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The workflow automatically alerts parties when it is their turn to complete their section. “The surveyors upload their documents as files and fill in their part of the iSheet. Once this is completed, the firms are alerted to review information from the surveyors and then complete their section, then the client is alerted to fill out their section of the form.”

“Once this is done, the firms are notified again so they can use the data in the iSheet to automate the creation of a variety of documents including certificates of title and land registry forms,” says Westland.

Another benefit of the workflow is that the client has greater visibility over the deal, explains Westland. “The client can log in at any time and see what stage we’re at in the workflow through data visualization that we have developed, in conjunction with our IT department, for our instance of Collaborate.”

The solution has made a huge difference to how this deal is run. “Part of the reason for winning the pitch was based on our use of Collaborate” Westland states. “Before iSheets we would have used spreadsheets to gather the data and would have manually created all of the documents. This solution has saved us a lot of time and will ensure the client saves on fees.”

A flexible solution

Westland enjoys being experimental with the breadth of possibilities available in iSheets. “We can use it in so many different ways,” she says. “We’re working on a deal with a blue-chip organization for a large scale due diligence deal using iSheets. It’s so much more efficient and consistent than reviewing each document and typing out the findings manually. It enables us to automate progress reports too.”

“We’re also using it for litigation and matter management,” Westland explains. “Say we’re handling a debt recovery claim: the client comes on to the system, uploads their documents into the matter folder in the files module. We then upload this to iSheets with key dates for the matter.”

“We can automate all the letters and documents needed for litigation. Once you’ve filled in the defendant’s name once, you don’t need to do it again. We can include key dates such as deadlines for responses, and we can run reports to show what’s overdue or what responses we’ve received. We also set up email alerts to inform users of deadlines approaching.”

“What’s key here is that the client has real-time access for what they need to have access to, with all correspondence and information available in one place,” Westland explains. “It also enables us to report on this data and spot trends for the client. We can identify possible sticking points and offer suggestions to prevent future claims.”

Changing the way the firm operates

Westland is thrilled with how well iSheets has caught on at Addleshaw Goddard. “The interest within the firm is amazing,” she says. “People across the firm are telling other people that they should use Collaborate in their pitches. Our clients really like it too.”

“Our lawyers are thinking differently,” Westland explains. “They’re looking at iSheets as legal products that they can sell to clients as transactional solutions. We now have partners demoing Collaborate in pitches.”

Kerry and her team have big plans for the future. “There are exciting times ahead, and the firm is really looking forward to trying new things.”