Snapshot
Industry: Legal
No. of users: 400+
Focus: Cloud-first communications + adoption
Fortay role: Platform selection guidance + project support
Outcome: Reduced legacy friction, smoother everyday comms, early AI productivity wins
Summary
Ashtons Legal modernised communications as part of a cloud-first technology strategy. What started as replacing legacy telephony became a wider move to an all-in-one platform - unlocking AI-led productivity improvements across everyday work. We spoke to Luke Hurst, Chief Information Officer at Ashton's, and his insight was second-to-none.
The challenge
Ashtons Legal wanted to move away from a legacy communications setup that created ongoing overhead and friction - including ISDN30s, SIP trunks, and an outdated user enrolment process. They needed a platform aligned to cloud-first priorities that staff would adopt quickly, without heavy training or disruption.
What success looked like
For Ashtons, success wasn't just "new technology". It was:
- A smooth migration aligned to cloud-first direction
- Minimal disruption and low-friction user adoption
- A platform that could evolve beyond “phones” into workflow improvement
Why Fortay Connect
Fortay supported Ashtons with a consultative, non-pressured platform selection process - providing multiple options, clarifying trade-offs, and helping the team choose the best fit for both current requirements and longer-term value.
“Fortay took the pain out of platform selection. Working closely with Mark initially, we were guided through the complex world of modern telephony solutions which ultimately led to Zoom being our product of choice."
Luke Hurst, CIO, Ashton's Legal
See how we work (platform selection + adoption)
The approach
Rather than treat the project as a like-for-like replacement, Fortay helped Ashtons align the platform decision to their wider cloud-first goals - focusing on:
- Simplifying the communications experience for end users
- Creating a foundation for continuous improvement post go-live
- Making adoption realistic (light training, clear usage patterns)
In turn, Ashtons Legal selected Zoom for its all-in-one communications capabilities and AI features - supporting a shift from communications as a toolset to communications as a productivity engine.
What improved
Once the platform was in place, the business began exploring practical AI use cases that reduce time spent on repetitive work. A standout example has been streamlining attendance note production - enabled through AI capability, in particular Zoom's powerful AI Companion, integrated into everyday meetings and calling workflows.
“The business is finding new ways to leverage the AI capability of Zoom to streamline time consuming tasks such as attendance note production…
Explore AI use cases for Law firms here
Customer recommendation
“I would whole heartedly recommend Fortay. Their wealth of experience in the telecoms world and non-pressured sales approach make them a perfect partner to work with."
Exploring cloud-first comms or AI productivity?
We’ll help you identify the fastest ROI use cases and build an adoption plan that sticks. Book a chat with a Legal AI and CX expert now and get a free audit of your current set up.
