8 metrics every law firm should track

What isn't measured isn't managed. But measuring everything doesn't help either: the secret is to track a few metrics, regularly.

1. Deadlines met × deadlines missed

The most important metric in litigation practice. The goal is simple: zero missed deadlines. Also track deadlines met on the last day — they reveal overload.

2. Caseload per lawyer

How many active cases does each lawyer handle? A balanced distribution prevents bottlenecks and helps plan hiring.

3. Average time per stage

How long cases take from filing to judgment, by practice area and by court. It helps give clients realistic expectations.

4. Success rate

Favorable, partial or unfavorable outcomes, by area and type of action. Use it carefully: every case has its own particularities.

5. Revenue by practice area

Which area sustains the firm? Which one is growing? Which one takes a lot of time and brings little return?

6. Late payments

The percentage of fee installments that are overdue and unpaid. A high rate calls for reviewing contracts and the collection routine.

7. Client sources

Referrals, content, website, partners: knowing where clients come from shows where it's worth investing time — always within the Bar's advertising rules.

8. Client response time

How long do clients wait for an answer? It is one of the factors that most influence satisfaction and referrals.

How to start

• Choose three metrics for the first quarter;
• Define who updates them and how often;
• Meet with the team once a month to look at the numbers and decide on one action.

Metrics are for making decisions, not decorating reports. If a number doesn't change any decision, replace it with another.

How IntegraLegal helps

Because cases, deadlines, CRM and finances are in the same system, metrics don't need to be built in spreadsheets: the legal dashboard, the CRM Hub summary and the Financial Center show the firm's numbers in real time. See the plans.

Read also

• The partner’s weekly routine: 5 reports worth more than meetings
• Case kanban: see your firm’s stages and bottlenecks on one screen
• Timesheets in legal practice: find out what each case really costs

Notice: this content is for information only. It does not replace a lawyer's analysis of the specific case. Always check the legislation, case law and rules in force on the date of your consultation.