Case Management Software in the World of Ediscovery
In today’s increasingly technology-driven society, businesses across industries are constantly seeking new ways to manage information. In the legal space, this often means replacing overcrowded filing cabinets and manually updated spreadsheets with automated document management systems. The best ediscovery solutions have case management software that helps legal teams manage heaps of electronically stored information (ESI) while controlling spend and ensuring the eventual success of a matter.
The Benefits of Cloud-Based Ediscovery Platforms
Streamlining the process of tracking and managing the growing volumes of ESI associated with legal matters is crucial for attorneys who are responsible for large-scale, document-intensive litigation. Cloud-based platforms allow legal professionals to:
Perform early case assessment.
Upload documents quickly and easily.
Gain insight into datasets early in the process.
Review and redact an assortment of file types.
Develop and maintain documentation through collection and custodian logs.
Modify the initial framework as needed.
An ediscovery provider’s case management software also allows teams to identify necessary procedural changes that will improve the process in future litigation. For example, case closure typically includes reviewing what worked (and what didn’t), documentation of case resolution, and assessing the final budget that will help guide the planning stage of future litigation.
How Ediscovery Platforms Help with Case Management Software
Cloud-based ediscovery platforms, such as Everlaw, provide case management capabilities within the concentrated area of the litigation process. These systems are designed for broad functionality, allowing users to build out specific capabilities as needed. Some of the advantages to investing in ediscovery platforms include:
Flexibility
An agile ediscovery platform will have an open design intended to integrate with various systems and IT environments, allowing teams to expand on a single system rather than having to continually replace tools to meet new requirements.
Integration
Ediscovery platforms that contain case management software support the flow of information and data from one stage to the next. These platforms typically include several distinct modules that perform specific functions but are built on the same technical foundation, providing for the seamless exchange of information.
Ease of Use
The best ediscovery platforms should have a user experience that is intuitive and not overly complicated. Ideally, team members should not be required to go through extensive training to get up and running quickly and feel confident to configure the look and feel of the system from their first use.
Security
With the sheer volume of data being processed in ediscovery, security measures remain a serious concern, and for this reason, reliably secure networks are in high demand. Users of cloud-based platforms receive security and functionality updates automatically and depend on external (not in-house) resources for technical support.
Workflow Creation
Workflow automation technology has become an integral aspect of modern ediscovery processes. Responsible and efficient case management requires overseeing a diverse range of individual tasks, from data input to analysis, and legal teams will get the most out of an ediscovery platform that can streamline these tasks through the use of intuitive workflows.
Multi-Matter Management Capability
Cloud-based ediscovery solutions typically support multi-matter litigation that involves multiple outside counsel law firms. These platforms eliminate the need to repeatedly collect, process, and review the same documents, significantly cutting costs. Centralizing ediscovery management for multiple matters also provides the ability to easily track discovery activities across all cases, offering greater control over the process.
Who Needs Access to Case Management Software?
As ESI volumes continue to grow and digital solutions continue to become more of a requirement and less of a “nice-to-have,” there is truly no better time for law firms and legal departments to consider how a digital transformation might streamline their ediscovery process. Although concerns about overall cost are common and can be overwhelming during the acquisition process, such issues can be minimized by an organization that has considered the long-term nature of its investment. With adequate planning and a specific goal in mind, there is no reason legal teams can’t integrate an ediscovery provider’s case management software into their practice to promote growth and enhance productivity and outcomes.
Everlaw provides a cloud-based ediscovery case management solution that helps streamline support, increase consistency, reduce costs, and provide greater control over the entire process. For more information, request a demo today.
