In a recent episode of the LawNext podcast, Surepoint CEO Eric Thurston shared insights into the company’s strategic acquisition of ZenCase and how it fits into Surepoint’s broader mission to enhance legal technology solutions. Hosted by Bob Ambrogi, the conversation highlighted how the integration of ZenCase with Surepoint’s existing accounting platforms aims to provide law firms with a more streamlined and efficient practice management experience.
Strategic Acquisition of ZenCase
Surepoint’s acquisition of ZenCase is a key step in accelerating innovation within the legal tech space. ZenCase, founded by lawyer TJ Fraser, offers specialized legal practice management tools designed to simplify administrative tasks for lawyers. Thurston emphasized that this move allows Surepoint to leap ahead in development timelines, cutting down the innovation cycle by nearly three years.
“Our product and engineering teams were adding capabilities to LMS, to Coyote Analytics, and that sort of thing. And at the same time, you’re asking them to innovate, build the future. And that’s really hard because there’s just a lot going on. So, as we were doing that and thinking about what to build, we were partnering with ZenCase. The more we got to know TJ, we thought what a great combination of our accounting software with the ZenCase software for lawyers.” — Eric Thurston
The acquisition brings together Surepoint’s strength in accounting solutions with ZenCase’s user-friendly practice management tools. The goal is to create a seamless experience where lawyers can efficiently manage both legal and business operations from a single platform.
Integration Strategy and Challenges
A major focus for Surepoint is the integration of ZenCase with its existing platforms, including Coyote Analytics. Thurston acknowledged that the challenge lies in ensuring that the integration meets customer expectations while maintaining simplicity.
“We’ll work on that integration just so everything flows nicely,” Thurston explained. “If it was a five or six-year project for us, we’ve probably taken three years off it. There’s still work to do to continue to integrate and modernize.”
Surepoint is actively engaging with customer feedback through forums and industry partners to refine the integration process. The company aims to make the transition smooth for ZenCase’s existing customer base, providing them with increased stability and financial security.
Leopard Solutions and the Power of Data
Thurston highlighted the significant role of Leopard Solutions, which Surepoint acquired last summer, in enhancing their data capabilities. Leopard Solutions provides a comprehensive database of legal industry information, including attorney career paths, law firm performance, and diversity metrics. This data is now embedded into ZenCase, giving law firms access to critical insights directly within their workflow.
“You think about knowing everything about as many lawyers in this country as we can — where they went to school, what year they graduated, where they’ve worked — it’s this amazing database,” said Thurston. “Law firms can use it for recruiting, strategy, and growth. We’ve already integrated those reports into ZenCase.”
By combining ZenCase’s front-end efficiency with Surepoint’s accounting expertise and Leopard Solutions’ data depth, Surepoint is positioning itself as a disruptor in the legal tech market.
AI and ‘Actual Intelligence’
While generative AI has become a buzzword in the legal tech industry, Surepoint is taking a different approach. Thurston stressed that the company is focused on leveraging existing data more effectively rather than chasing generative AI trends.
“We call it ‘actual intelligence,’ not artificial,” said Thurston. “Our focus right now is on using artificial intelligence to help us get more out of the solutions that we have.”
Through Leopard Solutions’ analytics, Surepoint aims to provide actionable insights that law firms can use for hiring, strategic planning, and competitive analysis.
Market Position and Future Outlook
Thurston noted that Surepoint sees itself emerging as the “Clio of the mid-market,” aiming to consolidate its position in the fragmented legal tech space. The focus will remain on improving current solutions and growing organically rather than pursuing aggressive expansion.
“We’re really focused on the business of law — what we do incredibly well — and going no further than one adjacency away,” Thurston said.
With a solid financial foundation and a clear strategic direction, Surepoint is positioned to offer law firms a powerful combination of practice management, accounting, and data-driven insights. The integration of ZenCase and Leopard Solutions underscores Surepoint’s commitment to driving efficiency and innovation in the legal industry.
Listen to the LawNext Podcast now: Ep 283: SurePoint CEO Eric Thurston on Acquiring ZenCase and His Vision for Mid-Market Practice Management
