For many law firms, a Case Management System (CMS) such as LEAP, Clio, Actionstep or Peppermint is central to daily operations. It manages matters, billing, workflows and legal documentation.
But a question we’re often asked is: If we already have a CMS, do we really need Microsoft 365?
The answer is yes, because a CMS and Microsoft 365 serve very different purposes. Your CMS manages legal workflows. Microsoft 365 underpins your entire business infrastructure.
A CMS Isn’t a Complete IT Strategy
A CMS is designed to handle:
- Matter management
- Time recording and billing
- Workflow automation
- Precedent libraries
- Legal-specific compliance processes
However, it doesn’t provide:
- Enterprise-grade email security
- Encrypted communication channels
- Secure document collaboration outside matters
- Device and identity management
- Organisation-wide compliance controls
That’s where Microsoft 365 becomes critical.
What Microsoft 365 Adds to a Legal Practice
Microsoft 365 delivers the secure foundation that modern law firms require:
- Email and encrypted communication – Secure client correspondence and internal collaboration
- Document collaboration – Real-time editing in Word, Excel and Teams
- Secure storage and structured access – SharePoint and OneDrive configured correctly for legal environments
- Identity and device security – Protecting sensitive client data across laptops, mobiles and remote users
- Compliance and governance controls – Supporting regulatory obligations and audit readiness
Together, your CMS and Microsoft 365 create a joined-up ecosystem.
One manages cases.
The other protects the firm.
Compliance-Confident Technology
For law firms, technology decisions are never just about productivity, they’re about risk.
At AspiraCloud, we specialise in supporting law firms and law centres across the UK. We currently work with 33 law centres, helping practices strengthen secure document management, encrypted communications and Cyber Essentials readiness.
We’ve also presented at Law Society events alongside Microsoft, sharing practical guidance on how firms can become compliance-confident without overcomplicating their technology stack.
Our focus is simple; making sure your Microsoft 365 environment is configured properly for legal practice, not just installed.
The Real Advantage: Integration
When implemented correctly, Microsoft 365 enhances your CMS by:
- Strengthening data security
- Improving collaboration between teams
- Supporting remote and hybrid working
- Reducing compliance risk
- Creating a scalable IT foundation for growth
It’s not about replacing your CMS.
It’s about completing the picture.
How AspiraCloud Can Help
We’re AspiraCloud, a Technology Partner specialising in law firms.
We help practices become compliance-confident through:
- Secure Microsoft 365 configuration
- Structured document management
- Encrypted communication setup
- Cyber Essentials support
- Ongoing advisory and optimisation
If your firm is relying on a CMS alone, there may be gaps in security, governance and operational resilience.
Let’s close them.
Get in touch with our team today to ensure your Microsoft 365 and CMS are working together securely, efficiently and in full support of your compliance obligations.