This article provides an introduction to the various types of law office software found in many law firms.

Molly Kilmer Flood, M.L.I.S, Research Specialist

Law office technology is far more than WestLaw, Lexis Nexis, and Microsoft Office. Many legal files are now stored electronically. Contact information has moved from the Rolodex to the database. Conference calls are summarized, imputed, and archived. Many law firms are now just as concerned with server space than file space. Law office technology dramatically changes the way work product is researched, created, and stored.

Case management systems, like ProLaw, Amicus Attorney, and Time Matters, provide attorneys with a shared database containing all case and client specific information. Programs typically include: office-wide calendars, task management systems, office accounting tools and a telephone call tracker. Advanced systems may also include time and billing software, customer relationship management (CRM) features, and report writers. It is an extremely convenient method of managing client and case information. Many programs link with personal digital assistants (PDAs) allowing wireless access to key information. Users are able to access their colleagues' daily, weekly, and monthly schedules, taking the guesswork out of meeting planning. The system can be configured to remind you of every required filing, response, or appearance. Attorneys can access their colleagues' notes from meetings or phone calls. Once a record or name is entered, it is available to any user. If the name of an expert for an upcoming trial is added to the master database, his name is placed in the contacts database and is available for conflict of interest searches. Any depositions or pleadings that mention this expert would also be instantly available.

If you are working in a billable hour environment, your time is expensive. Document assembly programs like HotDocs and GhostFill take the guesswork out of designing complex legal documents. The software creates templates by reviewing existing documents in your word processing program. These templates prevent users from having to reinvent the wheel any time a pleading, contract, or other filing is needed. A clause library helps bail out those with writer's block or weary fingers. Standard phrases and paragraphs can be saved and stored for later use.

"Needle in the Haystack" searches are a tradition in any legal environment. Hours can be wasted tracking down one specific document hidden within a vast correspondence file. Document management software, like iManage and Worldox, works with your word professing software to prevent this problem. After a document is saved, a document profile window appears. This profile contains fields such as: document name, author, client/matter number, document type, an expanded description field, and document history. Upon completion, the document is automatically added to the firm's document library. Document retrieval now takes seconds.

Technology is an integral aspect of the legal profession. It impacts every aspect of the profession. These high performing software systems are extremely helpful and easy to learn. They sweat the small stuff so you can concentrate on practicing law.


* Mention of a company, product, or service does not indicate endorsement or support by the American Bar Association or the authors.