With a strong focus on digitization, VCK Legal operates as a completely paperless office, a rarity in the legal profession. For the installation and optimization of his ICT environment, founder Wouter Van Cutsem relies on Rank 1.
With decades of experience as a lawyer, Wouter Van Cutsem founded VCK Legal five years ago. The firm is very active in the ICT, distribution and real estate sectors and assists clients in court and beyond. Meester Van Cutsem, in addition to being a lawyer for a number of authoritative ICT companies, is now also a certified negotiator.
"With IT law as one of our areas of expertise, I understand the complexity of ICT," says Wouter Van Cutsem. "I know how important it is to work with a reliable partner. Many of our appointments with customers take place via Teams. It is important that our ICT environment is stable."
Paperless office
The office is one hundred percent digitized. The team mostly works remotely and meets digitally, and did so before that became common due to the pandemic. Wouter Van Cutsem: "We don't need a sheet of paper to carry out our work. This extensive digitization is rather an exception in the legal profession, even though they are seriously catching up. Some colleagues, however, are still in the last century and swear by a paper file."
The decision to fully digitize was driven by several factors. "It fits with the entrepreneurial world in which we operate. Technology saves us daily travel time. Communication between lawyer and client is more efficient online, which makes it cheaper for the latter."
Full-service partner
Despite its digital focus, the firm does not employ an in-house ICT force. Wouter Van Cutsem: "Our waistline doesn't allow for that. We rely on an outstanding ICT partner, and we found it in Rank 1. Since the start of our company, Rank 1 selects our hardware, installs the software and keeps our system securely up and running."
VCK Legal works with Microsoft 365 in combination with a software package specifically for the legal profession. "With the exception of that lawyer software and some AI applications, Rank 1 does everything for us in terms of ICT. They monitor the network, take care of the SharePoint environment and guarantee backups. If we need a new laptop, it is delivered neatly, fully installed and ready for use."
Superior help desk
"What sets Rank 1's consultants apart? Service is their middle name", says Wouter Van Cutsem. "Their phone support is superior. Whoever you get on the line, whenever you call, your interlocutor knows your file. You are anything but a number. The internal documentation is outstanding. Rank 1 is among the companies that go to great lengths to help you and even call you back to ask if the problem is definitely resolved."
Cream of the crop in security
Under the wings of Rank 1, the firm migrated securely and compliantly to the cloud. "The consultants permanently evaluate our ICT environment and optimize where possible," says Wouter Van Cutsem. "We like to be guided by their advice. It is important to have a partner who thinks along and understands what is important to you."
Security is obviously crucial for the law firm. "At Rank 1, we get the cream of the crop," says Wouter Van Cutsem. "Our data are excellently protected. That costs a bit, but I know from experience how important it is. As a lawyer, I've already handled quite a few GDPR cases. Rank 1 continuously evaluates security and points us to novelties and digital opportunities. Thanks to them, we can sleep on both ears."