GLOBAL software provider LEAP, which has developed a market-leading cloud-based practice management system for small law firms, has set up its first office in Belfast.
It has been established by Belfast-based entrepreneur Ross Boyd, who owns accountancy firm RBL Ltd.
The move means that LEAP legal software, developed by the largest privately owned small law firm software provider in the world, is now available in Northern Ireland.
LEAP's UK chief executive Peter Baverstock believes the timing is right for local law firms to follow the example of their counterparts in Britain, where more than 800 practices have signed up to the technology.
He said: “I've been watching the legal market here for many years, I have long believed cloud technology can help small law firms work faster, better and smarter. The Northern Ireland legal community is all about client service and that's why I believe that the cloud technology of today is so right for Northern Ireland.
“More than 12,000 smaller law firms across the world use LEAP on the cloud every day. It avoids the need to buy expensive servers that can become obsolete so quickly.
“We are focused on nothing else but the needs of small law firms. Everything we do is based on what a small law firm does and needs. We focus on making sure we design the very best software and we support this commitment by investing more than £5m per annum on innovation and design.”
Ross Boyd, whose London and Belfast accountancy firm has driven cloud-based technology solutions for its clients, sees parallels between what he has witnessed among accountancy firms and their legal counterparts.
And he said he was anticipating a strong demand for LEAP in Northern Ireland as small practice owners seek to make more profits, work more efficiently and improve client service levels.
“The experience of small law firms of up to 25 people throughout the world who have adopted this cloud-based practice management technology has been exceptional and the initial feedback we have received from law firms here has been very positive,” he said.
Ross Boyd said LEAP NI plans to grow with market demand and added he anticipated a number of new jobs as the business develops over the next three years.
