For a law firm, both cloud and a hosted setup can work well, and the right choice depends on your software, your offices and how your team works. What matters most is that the setup keeps LEAP and your legal software fast, and your data secure and recoverable, and that it’s planned and managed properly rather than left to drift. Sometimes the answer is a sensible mix of both.
Many firms still run an ageing on-site server, or a hosted setup that’s never been reviewed. Here’s how to think about the options.
Microsoft 365 and the cloud
Email, files and collaboration sit naturally in Microsoft 365, giving your team access from anywhere with one secure, managed environment and no fragile on-site server for those parts. For most firms, moving these to the cloud is a clear win.
A hosted or remote desktop setup for your software
Some legal software runs best through a hosted or remote desktop environment, giving a dispersed team fast, secure, central access to LEAP and your other tools. Done well, this is reliable and keeps data in one controlled place. The key is keeping it tuned and managed, not letting it become slow and neglected.
Security and backup either way
Whichever route you take, you still need multi-factor authentication, endpoint protection, application allowlisting, managed email security and proper, tested backups. Cloud and hosting change where your systems live, not your responsibility to protect client data.
Plan it around your firm
The best setup is the one designed around your software, your offices and your team, not a one-size-fits-all answer. We help you weigh up the options and plan a move, or an improvement, that keeps the firm running throughout.
For a conveyancing or high-street firm, this is part of a managed IT service that usually costs about £45 to £100 per user per month, covering everyday support, the security that protects your client account, and tested backups.
Why law firms choose First Stop IT
First Stop IT has supported businesses since 2002, including conveyancing and high-street law firms, and we know the software your practice runs every day: LEAP, Oyez forms, eSigner, BigHand, Sage Payroll, PTP and Xero, alongside Microsoft 365. We support conveyancing and high-street firms in Harlow, Bishop’s Stortford, London and across Essex and Hertfordshire. Our credentials include:
- Cyber Essentials Certified
- IASME Cyber Assurance (Gold)
- NCSC Assured Service Provider (Cyber Advisor for Cyber Essentials)
- Microsoft Partner
- Crown Commercial Service Supplier (G-Cloud)
- Quality Principles Certified
We look after more than 2,000 endpoints across 50 companies, we’ve been named a Top 50 UK MSP for three years running, and we support organisations with 10 to 100 employees across Essex, Hertfordshire and London, including Harlow and Bishop’s Stortford.
Book a free IT and cyber security review
Not sure whether cloud or hosted is right for your firm? Book a free IT and cyber security review with First Stop IT and we’ll help you decide.