CaseMap - Dec/Jan '05

CaseMap

CaseMap always has been on my list of “must have” software for the practicing attorney. Designed as a litigation support tool, CaseMap can assist in many areas of practice. It provides a means of collecting and organizing information for use in a variety of contexts. For example, it has proven itself quite useful in organizing and controlling factual information gathered in a due diligence investigation.

CaseMap allows you to enter information about facts, issues and characters in your case into a spreadsheet-like format, then explore your options and improve your analysis by verifying supporting data. Fact sources include documents and deposition transcripts so CaseMap can function as a repository for all of your case-related information.

Once you have recorded the information in the database, you can use the database to help generate theories and ways to approach the information. Aside from helping you brainstorm, the program organizes information for use in preparing for a witness examination, either in a deposition, hearing or trial. You also will find it convenient for trial preparation and when preparing supporting or opposing documentation in connection with law and motion proceedings.

Installation wizards make the installation process a snap. CaseSoft took steps to make sure you hit the ground running. They created CaseMap 101, a tutorial to take you step by step through the process of learning the program.

CaseMap 5 adds a number of new features to make using the program easier. The best new feature is the “Report Book,” which provides a preformatted printed report summarizing the data CaseMap holds regarding your case. A “Report Book” is a compilation of any number of CaseMap case analysis reports (e.g., “Issue Outline,” “Cast of Characters,” “Chronology of Key Facts,” “Case Law Research”) along with a cover page, table of contents and report-specific cover pages.

As with earlier versions, the report function allows you to set up reports that meet your needs by either taking an existing report format and modifying it, or by creating completely new formats. The new version also allows you to use color, bold, italics and underscore for emphasis inside the data entries in the description fields. It also generates its own Portable Document Format files.

TimeMap, a nifty program by the same vendor, creates timelines interfacing with CaseMap so it can take the facts stored in your CaseMap file and integrate them into a timeline for your use. The list of software with which CaseMap cooperates continues to increase and includes Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Word, Corel WordPerfect, LiveNote, RealLegal’s Binder, Summation, Verdict Systems’ Sanction II and InData’s TrialDirector. CaseMap 5 offers a utility that instantly links a CaseMap file to PDF files containing document images and text.

Technical support is quite good. If you ask the right question, you might find the company’s president on the phone taking you through the solution step-by-step.

CaseMap only works on the Windows platform. Mac users beware, there is no OS X version and there will not be one in the foreseeable future. The good news is that the new Virtual PC 7 (see “Virtual PC for Mac” on Page 50 of this issue) works very well with CaseMap 5 on a G4 PowerBook and Windows XP Professional.

CaseMap
CaseSoft
www.casesoft.com
(904) 273-5000,
Price: $495

Windows 95/98/ME/NT 4.0/2000/XP; 166MHz or better; 32MB RAM; 30MB or more disk space.

Reviewed by Jeffrey Allen, a general practice attorney with an emphasis in real estate,
business transactions and litigation based in Oakland, Calif.

Dec/Jan '05 Issue

PROS
Adds features such as “Report Book.” Allows customization in the description fields. Generates PDF files.

CONS
Only works on Windows.

VERDICT
A solid program with an established track record, allowing you to manage, use and track documents, deposition testimony, facts, issues and characters. Has uses beyond preparation for a trial. Belongs in every law office.