Capterra Research Reveals Law Firms Must Automate to Stay Competitive

Capterra’s research finds that attorneys may be losing out on more than $5,000 in revenue each week due to inefficiency.

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In research published today, Capterra finds that 86% of attorneys say they spend too much time on administrative tasks and not enough time practicing law. Automation software can have a major impact on small to mid-sized firms leading to a 60% positive impact on revenue.

Software adoption helps firms to streamline operations and increase efficiency:
The survey of over 400 legal professionals finds that the average attorney works 41-50 hours per week but bills only 21-30 hours. This 20-hour gap in billable hours due to administrative tasks means that attorneys may be losing more than $5,000 in revenue each week.

For firms already using automation software, 60% of attorneys report that automation has had a significant impact on revenue. In addition, 57% of attorneys report that automation has had a positive impact on client satisfaction and 45% report more case wins.

“Our research finds that attorneys at small and midsize firms are overwhelmed with mundane tasks that are costing them money,” said Zach Capers, Senior Analyst at Capterra, “Automating even a few of those tasks with affordable and easy-to-use software can reduce workload while also improving revenue.”

Small to mid-sized legal firms must focus on efficiency through software automation as a means to improve client satisfaction and, in turn, drive revenue. Firms can learn more about the steps to automation, which software tools are most effective in reducing law firm workload, and more in Capterra’s new ebook, “What You Need to Know About Legal Automation for Your Small or Midsize Firm.”

Methodology
Capterra's legal management survey was conducted in May, 2021 among 401 legal professionals (240 of whom were attorneys) to learn more about law firm automation, security, and other practices. Respondents were screened for full-time employment at small (1-14 attorneys) and midsize (15-49 attorneys) law firms. The survey excluded solo practitioners without employees.

About Capterra:
Capterra is the leading online resource for business software buyers. Founded in 1999, Capterra features validated user reviews and independent research across hundreds of software categories. From Accounting to Yoga Studio Management, Capterra covers it all. Each month, Capterra helps more than three million buyers find the right software. Capterra is a Gartner company.