Automated scheduling for lawyers is now common. Tools like Calendly, Acuity (and others) are being used by busy lawyers for a variety of reasons.
Here are some of the main ones:
Efficiency
Automated scheduling tools remove the need for the back-and-forth emails or phone calls that are typically necessary to schedule a meeting or appointment. With these tools, individuals can simply share their availability and allow others to choose a time that works best for them.
Time Savings
These tools save a significant amount of time that would otherwise be spent manually scheduling appointments. This allows busy lawyers to focus more on their core tasks and responsibilities.
Calendar Integration
Automated scheduling tools integrate with popular calendar systems like Google Calendar or Microsoft Outlook. This allows lawyers to easily see their schedule and avoid double-booking.
Meeting Resources
You can program automated scheduling tools to include the details of the meeting (like Zoom links, or the address of the location if the meeting is in-person) right in the invite, making it easy to find when needed.
Flexibility
With these tools, lawyers can easily adjust their availability as needed. They can block out times when they are not available and open up times when they are.
Easy Updating
Automated scheduling tools make it easy to change an appointment date or time. Here’s how it works.
When a client books a meeting with them, the client gets an email. That email tells them when the meeting is, but it also has two links: one to cancel the meeting, and another to change the date/time of the meeting.
If a client needs to change the meeting time, they just click on the ‘reschedule’ link. The client can then pick a new time that works better.
As soon as they do that, the lawyer’s calendar updates instantly. There’s no need to send emails back and forth, so it’s super quick and easy.
The ‘cancel’ link is just as handy. If a client needs to cancel their meeting, they just click the link and the meeting disappears from the lawyer’s calendar.
Professionalism
Automated scheduling tools can make lawyers appear more professional and organized. It’s a simple, streamlined way for clients or potential clients to book consultations.
Reminders & Notifications
These tools have automatic reminders and notifications, which reduces the likelihood of missed appointments for both the lawyer and the person booking the appointment.
Time Zone Management
For lawyers who work with people in different time zones, these tools can automatically adjust for time zone differences, reducing confusion and the likelihood of missed meetings.
Payment Integration
For lawyers who charge for initial consultations, automated scheduling tools also provide a way to require payment or a deposit at the time of booking.
Most prospective clients have no problem paying for an initial consultation. But if they do, maybe that’s a strong sign that you don’t to take them on as a client.
Conclusion
The increasing use of automated scheduling tools is part of a general shift to more virtual collaboration and communication.
So if you’re not taking advantage of this technology maybe you should.
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