Under the Hood

What’s the right solution for your law firm’s IT services?

For small teams, it can be a tough choice. Some of the common options:

Managed service providers:

Offer a large suite of IT services, from managing software licenses to servicing your firm’s hardware. Often, services are priced on a monthly subscription basis, and may include acting as ‘reseller’ for certain licenses (e.g., MS365).

• Predictability in Costs: Fixed monthly fees make budgeting easier.
• Expertise and Resources: Access to a team of IT professionals with broad skills in areas like network security, systems administration, etc.
• Scalability: Services can be scaled up or down based on the firm's needs, without needing to hire or layoff staff.

Contract IT support:

On-demand IT services give flexibility to firms that don’t require full-time support.

• Cost-Effective for Smaller Needs: Pay for services when you need them, which can be more budget-friendly for firms with less frequent (or complex) needs.
• Expertise on Call: Access to professional, technical advice and support for specific issues or projects.
• Flexibility: Usage can fluctuate as your needs change without a long-term commitment.

Direct employment:

In certain circumstances, it might make sense to hire someone directly (either full-time or part-time) to provide more dedicated, strategic support.

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The (stretch) analogy

Think of your law firm's IT needs like a car—or fleet of cars.

Managed services offer comprehensive maintenance, while contract support acts as an on-call auto service. And direct employment might be like having your own in-house mechanic.

The right fit might depend on the needs of each vehicle, how often it’s used, and what it’s used for.

A few things to consider:

🔒 Security Needs: What does your firm’s digital security look like today? What type of effort will it take to get to a point where you can sleep easier at night?

A strategic partner helps to identify risks and incorporate best practices across your operations. Setting up a data loss prevention policy or user access permissions in MS365, for example.

🔬Scope & Complexity: Whether you’re hiring a consultant or bringing someone on full-time, it’s important to scope out your exact needs. It’s easy to fall in the trap of conflating something like ‘tech support’ to mean far too many things at once.

Is your firm’s digital infrastructure complex enough to require an IT expert? Or are you looking for someone in a more operational role to configure workflows and improve how you use existing tools in your firm?

⏳ Time: Simply put, at what point does it cost more to manage these efforts yourself v. turning to one of the solutions above?

Before you pick up a wrench and start realigning the tires yourself, make sure to take a step back to consider the options available and weigh the costs accordingly. Finding the right mechanic for your firm’s digital infrastructure can end up being a long-term asset!

Need help taking the guesswork out of this decision? Let’s chat about ways Titus Consulting can help you explore options!

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