Looking to save money on IT support for your law firm? Taking your IT operations to a managed service provider (MSP) might be the quickest, most effective solution. According to a 2023 report by CompTIA, businesses that use IT MSPs report an average of 25-30% cost savings compared to managing IT in-house. For a law firm that needs to keep administration costs low, an IT managed service provider can handle your software licenses and inventory, manage your cybersecurity, and staff a robust help desk, as a start. If you work with an MSP with expertise serving law firms, you can tap into an even deeper well of resources—including regulatory compliance around data handling, proper management of your core law firm software, staff cybersecurity training, and so much more.
In a nutshell, an MSP can provide you with a varied staff of IT experts on a scalable, fractional basis. You get just what you need, when you need it, without the complications and overhead of managing an internal IT team. You’ll do more than just save money. An MSP can make hard-to-recruit cybersecurity experts and engineers available to you, and allow your firm to benefit with its partnerships with key software and hardware vendors.
Let’s dig a little deeper into what goes into that 20 to 30 percent savings for the average law firm, and how that could impact your team.
IT Support for Law Firms: The Top Five Ways an MSP Can Save Your Firm Money
#1—Lower Overhead, Stabilized Budget
Working with an MSP brings a level of predictability to your IT budget for the year. Most MSPs bill monthly, at “no surprises” prices based on the number of licenses and devices on your network. Additional services like assessments or special projects may require extra spend agreed upon in advance. A 2023 survey by Deloitte found that 70% of businesses using MSPs appreciate the predictable monthly costs, which help them manage their IT budgets more effectively.
Reduced Overhead is another reason why MSPs are such an effective IT support for law firms. Of course, you’ll save a lot by taking your IT function to consultants. But there are hidden advantages, too. MSPs that work in the legal space already know what the best IT practices are for law firms, so they can help you avoid bad IT investments, system incompatibilities, and security risks. Their long-standing relationships with hardware and software suppliers can help ensure your firm gets the best products at the best prices possible, as well.
Scalability is one of the major advantages of outsourced IT services. Law firms can scale their IT support up or down based on their current needs without incurring additional costs. Are you gaining a new client that’s requiring a large cybersecurity review of your practice? No problem. Simply hire a vCISO (virtual Chief Information Security Officer) to do your legwork. Are you working on a case that will require your team to work remotely at a client’s location? An MSP can ensure you have the logistical firepower your team needs, with secure access. Whether your firm needs scale up or down, an MSP can ensure you’re only spending on the services you truly need.
#2— Access to Expertise
Outsourced IT providers bring a wealth of specialized knowledge and experience that’s hard to replicate in an in-house team. vCISOs, high level engineers, and seasoned help-desk professionals have years of experience working with various industries, including legal. They stay up-to-date with the latest technology trends, security protocols, and best practices, ensuring that law firms benefit from cutting-edge solutions.
vCISOs can up your cybersecurity governance game. At Integris, our staff of vCISOs offers high-level security expertise without the cost of a full-time, CISSP-certified security executive. A vCISO can help develop and implement robust security strategies tailored to the firm’s specific needs. They conduct risk assessments, ensure compliance with industry regulations, and oversee the firm’s overall cybersecurity posture. This level of IT governance is particularly beneficial for law firms that handle sensitive client information and need to maintain high security standards.
MSPs can build your IT infrastructure and Information Technology for the future. Outsourced IT providers stay updated with the latest advancements in technology, ensuring that law firms have access to the best tools and practices available. This includes the latest software, hardware, and security solutions. By partnering with an IT provider, law firms can take advantage of these technologies without the need for significant upfront investments. This access to the latest technology can improve the firm’s efficiency, productivity, and security, giving them a competitive edge in the legal market.
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#3—Enhanced Security
MSPs can help your firm get clients, by helping you maintain industry best practices. This includes regular security audits to identify and address vulnerabilities, ensuring that the firm’s data is always protected. They can make sure you have proper system authentications, backups, and secure file transfer. Additionally, they can make sure you have a proper disaster recovery plan and a cybersecurity protocol that helps protect you from ransomware and outages. By implementing these measures, outsourced IT providers help law firms maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their data, which is crucial for client trust and legal compliance.
The right MSP can help your firm keep up with your client’s regulatory load. Remember, your firm is bound by the same data handling regulations as your client base. Do you have healthcare clients who are transferring HIPAA protected patient data to you? Are you handling a class action that involves the financial sales records of a company’s customers, covered by GDPR? Compliance is a complex and ongoing process that requires constant monitoring and updating of policies and procedures. IT providers have the expertise to ensure that all systems and processes meet the necessary legal standards, reducing the risk of regulatory penalties. This level of compliance will help you build those crucial bonds of trust with your clients.
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#4—Improved Focus on Core Activities
By outsourcing IT support, law firms can focus on their core activities, without being distracted by IT issues. IT problems can be time-consuming and frustrating, diverting attention away from important legal work. With a dedicated IT support team handling these issues, lawyers and staff can concentrate on their primary responsibilities, leading to better client outcomes and higher satisfaction. Deloitte’s 2023 survey bears this out, with 60% of businesses saying they experienced improved operational efficiency after transitioning to an MSP. This improvement is attributed to the MSPs’ ability to provide proactive maintenance, rapid issue resolution, and access to advanced technologies.
#5—24/7 Help Desk Support
An MSP can provide round-the-clock IT support for users and escalation desks for major issues and outages. That’s the kind of IT support for law firms the average in-house IT department can’t match. This is particularly important for law firms that operate across different time zones or have urgent client needs. You’ll never have to worry about a file transfer seizing up late at night, or a system failure off hours. You can burn the night oil with confidence, knowing that competent help is available when you need it most.
Crucially, a good MSP will be monitoring your system after hours. If suspicious activity or an outage occurs, they can swing in to action to help, mitigating the damage as fast as possible. Their continuous monitoring and patching system keeps an eye on your system health. This is a critical service in an era when cybersecurity threats are ever increasing. This level of IT support for law firms can provide tangible benefits for your practice. In fact, a 2024 report by Cybersecurity Ventures noted that businesses using MSPs saw a 50% reduction in cybersecurity incidents.
Do You Need IT Support for Law Firms? Integris Can Help.
Integris built its business on serving law firms, and now provide IT for more than 100 firms nationwide. We’d love to do the same for your firm. Contact us now for a free consultation.
