LawNet

LawNet, a long‑established network supporting independent law firms, needed to stabilise and modernise its digital systems.

Their existing CRM required a tidy‑up and improvement to resolve usability issues, increase robustness and make the system easier to support. At the same time, their website and Member Centre were running on Umbraco 7, which was approaching end of life and required migration to a supported version.

LawNet needed a solution that would reduce risk, improve usability for staff and members, and create a stronger technical foundation for future portal‑based development.

We began with a CRM tidy‑up phase, working closely with the LawNet team to familiarise ourselves with their systems and resolve known issues.

This included:

• Cleaning up CRM forms and addressing usability pain points

• Identifying quick wins to improve reliability and supportability

• Documenting larger opportunities for future development

• Delivering tailored CRM training once improvements were complete

We then migrated the LawNet website Umbraco 7 to Umbraco 13, utilising proven templates and migration scripts to reduce manual effort and risk. Content and integrations were carefully migrated, while legacy features no longer required were left behind.

As part of this phase, we also developed a foundational Member Portal, moving authentication away from Umbraco and connecting users directly to the CRM, enabling future portal‑led development without reworking the website.

LawNet now has a more robust, supportable CRM, combined with a modern, future‑proof website and Member Centre built on Umbraco 13.

The CRM is easier to use, better supported and backed by improved training, while the upgraded website benefits from a supported platform and cleaner architecture. The new CRM‑integrated authentication approach provides a strong foundation for future member portal features and enhancements.

Addtional functionality was rolled out through the newly branded LawNet Connect portal.

Features were introduced in phases to support adoption and deliver immediate value, including a member directory, a centralised resource centre, and self‑serve information management tools that allow members to manage their own details with ease. We also introduced an ‘Ask the Network’ forum space, encouraging collaboration and peer‑to‑peer knowledge sharing across the LawNet community.

As a result, LawNet now has a modern, CRM‑driven digital platform that supports engagement as well as efficiency. Members benefit from improved access to information, stronger connectivity with one another and a clearer sense of value from the network, while the internal team benefits from reduced admin, cleaner data and a scalable platform that can evolve as member needs grow.