By Legal Futures Associate Lawtech Software Group
As the digital economy expands, law firms are increasingly embracing electronic payment systems to align with clients’ evolving preferences and streamline their processes. The 2024 Legal Industry Report, published by LawPay and MyCase, surveyed over 2,600 legal professionals and revealed that 78% of law firms now accept payments via credit and debit cards. This trend is projected to grow, highlighting the critical role electronic payments play in modern legal services, as well as the important role technology plays in helping firms streamline processes, increase workflow speed, and expand to take on more clients.
Our latest feature article gives you a comprehensive breakdown of electronic payments, dissecting their importance within law firms, the benefits they bring and the role Verify 365’s ePayment technology is playing in firms across the globe.
Why electronic payments are transformative for law firms
Electronic payments are not just a convenience; they are becoming a necessity in the legal sector. They offer numerous benefits that enhance client satisfaction and streamline financial operations within firms. Let’s explore the key advantages and the benefits of electronic payment methods that are reshaping client transactions in law practices.
The benefits of adopting electronic payments within law firms
The most familiar electronic payment methods include credit and debit cards. These methods increase workflow speed and the amount of time taken to receive a payment from a client. There are so many benefits to introducing electronic payments into your processes, including:
- Enhancing Client Experience: Evidence suggests that clients prefer the convenience of electronic payments. A study by Insider Intelligence in 2021 showed that 75% of participants planned to move their bill payments to electronic methods, with millennials leading this shift. Preferences for electronic payments are also supported by data from Fiserv, indicating that credit/debit cards and payment apps are highly favoured among younger consumers.
- Attracting New Clients: In today’s digital-first environment, prospective clients expect modern payment solutions. According to Payments Journal, a significant majority of consumers use digital payment methods, with many setting up automated payments. Law firms that do not support these options may seem outdated, potentially deterring new clients.
- Immediate Payment Confirmations: Electronic payments eliminate the delays associated with traditional billing methods, offering instant confirmation of transactions. This immediacy benefits both the client and the firm, ensuring clarity and satisfaction in financial dealings.
- Accelerated Payment Processing: The 2024 LawPay and MyCase report highlighted that law firms accepting electronic payments collected payments 33% faster and saw bills paid nearly four times quicker than those using traditional methods. This efficiency is crucial for maintaining cash flow and operational stability.
- Optimising Operational Efficiency: Online payment systems integrate seamlessly with other legal management software, facilitating smoother workflow and reducing administrative overhead. This integration is particularly valuable for managing retainer-based and recurring transactions efficiently.
- Data-Driven Management: Electronic payment platforms provide valuable insights into a firm’s financial health, enabling strategic decisions based on revenue trends and client behaviour. This data helps firms diversify their caseload and optimise client engagement strategies.
- Enhanced Security Measures: The shift to electronic payments also brings improved security for client data. Using established payment processors with robust security measures ensures that sensitive information is protected against potential breaches.
Compliance essentials & Verify 365’s ePayment technology
For law firms, choosing the right payment processor is essential not only for convenience but also for compliance with regulatory standards, such as those set by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and the Law Society of Scotland (LSS).
Best practices include maintaining distinct accounts for trust and operating funds, ensuring proper handling of credit card payments, and safeguarding against unauthorised fund transfers.
Verify 365 is the ultimate AML and KYC client onboarding solution platform for law firms. Amongst our innovative tools is our ePayment technology which is enabling lawyers to receive payments at a much faster rate and increase the overall efficiency and speed of their workflows. Initiate automated payment processes and create flexible plans that suit the needs of you and your clients.
Our ePayments are fully protected and compliant with the PCI legislation, and we use the payment industry’s most advanced security platform that ensures bank-grade protection of client data and proactive fraud detection. All our data is protected and secure within the UK, ensuring the highest quality control and protection of information. Our ePayments tool has enabled firms to streamline their processes, increase workflow speed and expand to take on more clients.
We stand out above our competitors because we are able to offer an electronic payment method through our platform, which our competitors currently don’t offer. We are enabling firms to streamline their processes and receive payments in a much faster, more efficient way.
The transition to electronic payments is imperative for law firms striving to stay competitive and meet client expectations in a digital world. By adopting these technologies, firms not only enhance client service but also improve operational efficiency and financial management. As the industry continues to evolve, staying ahead in electronic payment adoption will be crucial for the continued success and growth of legal practices.
