How Bellevue Law created a connected foundation for flexible, sustainable growth

The goals

Bellevue wanted to create a more connected operational foundation for the firm. Its priorities included:

• Bringing matter, financial and client information into one platform
• Giving management access to more timely operational and financial data
• Improving processes and approval workflows
• Supporting consultants working remotely and flexibly
• Establishing a scalable technology platform for future growth

The challenges

Before Tessaract, Bellevue relied on several disconnected systems.

Because financial information was separated from matter records, the management team could not easily access a complete, up-to-date view of matters, cash flow and disbursements. Information often had to be extracted, combined or checked manually before it could be used.

The firm’s existing setup also lacked the structured workflows required to efficiently manage processes such as invoice approval. This made it harder to operationalise consistent ways of working across a distributed team and placed additional pressure on the firm’s central administrative and finance functions.

A collaborative implementation

Bellevue’s existing information was spread across legacy systems, making data migration a significant part of the project.

Tessaract’s implementation team extracted, prepared and consolidated this information before moving it into the new platform. The system was then configured around Bellevue’s operating model, including its matter workflows, client accounting structure, chart of accounts and nominal ledger tracking categories.

Tessaract also helped Bellevue configure:

• Bespoke document and invoice templates
• Credit-note layouts
• SharePoint synchronisation
• Multi-stage invoice approval workflows
• Finance controls designed to support regulatory compliance

The implementation followed a phased approach to minimise disruption. A core group began working in the live environment first, allowing the team to test processes before access was expanded to the firm’s remote consultants.

Training covered the practical tasks employees would complete each day, including time entry, disbursement management, client accounting, credit notes and ledger postings. Sessions were recorded, with step-by-step guidance and Help Centre resources provided for future reference.

The outcomes

Tessaract has given Bellevue a more connected platform from which to manage the firm.

Information has been consolidated, making it easier for the team to access and work with consistent data.

Combining matter management, invoicing and client accounting has improved financial oversight and reduced the need to extract information manually. Bellevue can now stay closer to the financial position of its matters and manage invoicing through clearer, more structured processes.

Approval workflows give fee earners, consultants and the finance team defined roles within the billing process. Invoices can move through the appropriate checks and approvals before being issued, supporting greater consistency and control.

The firm also benefits from stronger reporting capabilities, including access to nominal ledger information that supports its operational, financial and tax analysis.

For Bellevue’s consultants, the cloud-based platform provides a consistent way to access the information and processes they need while working flexibly and remotely.

Future plans

Bellevue continues to develop its use of Tessaract as the firm grows. Its next priorities include introducing updated billing functionality to further streamline the journey from time entry to invoice and adopting additional client accounting capabilities.

The firm is also exploring how Tessaract’s emerging AI functionality could support its consultants and wider operating model. This forms part of Bellevue’s work to develop a responsible technology roadmap that aligns innovation with the firm’s values and commercial goals.