The Hona Blog
Explore the Latest Trends, Tips, and Strategies in Legal Tech and Client Communication
Google now shows the new AI-powered “Ask” button in Maps and on Business Profiles. Don't let it give the wrong answers about your law firm.
While Google still shows the Q&A functionality on the backend in your Google Business Profile, it no longer appears for people looking your profile or searching for businesses like yours. Google now shows the new “Ask” button in Maps and on Business Profiles.
According to Google’s product team, “Customers can ask their question directly in Google Maps and get an updated, instant answer based on your answers and relevant reviews.” This Gemini-powered feature has been prioritized in December 2025 and it became more prominent during the summer of 2025.
Google pulls information from:
You can still answer questions about your law firm in your Business Profile. Just know this section is no longer visible to searchers.
According to Google: “Business Profile users can continue to answer existing questions about their business in the Q&A section in their Google Business Profile. Your published questions and answers will continue to power Google’s understanding of the real world and may be shown in Maps.”
Check and update these areas in your Business Profile and on your website to give Google’s AI all of the right information.
Make sure this information in your profile is up-to-date:
Inaccurate information in your profile will mean that Gemini and “Ask Maps” can’t answer correctly.
All of the information on your Business Profile must be the same on your website. Don’t provide Google with conflicting information. In particular, make sure the business name listed on Google is the same one found on your website.
Review your website’s accuracy and clearly label and update pages like:
Remember: AI is only providing the most likely answer to a question, not fact-checking, so you need to give it all the context. Your website is the best place to provide in-depth context about your law firm.
If you maintain a profile on any other review sites, like Yelp, or any directories of law firms, double check that all of your business information is accurate and updated.
Make sure that practice areas, business hours, contact information, staff information, etc. show up the same in every place someone might be searching.
Requesting more reviews! Google pulls information directly from reviews to populate answers in Maps. Legal marketing experts in particular note that Google seems to prioritize the user-generated answers that reviews already provide.
Here’s an example of the impact your reviews have on the answers given by Google’s AI via “Ask Maps.”
Rebecca was in a car accident. A few years ago she had to hire a personal injury lawyer for a slip-and-fall incident. But she remembers that the lawyer she hired then rarely contacted her. She felt isolated and confused, even though the case turned out in her favor. The communication was so bad she never referred that lawyer to anyone and mentioned it in her review.
In searching Google for other personal injury attorneys in her area, Rebecca comes across your firm. She wants to know upfront if your firm has a history of poor communication with clients. She uses the AI-powered “Ask” button to ask about your communication style.
If your firm has hundreds of positive reviews and many former clients mention how great your firm is at staying connected, Google is going to use that information to provide Rebecca’s answer.
So if you don’t have a solid process for requesting reviews, now’s the time to start.
Within its client portal and communication tools, Hona provides automated review requests. Set up these requests to send automatically via text message and the client portal at specific points in your case workflow.
Don’t miss out on valuable content that can revolutionize your law firm.
In the legal industry, protecting client data is not just an ethical obligation but also a legal necessity.
In the legal industry, protecting client data is not just an ethical obligation but also a legal necessity. From confidential case details to sensitive personal information, law firms handle vast amounts of data that, if compromised, could have severe consequences. As cyber threats continue to evolve, ensuring the security of client data is more critical than ever.
This guide explores the key risks law firms face, best practices for securing client data, and how Hona Software can help protect your firm’s information.
Law firms handle highly sensitive information, including financial records, personal identification details, and privileged communications. A data breach can lead to:
With these risks in mind, implementing robust security measures should be a top priority for all law firms.
Understanding potential threats is the first step in safeguarding client data. Here are some of the most common security risks law firms encounter:
Phishing scams target employees by tricking them into sharing sensitive information or clicking malicious links. These attacks are increasingly sophisticated and can result in significant data breaches.
Ransomware attacks encrypt a firm’s data, holding it hostage until a ransom is paid. These attacks can disrupt operations and compromise confidential information.
Not all security risks come from external hackers. Insider threats, whether intentional or accidental, can lead to data breaches. For example, an employee might mishandle sensitive information or fall victim to phishing scams.
Sending sensitive information via email or other unencrypted channels leaves data vulnerable to interception by unauthorized parties.
To protect client data effectively, law firms should adopt a multi-layered security approach. Here are some best practices:
Encryption ensures that sensitive data remains unreadable to unauthorized parties. Encrypt all data, whether it’s being stored, transferred, or shared.
Secure client portals provide a safe way to share documents and communicate with clients. These portals are encrypted and reduce the risks associated with email-based communication.
Regular security audits help identify vulnerabilities and ensure that your firm’s data protection measures remain up to date.
Your team is your first line of defense. Regularly train employees on recognizing phishing attempts, securing devices, and following best practices for handling sensitive information.
MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple forms of verification before granting access to sensitive systems or data.
Regular data backups protect your firm against data loss due to cyberattacks or hardware failures. Store backups securely and test them periodically.
Hona Software is designed with law firms in mind, offering robust features to ensure client data remains secure. Here’s how Hona helps protect your firm’s information:
By integrating Hona Software into your practice, your firm can ensure a higher level of security while maintaining efficiency and client satisfaction.
Even with the best security measures, breaches can still occur. Having a response plan in place ensures your firm can act quickly to minimize damage. Key steps include:
Client data security is a cornerstone of trust and professionalism in the legal industry. By understanding potential threats, implementing best practices, and leveraging secure platforms like Hona Software, law firms can protect their clients and their reputation.
In today’s digital landscape, data breaches are a constant risk. Taking proactive steps to secure your firm’s data ensures that you not only meet legal obligations but also build lasting trust with your clients. With Hona Software as a partner, your firm can navigate the complexities of data security with confidence.
Incorporating automation into your law firm can yield significant benefits: more time for client-focused work, reduced errors, and streamlined operations.
In the legal profession, balancing high-quality client service with efficient, streamlined operations can be challenging. Many law firms rely heavily on manual processes, leading to time-consuming tasks that reduce overall productivity.
Fortunately, automation can transform how law firms handle daily operations, freeing up time and resources for higher-value work.
This guide will cover the key areas where automation can boost efficiency, from client intake to billing, and discuss how Hona Software’s solutions fit into the broader picture.
Automation in legal practice refers to using software to streamline and automate repetitive tasks, like document creation, client communication, and billing. By reducing manual work, automation helps lawyers focus on strategic activities that require their expertise, improving the firm’s productivity, reducing errors, and enhancing client satisfaction.
Automating document generation with pre-built templates saves time and minimizes the risk of errors. Law firms can use automated document systems to draft contracts, agreements, and briefs. This ensures consistency across documents and allows lawyers to focus on refining content rather than building documents from scratch.
Automated client intake tools streamline the process by capturing client information via digital forms. This reduces errors and ensures accurate information collection from the start. A streamlined onboarding process also enhances the client’s first impression of the firm.
Billing automation simplifies time tracking, invoicing, and payment collection. Law firms benefit from faster payment processing, reduced errors, and improved cash flow, which is critical for sustaining operations.
Automated scheduling tools make it easy to coordinate client meetings and internal appointments. By allowing clients to schedule directly through online portals, firms reduce no-shows and minimize back-and-forth emails.
Automation helps in tracking case progress and assigning tasks to team members. Automated task management keeps workflows organized, ensuring that deadlines are met and resources are allocated efficiently.
Legal practice management software combines these automated features into one platform. Software like Clio, MyCase, and Hona Software enable law firms to streamline daily operations seamlessly.
Hona Software provides an all-in-one legal management platform that integrates these automation capabilities. Hona allows law firms to automate document management, client onboarding, billing, and task management, ensuring a cohesive workflow from start to finish.
In particular, Hona’s custom branding and client portal features make client communication seamless and professional. Clients can check case progress, make payments, and communicate with their attorneys in real-time—all from one secure, branded portal. This eliminates the need for frequent follow-ups and enhances the client experience.
AI and machine learning are taking automation further by enabling faster, more accurate legal research, contract review, and compliance analysis. With AI, law firms can sift through large volumes of data to find relevant information quickly, reducing research time significantly.
Machine learning tools can also help analyze documents for compliance, identify patterns, and suggest insights, adding value to case outcomes.
To fully realize the benefits of automation, law firms should approach implementation thoughtfully:
Incorporating automation into your law firm can yield significant benefits: more time for client-focused work, reduced errors, and streamlined operations. With platforms like Hona Software, law firms can automate document generation, case management, client communication, and billing—all while providing a secure, branded experience for clients.
As automation becomes a core element of legal practice, now is the time for law firms to embrace these tools to stay competitive and responsive in an evolving legal landscape. By starting small and expanding over time, firms can harness automation as a strategic advantage, improving efficiency and delivering a higher quality of service.
Clio Software provides law firms with robust tools for managing cases and clients efficiently.
For law firms looking to streamline their practice management, Clio Software is a widely trusted, cloud-based solution that simplifies daily operations. Whether you're handling billing, case tracking, or client communication, Clio offers a comprehensive platform that can be accessed from anywhere. In this post, we’ll explore what Clio Software is, how it works, and how it integrates with Hona Software to further enhance your firm’s efficiency.
Clio is a legal practice management system designed to help law firms manage everything from case tracking to client communication. The platform offers easy access to critical information via Clio login, enabling lawyers to work on their cases securely from any location.
Clio integrates key features to help law firms manage their cases and clients efficiently:
Hona Software enhances Clio’s capabilities by offering additional tools for client communication and case management:
Clio Software provides law firms with robust tools for managing cases and clients efficiently. When integrated with Hona Software, your firm can enhance client communication and collaboration, offering an even more streamlined legal service. Whether using Clio login to access case files or collaborating with co-counsel, the Clio-Hona integration is a powerful solution for modern law practices.
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AI can be a great tool for handling simple legal questions and tasks.
In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed various industries, including the legal field. Today, AI-powered platforms offer quick access to legal advice, helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal matters without waiting for traditional legal consultations. But how reliable is AI legal advice? Should you consider using AI for your legal questions, or is it better to stick with human attorneys? Let’s explore the benefits and limitations of AI-driven legal solutions and help you decide whether it's the right choice for your needs.
AI legal advice refers to using artificial intelligence tools to provide guidance on legal questions. These platforms analyze large amounts of legal data, case law, and statutes to offer relevant information on various legal issues. Whether you need help drafting contracts, understanding your legal rights, or addressing legal concerns, AI platforms can provide quick answers based on data-driven analysis.
While AI legal advice platforms have become more popular in recent years, it's important to understand that AI tools are designed to assist with basic legal questions, not replace the expertise of a licensed attorney. They excel at addressing common legal queries but may struggle with more complex or nuanced issues.
Many AI platforms offer free basic legal advice, which can be appealing for individuals or small businesses looking to save money. Free AI legal advice is often accessible through chatbots or online tools that provide general information about legal topics. These services are great for answering common questions, such as "What is a contract?" or "What are my rights in this situation?"
However, free AI legal advice may not be as reliable when it comes to specific or complex legal matters. Because these tools rely on pre-existing data, they may not be able to provide personalized advice tailored to your unique situation. If you're dealing with a serious legal issue, it's always a good idea to consult a licensed attorney for more in-depth guidance.
Several AI platforms have emerged as leaders in the field of legal advice. These tools range from basic chatbots offering general information to more advanced systems that provide in-depth legal analysis. Some of the best AI for law questions includes:
These AI platforms can be incredibly useful for handling routine legal questions, saving time and offering instant responses. However, when it comes to more serious matters—such as court cases or significant legal disputes—it’s still recommended to consult with a human lawyer.
AI can be a great tool for handling simple legal questions and tasks. For individuals who need quick, basic legal information, free AI legal advice tools can be convenient and accessible. However, AI legal advice should not be a substitute for consulting with a licensed attorney, especially if your legal issues are complex or involve serious consequences.
In conclusion, AI is making significant strides in the legal industry, offering efficient solutions for basic legal questions and tasks. While it can be a helpful resource for straightforward legal advice, the best course of action for more complicated matters is still to consult a legal professional.
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Ultimately, the best software for lawyers is one that simplifies your daily operations, enhances client service, and helps your firm grow.
With the rapid advancement of technology, legal professionals now have access to a wide range of software solutions designed to simplify their work, improve efficiency, and manage cases more effectively.
Whether you’re managing case files, client communications, billing, or document management, having the right tools can make a significant difference in how your law firm operates.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the best legal software options available today and discuss which ones might be the right fit for your firm.
When it comes to the best software for lawyers, Clio is often a top contender. As one of the leading legal software solutions, Clio offers a full suite of features for practice management, including case tracking, document management, billing, and time tracking.
The platform is user-friendly and accessible from any device, making it ideal for law firms of all sizes. Additionally, Clio integrates seamlessly with other tools like email and accounting systems, making it a well-rounded solution for law firms looking for flexibility.
MyCase is another well-known name in the world of legal software companies. It’s designed to simplify case management and improve client communication, offering features such as document sharing, time tracking, billing, and task management.
One of MyCase’s standout features is its client portal, which allows clients to access case updates, pay invoices, and communicate directly with their attorney. This can help law firms streamline communication and ensure that clients are always in the loop.
For firms looking for a powerful but easy-to-use legal software solution, PracticePanther is an excellent option. It’s known for its intuitive interface and robust set of tools, including case management, billing, time tracking, and calendar management.
PracticePanther also integrates with a wide variety of other software, such as QuickBooks and Dropbox, making it easy for law firms to customize their workflows. Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a large firm, PracticePanther provides the flexibility needed to scale your practice.
Rocket Matter is a cloud-based legal software platform that offers comprehensive practice management features, including case management, time tracking, billing, and document storage.
The software also includes advanced reporting tools that help firms analyze their productivity and financial performance. Rocket Matter’s ease of use and flexibility make it one of the best legal software options for firms looking to boost efficiency and streamline their day-to-day operations.
Zola Suite stands out among legal software solutions for its powerful suite of case management, billing, and accounting tools. What sets Zola Suite apart is its focus on providing a truly all-in-one solution, with features like a built-in email client, task management, and document automation.
The platform is designed to reduce the need for third-party integrations, making it ideal for firms that prefer an all-inclusive system.
Smokeball is an AI-powered legal software solution designed to automate administrative tasks and boost productivity for law firms. Smokeball offers document automation, email management, and time tracking, with AI-powered insights that help lawyers maximize their billable hours.
This software is particularly beneficial for small to mid-sized firms that want to reduce the administrative burden and focus on providing high-quality legal services.
CosmoLex is a cloud-based practice management tool that combines case management, billing, and accounting in one platform. It’s one of the few legal software solutions that includes full accounting capabilities, eliminating the need for law firms to use separate software for managing their finances.
CosmoLex is ideal for small firms that need an affordable, all-in-one system that ensures compliance with legal accounting standards.
LEAP is another comprehensive legal software solution designed to streamline all aspects of law firm management. It provides tools for case management, time tracking, document automation, and billing.
LEAP is particularly popular among small to medium-sized firms looking for a scalable solution that can grow with their practice.
When choosing the best legal software for your law firm, it’s essential to consider your firm’s specific needs and goals. For example, if client communication is a top priority, platforms like MyCase and Clio might be ideal.
If you’re looking for a system with integrated accounting, CosmoLex or Zola Suite could be the best fit. For firms that want AI-powered tools to boost productivity, Smokeball stands out.
Ultimately, the best software for lawyers is one that simplifies your daily operations, enhances client service, and helps your firm grow. With so many legal software companies offering tailored solutions, there’s a platform out there that can meet your firm’s unique needs.
If you’re looking for a solution that simplifies daily law firm operations, MyCase software is an excellent choice.
Managing a law firm requires juggling multiple tasks—from keeping track of case files to ensuring clear communication with clients. MyCase software is designed to simplify these tasks, providing law firms with a powerful tool to streamline their daily operations.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore what MyCase is, how it works, and why it’s become a popular choice for law firms looking to improve efficiency and client satisfaction.
MyCase is a cloud-based case management software specifically designed for law firms. It provides all the essential tools that lawyers need to manage their cases, clients, billing, and more in one easy-to-use platform.
MyCase is tailored to meet the unique needs of legal professionals, offering a wide range of features that make it easier to handle daily administrative tasks while staying focused on legal work.
Unlike traditional case management systems that require separate tools for different tasks, MyCase software integrates everything into a single platform. This makes it convenient for law firms to access important information and manage their workflows from any device, whether in the office or on the go.
MyCase is a comprehensive management solution for law firms, covering key areas like client communication and billing. Here’s how it helps:
MyCase offers several benefits for law firms:
If you’re looking for a solution that simplifies daily law firm operations, MyCase software is an excellent choice. It combines case management, client communication, billing, and more into a streamlined platform that helps law firms run more efficiently.
Whether you’re a solo practitioner or part of a larger firm, MyCase management software offers the tools you need to stay organized, improve client service, and manage your workload more effectively.
For law firms looking to enhance their practice, what is MyCase? It’s the software solution that brings everything together, helping you focus on what matters most—delivering results for your clients
