Using Legal Extranets To Maintain and Store Client Audit Logs

Recently, we have used our technology in a somewhat unique manner. One client has requested that we track logs of different types of activities such as claims which were opened or monies which were disbursed. To support this need, we have constructed some automated logs to reconcile to the client's litigation databases. These logs help the client confirm that the appropriate data is entered and modified in an accurate and complete manner, providing the client with the assurance that information contained in their litigation management system is providing accurate representations of their litigation for various reporting and management purposes.

Using extranets in E-Discovery

A wonderful opportunity exists, in my opinion, to allow law firms to promote their expertise from a marketing perspective on the new Federal Rules for Electronic Discovery using collaboration technologies. Law firms can use these types of technologies (as Sedgwick has with their E-Discovery Portal) to share their perspective on the new rules, to post information of interest for corporate counsel and to provide corporate counsel with a location to securely communicate about the new Federal Rules of Civil Procedure with respect to E-Discovery which took effect on December 1, 2006.

Firms might also consider using portals like the E-Discovery Portal to allow clients to have questions about the new Federal Rules of Civil Procedure in a client specific area which would allow law firms to address and understand their concerns and assist clients in developing action plans to be sure they are in compliance with the new electronic discovery rules and are positioned to appropriately comply with the requests of the courts as they pertain to these new rules.