Litigation software places all of the notes, records and files of your case in one place for easy review and retrieval. You, or any member of your litigation team, access all of the interviews with your client at any time, even if the attorney of record is not available that day to review the case. Advances in software technology take place often, so be sure to use the latest applications for the best results.

Time management is essential in litigation and the correct software program puts the needed information in your hands quickly. Many software systems contain information that you do not need so do not pay for options that do not work for you. Select a software system that will grow with your institution. Alternatively, upgrading your present software with new functions may be the best option if you have a system that is already working for you. Look for these features when choosing law litigation software:

1. Buy legal software litigation programs that work with your equipment.

2. Use your current litigation applications with a new twist.

3. Find help with litigation programs through customer service support.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate online litigation software providers with programs you can use

Software programs come in all shapes and sizes and there is a price tag that goes with that. Check the features of the software you are considering and purchase what your institution needs.

I recommend: eLitigation Software offers three programs for litigation or buy all three in one. All come with trial downloads so you can look over the programs and decide if they are right for your law office. Lexbe offers software with a free 30-day trial period. Keep track of your case at home, on the road or at your office with this impressive software. They host the software on their server so there is no software program to download or install for your ease of use.

Choose litigation software programs that integrate with the system already in place

If your present software is working for you, consider upgrading it to add a few features that you need instead of replacing the entire system. There may be a small charge to upgrade, but this would be minimal compared to replacing the entire system. Find out if the new necessary features are available with your present software. Alternatively, choose a software program that adds these features but integrates with the program in place.

I recommend: Masterfile offers software with three integrated tools to work with your present document system. It extracts the information you need and organizes it for your present case. Prevail offers a fully integrated software that works with your existing email and other systems for a seamless transfer. This software will even synchronize with your Palm Pilot for up-to-date on-the-go information about your case.

Select litigation support software that has live customer support

The best software in the world is no good to you if you cannot reach someone to answer questions when that need arises. Software has an online guide but sometimes that is not enough when you run into a difficulty. Choose software systems with live customer support features to get the most out of program.

I recommend: Abacus Law provides litigation software for personal injury cases that keeps all your records in one place. They provide customer support by phone or online with their training support modules. Needles case management software offers a complete litigation section that allows you to keep track and organize your case. They offer support by phone and email.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Purchase litigation management software from trusted sources. Even though an unknown vendor may sell the software for less, the software may be flawed or worse yet it could contain a virus.