8 IT Benefits for Winning Law Firms

• Joyce Gamil
• • February 11, 2025
Share:

Why Managed IT Services Are a Smart Move for Law Firms Today

Solo practitioners and small-to-mid-sized law firms are facing more pressure than ever before. You’re expected to deliver responsive, high-quality legal services while juggling increasing volumes of digital documentation, rising cybersecurity threats, and client expectations for real-time communication. Managing all of that, plus your firm’s technology, can feel like running two businesses at once.

Yet, for many firms, IT support is still reactive. Maybe it’s a staff member who “knows enough” to fix basic issues, or perhaps there’s a local technician you call only when something breaks. But here’s the truth: in today’s legal landscape, reactive IT just isn’t enough. That’s why more law firms are turning to Managed IT Services Providers (MSPs), partners who don’t just fix problems, but prevent them.

Managed IT services are like having a dedicated in-house IT department without the cost and complexity of managing one yourself. These services cover everything from cybersecurity and data backup to hardware support, cloud integration, compliance monitoring, and more. For law firms, this kind of proactive IT support is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity for growth, security, and client trust.

Think about what’s at stake. Legal work is time-sensitive and data-intensive. Even a few hours of downtime due to a server failure or a cyberattack could derail case progress, miss court deadlines, or compromise confidential information. Worse, it could impact your firm’s reputation, client retention, and bottom line. And yet, these are the exact risks many firms face daily with outdated or piecemeal IT strategies.

With a Managed IT Services Provider, you can eliminate those risks. Instead of scrambling to fix problems, you gain peace of mind knowing that experts are monitoring your systems 24/7, patching vulnerabilities, maintaining software, and guiding you on the best technologies to support your legal practice. You also gain something even more valuable: time.

The average attorney spends just 2.5 hours a day on billable work, according to the 2021 Legal Trends Report. That means most of the day is lost to admin tasks, tech troubleshooting, and interruptions. Managed IT services give that time back by removing IT distractions and automating key workflows. Whether it’s streamlined document sharing, remote access to case files, or secure client portals, MSPs ensure your tech supports your work, not stalls it.

In this blog post, we’ll walk through the eight most important benefits of Managed IT Services for law firms. From cutting costs and boosting security to enabling remote work and enhancing client service, you’ll discover how outsourcing your IT can become one of your most strategic business decisions.

Let’s dive in and explore why smart law firms across Maine and beyond are making the switch, and why it might be time your firm does too.

Why Law Firms Are Turning to Managed IT Services

Let’s explore the top eight benefits of managed IT services for law firms and why they’re essential in today’s digital legal landscape:

1. Lower Costs and Higher Profitability

At first glance, hiring a Managed IT Services Provider (MSP) might seem like just another business expense. But for most law firms, it’s actually one of the most cost-effective decisions they can make. Traditional IT setups often involve significant upfront costs. Servers, networking hardware, software licenses, and on-site technicians. Then come the unpredictable maintenance costs, emergency fixes, and downtime losses that chip away at your bottom line.

Managed IT services, by contrast, operate on a predictable monthly subscription model, giving firms a consistent, budget-friendly way to cover all IT needs. That means no surprise repair bills, fewer disruptions, and clearer financial planning. More importantly, MSPs help law firms avoid costly downtime caused by system failures, outdated technology, or cyberattacks, which can result in lost billable hours, missed court deadlines, and damaged reputations.

In addition, MSPs actively work to prevent security breaches, which could otherwise cost your firm thousands in recovery costs or even legal penalties. According to IBM, the average cost of a data breach in 2023 was $4.45 million. An expense no small law firm can afford.

In short, Managed IT Services don’t just reduce costs, they protect profitability by keeping your technology efficient, secure, and always ready to support your legal work.

2. Streamlines Workflows & Eliminates Tech Headaches

Lawyers have enough on their plates without having to worry about printer errors, software crashes, or slow-loading systems. Yet, these seemingly minor tech issues can pile up and eat away at precious billable hours. In fact, according to the 2021 Legal Trends Report, the average attorney only spends about 31% of their workday on billable tasks. The rest? It’s often lost to administrative tasks, tech glitches, and inefficient workflows.

Managed IT Services help law firms eliminate these daily disruptions by proactively managing the technology that powers your practice. From document automation to secure cloud storage, MSPs implement and maintain systems that are designed to make work easier, faster, and more reliable.

By streamlining document management, automating routine client intake processes, and ensuring your software is always updated and optimized, an MSP can significantly reduce interruptions and frustration. They also help integrate your legal tech stack so your case management system, billing software, and communication tools work together seamlessly.

The result? Less time troubleshooting and more time serving clients. With fewer tech distractions, your attorneys and staff can focus on what they do best: practicing law and delivering exceptional legal service.

3. Advanced Cybersecurity Protection

Law firms are prime targets for cybercriminals and it’s easy to see why. Even small firms handle vast amounts of sensitive client information, including case files, personal data, financial records, and sometimes even protected health information. Unfortunately, many practices still rely on outdated security measures or assume that they’re “too small” to attract hackers. That assumption can be costly.

According to the American Bar Association, 29% of law firms experienced a security breach in 2020, and that number has only continued to rise. The impact of a cyberattack isn’t just technical, it’s reputational. Clients trust you to protect their privacy. A breach can damage that trust, result in legal liability, and cost your firm dearly.

Managed IT Services Providers (MSPs) specialize in building multi-layered cybersecurity strategies specifically for law firms. That includes end-to-end encryption, firewalls, real-time threat monitoring, secure access protocols, and employee training on phishing and data handling. MSPs also implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) and regular vulnerability assessments to stay ahead of threats.

Most importantly, a good MSP doesn’t just react to incidents, they prevent them. With proactive security in place, your firm can work confidently, knowing your systems and your clients’ sensitive information are protected 24/7.

4. Ensures Regulatory Compliance

In the legal industry, handling sensitive and confidential client information is non-negotiable, and so is staying compliant with the regulations that govern data privacy and security. Whether your firm manages protected health information (PHI) under HIPAA, processes client payments subject to PCI DSS, or handles international data covered by GDPR, falling short of compliance standards can lead to steep fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage.

Managed IT Services Providers (MSPs) help ensure that your law firm is consistently aligned with regulatory requirements. They stay on top of evolving data privacy laws and compliance updates so you don’t have to. From encrypted communication platforms to secure email configurations, MSPs implement tools and policies that protect client data and meet legal standards.

MSPs also assist with documentation, policy development, and audit readiness so that if your firm is ever investigated or audited, you’re prepared with clear logs, secure systems, and proof of compliance protocols. They can even provide training for your team, helping everyone from partners to paralegals understand how to handle sensitive data safely.

Ultimately, compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties. It’s about building trust with clients who rely on you to safeguard their most personal information. With an MSP by your side, you’ll have that assurance built in.

5. Enhances Remote Access & Collaboration

Modern law firms aren’t confined to a single office anymore. Whether working from home, in court, traveling, or visiting clients, attorneys need access to their files and systems from anywhere, and they need it to be fast, secure, and seamless. That’s where Managed IT Services truly shine.

MSPs help law firms embrace secure cloud-based solutions that support remote access without compromising data security. Instead of struggling with clunky VPNs or outdated on-premise servers, your team can log in securely to case files, documents, emails, and communication platforms from any authorized device.

Cloud infrastructure also enables real-time collaboration. Attorneys, paralegals, and support staff can work on the same documents simultaneously, leave notes, and track revisions, no matter where they are. This boosts productivity, minimizes delays, and ensures everyone is on the same page, literally and figuratively.

Secure file-sharing tools also make it easier to collaborate with co-counsel or share documents with clients, improving communication and speeding up case workflows. MSPs configure these systems to maintain compliance, manage access levels, and monitor activity, so remote work doesn’t mean sacrificing security.

In short, managed IT enables your law firm to be agile, connected, and efficient, wherever your work takes you.

6. Keeps Your Firm Competitive in a Digital-First World

The legal industry is undergoing a massive digital transformation. Clients today expect more than just sound legal advice. They expect a seamless, and a tech-enabled experience. According to Clio’s 2021 Legal Trends Report, 79% of clients prefer working with law firms that offer remote legal services, including virtual consultations, secure online communication, and digital document sharing.

Managed IT Services give law firms the tools they need to meet and exceed these expectations. MSPs help implement cloud-based solutions that make remote access effortless, integrate online client portals, enable secure messaging, and support e-signatures. This allows your firm to deliver a modern experience while maintaining compliance and professionalism.

Additionally, MSPs equip firms with online payment processing systems, so clients can easily pay invoices, boosting cash flow and satisfaction. These tech-driven services aren’t just conveniences; they’re competitive advantages. Firms that adapt to digital expectations will be the ones that thrive, while those who resist may fall behind.

Whether you’re a solo attorney or managing a growing team, staying competitive in today’s legal market means embracing the right technology. Managed IT Services ensure your firm stays future-ready, positioned to grow, attract modern clients, and operate with efficiency and confidence.

7. Proactive IT Support & Faster Problem Resolution

In the legal profession, every minute counts. A frozen screen, disconnected printer, or software crash can mean missed deadlines, lost billable hours, and frustrated clients. Waiting hours or days for IT support is not an option. That’s why proactive, responsive IT support is critical to a law firm’s daily operations.

Managed IT Services Providers (MSPs) deliver 24/7 monitoring and rapid-response support so that tech problems are solved before they become client problems. Instead of waiting for something to break, MSPs monitor systems in real-time, detect anomalies early, and take corrective action immediately. Often before your team even notices an issue.

If something does go wrong, help is just a phone call or chat away. Many MSPs offer instant remote support, meaning your team doesn’t have to submit a ticket and wait for a callback. Attorneys can stay focused on legal work while experienced technicians resolve the issue behind the scenes.

MSPs also perform regular maintenance and software updates to prevent future disruptions, ensuring your systems are optimized, secure, and dependable. It’s more than just fixing what’s broken, it’s keeping your technology quietly running in the background so your legal work never misses a beat.

8. Gives Your Firm a Competitive Edge

In today’s saturated legal market, offering great legal advice is no longer enough to stand out. Clients judge law firms not just on results, but also on how easy it is to work with them. That’s where Managed IT Services come in, helping your firm operate more efficiently, deliver smoother client experiences, and adopt cutting-edge legal technologies without the burden of managing IT in-house.

By partnering with an experienced MSP, your firm gains access to enterprise-level tools that are often out of reach for smaller practices. Think secure cloud platforms, AI-enhanced research tools, and real-time collaboration software, all tailored to legal workflows. These tools don’t just boost productivity; they impress clients who expect a seamless, modern experience.

Moreover, outsourcing IT frees up your attorneys and staff to focus on billable work instead of troubleshooting technology, increasing profitability. It also provides peace of mind that your firm is staying secure and compliant in an ever-changing regulatory landscape.

Managed IT is no longer just about keeping the lights on, it’s about powering your firm forward. In a digital-first legal world, the right IT partner gives you a decisive advantage over firms that still treat tech as an afterthought.

Future-Proofing Your Law Firm Starts with Smarter IT

The legal industry is evolving rapidly, and the law firms that thrive are the ones that see technology not as an afterthought but as a strategic advantage. While your primary focus is delivering top-tier legal services, the reality is that every aspect of your practice from client communication and data security to case management and billing, depends on reliable, secure, and efficient technology.

That’s where Managed IT Services come in. For solo attorneys and small to mid-sized firms, managing technology in-house is often a drain on time, energy, and resources. It leads to reactive decision-making, costly downtime, and growing frustration. But by partnering with a Managed Service Provider (MSP) that understands the unique needs of law firms, you can shift from tech stress to tech confidence.

MSPs don’t just fix things when they break. They work behind the scenes to ensure your systems are secure, optimized, and running smoothly. They offer 24/7 monitoring, fast problem resolution, ongoing maintenance, and expert advice, so you’re not left scrambling when issues arise. They also help you stay ahead of regulatory changes, implement advanced cybersecurity, and enable flexible remote work without compromising compliance or confidentiality.

The benefits are clear: lower costs, better efficiency, stronger data protection, and improved client service. But the real value lies in peace of mind. When your team isn’t bogged down by tech issues, they’re free to focus on what matters most, advocating for your clients, preparing strong cases, and growing your firm.

Even better, the right IT partner doesn’t try to “sell you more tech.” They help you use what you already have smarter. They streamline your workflows, eliminate bottlenecks, and ensure every tool you rely on, from your phones to your document management software, is working together seamlessly.

The transition doesn’t have to be disruptive. With the right support, it’s smooth, structured, and customized to your workflow. Whether you’re looking to improve security, enhance mobility, upgrade outdated systems, or simply reduce your IT burden, managed services provide a path forward that’s clear, proactive, and cost-effective.

At the end of the day, your law firm’s reputation rests on trust, and trust requires reliability. Managed IT Services ensure that your systems are just as trustworthy as the legal counsel you provide.

Ready to simplify your firm’s technology and get back to practicing law?

We’re here to help you explore managed IT services tailored specifically for legal practices. No pressure. Just a helpful conversation about what’s possible.

🗓️ Book a  call with us
📞 207-333-2206
📧 info@ekimit.com
🌐 www.ekimit.com

Or check out our free resource:
👉 5 IT Mistakes That Could Get Your Law Firm Sued, Hacked, or Shut Down

• Joyce Gamil
• • February 11, 2025
Share: