HoudiniESQ

It just isn't as "clean" as some other programs that I've used. Again, it serves it's purpose but it's nothing to write home about.

It's been seven years since we made the switch from Time Matters to HoudiniEsq, and we're not looking back. HoudiniEsq has provided us with an easy to use system to manage our law practice. I recommend HoudiniEsq to my colleagues regardless of the size of your firm or practice area. I don't have time to try to figure out complex systems that require vendor technicians to get me going. I needed something that was user-friendly and intuitive, and found both in HoudiniEsq. Thanks the support staff at HoudiniESQ for making our lives a little easier. In today's fast-paced legal enviroment where time management and billing are so critical, it's a relief to know that HoudiniESQ is on the ball with cutting technology to make my life simpler.

I have used HoudiniEsq for a year. I love the features that this software provides. However, there are a number of bugs and glitches. For example, some of the reporting screens don't translate correctly from the actual accounts receivables or balance due on when creating two invoices for a matter.

Additionally, a number of the features take more time to use then doing the task the long way. For example, when linking matter information to a word document, it takes more time fixing the spacing issues and bugs then it is to just type in the name and address yourself. Sometimes, the names don't have a space in between them, sometimes the first name doesn't show up etc.

I think now that HoudiniEsq has a good setup, they should work on simplifying the program and work out the kinks in the many features.

pros:
Integrates with so many different programs
easy to navigate and user-friendly
Very easy to customize and add specific categories, types, color customize a calendar, etc.
Runs in the background - keep it open all day long w/o slowing down computer and other programs
Creating and sending invoices is incredibly simple.
Trust Account, Billables, and Accounts Receivable is always available so it's easy to keep track of money.
Individual client ledgers makes accounting for each client's expenses, fees, payments, and trust easy to track and very clear and understandable.
Keeps everything up to date daily, instead of just at end of month.
Ability to link to matters from integrated programs allows maximum billing and the process is quick and painless
Support is great - can read articles and topics on any issue related to the program and telephone support is great.

cons:
Requires patience at first until you understand how the program thinks and operates.
Every now and then there is some small glitch that requires me to visit the support page or make a phone call.
Have had to install approx. 2 updates in past year - I guess it's a good thing they update the product, but taking the time to install the update is somewhat annoying.

Overall:
Great product that includes everything you'd need to manage your practice, all in one place. Can create memos while on phone, while the timer is on - takes the burden out of billing time because you're using it throughout the day as you work. Has increased income through ability to "capture" time by linking events, e-mails, documents to matters. For me, it somewhat takes away the panic at the end of the day I used to feel when trying to recall and write down everything I'd done that day. Now, it is all recorded for me as I work throughout the day and contributes hugely to overall organization.

I would recommend this product to anyone wanting to transition to cloud based practice management.