Bankruptcy Lawyers Stay Organized With Practice Management Software

There are three main elements that can make or break a bankruptcy case: paperwork, timelines and communication. From petitions and schedules to financial disclosures and multiple court filings, each document requires meticulous preparation and adherence to specific court rules. It’s a paper trail that can quickly get out of control without a system in place. 

Adding to the challenge are the strict timelines of bankruptcy. Automatic stay periods, filing deadlines, and creditor meetings create a high stakes environment where a missed deadline can have severe consequences and potentially blow a client’s case. 

Bankruptcy cases also require attorneys to be master communicators, constantly communicating with clients, creditors, trustees and the court. Keeping everyone informed and all requirements met is a juggling act that requires precision and attention to detail.

How Practice Management Software Helps Bankruptcy Lawyers Stay Organized

Practice management software is a lifeline for bankruptcy attorneys drowning in paperwork and deadlines. Imagine handling multiple Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies at the same time. Without practice management software, an attorney might use a combination of paper files, spreadsheets, emails, and calendar reminders to keep track of each case. With practice management software they can have a bird’s eye view of all active cases, upcoming deadlines and pending tasks.

Features that help bankruptcy lawyers stay organized:

• Centralized Document Storage and Retrieval: Store all client files, court filings and supporting documents in one secure location.
• Contact Management and Stakeholder Collaboration: Store client, creditor and trustee information and collaborate with ease.
• Customizable Workflows: Create and manage workflows for different bankruptcy chapters and local court rules.
• E-Filing Integration: File documents directly to bankruptcy courts and track filings within the platform.

By using these tools, bankruptcy attorneys can reduce the risk of mistakes and missed deadlines and focus on the strategy of their cases.

Case Management for Bankruptcy Firms

Each bankruptcy case, whether it’s a simple Chapter 7 liquidation or a complex Chapter 11 reorganization, has multiple stages and procedures.

With customizable case management workflows a firm can set up different processes and templates for different bankruptcy chapters. When a new Chapter 13 case is started, the system could automatically create tasks for preparing the initial petition and scheduling the 341 meeting.

• Case Workflow Customization: Create workflows that follow the stages of a bankruptcy case from intake to discharge or repayment plan completion.
• Task Assignment and Tracking: Assign each step to the right team member and track for completion.
• Case Notes and Historical Records: Store notes and historical records of case activity for quick reference and compliance.
• Document Version Control: Track changes in documents like schedules or petitions that need to be amended.
• Client Portal Integration: Give clients secure access to case information and documents.

Committing to using case management features frees up mental space for attorneys to focus on the legal and strategic aspects of their cases.

Document Creation & Handling

Template-driven document creation features allow attorneys to generate complex bankruptcy forms with pre-populated fields, reducing the time spent on document preparation and the risk of mistakes.

Important document features include:

• Template-Driven Document Creation: Use automated templates for petitions, schedules and notices to reduce drafting time and compliance.
• Version Control: Store record of document changes for amended schedules or updated petitions.
• Document Tagging and Categorization: Store and retrieve documents related to a specific part of a bankruptcy case.
• Secure Document Sharing: Share documents with clients, trustees and other authorized parties.

This results in a more streamlined and accurate document creation and management process and reduces the risk of common mistakes that typically harm a client’s case.

External Communications

Attorneys need to keep clear lines of communication with their clients and with creditors, trustees and the court. A secure client portal enables clients to upload documents and pay invoices – all in one place.

Helpful communication features:

• Secure Client Portal: Allow clients to view documents and pay invoices in a secure way.
• Email Management: Track all case-related communication within the platform.
• Client Texting: Quickly communicate with clients via two-way SMS messaging 

With these communication tools attorneys can keep all parties informed, consistent and on time and improve client satisfaction and case management.

Billing and Payment Tracking

Billing in bankruptcy cases is tricky due to the financial distress of clients and complex fee structures, especially in Chapter 13 cases. Automated billing and payment tracking features are designed to tackle these challenges.

Critical billing and payment features include:

• Automated Invoicing and Payment Plans: Set up flexible billing arrangements for bankruptcy clients.
• Expense Tracking: Log and categorize all case-related expenses for billing and reporting.
• Trust Accounting: Manage client funds according to legal and ethical requirements.
• Customizable Fee Schedules: Support various fee structures used in bankruptcy cases.
• Integrated Payment Processing: Accept payments, including credit card payments through APX.

These features not only simplify the billing process but also ensure compliance with bankruptcy court rules on fee disclosure and approval.

Make Your Day More Productive

Practice management software like CARET Legal is a force multiplier, allowing bankruptcy attorneys to handle more cases more efficiently without sacrificing the quality of representation. It allows attorneys to manage cases, stay compliant with complex rules, deliver great client service and reduce administrative tasks.

Try it out now and see how our practice management software can help your firm, increase your productivity and let you focus on what really matters – your clients.

Book a demo today.