Building your automation committee
Article Abstract:
The automation committee is responsible for making decisions that affect the technology that a particular firm uses, although the specific powers and duties of the groups vary depending on the needs of the firm. The committee should include all those who use technology, ranging from the partners to support staff that prepare documents and billings. The committee should also include branch offices, perhaps by inviting a representative from each to join the committee. The group should begin by developing a mission statement that clearly outlines its purpose, and the committee should change the mission statement as its duties change. The committees typically meet once a month, and meetings should be well-structured, with an agenda, a chairperson and minutes. Members should create and enforce rules for evicting those that fail to perform their duties. The committee members should familiarize themselves with the available technologies.
Publication Name: Law Office Computing
Subject: Law
ISSN: 1055-128X
Year: 1995
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Shopper's guide to case management software
Article Abstract:
Specialized case management programs for the legal profession provide a variety of tools for tracking projects, organizing files and retrieving information. Some of the packages, such as Second Chair's The Trial Lawyer's Assistant, also provide details about laws related to the case being managed as well as facts germane to the case. Selecting the appropriate case management product requires planning and a well-designed needs analysis. Implementation of the case management system is a complex process necessitating a four-phase approach, small-scale pilot projects and careful tracking of costs and labor needed to achieve the transition. Experience gained in the first small rollout of the automation plan will prove beneficial in bringing additional segments of the office into the case management system.
Publication Name: Law Office Computing
Subject: Law
ISSN: 1055-128X
Year: 1995
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The CD-ROM explosion
Article Abstract:
Law firms are benefitting from the CD-ROM revolution in the legal publishing industry, which provides large amounts of law-related information in the compact, easy-to-access CD-ROM format. Law firms are also using CD-ROM technology to store large volumes of information related to huge, complex cases that consist of hundreds of boxes of legal documents. The CD-ROMs can be searched and hardcopies of the documents can be printed out as needed. Specialty databases on certain areas of the law, such as insurance law, are being produced by authors, publishers and lawyers to expedite legal research. Law firms of all sizes have found the investment in CD-ROM technology to be well worth the effort needed to convert from a paper-based system to electronic media.
Publication Name: Law Office Computing
Subject: Law
ISSN: 1055-128X
Year: 1995
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