Shield Solicitors rely on Lawsyst to streamline legal aid, manage cases, and support growth in mental health and Court of Protection work.
Case Study: Shield Solicitors and Lawsyst
By Fatima Boujettif, Director Solicitor
When I founded Shield Solicitors, I wanted to create a practice that could serve some of the most vulnerable people in society. Our work in mental health law and the Court of Protection often involves representing those who cannot speak for themselves. Many of our clients face immense challenges, and it is our duty to ensure their voices are heard and their rights protected.
Most of our work is funded through legal aid, which means we are constantly navigating the requirements of the Legal Aid Agency while also trying to provide the highest level of care to our clients. That balance is not always easy. Legal aid is a lifeline for the people we represent, but the reporting and administrative side of it can be overwhelming for a small to medium-sized firm.
When we first looked for a case management system, I knew it had to do more than just store files. We needed something flexible, something that could adapt to the different types of cases we handle, and something that would not drain our time with unnecessary complexity. We have offices in both London and the Midlands, and our team is often working across different locations, so accessibility was crucial too.
That is what led us to Lawsyst.
Finding the Right Fit
We did not want a one-size-fits-all product. Too many systems on the market are designed for corporate firms or for areas of law that do not resemble what we do day to day. Our work is unique. Mental health tribunals, Court of Protection proceedings, sensitive client contact — it all requires a different rhythm.
From the beginning, Lawsyst showed us it could bend to fit our needs rather than forcing us to change the way we work. That flexibility has been invaluable.
Day-to-Day Impact
The difference Lawsyst has made to our daily routines is hard to overstate. Time recording, legal aid billing, form generation — all the things that used to pull us away from clients are now handled with much less fuss.
For example, when preparing for a tribunal, we can generate the necessary documents quickly and reliably. Deadlines are tracked in the background, meaning we don’t have to fear something slipping through the cracks. For legal aid billing, the system gives us confidence that everything is recorded accurately, which has reduced stress enormously.
What I appreciate most is that the system doesn’t get in the way. It supports us quietly, in the background, so that our lawyers can stay focused on what matters: the clients.
Growing With Confidence
As Shield Solicitors has grown, the system has grown with us. Our team has expanded, our caseload has increased, and we now run two offices, but Lawsyst has adapted without becoming cumbersome.
That has been one of the biggest lessons for me as a director: choosing tools that will not hold you back when your firm changes shape. Too many practices outgrow their systems, and it becomes a painful process to switch later. With Lawsyst, we have had the confidence to grow, knowing the infrastructure is already in place.
The Human Side of Support
Another thing I value is the support from the Lawsyst team. Whenever we have needed help — whether it is technical or just advice on how to make better use of the system — they have been approachable and responsive. It makes a difference to feel that you are not just a client on a list but a partner they genuinely want to see succeed.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
When I reflect on the decision to choose Lawsyst, I see it as one of the key steps that allowed Shield Solicitors to establish itself so quickly and so securely. The work we do is demanding, emotionally and practically, and the last thing we needed was technology adding to that burden. Instead, Lawsyst has been a steady hand, giving us the flexibility and reliability we needed.
Looking ahead, as we continue to expand our reach and support more people through legal aid, I know the system will remain central to how we operate. It gives us structure, but it also gives us freedom — freedom from admin, freedom from worrying about compliance, and freedom to concentrate on our clients.
Final Thoughts
For firms like ours, working in sensitive areas like mental health and the Court of Protection, technology is never the star of the show. The clients are. But having the right system in place makes it possible to give those clients the care and attention they deserve.
For Shield Solicitors, that system has been Lawsyst. And for me, as a director, it has meant peace of mind — knowing that we can grow, adapt, and serve our clients with confidence, without losing sight of why we are here in the first place.