Cowles Estates Practice System

In the post-9/11 environment, when many firms were struggling to maintain revenues, Rudy's revenues increased by more than 25 percent each year. Initially with a larger firm, Rudy found that with streamlined systems, the financial and personal rewards were greater with the freedom of his own practice.

In 1993, Rudy wanted to develop an efficient system in his office. "Prior to bringing in Cowles' Trust Plus system, I tried many other systems - many terribly difficult to work with," says Rudy.

"I also developed my own system, which was very extensive, but I was willing to scrap mine when I saw how easy Cowles' systems were to adapt and use."

"The Cowles' checklist separates you from other planners because the thorough questions and the issue-spotting guidance allow me to focus on the client, and make the client aware that they're not talking to someone who's just filling in the blanks and punching it into a computer. When I'm meeting with a client, I know I can get as sophisticated as needed. I can listen, knowing I've got a system that will allow me to pull out all the stops and to provide whatever my client requires."

"Without the Cowles' system," Rudy says, "in order for productivity levels to remain high, I would have to hire two to three more people to do the document production that one person now handles. And support is fabulous! Cowles has done in their office what I hope people find when they call ours. From the moment that person says 'hello' to the minute you say 'goodbye', it's an enjoyable experience."

Streamlining his practice with the Cowles' systems has allowed Rudy to expand by adding an associate. "The systems allow me to delegate, and to duplicate myself while ensuring accuracy and consistency. I was able to train a new associate quickly, and last week he produced $14,000 in new business. He couldn't do that if the system didn't provide the comfort level, consistency, and ability to produce quality, comprehensive documents."

The ability to delegate computer data entry allows the attorneys more personal time with clients. Utilizing the system to duplicate himself through associates and assistants also provides an eventual exit strategy - which can otherwise be a challenge in a practice where value is in the attorney's personal services.

Cowles' systems also help the firm with postmortem services. Rudy states, "Cowles' TrusTerminator system is elegant, flawless, and complete. Clients love the regular contact promoted by the system, beneficiaries appreciate the reports generated, and financial institutions and others appreciate the way contacts are handled. The entire process is managed chronologically in a thorough and easy-to-follow process."

Rudy appreciates that Cowles recognizes that a software system in and of itself isn't enough to create a successful practice.

"Cowles shows the practitioner how to network with other professionals and provides materials and instructions for building the successful practice, as well as substantive legal help, legislative updates, and document sharing and email discussion groups with other Cowles' users," says Rudy. "It gives any attorney wanting to get into this side of the business an incredible set of tools to work with."

"If you want a system that gives you the freedom to take in as much estate planning work as you wish and still handle it in an efficient yet personal manner with an accuracy that gives you peace of mind as the document preparer, then Cowles is for you. If you want to deal with a company that provides you backup support second to none, then Cowles is for you."