Two decades of growth: How Slade Legal scaled with Osprey Approach

Used Osprey since

2007

Location

Oxfordshire

Established

1971

Key Practice Areas

Family Law, Wills & Probate, and Conveyancing Firm

About Slade Legal

From high street roots to multi-branch success, Slade Legal’s journey with Osprey Approach showcases the power of adaptable legal tech. For over 20 years, the Oxfordshire-based law firm has partnered with Osprey to drive operational efficiency, financial control, and client service excellence. As a family-run firm with deep community ties, Slade Legal’s success story is a testament to how the right legal software can empower growth, compliance, and agility.

Legal software that grows with your firm

Slade Legal’s long-term partnership with Osprey reflects the platform’s ability to evolve with a firm’s needs and support them through change.  Rather than a transactional software provider, Osprey has become a trusted part of the firm’s infrastructure – supporting its growth, adapting to its needs, and helping streamline operations across departments. Amanda Hodson, Finance Manager, reflects on the journey: We’ve grown with Osprey. It’s evolved as we have, and it continues to support us in the right ways.

The firm regularly reviews the market, but no alternative has matched Osprey’s balance of functionality, familiarity, and support.

“We’ve looked at alternatives, but nothing has stood out enough to make the switch worthwhile. Osprey works for us – and that reliability is hard to replace.”

Amanda shared how they focus on a “touchy-feely client service. We’re a family run law firm, with a high street presence, so it’s important we have the tools to operate effectively and ensure our lawyers can deliver a hands-on client service.” Osprey’s workflows and efficiency boosting features help ensure the operational processes are streamlined so the team can spend the time giving a personal, quality service.  

Financial confidence through integrated accounts controls

Amanda’s role spans finance, IT and office management, and she relies heavily on Osprey to manage day-to-day operations: “confidence in the financials and the tools to manage cashflow is crucial for my role as finance manager.” A benefit of the Osprey solution is that is combines practice, case and accounts management for both client accounts and office accounts. Amanda shares that Osprey is extensively used to manage the finances:

“Reconciling the client account is so easy. I take my reference, do three things, and it’s done. The reporting is also a favourite feature – it’s flexible, clear and helps us stay on top of performance.”

Legal workflows that enhance compliance

One of the most impactful developments for Slade Legal operations has been the introduction of workflows, particularly in the conveyancing department, which handles around half of the firm’s incoming work.

“Having workflows in place means anyone can pick up a file and know exactly where it is. It helps with compliance and makes file audits much easier.”

Unlike other platforms, Osprey offers templated – but completely configurable – workflows with hand-on support to help teams utilise the tools to perform their best. Over 50 workflows assist everyday tasks, practice area specific processes, and compliance requirements including SRA-focused AML risk assessment workflows.

Amanda is now focused on rolling out workflows across all departments to ensure the entire firm benefits from the same level of structure and efficiency.

Powerful legal software with trusted customer service

Beyond software, Slade legal values Osprey responsive and knowledgeable support team.

“Osprey’s support team is brilliant… I know I can contact them with a problem and it’ll be sorted.

“They’re responsive, helpful, and always ready to assist- whether it’s a technical issue or just helping someone get back on track.

“That confidence and reassurance is worth a lot when you’re running a busy firm.”

Amanda also values the collaborative approach to training – taking advantage of the on-site support from her client success manager and training team. Amanda shares: “When people get in a room together, they start talking and sharing ideas. That’s when the real learning happens – and Osprey helps facilitate that.”

Why Slade Legal recommends Osprey Approach

What sets Osprey apart isn’t just the software – it’s the partnership: “The thing that sets Osprey apart is their support. Most of the software platforms on the market has similar features, but I know I can rely and trust in Osprey’s support.

“I know if I contact the Osprey team they’ll assist or point me in the right direction (if we need to talk to our IT team) and that’s worth a lot, to know they will act on their promises and guide us.”

Amanda’s advice to other firms considering Osprey is simple:

“Use it. Use it as much as you can. Put all your letters and forms in there. Get the workflows going. It’s a good tool – make the most of it.”

As Slade Legal continues to expand and modernise, Osprey remains a strategic partner – offering not just software, but a foundation for future success. For firms looking to scale without sacrificing service, Slade Legal’s story shows what’s possible with the right tech partner.

Favourite Features

Workflows

Documents

Accounts