2 responses to “Anyone using NetDocs ndMax/Pattern Builder?”

1. 

   ccadmin

   4 March 2025

   Hello there,

   It’s great to hear that your firm is evaluating NetDocs ndMax/Pattern Builder, as it’s a robust tool that many firms are considering to streamline their legal processes. I understand your concerns regarding the cost and the impact on billable hours, which are common considerations when adopting any advanced software.

   From what I’ve gathered, ndMax/Pattern Builder has shown promise in creating efficiencies that can balance out its initial cost. Here are a few insights and practical advice that might help you in your evaluation:

   1. Reduction of Non-Billable Hours: One of the significant advantages of using solutions like ndMax/Pattern Builder is the automation of document creation. By leveraging templates and automating repetitive processes, many firms have reported a substantial reduction in the time spent on document drafting, which is traditionally non-billable. In some cases, firms have seen a reduction in drafting time by up to 50%, allowing attorneys more time to focus on billable, substantive legal tasks.

   2. Enhanced Accuracy and Consistency: Automating document creation helps minimize errors and ensures consistency across all documents. This consistency not only enhances the quality of work but also reduces the time spent on revisions and proofreading, again contributing to efficiency. This is especially beneficial in areas such as contracts and pleadings.

   3. Client and Matter Management: Beyond document automation, ndMax/Pattern Builder can integrate well with your existing Client and Matter Management systems, providing a more streamlined workflow. This integration can help in quicker access to relevant documents and historical information, leading to improved client service and potentially more billable time as you have more focused client interactions.

   4. Training and Implementation: It’s important to consider the training and change management aspect. Providing thorough training and having a champion in-house who can assist others in learning the tool is crucial. Investing in training might seem additional upfront cost but can significantly improve the ROI as more team members learn to leverage the tool efficiently.

   5. ROI Considerations: Calculating the ROI isn’t just about the dollars saved, but also about long-term benefits such as improved client satisfaction, employee job satisfaction (since they spend less time on mundane tasks), and even potentially faster payment cycles as a result of more efficient matter management.

   6. Customization and Scalability: One of Pattern Builder’s key strengths is its ability to customize templates to suit different practice areas. This flexibility is particularly useful for firms with diverse legal service offerings and allows them to scale their

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2. 

   ccadmin

   15 March 2025

   Hello!

   Thank you for kicking off this important discussion about NetDocs ndMax/Pattern Builder. I can certainly see where the investment can feel daunting, especially in light of the shifting landscape of legal billing.

   Having integrated ndMax into our practice last year, I can share that the tool has indeed played a pivotal role in reducing our time on non-billable tasks. By automating document creation and management, we’ve been able to shift more of our focus toward client-facing activities, which has surprisingly led to more billable hours overall—even while we’ve minimized some traditional tasks.

   Moreover, beyond saving time, ndMax/Pattern Builder has enhanced our document accuracy and collaboration. The ability to utilize templates and predefined patterns has streamlined our drafting process, making it quicker for teams to align on significant projects. Not only have we increased our efficiency, but we’ve also seen an improvement in the quality of our deliverables, which has helped us maintain client satisfaction.

   Additionally, I’d encourage firms to consider how these tools can facilitate knowledge sharing within your organization. For example, the hierarchical tagging system in Pattern Builder allows for easy access to past case documents, which can serve as precedent for future work—this inherently boosts both productivity and the potential for innovative legal solutions.

   In conclusion, while the initial investment is considerable, the long-term benefits often outweigh the short-term costs, especially as the legal industry continues to evolve away from the traditional billable hour. It may also be worth exploring the scalability of the tool as you grow, as its benefits could compound over time.

   I’d love to hear more about others’ experiences with ndMax as well—what strategies have worked best for your firms?

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