The complexity of post-Covid working patterns, with full and part time home working for many knowledge-based employees, is now seriously disrupting the recruitment market.
Law firms have already recognised the issue as they turn to secure associates to drive their businesses forward.
But the problems recruiting IT talent also make it tough for firms to create or add to their in-house IT teams, says David Ricketts. Which perhaps explains why more and more are seeking to outsource their technology and IT-related services to a Managed Services Provider (MSP).
When looking to outsource, it’s important to recognise that Cloud has changed everything.
The service offered by MSPs must be client-focused around the solution, its delivery and ongoing management and tailored to what law firms need, not what is easiest for the MSP to deliver.
The best service providers will adopt new technologies, while investing in the people and associated infrastructure to support their clients’ current and future requirements.
The offering should include the deployment and management of cloud solutions; public, private, hybrid and even on-premises, if that works best for the law firm.
Critically, the chosen MSP must understand the legal sector and its unique challenges, able to demonstrate experience deploying solutions and services for law firms of all sizes, from single office to multi-site firms, including overseas offices.
Does the selected MSP have the experience to consult on a firm’s future IT strategy and help advise on their digital transformation, having had previous experience of the sector?
Is the MSP a good business?
Firms must look carefully at an MSPs financial and company position, not just the figures on the balance sheet or their credit rating, but consider if the business and pricing model indicates a business prepared to survive the long term, or the contract term at least.
They want a good cost-effective deal. But beating a business down on margin, risks the survival of thevery business you expect to ensure your business continues to grow and succeeds, so tread carefully.
Is the selected MSP investing in its people? Is it pursuing a growth strategy that complements your digital transformation? If you accept the technological expertise is a given, one of the important considerations is; do you like them? Will you enjoy working with them? Will they support you when the chips are down? Do you trust them?
You should accept that all MSP will help keep your systems running effectively, with a greater or lesser degree of efficiency, but you can shorten the selection process if you take note of the considerations listed above. They will help you focus on the MSP business, not the technology.
As one of the leading MSPs in the legal sector, we at Quiss are always ready to talk and answer any questions on the issue.
David Ricketts is Head of Marketing at Quiss.