Issue link: https://epubs.iltanet.org/i/13683
Searches can be targeted to particular data sets such as specific transcripts or documents, or conducted broadly across file groups, showing each instance where the word or phrase appears in documents, transcripts or discovery. TRACK FACTS AND ISSUES Organizing documents when they deal with similar issues is challenging enough, but can be even more difficult when each document touches multiple issues. In that scenario, it can be more effective to organize ideas and facts in addition to individual documents. Without case analysis software, an attorney might read a transcript and make notes. But later on, if the person wants to create a work product involving an issue not related to the initial notes, he or she would have to find and go back through the testimony again. Case analysis software enables users to tag and track facts and information by issue or subject. When the need arises to locate all information on a specific issue, summary reports can be pulled to quickly home in on a particular issue. Case analysis software allows you to stay on point when looking at testimony or looking for specific issues. INTEGRATE LEGAL RESEARCH Organizing and sharing research is another time- consuming activity. Case analysis tools that integrate with the leading legal research services provide research results, complete with comments, issue tags and live links, that can be seamlessly integrated into the case files. In addition, research can be updated within the case analysis tool, so users are assured that their research file contains good law without having to manually check every citation. 32 Case/Matter Management ILTA White Paper AUTOMATIC FORMATTING Organizing research is just the first step. When the research is referenced in document drafts, checking and formatting citations is an essential, yet tedious, part of the drafting process. Case analysis software can format citations and tables of authorities, as well as verify their status with a single click. They can even be formatted to the local rules for a jurisdiction, eliminating the time and effort needed to find and incorporate rules for specific formatting. COLLABORATION Effective case preparation is a team effort that is most effective when the teams are lean and efficient with members who work collaboratively. Coordinated teamwork allows multiple tasks to be carried out concurrently, with team members continually updating and sharing information. Smooth coordination of work product as it moves among team members can be a challenge. Utilizing a centralized repository of case documents means all team members can access documents with the latest notes, marks and annotations. Updates to litigation strategy plans can be immediately accessible to everyone. In addition, the repository-based approach increases efficiency by providing remote access on a 24/7 basis. Any authorized user can access and work on documents, even while traveling or working at home. CONCLUSION Case analysis software greatly enhances productivity in a number of ways: • Storing documents and files in one convenient, centralized location saves time in gathering, searching and organizing case-related materials.