| McIntosh, McPhillamy & Co Keeping Ahead | | | McIntosh, McPhillamy & Co | | McIntosh, McPhillamy & Co was established in 1845, a provincial country practice in the rural city of Bathurst, NSW. Prominent in the region, the firm’s eight principals and thirty support staff are respected in all areas of law. In the twenty-plus years McIntosh, McPhillamy & Co has been a client of Locus, Business Manager, Colin Stonestreet has observed the firm’s increasing use of and benefit from technology: “There does not seem to be a day that goes by when I will not access Locus for some reason or other. I can put my finger on whatever information I need.” “Locus allows me and the practitioners to keep our finger on the pulse of the whole practice. We watch our billings and cashflow. We live and grow by that information – it is critical.” Financial Management “Checking the pulse is essential because we need to know the areas of law and profit-making for us.” “Locus is an essential tool to help us carry out the management function. It gives us security over our financial records. We know they are secure, organised and up-to-date. Plus, it’s approved by the Law Society of NSW so we know we’ve got a quality assured product.” The Changing Environment The evolution of technology, changing social and economic conditions, improved communications and media, and like many other factors are continuing to change the nature of legal practice. The environment has become more specialist and competitive. The practitioner has to develop, and change its procedures accordingly. “The firm has to compete for every fee dollar. Nowadays clients expect more for what they pay” explained Colin. “Locus helps to contain cost. We can get through more work in the same time. Billing and recording functions are made quicker and easier, so we reduce the proportion of non-productive overhead that reduces our productive work time. We can do more in the same amount of time. We meet the expectations of clients because the work is finished sooner, and is more professional.” “With the time saved and up-to-date information, the solicitor has more time to consider all the issues before dealing with the client.” System Supervisor, Diane Lowe agreed: “work becomes more efficient because there is a systematic process in place. We can just get the job done with a minimum of fuss and devote more of our time to developing and refining our systems and procedures.” Service Expenditure Senior Accounts Clerk, Anne Lynch who oversees the day-to-day operation of the firm’s administration department, described the advantages of Locus as an integrated system. It helps to carry out all of the accounting functions we need, as well as tracking files and solicitors. “McIntosh, McPhillamy & Co has grown with Locus. We are extensive users of the system. Our practice management methods play a major part in maintaining our quality of service. It’s dependable because, whenever we experience the occasional technology problem, we just phone Locus Helpline and it gets fixed in no time”. Recommendations To sum up, Colin Stonestreet was asked whether he would recommend Locus to other firms. He replied confidently: “Locus has use to me far beyond its output. I recommend anybody contemplating a practice management system to carefully consider all the Locus features. While other software might have a few different features, I have not reviewed any that appear to be as dynamic, and able to be used to such good effect, and with anything like the service and reliability of Locus. Remember that you use the system, so don’t let yourself be sold some system that is so complex that it will end up using you!” Please click here to visit our website: www.mcmc.com.au  Review our range of legal software
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