When it comes to legal software, the plight of sole practitioners and small firms is reminiscent of the old saw about the doors to the court being like the doors to the Ritz - open to all, providing they have the money.

Thus, while there is certainly no shortage of good-quality legal software on the market - at the last count nearly 50 separate accounts packages and 30 case management suppliers - the pressures and precariousness of modern legal practice means most smaller firms simply cannot afford it. This problem is particularly rife at the legal aid end of the market, where already tight margins and increasingly onerous contracting procedures means it is a brave firm that is prepared to invest in IT when there is a real risk they will not be in practice in 12 months' time.


Fortunately some suppliers are recognising this problem and, more importantly, trying to do something about it. The most recent initiative, announced last week by Anya Designs in Brighton, has seen that company slash the cost of its CaseKeeper case management software for legal aid practices by as much as 75%. Thus whereas Anya previously sold its software at a price of £2,000 per module (there are separate modules for civil, criminal, immigration, family and private legal work), the price for sole practitioners has been cut to £499, while for smaller firms, with up to ten users, the price is now £1,500.


Although Anya is currently the only legal software supplier specialising solely in 'out of the box' case management systems for legal aid practices, chief executive Christina Grzasko said the move was a response to pressures on this sector by the LSC, which 'are forcing many sole practitioners and smaller legal aid firms to close their doors or merge with larger more commercial practices'.


'It is a growing concern for many of our clients that the regulatory pressure on them to automate is causing real problems. Not only do they constantly have to update contracting procedures but they must implement systems which track and record these changes. They need the help of software suppliers to comply - but this is often beyond the budget of smaller firms, as the capital investment they need is tied up in administration,' Ms Grzasko said.


Currently the price cuts are only being offered throughout March and April, but the company says the discount will be reviewed after this time and, depending upon the initial response, may be continued.


Charles Christian is an independent adviser to the Law Society's Software Solutions guide