Sign of the Times: eSignatures Offer Law Firms Flexibility

Law firms that require paper-based signatures are committed to in-person meetings; but, those may not always be feasible.  In some cases, the decision is out of the lawyers’ hands, for example: during a personal, national or global disaster.  Of course, there are other reasons why your law firm may want to utilize esignatures.  Not requiring a physical signature likely means that you can add new clients faster, because you won’t have to set up an on-person meeting to do it.  With esignatures, signing can take place closer to the time of conversion, which also means that you can get started working faster.  It also may be more convenient for a potential client or existing client to sign online, perhaps because they don’t want to come to your office, and pay for parking.  There are a million reasons for law firm clients to prefer esignatures. 

There are also significant advantages for lawyers, who shift to esignatures.  In the first instance, any move to cloud tools means the attorney has more flexibility in relation to a particular law firm process.  Lawyers using esignatures can get started working with clients faster because they can convert potential clients in a more expedient fashion.  Modern consumers have more choices for lawyers than ever before, and the more differentiation points you can create for yourself, the better.  If you offer esignature, and other modern technology services, that is another differentiation point in relation to your less-savvy competitors. 

A number of esignature options exist.  If you utilize a law practice management software, it may already be included, or available for integration.  If you’d prefer or require a standalone solution, DocuSign, RightSignature and AdobeSign are popular options. From there, it’s as easy as dragging and dropping fields into your documents, and sending same, via email, for signature. 

. . . 

If you’re considering esignatures, but need some help getting signed up, we can help. 

Through a unique partnership between the bar association and Jared Correia's Red Cave Law Firm Consulting, Vermont Bar Association members now have access to experienced law practice management consultants at a special discounted rate.  To get started, visit Red Cave's Vermont Bar Association landing page, and start running your law practice like a business.