Leading child abuse solicitors Abney Garsden McDonald have scooped first prize at a gala awards ceremony sponsored by Eclipse Legal Systems and others after being short-listed in the category of ‘Most Innovative Use of Legal Software.’ The Claims Technology Awards held at Manchester’s Lowry Hotel on the 6th May recognised the Cheadle Hulme based solicitors excellence in their development of the Proclaim Claims Management technology.
Over 10,000 professionals use Proclaim, a market leading legal claims management software, across the whole spectrum of legal services, and in firms of all shapes and sizes.
After an extensive search for a suitable case management system that would cope with child abuse group actions and all their complexities, Peter Garsden, principal of Abney Garsden McDonald and leading child abuse solicitor, finally found Proclaim by Eclipse Legal based in Bradford. Their requirements were so demanding that most other suppliers of legal software would shake their heads and declare that the solicitors’ multi-level demands were too onerous for most systems in the market. It became clear that they would have to write their own system using a basic personal injury system as a model. Unlike most personal injury types, child abuse is publicly funded like clinical negligence, which adds yet another layer of complexity. Once they had taken delivery it took Peter Garsden just over a year to design and build the abuse case type.
In order to be short listed entrants had to demonstrate financial and/or commercial benefits, adding value to the business, clear channels of communication amongst staff, clients and other stakeholders, acknowledgement of the importance of regular training, data security, streamlining case progression and proven ability to deal with more unusual cases.
Commenting after the event, Peter Garsden said: “On behalf of our dedicated child abuse team at Abney Garsden McDonald I was delighted that our child abuse case management system was nominated for award in category of ‘Most Innovative Use of Legal Software.’ After many hours of hard work it was most flattering to be recognised for a type of work which benefits some of the most vulnerable, poverty stricken and needy members of our society.”
Top picture: left to right – Russell Thompson, Sales Director of Eclipse presents award to Peter Garsden, Managing Partner of Abney Garsden McDonald solicitors.
