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DLG Supercharges Productivity Embracing Microsoft 365 and CoPilot AI

Disparti Law Group recently undertook a bold technology transformation — migrating from outdated on‑premises systems to the full Microsoft 365 platform powered by AI via Microsoft 365 Copilot. As Microsoft reported on July 7, 2025, this move has not just modernized infrastructure, but dramatically increased efficiency, collaboration, and client service outcomes across the organization (Microsoft).

The Challenge: Outdated Systems Holding Back a Client‑First Mission

Before the transformation, Disparti Law Group was managing client data via on‑premises Citrix servers and shared drives—a setup that was dated, slow, and could not keep up with its mission of exceptional client support. Attorneys and support staff often worked in downloaded versions of documents, risking version control issues and sluggish collaboration (Microsoft).

From an IT perspective, the firm relied on a managed service provider whose responsiveness was declining. Combined, these limitations hindered internal workflow and the firm was committed to finding a solution that could  further improve client service delivery.

Why Microsoft 365 (and Copilot) Were a Smart Choice

Recognizing the need to modernize, Disparti turned to Microsoft 365. The firm’s leadership viewed this not just as an upgrade, but as an opportunity to enable faster, smarter collaboration and to bring AI-powered productivity into the daily business practices (Microsoft).

Microsoft 365 offers a full suite of solutions—SharePoint, Teams, Outlook, OneNote, Bookings, Power Automate, and security/compliance tools—all designed to support law‑firm workflows (Messaging Architects).

Copilot, integrated across Word, SharePoint, and Teams, was seen as a game‑changer: its generative AI enables auto‑drafts, quick summarization, faster editing, and streamlined SOP creation—all with emphasis on security and governance.

Deployment and Adoption Journey

Disparti initiated a firm‑wide rollout of Microsoft 365 and began integrating Copilot into daily routines. Key steps included:

  • Migrating document storage into SharePoint, replacing legacy file shares that made collaboration slow and prone to errors (Microsoft).
  • Empowering teams to co‑author and edit documents in real time, eliminating version conflicts and email exchanges.
  • Rolling out Teams channels for case work, departments, and cross‑functional projects.
  • Beginning training and experimentation with Copilot, especially for legal operations and intake workflows.

Results: Time Savings, Collaboration Gains, Happier Teams

a) Reduced Task Times with Copilot

Results were immediate. Skyeler Rivera, Director of Intake, describes how tasks that once took an hour can now be done in as little as 30 minutes using Copilot—“I almost feel like I’m cheating the system” (Intapp, SpliceNet Consulting, Microsoft). Routine deliverables, drafting standard operating procedures, and document edits are now faster and more consistent.

b) Real‑Time Collaboration via SharePoint

Document sharing among paralegals and attorneys is now conducted directly in SharePoint, eliminating the inefficiencies of emailing multiple file versions. Real‑time co‑authoring reduces errors and accelerates workflows (Microsoft). External parties—opposing counsel or courts—also collaborate through SharePoint securely, replacing insecure third‑party tools like Dropbox.

c) Fewer IT Support Calls

Since moving from on‑premises Citrix servers to the cloud, support tickets have dropped noticeably. The firm’s HR Director, Leslie Fry, says collaboration is now frictionless and uptime is improved—boosting overall employee satisfaction (Microsoft).

d) Elevated Employee Experience

Rivera emphasizes that employees are “much happier now that we are using Microsoft 365.” The new tools empower staff to complete tasks more efficiently, reduce repetitive work, and focus on matters that matter—serving clients (Microsoft).

e) Strategic Use Cases for Copilot

Madison McAnn, Director of Operations, describes how she uses Copilot to summarize work, clean up job‑description redundancies, and locate internal documents within SharePoint. They’re planning to embed Copilot into onboarding and training modules to help new hires locate internal resources quickly—further reducing time to full productivity (Microsoft).

Broader Benefits of Microsoft 365 for Law Firms

Disparti is leading the industry across the U.S. and abroad by leveraging Microsoft 365 to modernize operations and gain competitive advantage.

  • Microsoft Teams, when structured with channels per practice area or office, centralizes communication, cuts email clutter, and integrates seamlessly with SharePoint, OneNote, Planner, and Outlook—all accessible via one hub (SpliceNet Consulting, LexWorkplace).
  • SharePoint and OneDrive simplify document management, version control, access permissions, and compliance—all essential for protecting sensitive legal information (Integris).
  • Security and Governance Tools, such as Data Loss Prevention, eDiscovery, Double Key Encryption, and advanced compliance policies, ensure sensitive client data stays protected even while enabling productivity (TECHCOMMUNITY.MICROSOFT.COM).
  • AI‑powered capabilities through Copilot accelerate drafting, summarization, case research, and workflow automation—helping attorneys and staff focus on strategic client outcomes rather than repetitive internal tasks (Integris).

Lessons Learned & Best Practices for Law Firms

From Disparti’s experience, here are some actionable takeaways for firms considering a similar transformation:

  • Plan migration thoughtfully: move documents into SharePoint with proper folder structure, tagging, and permissions to enable later AI effectiveness.
  • Train staff early and often: encourage use of Teams, SharePoint, OneNote, and Copilot. Provide use cases—like intake drafting, policy updates, or SOP generation—and reinforce through training.
  • Build internal AI champions: Rivera and McAnn serve as Copilot advocates—spotlighting successes encourages wider adoption.
  • Layer on automation: use Power Automate and Planner to automate intake workflows, approvals, reminders, and case management.
  • Ensure strong governance: deploy DLP, MFA, retention and encryption controls to meet regulatory and ethical obligations.
  • Iterate and scale: document what got faster, gather user feedback, and expand usage of Copilot into additional departments like HR, operations, marketing.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Legal AI at Disparti

As they scale, Disparti Law Group intends to expand Copilot use across more functions—especially in intake and claims processing—so that staff can handle cases more quickly, accurately, and autonomously. Rivera envisions Copilot enabling intake specialists to process claims without constant director supervision, drawing on content from handbooks, emails, and case files—all powered by the firm’s centralized, cloud‑based digital estate (Microsoft).

Meanwhile, operations teams plan to embed Copilot into training modules, creating AI‑driven resource guides and searchable knowledge bases to onboard new staff faster and more effectively.

Disparti Law Group’s journey underscores a powerful truth: embracing Microsoft 365 and Copilot is not merely a technology upgrade, but a client-serving transformation. By modernizing infrastructure, standardizing document processes, automating routine tasks, and deploying generative AI capabilities securely, Disparti has accelerated workflows, elevated employee experience, and, most importantly, enhanced service delivery for clients.

As Microsoft aptly summarized in their July 2025 case study: Disparti’s move to M365 and Copilot has delivered measurable improvements—documents edited faster, IT calls reduced, collaboration simplified—and most crucially, efficiency reallocated to the firm’s mission of helping people recover and rebuild (Microsoft).

For law firms ready to compete, scale, and serve clients better, the blueprint is now clear: leverage cloud productivity, empower staff with AI, and uphold security. Disparti Law Group shows what’s possible—when technology aligns with mission

For full details, refer to Microsoft’s customer story: “Disparti Law Group uses Microsoft 365 and Copilot to serve clients faster” (published July 7, 2025) (Microsoft).

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The Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers is one of the most successful law firms serving the greater Chicago and Tampa areas. As the leader in Injury, Disability, Workers’ Comp, and Employment Law, with more than $1 Billion in recoveries, The Disparti Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers has been named One of the Most Influential Law Firms in America by Trial Lawyer Magazine.

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