SmartAdvocate Reviews

Pros

My firm has been using Smart Advocate for about four months, and I discover new features every day. I really appreciate that I can open the same case multiple times and filter the documents I'm working on simultaneously, along with the dashboards.

Cons

I believe that color coding would be quite beneficial. Smart Advocate operates as an online program, and at times it can become slow, which may need a stronger internet connection.

Pros

I find it beneficial to quickly review all the case file information and have multiple cases open at once so that I can easily switch between them by clicking on a tab.

Cons

The issue arises when the internet lags or freezes due to its reliance on a browser.

Pros

I truly value the ability to integrate seamlessly with other software. This feature enhances my workflow significantly, allowing for smoother transitions between different tools I use.

Cons

The workplan tab could use some improvements to increase its efficiency.

Pros

I have been using SmartAdvocate for more than five years now, and I have gained a lot more knowledge from it since the pandemic.

Cons

As I continue to familiarize myself with SmartAdvocate, I have not found any issues worth mentioning. I'm still discovering both its current and new features.

Pros

Everything just flows so well. It's a fantastic system to use once I have mastered all its functions.

Cons

I have absolutely nothing to complain about. It is flawless and I wouldn't change a single thing.

Pros

I appreciate the Document Handler feature that allows me to view case documents without needing to download them.

Cons

It does take quite a while to download files. I have to save the document into my download folders before I can access it. Often, I end up downloading the same file multiple times, leading to several copies in the download folder, which slows down my computer. It would be more efficient to be able to retrieve documents directly from a database instead of having to download each time.

Pros

SmartAdvocate has significantly enhanced my efficiency at work, far beyond what I thought possible. Taking the time to set up templates, run reports automatically, and input client information helps me manage an extremely high case volume effectively. I love that SmartAdvocate can correct errors made by our firm. For instance, if one of our paralegals forgets to report an expense to account, we can search through notes for the date of the charge and pinpoint the case to assign the expense to.

Cons

I would love for SmartAdvocate to automatically update case statuses and sub-statuses based on the upload of specific document categories and sub-categories in the documents tab. It currently has this function with the Med Providers Tab, which updates the status of a medical records request from internal to received when records are uploaded. It would be wonderful if case statuses could also reflect whether certain documents have been uploaded, allowing for a real-time overview of each case's status without relying on manual updates from users.

Pros

Overall, the organization within the program creates a smooth and structured platform for an efficient work environment.

Cons

Occasionally, the difficult nature of the tabs can be difficult to teach, though this challenge is somewhat solved by the weekly tips.

Pros

SmartAdvocate is detailed and simple to use. Some CMS options in the industry offer too many customization possibilities. The SmartAdvocate team thoughtfully addresses issues and continuously evolves the product.

Cons

Using SmartAdvocate feels like acquiring my all-time favorite car equipped with every feature imaginable. It takes time to learn how all the options in this new vehicle work. At times, I think there should be varying versions available for clients, perhaps a base model for firms that have never experienced the capabilities that SmartAdvocate offers.

Pros

I love how easy it is to use. Everything makes sense and is easy to use. I appreciate all the integration capabilities for client communication, document signing, and records requests.

Cons

While SmartAdvocate might already include this feature, it would be great to have a document production management tool. The ability to summarize medical visits (records) is fantastic, but it would also be beneficial to perform bulk OCR searches within medical records.

Pros

I enjoy that there are regular updates which allow us to keep enhancing our functionality as a firm. Our representative is always willing to answer any questions to ensure we maximize our use of SmartAdvocate.

Cons

I'm not fond of the fact that I cannot view and edit contacts like I would in an address book.

Pros

The most impactful feature of SmartAdvocate is having all case information consolidated in one location, making it easy to determine the parties involved, dates, contacts, and so forth.

Cons

The feature of SmartAdvocate that I find least effective is the synchronization with QuickBooks, which has never worked for me.

Pros

The organization aligned perfectly with what I was aiming to accomplish at Stephen T. Collins and Associates, all in one place. After I acquired the product, I was even more impressed with the training and customer service.

Cons

I had some difficulties during the setup, but that was primarily due to my lack of comfort and the constant worry that I might be doing something incorrectly, even when I wasn't.

Pros

The platform is smooth to use, from setup to settlement. It is designed in a logical way, with everything positioned reasonably. Even someone unfamiliar with case management solutions could probably pick it up quickly and dive into a workflow. Plus, the ability to customize the information displayed and its layout is a very useful feature.

Cons

The system does have a few limitations that hold it back. The file preview tools appear to be quite finicky regarding when and where they function. While Word documents rarely present issues with previewing, PDFs often cannot be previewed. For a period, HEIF documents weren't supported well, though I'm not certain if that has been resolved. It would be advantageous if medical bills could be transferred to liens more efficiently rather than one item at a time. The calendar events are incredibly useful, yet when I delete a series, it doesn't automatically remove it from my Outlook calendar. Instead, it updates it to show �Deleted.� While it may not be feasible, it seems like it should be possible.

Pros

I really value the extensive customization options available, which allow me to customize the software to fit my specific needs and preferences.

Cons

I am very accustomed to using SmartAdvocate, and I genuinely like it. I remember once wishing for something, but I can't recall what it was today.

Pros

The case management tools and simplicity of use are vital for our business to operate efficiently.

Cons

I feel that status tracking could be made simpler, and report searches might benefit from having more options available.

Pros

Smart Advocate offers a wealth of online resources that generally assist with most troubleshooting before I need to contact support. When support is necessary, they typically respond fairly quickly! However, the monthly tips are usually simple enough to navigate.

Cons

It would be great if photos sent via text messages could appear in the Notes feature.

Pros

I genuinely love the simplicity and efficiency that this software offers, making my job much easier to manage.

Cons

There are some occasional glitches on certain days, but they usually get resolved within the workday.

Pros

Smart Advocate has an almost flawless integration with Microsoft products, which simplifies tasks such as drafting documents with information already prefilled from the specific case I am working on, and adding emails related to the case directly into the case notes.

Cons

With some generated documents, like envelopes, the addresses often do not populate correctly or fail to auto-generate the actual envelope.

Pros

The program makes it easier for me to locate cases, and I can read everyone's notes.

Cons

The program tends to freeze at times, especially when I am generating new cases.