Software Review: Needles Case Management Software

Javerbaum Wurgaft Hicks & Zarin is a tort litigation firm based in Springfield, NJ. The firm consists of six partners, associate attorneys, and support staff. We have used the Needles Case Management Software System since 1991 (at that time, it was called PINS, which was the DOS-based version of the program). The firm, at the time, was looking for a program that would organize the office and streamline casework. We were swamped with paper files and though we had a case flow, it was disorganized. Today, with 20 people in the office using the Needles program to manage cases, our firm is more organized than ever before.

Looking for Integration

When choosing case-management software for the firm in the early '90s, we researched what was available in the marketplace to solve our need for organization and streamlined casework. At that time, PINS was the only legal software specifically designed for personal injury attorneys. We looked at other programs, but because the PINS system was so intuitive and set up the way we already set up our paper file, it was a comfortable fit for our firm. However, we learned quite a bit from our PINS trainer, who spent time with us customizing the program.

As the company made the switch from PINS to Needles, we looked at other programs in the marketplace at the time. There were several things that set Needles apart. First, it was imperative that we choose a case-management system that could integrate with our accounting program. At the time we chose Needles, we were using Quicken. We were able to import check requests into Quicken from the Needles program. Since that time, we have upgraded to QuickBooks and continue to enjoy an easy integration with Needles and our accounting program. At this time, the integration is a one way communication. We import a file from Needles into our QuickBooks program to request checks. We are able to import vendor/provider information, including names and addresses and the client name and Needles case number imports as well. We understand that Needles has a more robust integration with QuickBooks planned for its next version release, which includes a bi-directional integration with event notification. We look forward to that capability, which will allow us to keep up-to-date information in each program; anytime we update an address in QuickBooks, it will be updated in Needles as well, and vice versa.

Another important integration for some of our attorneys was the Palm Pilot integration with Needles. The current interface between Needles and the Palm Desktop allows users to take valuable information from three areas of Needles and add it to their Palm compatible device. A Needles user may view and modify their Needles calendar through the Palm Pilot calendar. The names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of any clients (Parties) or service providers (Providers) can be set to sync with the Palm. The Needles task list, called a Checklist Summary, also carries over to the Palm to become a “To Do” list. Again, we are aware that Needles is planning a complete integration with all Outlook-compatible devices, and we look forward to that.

Better Reports

The Needles reporting capability was another feature that set it apart from other products. We have the choice of using the internal Needles report writer or writing reports using Infomaker (Sybase's report writer). The ability to use Infomaker allows for more sophisticated reports (that the Needles internal report writer is just not designed to handle). It also allows us to incorporate graphs and other graphics that allow us to better interpret Needles data.

As an attorney with an appreciation for technology, I am extremely impressed with the Needles status screen. A status screen is now available for each case, allowing us to view vital case information all on one screen. The status screen eliminates having to scroll through different tabs to see all the information about a case. However, what has really set the program apart is that Needles is now allowing case status information to be exported to a company Web site. By setting up a separate status screen within the Needles program, you determine what information you may want clients to view about their case. You can then export that information, in HTML or XML format, to a Web site. The Needles HTML files are written in a format that can be used “as is” to display a Web page in a standard format, or, modified to conform to your firm's existing Web site design.

With the ability to access Needles from a Palm device, from a home laptop with a replicated database, or in the office, it is everywhere we need to be. Concurrent licensing ensures that we don't need to buy an excessive amount of licenses for our staff. Also, most of the upgrades that Needles releases are available for download on their password-protected Clients Only Web site, making it extremely easy to access the upgrade. We are able to access technical bulletins, Needles tips, upcoming features, and more on that Web site.

Dedicated Users

In addition to all of the “bells and whistles” that make the Needles program what it is, there are a couple of features that set Needles apart from other software programs on the market. First, the company provides a list of literally hundreds of client references with phone numbers, and each reference is happy to talk to potential customers about the program. I continue to be impressed at the high level of customer loyalty and satisfaction. Secondly, Needles (since its inception as PINS) has always used client “Wishlist” items to shape the major upgrades they release. Frankly, there is no other program on the market that we are aware of that has such a dedicated client base, such an unwavering dedication to supporting and listening to clients, and such a desire to make their clients feel like they are part of the “Needles family”.

When we started with PINS in 1991, we barely knew what the program could do for us. Today, with the Needles program, we are a streamlined, organized and efficient law firm who is able to focus on client concerns, not on the piles of information. We attribute a large part of the success of our firm to the Needles Case Management Software program.

For more information about Needles please contact www.needleslaw.com.

Javerbaum Wurgaft Hicks & Zarin is a tort litigation firm based in Springfield, NJ. The firm consists of six partners, associate attorneys, and support staff. We have used the Needles Case Management Software System since 1991 (at that time, it was called PINS, which was the DOS-based version of the program). The firm, at the time, was looking for a program that would organize the office and streamline casework. We were swamped with paper files and though we had a case flow, it was disorganized. Today, with 20 people in the office using the Needles program to manage cases, our firm is more organized than ever before.

Looking for Integration

When choosing case-management software for the firm in the early '90s, we researched what was available in the marketplace to solve our need for organization and streamlined casework. At that time, PINS was the only legal software specifically designed for personal injury attorneys. We looked at other programs, but because the PINS system was so intuitive and set up the way we already set up our paper file, it was a comfortable fit for our firm. However, we learned quite a bit from our PINS trainer, who spent time with us customizing the program.

As the company made the switch from PINS to Needles, we looked at other programs in the marketplace at the time. There were several things that set Needles apart. First, it was imperative that we choose a case-management system that could integrate with our accounting program. At the time we chose Needles, we were using Quicken. We were able to import check requests into Quicken from the Needles program. Since that time, we have upgraded to QuickBooks and continue to enjoy an easy integration with Needles and our accounting program. At this time, the integration is a one way communication. We import a file from Needles into our QuickBooks program to request checks. We are able to import vendor/provider information, including names and addresses and the client name and Needles case number imports as well. We understand that Needles has a more robust integration with QuickBooks planned for its next version release, which includes a bi-directional integration with event notification. We look forward to that capability, which will allow us to keep up-to-date information in each program; anytime we update an address in QuickBooks, it will be updated in Needles as well, and vice versa.

Another important integration for some of our attorneys was the Palm Pilot integration with Needles. The current interface between Needles and the Palm Desktop allows users to take valuable information from three areas of Needles and add it to their Palm compatible device. A Needles user may view and modify their Needles calendar through the Palm Pilot calendar. The names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of any clients (Parties) or service providers (Providers) can be set to sync with the Palm. The Needles task list, called a Checklist Summary, also carries over to the Palm to become a “To Do” list. Again, we are aware that Needles is planning a complete integration with all Outlook-compatible devices, and we look forward to that.

Better Reports

The Needles reporting capability was another feature that set it apart from other products. We have the choice of using the internal Needles report writer or writing reports using Infomaker (Sybase's report writer). The ability to use Infomaker allows for more sophisticated reports (that the Needles internal report writer is just not designed to handle). It also allows us to incorporate graphs and other graphics that allow us to better interpret Needles data.

As an attorney with an appreciation for technology, I am extremely impressed with the Needles status screen. A status screen is now available for each case, allowing us to view vital case information all on one screen. The status screen eliminates having to scroll through different tabs to see all the information about a case. However, what has really set the program apart is that Needles is now allowing case status information to be exported to a company Web site. By setting up a separate status screen within the Needles program, you determine what information you may want clients to view about their case. You can then export that information, in HTML or XML format, to a Web site. The Needles HTML files are written in a format that can be used “as is” to display a Web page in a standard format, or, modified to conform to your firm's existing Web site design.

With the ability to access Needles from a Palm device, from a home laptop with a replicated database, or in the office, it is everywhere we need to be. Concurrent licensing ensures that we don't need to buy an excessive amount of licenses for our staff. Also, most of the upgrades that Needles releases are available for download on their password-protected Clients Only Web site, making it extremely easy to access the upgrade. We are able to access technical bulletins, Needles tips, upcoming features, and more on that Web site.

Dedicated Users

In addition to all of the “bells and whistles” that make the Needles program what it is, there are a couple of features that set Needles apart from other software programs on the market. First, the company provides a list of literally hundreds of client references with phone numbers, and each reference is happy to talk to potential customers about the program. I continue to be impressed at the high level of customer loyalty and satisfaction. Secondly, Needles (since its inception as PINS) has always used client “Wishlist” items to shape the major upgrades they release. Frankly, there is no other program on the market that we are aware of that has such a dedicated client base, such an unwavering dedication to supporting and listening to clients, and such a desire to make their clients feel like they are part of the “Needles family”.

When we started with PINS in 1991, we barely knew what the program could do for us. Today, with the Needles program, we are a streamlined, organized and efficient law firm who is able to focus on client concerns, not on the piles of information. We attribute a large part of the success of our firm to the Needles Case Management Software program.

For more information about Needles please contact www.needleslaw.com.