Xperate bridges the gap with a bespoke Outlook add-in for Levi Solicitors
Xperate, a leading provider of bespoke software solutions for the legal sector, has successfully completed a large-scale development project for Levi Solicitors, a full-service law firm with offices in Leeds and London. The project was aimed at enhancing Levi Solicitors’ transition to Actionstep, a cloud-based legal practice management and workflow platform.
Switching practice management systems is a significant undertaking for any law firm, particularly a large, multi-departmental practice like Levi Solicitors. The move to Actionstep promised to modernise, streamline, and enhance the firm’s operational efficiency. However, one key feature missing from the standard Actionstep package was the ability to file emails and record time directly within Microsoft Outlook—an essential function for Levi’s fee earners.
To bridge this gap, Xperate was recommended by Actionstep to design and develop a bespoke Outlook add-in. This innovative solution, compatible with both desktop and browser-based versions of Outlook, enables fee earners to file emails and log time with a single click. The result is a seamless connection between client communications, time tracking, and the firm’s practice management system, delivering a highly efficient and user-friendly experience.
Philip Bradley, Software Development Manager at Levi Solicitors, commented: “When we made the decision to move to Actionstep we realised that one key feature was the ability to file emails and time record directly within Outlook. This was not a feature provided as standard. Xperate developed a modern Outlook add-in that enables us to record time and file emails with a single click. We iterated the designs with Xperate and some of our fee earners to make the process as easy as possible and are delighted with the results.”
Mark Garnish, COO at Xperate, added: “We see many firms hesitant to transition to new practice management platforms because they fear losing key functionalities. This project is a perfect example of how tailored software solutions can fill those gaps. Our expertise lies in ensuring firms get the most out of their IT investments by designing integrations that truly meet their needs.”
With the new system in place, Levi Solicitors can now enjoy improved efficiency, reduced administrative burdens, and real-time access to up-to-date client files. Clients also stand to benefit from quicker behind-the-scenes processes, allowing solicitors to focus more on legal matters and less on manual admin.
Xperate specialises in bespoke software solutions for law firms undergoing system transitions, ensuring their chosen platforms work seamlessly with their specific operational needs. This latest project highlights the company’s ability to transform legal technology challenges into tailored, highly effective solutions.
For law firms considering a move to a new practice management system but concerned about functionality gaps, Xperate provides expert consultation and development services to make the transition smooth and worthwhile.
