From Local Server to the Cloud: A Law Firm Grows with timeSensor

The Start of a Trusting Partnership

When Detlef Sommer from hba Rechtsanwälte AG brought us on board in 2014, a shared vision was at the forefront: a modern law firm in Zurich where lawyers focus on what matters most – their clients. From the very beginning, it was impressive to see how openly and committed the law firm approached the introduction of our law firm management software, timeSensor LEGAL Classic. The path was paved for a valuable collaboration.

How the Software Changed Daily Law Firm Life

Within three months of signing the contract, the law firm management software was set up. During this period, we worked together to adapt automated documents for the law firm, including contracts, invoices, payment reminders, and detailed fee statements, and installed the local MacMini server with the 4D database (as was common at the time) in the law firm. We configured the software according to specific requirements, enabling the law firm to:

• Work in German and English
• Bill in Swiss Francs and Euros
• Use a three-stage dunning system in accounting

In addition to daily optimizations, there were also challenges, such as the power outage in August 2015, which interrupted the connection to the database and thus work with the software. By the next morning, we managed to reorganize the database and restore the law firm’s access to the software by midday. A critical point where fast and targeted solutions are essential.

“We have been working with timeSensor AG since 2014. The software improves our efficiency and simplifies workflows. We value the partnership-based collaboration and the fast, solution-oriented service.”

In the following years, there were hardly any problems until renewed connection issues occurred with the local server in 2023. This was an important moment to talk to hba Rechtsanwälte AG about the further development of their IT infrastructure and our new edition, timeSensor LEGAL 365. Drawing on similar experiences with other customers, our new software generation enables working in the cloud to be independent of local servers. We handle all maintenance, security measures, and backups so that our customers can focus on legal work rather than technology. Exactly one month after the presentation of timeSensor LEGAL 365, the contract was signed, data migration to the cloud with the data center near Zurich was completed, and the new software was ready for use.

In addition to the now stable and location-independent work with timeSensor LEGAL 365, the law firm benefits from new features. Of particular interest to hba Rechtsanwälte AG was the update to automatically generate QR codes for payment slips for Swiss clients.

Effectiveness in law firms means performing the right tasks – those that provide the greatest benefit to the client and bring the law firm closer to its goals. Efficiency, on the other hand, measures how well resources – time, money, and staff – are used to complete these tasks. Key performance indicators in both areas provide insight into how well a law firm utilizes its resources and achieves its strategic goals.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Our thanks go to the entire team at hba Rechtsanwälte AG, who were involved with openness and drive from the start and became a valuable partner to us. The law firm’s feedback and ideas have enriched our work and are a key reason for the continuous improvement of our software. It is a great pleasure for us to be part of this customer story, and we are excited to see what further milestones we will achieve together in the coming years.

“hba Rechtsanwälte AG has been a committed and reliable partner for 10 years. Together, we have raised the efficiency and quality of our work to a new level on both sides and look forward to continuing this successful collaboration.”