Legal Question in Civil Litigation in New York
Legal case management software, whats best?
Hello, I'm not an attorney but have been hired by a large corporation to find software out there for the company's legal cases. I guess it would be legal case management software. The company spends at least a few million a year in legal costs and their revenues are about $400 million. Where can I find reveiws on this kind of software? Essentially, the company wants to budget their legal spend, track it and be more proactive with outside council. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Legal case management software, whats best?
Your needs may be different from that of a law firm. The big firms use MA3000 (M.A., I believe, stands for "managing attorney"). That works well as a database for case tracking and calendar management.
There are also many, many programs for attorney billing, but they are geared toward lawyers entering their time so bills can be generated on a periodic basis. My firm uses a product called Timeslips. If you speak with the rep, they might have a product that suits your needs.
Re: Legal case management software, whats best?
I think you will find it helpful if you look at a copy of the Annual Software Buyers Guide published by the Commercial Law League (Vol. 21, Issue # 5, Sep./Oct. 2006). This provides a review of available software, platforms upon which can be run, capabilities, pricing and intended uses. Most of the software is geared towards collection agencies and collection attorneys, but many of the products have multiple capabilities and can handle multiple users.
Also, you will probably find it useful to join the Law Practice Management Section of the American Bar Association and check out their publications. Check out their website for further info.: http://www.abanet.org/lpm/home.shtml
They do a lot of technology review and focus on pros and cons of different technology and "best practices". Many non-attorney tech types are involved in the LPM Section and I think you will find it useful and that it will help you fulfill your role for the corp. that has hired you better.
I am a member of both the Commercial Law League and the Law Practice Management Section of the ABA and have found them both to be good resources. Please feel free to contact me if you would like additional info. I would be happy to chat with you further. My contact info. is below
Best regards,
Stephen Starr