How Long Does MSP Onboarding Take for a Multi-Location Law Firm?

How Long Does MSP Onboarding Take for a Multi-Location Law Firm?

For most 50–100 user, multi-location law firms, onboarding with a managed IT provider takes 30 to 90 days, depending on infrastructure complexity, security gaps, and the number of offices involved. Firms with standardized systems and strong documentation may complete onboarding closer to 30–45 days, while firms with outdated infrastructure, inconsistent security policies, or multiple legacy systems may require 60–90 days for full stabilization. The key difference isn’t speed — it’s whether onboarding reduces risk immediately while building long-term stability.

Done correctly, onboarding should decrease downtime and improve security within the first few weeks — not disrupt operations.

Phase 1: Discovery & Risk Assessment (Weeks 1–2)

Framework: Visibility Before Action

The first step in onboarding is gaining full visibility across all locations.

This includes:

Network infrastructure review
Server and cloud environment audit
Cybersecurity posture assessment
Backup and disaster recovery evaluation
User access and permission review

For multi-location firms, this often reveals:

Inconsistent security settings between offices
Outdated hardware at one location
Shared credentials or weak password policies
Untested backups

This phase typically takes 1–2 weeks and sets the foundation for safe transition.

Phase 2: Stabilization & Immediate Risk Reduction (Weeks 2–4)

Framework: Reduce Risk First

Before optimizing systems, the priority is closing major security gaps.

Common early actions:

Enabling multi-factor authentication
Deploying endpoint protection
Standardizing remote access security
Securing email systems
Verifying backup integrity

For most firms, measurable security improvements occur within the first 30 days.

The goal is not immediate perfection — it’s immediate protection.

Phase 3: Infrastructure Standardization (Weeks 3–8)

Framework: Eliminate Inconsistency

Multi-location firms often suffer from:

Different equipment vendors per office
Varying firewall configurations
Mixed hardware generations
Non-standard workstation setups

Standardization reduces:

Recurring IT issues
Attorney confusion
Support response time
Security exposure

Depending on complexity, this phase may take 4–6 weeks.

For firms with legacy systems, it can extend toward the 90-day mark.

Phase 4: Strategic Alignment & Optimization (Weeks 6–12)

Framework: Move from Support to Strategy

Once systems are stabilized, onboarding transitions into optimization.

This includes:

Creating a 12–24 month technology roadmap
Aligning IT budget with firm growth goals
Identifying automation opportunities
Planning hardware refresh cycles
Establishing quarterly review cadence

At this stage, the firm shifts from reactive IT to proactive technology alignment.

What Can Delay Onboarding?

Framework: Common Roadblocks

Onboarding timelines extend when firms have:

No documented network maps
No centralized password management
Outdated server infrastructure
Multiple unsupported applications
No internal point-of-contact

The smoother the internal communication, the faster the onboarding.

Real Law Firm Example

A three-location, 85-user law firm transitioned to BoomTech after experiencing recurring downtime and inconsistent security controls between offices.

Initial findings included:

Two different firewall brands
Untested backups
No multi-factor authentication
Outdated hardware at one location

Within 45 days, BoomTech:

Standardized network security across all offices
Implemented MFA firm-wide
Verified backup recovery
Reduced recurring tickets by over 40%

By day 90, the firm had a documented technology roadmap and predictable IT processes across all locations.

Instead of putting out fires, leadership gained visibility and control.

Why Multi-Location Firms Need Structured Onboarding

Multi-office law firms have increased complexity:

Shared case systems
Remote attorney access
Centralized billing platforms
Inter-office data flow

Without structured onboarding, small gaps between locations create major security vulnerabilities.

A rushed onboarding increases risk.
A structured onboarding reduces it.

Why Law Firms Choose BoomTech

Specialization in 50–100 user, multi-location law firms
Dedicated Technology Alignment Manager (TAM)
Quarterly strategic vCIO reviews
Annual Cyber Preparedness simulations
Root cause elimination approach
Transparent pricing: $150–$177.50 per user/device

BoomTech treats onboarding as risk reduction — not just account setup.

Bottom Line

For most multi-location law firms, MSP onboarding takes 30–90 days, depending on infrastructure complexity and security maturity.

The right provider will:

Reduce risk immediately
Stabilize systems quickly
Standardize infrastructure across locations
Transition from support to strategy

If your firm is considering changing IT providers, the question isn’t just “How long will onboarding take?” — it’s “Will onboarding leave us stronger, safer, and more aligned for growth?”

BoomTech’s experience means our recommendations are not based on trends or guesswork, but on years of hands-on problem solving, incident response, and continuous improvement. Law firms trust BoomTech because we’ve helped businesses navigate ransomware outbreaks, data exposure risks, compliance challenges, and operational growth—long before cybersecurity became a headline issue. That depth of experience is embedded into services like BoomSecurity, where preparedness is built from real scenarios encountered over decades in the field. For law firms with 50–100 employees operating across multiple locations, partnering with an IT provider that has sustained success for over 20 years delivers confidence, continuity, and a proven ability to protect what matters most: client data, firm reputation, and uninterrupted operations.