Schnauer & Co modernises and future proofs with LEAP’s software and Jayva’s backing

By choosing LEAP Legal Software, Schnauer & Co Lawyers (SCO) has transitioned to much-needed superior software from which to run their thriving practice. With Jayva as LEAP’s certified consultancy partner, SCO has received first-rate training during implementation and beyond. Now, further into the switchover, SCO’s Erin Robson recommends Jayva’s calming influence, project management proficiency and training delivery for the LEAP installation.

The client

1980s-founded New Zealand law firm, SCO, relies upon its technology to deliver its twin promises of being easy to work with and passionately solving problems. In order to be the trusted legal experts they pride themselves on being, their software must be trusted too.

Hailing originally from the wine industry, SCO’s marketing and operations manager, Erin, is responsible for ensuring the front- and back-office environments are functioning optimally for the best-possible client experience.

Erin comments: “A key focus is looking into new and progressive ways of working, involving the ideal union of people, processes and technology. As a client-centric organisation, all of this activity is done for the benefit of our clients.”

The challenge faced by SCO

While the firm’s previous practice and case management system was performing well, it had an old-school look and feel which was unfit for a forward-looking business like SCO.

Additionally, SCO was keen to move to a cloud-based system so they could work more efficiently and move away from server-based operations. They were also eager to explore the advantages of cloud computing, which would create new opportunities to add in innovative products, many of which integrate with cloud solutions. It became apparent SCO’s incumbent vendor wasn’t moving to a cloud-based solution for the New Zealand market.

As a result, SCO embarked on an upgrade to their systems.

Erin explains: “With a sense of backward momentum to our existing IT set up, we embraced our cloud-and-modernisation goals to begin our search for a replacement. That’s how we discovered the LEAP-Jayva alliance for advanced software functionality (LEAP), and dedicated legal sector consultancy and training (Jayva).”

The solution delivered by Jayva Global

The LEAP-Jayva collaboration was made clear from the outset, this being LEAP provides the software and Jayva supplies the accompanying migration support services, with deliverables assigned to each company and project milestones agreed by SCO. Jayva’s Beck Roberts was allocated the lead role with ultimate responsibility for ensuring each phase was met.

Reinforced by Piet Bourke, Jayva’s duties spanned project management, training and consultancy. SCO undertook one-to-one, small-group, follow-up and precedent-customisation training with technical and hand-holding assistance throughout the project’s entirety.

Erin states: “Training was brilliant. Beck and Piet were calm and knowledgeable. Our staff were engaged from the word ‘go’, enjoyed training sessions and seized every learning opportunity.”

The benefits of the LEAP-Jayva solution

Several weeks later, LEAP’s being successfully utilised practice wide and Jayva’s training has concluded.

By installing LEAP, the firm has achieved its cloud objectives, lessened the strain on its ageing internal infrastructure and opened up possibilities for third-party application integrations. By securing expert backing from Jayva, the firm has gained reassuring aid during transition and rollout.

Erin ends: “Wholesale change can be tricky but it felt straightforward at SCO due in no small part to our staff’s commitment to engagement and onboarding, which began before go-live by experimenting using test data, as well as credit being due to Jayva for the way they handled themselves and showcased exceptional knowledge of LEAP.

“From initial training, to returning for extra sessions bespoke to our team’s needs, to being downright lovely people it was an absolute delight to do business with – Jayva’s input and flexibility was perfect. We’ve formed great new connections and given our technology a necessary boost, combining to future-proof our firm for the long term.”

Parting words from Jayva’s Beck Roberts

“I was told that the employees at SCO looked forward to Jayva’s trainers coming in. That’s high praise indeed because people generally have a tendency to be resistant to change and reluctant to give up their valuable time for training. This wasn’t the case at SCO. As trainers and consultants on the project, it means we did our job properly and thoroughly, which is our aim always.

"This feeling was very much reciprocated. Due to SCO’s culture and ability to embrace learning wholeheartedly, providing further training and consultancy never felt like a workday. I deliberately tried to book my on-site visits on Fridays as it was a really nice way to finish the week and get ready for the weekend.

“Now, it’s great to see SCO fully adopting the LEAP application for widespread operational improvements which will get better and better over time. It’s been a pleasure working with Erin and her team, and it’ll remain a pleasure continuing to support them as and when the need arises.”