Who's buying what

Top City firms Clifford Chance and Dechert have decided to implement the records management system from US company LegalKey as an add-on to their practice management systems (PMS).

Clifford Chance is to take on a new PMS as part of its move to Canary Wharf in London's docklands next year and already uses LegalKey in its New York offices.

Similarly, Dechert has been pulling its IT systems in line with its US offices since the merger three years ago, including the recent implementation of LegalKey.

Dechert uses an Elite PMS.

Bristol-based Osborne Clarke is the next firm lined up to implement the records system following 'extensive data conversion'.

Personal injury firm Scott Rees & Co has invested more than 1 million in an IT overhaul at its offices in Lancashire and Watford.

The firm has opted to install the SolCase case management system from Solicitec in conjunction with SOS's Practice Manager.

The spend includes staff training plus set-up and investigation costs to ensure efficient work practices.

South Manchester firm O'Neill Patient has also bought SolCase for its re-mortgaging and domestic conveyancing work.

The investment will include an improved accounts programme interfacing with the case manager.

Slough-based Barrett & Thomson is to undergo an IT 'makeover', upgrading its front and back-office infrastructure.

Axxia will undertake the task and install a Windows-based Eiion accounting package, desktop productivity suite and case manager system across the 40-strong practice.

However, Axxia has lost out to AIM Professional Systems and its Evolution product in the bid to implement a practice and case management system at 135-user Staffordshire firm Grindeys.

Incumbent supplier Sanderson, Technology for Business and Pilgrim were also considered before AIM and Axxia were shortlisted for discussions on terms.

City firm Taylor Joynson Garrett has bought 600 Mentor user licences from Perceptive Technology in an effort to develop a total information management system.

Mentor will integrate the firm's existing data sources into a single desktop and provide information capture and development tools.

Bannister Bates & Sons of Morecambe has spent 50,000 buying the Osprey legal management software by Pracctice.

Tailored to the three-partner firm's needs, the system includes a contact and information database, and desktop accounts package.

A Web-enabled reporting function will allow the firm to introduce an on-line file-tracking facility in phase two of its IT programme.

Chelmsford firm Leonard Gray has rolled out DictaFlow digital dictation workflow software from nFlow across its 28 users.

nFlow said smaller law firms are becoming as switched on to digital dictation workflow as City counterparts.

Birkenhead practice Robert Moore Nicholas Jones is to implement the Liberate integrated software system from Linetime.

The 50,000 upgrade will include taking on the accounting and case management systems.

Collins Benson Goldhill has become the first City law firm to install SoliciTrack - the new secure e-mail system from Deltaseal.

It protects outbound messages using encryption technology and a tracking system showing the sender when the recipient is accessing mail.

City firm Beachcroft Wansbroughs has implemented the Olib7 library and information management system from Fretwell Downing Informatics.

This is accessible via a Web interface, and contains a tool enabling users to tailor mixed media resources alongside traditional materials.