationship management transforms how firms build sustainable practices.

Document Management System

Document management deserves special attention because legal practice fundamentally revolves around documentation. Your software must provide secure storage with version control, role-based access permissions, and integration with case information.

Look for systems that support legal holds, ensuring documents can't be altered or deleted once litigation preservation obligations arise. You need audit trails showing who accessed documents when, which becomes critical for both client service and professional liability protection.

The document system should integrate seamlessly with your workflow. When you're reviewing a case, relevant documents should be immediately accessible. When communicating with clients, you should be able to attach documents directly from the case file. When generating invoices, supporting documentation should link automatically.

WakiliCRM's document management includes sophisticated features like automated categorization, full-text search across all stored files, and mobile access for lawyers working remotely. Our legal holds feature ensures compliance with preservation obligations, while access-based permissions protect client confidentiality.

Financial Management and Billing

Trust accounting and billing capabilities are absolutely essential, particularly given Law Society of Kenya compliance requirements. Your software must maintain separate trust and operating accounts, support three-way reconciliation, and generate reports meeting regulatory standards.

Time tracking must be effortless enough that lawyers actually use it. If time entry is cumbersome, billable hours go unrecorded, directly impacting revenue. Look for systems offering quick entry options, timer functionality, and mobile time capture for work performed outside the office.

Billing features should support your fee structures, whether hourly rates, flat fees, contingency arrangements, or retainer agreements. Invoice generation should be automated where possible, with customizable templates reflecting your firm's branding. The system should track payments, manage collections, and provide financial reporting that supports business decision-making.

Our legal billing software guide explains the financial management capabilities that modern Kenyan practices require.

Calendar and Court Date Management

Missed deadlines represent one of the most serious risks in legal practice. Your software must provide calendar management that makes deadline tracking foolproof.

Look for systems that support multiple calendars (court dates, filing deadlines, internal tasks, client appointments), automated reminder systems, and rule-based deadline calculation. When a court date is entered, the system should automatically calculate related deadlines: discovery cutoffs, motion filing dates, witness disclosure deadlines, and other practice-specific requirements.

Integration with Kenya's court systems adds tremendous value. WakiliCRM includes e-filing integration that connects directly with Kenyan courts, allowing electronic submission and automatic updates when courts issue orders or schedule hearings. This integration eliminates manual tracking and reduces deadline-related risk.

The calendar should also support appointment scheduling with built-in conflict checking. When a client requests a meeting, the system should identify available times across multiple lawyers' calendars and send automated confirmations.

Communication Hub

Modern legal practice requires multi-channel communication management. Your software should integrate email, provide secure messaging for privileged communications, support video conferencing for remote consultations, and track all client interactions regardless of channel.

Email integration is particularly important. Rather than switching between your inbox and practice management software, look for systems that bring email into the case management environment. When emails relate to specific matters, they should be automatically associated with those case files and accessible to everyone working on the matter.

WakiliCRM's communication hub provides integrated messaging with encryption for privileged communications, video conferencing capabilities, and comprehensive email integration. All communications are automatically logged to relevant case files, creating complete interaction histories.

Client Portal

Client self-service capabilities have become expectations rather than luxuries. Modern clients want 24/7 access to case status, document libraries, billing information, and communication with their lawyers.

A client portal should provide transparency that reduces routine inquiries while enhancing service quality. Clients should log in to view case progress, access documents, make secure payments, and send messages to their legal team. This transparency builds trust while reducing administrative burden on your staff.

Look for portals with mobile optimization, as many clients will access from smartphones. Security is paramount; the portal must protect confidential information through encryption, multi-factor authentication, and access controls.

Evaluating Software Vendors

Once you understand your needs and essential features, begin evaluating specific software solutions. This process requires systematic comparison across multiple dimensions.

African vs. International Solutions

Kenyan law firms face a fundamental choice: international software designed for Western markets or solutions purpose-built for African legal practice. This decision has significant implications for functionality, cost, and long-term satisfaction.

International options like Clio, MyCase, and Practice Panther offer mature products with extensive features. However, they're designed for U.S., Canadian, or European markets and often lack critical capabilities for Kenyan practice. They typically don't support Law Society of Kenya compliance requirements, lack integration with Kenyan court systems, don't accommodate mobile money payments, and charge in foreign currency at premium pricing.

African-focused solutions like WakiliCRM are purpose-built for local markets. We understand Law Society of Kenya trust accounting rules, integrate with M-Pesa and other mobile money platforms, connect with Kenyan court systems for e-filing, and price in local currency at rates sustainable for African practices.

Our comparison of WakiliCRM vs Clio details why African law firms increasingly choose local solutions over Western alternatives.

Cloud vs. On-Premise Deployment

Modern legal software is overwhelmingly cloud-based, and for good reason. Cloud deployment offers accessibility from anywhere, automatic updates and backups, minimal IT infrastructure requirements, and predictable subscription pricing.

On-premise systems require server hardware, IT staff for maintenance, manual backup procedures, and complex update processes. They also limit mobility; lawyers can't easily access systems outside the office.

Cloud solutions like WakiliCRM provide enterprise-grade security through data encryption, regular security audits, redundant backup systems, and disaster recovery capabilities that would be prohibitively expensive for individual firms to implement.

Some lawyers express concern about cloud data security, but properly implemented cloud infrastructure is typically more secure than on-premise systems. Major cloud platforms have security teams and infrastructure that individual firms can't match. The question isn't whether cloud storage is secure, but whether the specific vendor has implemented appropriate security measures.

Integration Capabilities

No software exists in isolation. Your practice management system should integrate with other tools you use: accounting software, email platforms, document assembly systems, electronic signature services, and payment processors.

WakiliCRM offers extensive integration capabilities alongside comprehensive internal features. We integrate with QuickBooks for accounting firms preferring separate bookkeeping systems, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace for email and productivity tools, and various payment gateways for client billing.

However, we also provide robust internal alternatives. Our built-in accounting system meets Law Society of Kenya requirements without requiring external software. Our integrated calendar eliminates the need for Outlook or Google Calendar. Our document management system handles everything firms need without Dropbox or SharePoint subscriptions.

This dual approach gives you flexibility: integrate with existing tools if you prefer, or use our comprehensive internal features to simplify your technology stack.

Mobile Accessibility

Legal work doesn't happen exclusively in offices. Lawyers appear in court, meet clients at various locations, work from home, and travel for business. Your practice management software must support this mobility through robust mobile applications.

Evaluate mobile apps carefully. Can lawyers access case information? Enter time from their phones? Review and edit documents? Communicate with clients securely? The mobile experience should be genuinely functional, not just a token feature with limited capabilities.

WakiliCRM's mobile-first design ensures full functionality across devices. Our mobile application provides complete access to case files, time entry, document review, secure messaging, and client communication. Lawyers can manage their practices effectively whether in the office, in court, or traveling across Kenya.

User Experience and Interface Design

Software can have every feature imaginable but fail if the interface is confusing or inefficient. User experience directly impacts adoption rates and productivity.

Request demonstration accounts that allow hands-on testing. Don't rely solely on vendor demonstrations; actually use the software for realistic tasks. Can you easily create a new case? Is time entry intuitive? How many clicks does it take to generate an invoice? Is navigation logical?

Consider the learning curve. How long will it take for your team to become proficient? What training resources does the vendor provide? Is support available when you need it?

The best software feels intuitive even on first use. WakiliCRM's interface design prioritizes clarity and efficiency. We've invested heavily in user experience research with Kenyan lawyers, ensuring our platform matches how African practitioners actually work.

Compliance and Security Considerations

Legal software must meet stringent security and compliance requirements given the sensitive nature of client information and professional obligations.

Data Protection and Privacy

Kenya's Data Protection Act imposes obligations on how firms handle personal information. Your software must support compliance through appropriate technical and organizational measures.

Look for vendors who understand data protection requirements and have implemented necessary controls. Data should be encrypted both in transit and at rest. Access controls should prevent unauthorized viewing of client information. Audit logs should track who accessed what data and when.

WakiliCRM implements comprehensive data protection measures aligned with Kenya's legal requirements. We maintain detailed information on our data protection page about our security architecture, compliance certifications, and privacy practices.

Law Society of Kenya Compliance

Trust accounting requirements from the Law Society of Kenya are non-negotiable. Your software must support proper trust account management, including separate trust and operating accounts, client trust ledgers, three-way reconciliation, and audit trail documentation.

International software often lacks these Kenya-specific features, forcing firms to maintain separate systems or manual processes for compliance. This fragmentation creates risk and inefficiency.

WakiliCRM's financial management system is purpose-built for Law Society of Kenya compliance. Our trust accounting features meet all regulatory requirements, generate necessary compliance reports, and maintain audit trails satisfying LSK examination standards. Our compliance guide details how we support regulatory obligations.

Backup and Disaster Recovery

Law firms hold client information representing years of work and immense value. Losing this data would be catastrophic. Your software vendor must have robust backup and disaster recovery procedures.

Understand the vendor's backup frequency, data redundancy, and recovery time objectives. How quickly can your data be restored if something fails? Where are backups stored? How long is backup history retained?

Cloud platforms typically offer superior disaster recovery compared to on-premise systems. WakiliCRM maintains multiple backup copies in geographically distributed data centers, ensuring your information remains accessible even if one facility experiences problems.

Pricing Models and Total Cost of Ownership

Software pricing varies dramatically across vendors and models. Understanding the total cost of ownership requires looking beyond headline subscription fees.

Subscription vs. Perpetual Licensing

Most modern legal software uses subscription pricing: monthly or annual fees per user or per firm. This model provides predictable costs, includes updates and support, and avoids large upfront investments.

Some vendors still offer perpetual licenses where you purchase the software outright. While this seems cheaper initially, perpetual licensing often costs more long-term when you factor in maintenance fees, upgrade costs, and eventual replacement needs.

WakiliCRM uses transparent subscription pricing with no hidden fees. Our rates are denominated in Kenyan shillings, eliminating foreign exchange uncertainty that plagues international software subscriptions.

Hidden Costs to Consider

Headline pricing often obscures actual costs. Investigate carefully to understand total expense:

Implementation and Setup: Some vendors charge thousands of dollars for implementation, data migration, and initial configuration. These one-time costs can exceed several months of subscription fees.

Training: Is training included or separately priced? How much training will your team need?

Support: Is support included in subscription pricing or available only through expensive premium plans? What are support hours and response times?

Storage: Do you pay extra for document storage beyond base limits? How expensive are storage overages?

Features: Are core features included or available only in premium tiers? Some vendors charge extra for mobile access, client portals, or integrations.

Users: How is user pricing structured? Some vendors charge per lawyer, others per user including staff. Understand exactly how adding team members impacts costs.

Payment Processing: If the software processes client payments, what are transaction fees?

WakiliCRM provides transparent all-inclusive pricing. Our subscription includes unlimited users, unlimited storage, complete feature access, ongoing training resources, and local customer support. We believe law firms deserve straightforward pricing without surprise fees or complicated tiering.

Return on Investment

Evaluate software as an investment generating returns through efficiency gains, improved billing realization, reduced administrative costs, and enhanced client service supporting premium pricing.

A typical implementation achieves 30-40% reduction in administrative time, 15-25% improvement in billing realization, significant reduction in compliance risk, and enhanced client satisfaction supporting higher retention rates. These benefits typically justify software costs within months.

Calculate potential ROI for your specific practice. If you're currently losing ten billable hours monthly to inefficient time tracking, and your blended rate is Ksh 10,000 per hour, that's Ksh 100,000 monthly in lost revenue. Software costing Ksh 30,000 monthly pays for itself immediately while delivering additional benefits.

Implementation and Change Management

Selecting software is only half the challenge; successful implementation determines whether technology investment delivers promised benefits.

Data Migration Planning

Most firms have existing client data, case information, and financial records in various formats: spreadsheets, old software systems, paper files, email folders, and shared drives. Migrating this information requires careful planning.

Understand what data the new system can import and in what formats. Some vendors provide migration services, while others require you to handle data preparation. Consider whether you need to migrate everything or only active matters and recent history.

WakiliCRM provides migration support helping firms transition from previous systems or manual processes. Our team assists with data formatting, import execution, and verification that information transferred correctly.

Training and Adoption

Technology only delivers value if people use it properly. Comprehensive training is essential for successful adoption.

Plan training that accommodates different learning styles and technical comfort levels. Combine initial group training with ongoing resources like video tutorials, documentation, and quick reference guides. Identify power users who can support colleagues and champion the new system.

Expect an adjustment period. Productivity may temporarily decrease as the team learns new processes. This is normal and passes quickly with proper support.

WakiliCRM provides extensive training resources through our help center, including getting started guides, case management tutorials, and billing instruction.

Ongoing Support

Implementation doesn't end after initial setup. You'll need ongoing support as questions arise, features evolve, and your practice grows.

Evaluate vendor support options carefully. Is support included or extra? What are response times? Can you reach real humans or only submit tickets? Is support available during your business hours or only in distant time zones?

Local support matters tremendously. International vendors typically provide support from North America or Europe, creating time zone challenges and cultural disconnects. African-based support teams understand your specific context and provide help during your working hours.

WakiliCRM provides comprehensive local support through our contact center with Kenyan-based teams available during East African business hours.

Making Your Decision

After thorough evaluation, synthesize your research into a final decision using systematic comparison.

Create a Comparison Matrix

Build a spreadsheet comparing finalists across key criteria: essential features, compliance support, pricing, integration capabilities, mobile functionality, support options, and vendor stability.

Weight criteria based on your priorities. If Law Society of Kenya compliance is critical, weight that heavily. If budget is constrained, emphasize pricing. If you have lawyers constantly in court, prioritize mobile functionality.

Score each vendor objectively on every criterion. This structured approach prevents decisions based on superficial factors like slick marketing or charming sales representatives.

Request References

Speak with existing customers about their experiences. Vendors should readily provide references from firms similar to yours.

Ask pointed questions: What surprised you after implementation? What do you wish you'd known before choosing this software? How responsive is support? Would you make the same decision again?

Pay attention to references from African law firms specifically. Their experiences will be more relevant than testimonials from Western practices operating in different legal and technological contexts.

Trial Period

Never commit to legal software without hands-on testing. Request trial access allowing you to create cases, enter time, generate invoices, and test features relevant to your practice.

Involve your entire team in testing. Lawyers, paralegals, administrators, and accountants should all evaluate how the software supports their roles. A system that seems perfect to managing partners may frustrate staff members who'll use it daily.

WakiliCRM offers comprehensive trial access allowing you to experience our full platform before committing. We encourage testing all features to ensure our solution meets your specific needs.

Long-Term Vendor Viability

Consider the vendor's long-term prospects. Is this an established company with sustainable business model? Are they investing in product development? Do they have growing customer base indicating market validation?

Start-ups may offer innovative features but carry risk of discontinued service if funding fails. Established vendors provide stability but may have stagnant products lacking innovation.

WakiliCRM represents a middle path: established enough to demonstrate viability and market success, yet agile enough to innovate rapidly based on African legal market needs.

Conclusion: The Strategic Importance of Your Choice

Selecting legal case management software represents a strategic decision shaping your practice's future. The right choice enables efficient operations, ensures regulatory compliance, supports exceptional client service, and provides competitive advantage in an evolving market.

The wrong choice creates frustration, wastes resources, and may eventually require expensive replacement. Given the stakes, invest adequate time in thorough evaluation rather than rushing to quick decisions.

For Kenyan legal practitioners, the emergence of African-focused solutions like WakiliCRM changes the equation fundamentally. You no longer must choose between expensive international software lacking local relevance or continuing with inadequate manual systems.

Modern legal practice in Kenya demands technology supporting Law Society compliance, integrating with local systems, accommodating African payment methods, and priced sustainably for the regional market. These requirements point clearly toward solutions purpose-built for African legal practice.

We encourage you to explore WakiliCRM through our features overview and detailed documentation. Learn how it works and review testimonials from Kenyan lawyers who've transformed their practices through appropriate technology adoption.

The future of legal practice is digital, integrated, and client-centered. The software you choose today will either enable or constrain your ability to thrive in this future. Choose wisely, choose strategically, and choose solutions aligned with the unique realities of African legal practice.

Ready to transform your legal practice? Visit our support center to learn more about WakiliCRM or contact us to schedule a personalized demonstration. Discover why leading Kenyan law firms are choosing locally-built solutions designed specifically for African legal practice.

For more insights on modern legal practice management, explore our blog covering topics from AI in Kenyan courtrooms to employment law practice. You can also browse our law firm directory to connect with legal practitioners across Kenya's diverse practice areas and locations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I expect to spend on legal case management software?

Legal case management software pricing varies significantly based on features, firm size, and vendor. Cloud-based solutions typically range from $40 to $150+ per user monthly for international platforms. WakiliCRM provides more affordable pricing, that can go as low as $20 per user per month, for premium features, with transparent pricing in local currency. WakiliCRM's subscription cost covers the use of the system, and sometime firms that require additional assistance such as migration and staff training may be charged one-time fees. Calculate five-year total cost of ownership rather than focusing solely on monthly subscription price. The cheapest option often proves most expensive when you factor in limited features, poor support, or efficiency losses.

Can I switch software if I'm unhappy with my initial choice?

Yes, though switching involves effort and disruption. Most reputable vendors allow data export, though format and completeness vary by platform. Plan for 2-4 months to fully transition to new software, including data migration, staff retraining, and workflow adjustment. This timeline underscores the importance of choosing carefully initially—switching is possible but not trivial. When evaluating software, specifically ask about data export capabilities and format. Platforms that lock you in with proprietary formats or difficult export processes should raise concerns. Wakili CRM team can help you with migrating your data and setup your account to complete operation in a few days.

Do I need specialized software for my practice area?

Not necessarily. Comprehensive case management solutions support multiple practice areas through customizable fields, workflows, and templates. Most firms—even those with diverse practices—benefit from a single unified platform rather than separate systems for different departments. However, extremely specialized practices (such as immigration with complex visa tracking, or patent law with prosecution management) might benefit from niche software designed specifically for those unique workflows. For most Kenyan law firms handling business, litigation, family, real estate, or employment matters, comprehensive platforms like WakiliCRM provide the flexibility needed without requiring practice-area-specific software.

How secure is cloud-based legal software compared to keeping files on my computer?

When properly implemented, cloud-based legal software is typically more secure than traditional on-premise storage. Reputable vendors invest heavily in security infrastructure that most law firms cannot afford to implement themselves—including data encryption in transit and at rest, redundant backups in geographically separate locations, comprehensive access controls and audit logging, 24/7 security monitoring, and regular security audits and penetration testing. Your office computer is vulnerable to theft, fire, hardware failure, and ransomware—often without adequate backup. However, not all cloud software is equally secure. At Wakili CRM, we encrypt data both at rest and on transit, and ensuring proper audit records, so that only users with permissions can access the data, inclduing being able to read files.

What happens to my data if the software company goes out of business?

This is a critical question to address in your contract before signing. Look for provisions guaranteeing data export rights and continued access even if the company ceases operations. Reputable vendors maintain data escrow arrangements or transition plans specifically for this scenario. Additionally, you should maintain your own regular data exports as backup—most quality platforms allow you to export complete data in standard formats. Choose established vendors with demonstrated financial stability to reduce this risk. Ask directly about business continuity plans and don't be satisfied with vague reassurances.

How long does it typically take to implement case management software?

Implementation timelines vary based on firm size, data migration complexity, and customization needs. Solo practitioners with minimal legacy data might be fully operational in 2-4 weeks. Small firms typically require 1-3 months for complete implementation including data migration and staff training. Larger firms or those migrating substantial historical data should plan for 3-6 months. Rushing implementation creates problems—inadequate training, incomplete data migration, and process confusion. However, unnecessarily slow implementation causes frustration and delays benefits realization. Work with your vendor to establish a realistic timeline with clear milestones, and budget time for both formal training and the learning curve period.

At Wakili CRM, you do not need an implementation of the system. You just need to create an account and verify everything, then start creating matters and add relevant files and information to the matter, or wait for clients to assign you to matters. You can also start adding your clients' accounts and their matters. This is straightforward and may take from a few minutes to days, depending on the volume of your matters and clients.

Can WakiliCRM help with Law Society of Kenya compliance?

Yes, this is in-built in the system. WakiliCRM first ensures that every lawyer account on the system is run by a registered advocate in good standing with LKS. It provides a way for the user to track their CPD and also sources for potential CPD to ensure lawyers remain compliant. WakiliCRM has in-built trust accounting features that implement three-way reconciliation and maintain proper client ledgers support compliance with LSK trust account requirements. Comprehensive audit trails document all actions taken on files, supporting accountability. Deadline management with multiple reminders reduces risk of missed court dates or filing deadlines. Conflict checking helps ensure you don't inadvertently create conflicts of interest. Document retention features help maintain proper file records as required. However, generic software not designed for Kenyan legal practice may lack these specific features or implement them in ways that don't match LSK requirements. When evaluating software, specifically ask how it supports LSK compliance and request demonstration of trust accounting and file management features that match LSK rules.

Should I choose software based on what other firms in my area use?

What works well for other firms provides useful data points, but your specific needs should drive the decision. However, there is value in choosing popular platforms within your market—more local users means better understanding of regional needs by the vendor, potential networking opportunities with other users, easier staff recruitment (candidates familiar with the platform), and evidence of product-market fit for your jurisdiction. Consider what your peers use as one factor among many, but don't let it override your systematic evaluation. Your firm's size, practice areas, technical sophistication, and budget are unique. The perfect solution for a ten-attorney litigation firm may be wrong for a three-attorney corporate practice.

Wakili CRM is built to allow firms to collaborate and communicate with each other in secure ways. This makes it easier for the firms to collaborate, say, when working on a given matter together. A the same time, document service becomes easier as lawyers involved in a given matter can exchange documents with full certificate of service tracked and logged. This ensures that all the parties can get served at any time and with much ease, and with the evidence of such service in trackable manner.