A Welsh law firm has created two new roles in their expanding IT department to maintain the company’s focus on developing and implementing new software and systems.
IT manager Carl Smith has joined Howells Solicitors as well as Rob Williams, a systems development manager.
Both will be assuming responsibility for the continuation of the ongoing large IT investment upgrade programme across Howell’s network of six offices.
The leading Welsh law firm has already implemented and installed new IT and phone infrastructures and a custom-built practice management system.
Explaining the requirement for the creation of these new roles, Mark Hobbs, managing partner of Howells Solicitors said, “To maximise the effectiveness of the new technology, we identified the requirement to build an IT department that can provide the necessary support and technical expertise. We are very confident that the recruitment of Carl and Rob will enable us to do this and continue to upgrade our IT to help us maintain the growth we have achieved in the last five years.”
Carl Smith has held senior IT positions in other legal firms over the last decade. In his new role Carl will be managing the upgrading and replacement of the legacy hardware and IT infrastructure, training the staff, and implementing a change management programme throughout the company. Commenting on his new role, Carl said, “The ongoing IT investment programme will propel Howells to the fore of legal firms who embrace technology to improve their operational efficiencies and overall customer service. I will be working with the senior management team to ensure our department is providing the support and advice required with minimum disruption during the transition and that the staff understand how to use the new hardware and systems effectively.”
Rob Williams, systems development manager will be sourcing, creating and adapting new systems such as Visualfiles for use alongside or replacing legacy software. He said, “A survey of law firms and their use of IT showed that 42% identified that their business growth plans were being hindered by legacy IT systems. Howells have recognised the importance of investing in IT and have a comprehensive IT plan in place that I am looking forward to helping to deliver.”