Jackson Brierley Hudson Stoney (JBHS) is the latest long-term Solicitors Own Software customer to switch to SOS Connect for case management as well as upgrade to the latest version for a fully integrated practice, case management and legal accounts system. The aim is to drive costs down from running two different systems, save time by introducing consistent practices and serve clients better with a more streamlined operation.


The Rochdale-based firm, which has a 300 year history provides specialised services for both business and private clients within a medium-sized general practice. Clients include companies, banks and building societies, clubs, charities, partnerships and private individuals. In 2008 the firm acquired A H Sutcliffe & Co and part of the reason for SOS Connect is to create standardised business processes across the firm.

A user of SOS for practice management since 1998, the law firm also has conveyancing software from Ochresoft. As Mary Rodak, partner of JBHS said: “Maintaining compatibility between the different systems and making any changes or improvements had become an issue. We wanted to achieve a situation where matter management in all our various work areas and all client information could be integrated with the SOS client database to deliver a standard platform to the business.”

The impending Legal Services Act was also a reason for the new investment in IT. According to JBHS, the changes heralded by the Act could put pressure on conveyancing and estate services. “This is an opportunity to change the way we work,” Mary Rodak explained, “and become more streamlined by using SOS Connect to introduce office-wide automation.”
SOS Connect ties back all documents, case and matter details to the client including time recording, incoming and outgoing emails and integrates seamlessly to the accounts. JBHS will also scan all documents into client matter folders to ensure that everyone in the firm has easy access to full client documentation.

David McNamara, managing director of SOS said: “Like many SOS customers JBHS is taking action to ensure that they remain as competitive and efficient as possible ahead of the Legal Services Act. We are convinced that standardisation on SOS Connect will help them to achieve their goals.”