Schofield Sweeney adopts NetDocuments to boost client service
Schofield Sweeney has adopted NetDocuments' document management system to support its regional growth and client service delivery across offices in Bradford, Leeds, Huddersfield and London.
The law firm has migrated over four million documents onto the NetDocuments platform as part of the implementation, with the new system already delivering enhanced accessibility and collaboration for staff, as well as establishing a foundation for integrating future technological advancements.
Platform migration
The transition to the cloud-based system, carried out with the support of delivery partner OneAdvanced, was completed without interruption to day-to-day operations at Schofield Sweeney. The new platform replaces the firm's previous document management, which was run through Partner for Windows.
Key benefits reported by Schofield Sweeney include the ability for team members to securely access documents from any location, supporting flexible working practices and enabling swifter responses to client needs. The platform's integration with Microsoft Office 365 and DocuSign has also improved real-time collaboration on documents and streamlined document handling processes.
Strategic aims
Managing Partner at Schofield Sweeney, Graham Sweeney, said the move is part of the firm's strategic growth. "Our decision to implement NetDocuments was driven by our commitment to providing the highest quality service to our clients," said Graham Sweeney. "The platform's intuitive interface and robust features have streamlined our workflows, enabling our team to focus more on delivering strategic legal advice."
The law firm, which is recognised in The Times Best Law Firms 2024 and The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2024 and 2025, is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence within its document management processes. This includes reviewing documents using AI-powered tools available through NetDocuments' ndMAX suite.
Added Graham Sweeney, "We're not standing still. NetDocuments is supporting our growth journey as we work to deliver greater value to a growing client base and drive revenue. We are already enjoying the benefits on simple things such as finding documents in seconds instead of minutes, and NetDocuments gives us the agility to begin exploring use cases for new technologies like AI and semantic search."
Future-ready infrastructure
NetDocuments positions its platform as a future-ready solution suitable for supporting the evolving needs of law firms and legal departments. Its scalability has allowed Schofield Sweeney to introduce new capabilities while maintaining day-to-day continuity and client service standards. The infrastructure offers built-in integrations with over 150 software solutions, including productivity and digital signature tools.
Kerri Dearing, Vice President of International Business at NetDocuments, commented on the significance of the partnership. "Schofield Sweeney is making a smart, strategic investment in its future. By laying a strong foundation with NetDocuments, the firm isn't just adopting a document management system, it's creating a launchpad for innovation, flexibility and long-term success. We're proud to partner with a firm that understands how technology can enable them to deliver even more value to their clients, without losing sight of what already makes them great."
The migration is part of a wider strategy by Schofield Sweeney to invest in technology and workplace solutions that support growth, both regionally and in its service to a growing client base. The firm employs more than 170 professionals across its four offices, serving businesses, individuals and institutions in a variety of sectors.
The adoption of NetDocuments comes at a time when law firms are seeking to enhance operational efficiency, facilitate remote and flexible working, and begin leveraging new technology for greater value-add in legal services. Schofield Sweeney has indicated that further adoption of AI tools in legal and administrative workflows is planned as part of its ongoing development.
