Using extranets to facilitate communications across large numbers of law firms

We received multiple calls this week from potential clients looking to connect 20+ law firms on litigations with broad geographical ranges. The type of information clients are looking to share is fairly straightforward -- case data, documents, different types of calendars -- but the trend towards using extranets and collaboration software to help many different law firms to communicate on a secure yet efficient legal portal is still evident and a growing trend.

Using collaboration technology to manage case related documents

We recently deployed for a client a new service allowing them to attach, to specific plaintiff litigation case management records, documents pertaining to the case. This includes documents (scanned PDF's) such as the complaint, medical records, releases, and dismissals.

This linkage of the actual case documentation to the case record, made in a manner where both the client and the national counsel for the litigation can review and view the material in a collaborative manner, helps the client justify for auditing and Sarbanes-Oxley purposes, the rationale behind the decision and determination to open and close plaintiff complaints, claims and litigations.