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| CaseMap 3 | Knowledge Management Litigation Support |
| CaseMap 3, due out in
January, is the latest version of one of a handful of unique litigation tools based on an
amorphous concept known simply as "knowledge management." Not a traditional
transcript and document management tool like Summation or Concordance, it isn't meant to
search text, index or manage cases. Rather, it is a "thinking tool," designed to
organize case facts, issues, questions, witnesses and known evidence in a comprehensive
way that's easy to manipulate, evaluate and communicate. CaseMap 3 replaces the jotted notes, scribbled outlines, and painstakingly prepared timelines and chronologies of the past with a powerful linked database that makes it possible to instantly analyze and report on the status of the case. Data entry is no more complicated or cumbersome than scribbling notes, and doesn't require any real shift in the way that litigators think about gathering information. In fact, with CaseMap 3's new Link Assistant, it is actually faster and easier to record and link information via the program than it is on paper. And the process of accumulating information in an easily manipulated database form puts an end to the cumbersome task of reviewing page after page of notes, exhibits, and transcripts to re-familiarize yourself with the status of a case. CaseMap 3's users simply record any case information (such as dates, events, parties, players, witnesses, evidence, statements, deposition and testimony) on an ongoing basis, from the initial client interview through investigation, discovery and ultimately, trial. As questions arise, they can be marked with due dates, assigned to particular staff members and given a criticality rating. Elements of the case and potential issues are recorded and organized as well, and each gathered fact, exhibit, and open question is linked to every issue it pertains to. Facts can be evaluated by multiple attorneys, assigned values and compared in table format to determine which issues are problematic. Data can be sorted, marked, and filtered to generate chronologies and reports addressing any issue or concern. A patented "data refinery" provides as unique visual interface to assist in interpreting the significance of filtered facts. Facts can also be linked to documents, exhibits or other items, which can be retrieved and viewed directly from CaseMap. CaseMap 3 lends itself well to team litigation and remote use. The database can be "replicated" and used remotely, then "synchronized" to update both the remote and the home database with changes made in either copy; it can even be e-mailed to other interested parties, such as adjusters or supervising attorneys. Its database can be accessed by multiple users at the same time and updates regularly. Its "What's New" report feature identifies changes made in the last day, week, month or quarter. Used properly, CaseMap tracks facts from the initial client interview through every stage of development of your case, keeping your thoughts and strategies organized. It also tracks the depth and quality of your evidence. Rather than creating static deposition summaries, which must be read again and again, and are difficult to divide among multiple issues, you simply enter the summary facts into CaseMap and link them to every issue which may be related. Brainstorming sessions can be entered into the database to generate issues and questions for further research, and to flesh out the known facts. Preparing evidence for a summary judgment motion becomes a matter of filtering recorded facts by whether they are "disputed" or "undisputed." Quick and easy printouts of facts in support of each issue can be valuable negotiating tools. Case status can quickly be determined by filtering for critical facts which lack support, and the viability of your case can be weighed in the number of facts available to support the critical elements, as well as how clearly those facts favor or oppose your case. While it sounds complicated, and even looks a little intimidating, the program is really fairly simple and intuitive, particularly in its newest version. Most of the linking is done automatically as the program recognizes witness names, issues and relationships in the text of each fact. "Fuzzy" dates can be entered in whatever form they are known, and can even be expressed as "before" or "after" other dates, or as part of a numerical sequence of events in which not all dates are known. Every tool button or icon has a pop-up tip name, many of which also show keyboard shortcuts. The program's right-click menus are comprehensive and easy to use. Creating a new object or item in a fact field automatically inserts it in the Objects menu, and quick entry screens make filling in details easy. CaseMap 3 comes with the industry-standard 90 days free technical support. After that, however, support is surprisingly reasonable -- $80 for the balance of the first year and $80 per year thereafter. Furthermore, the company provides users with additional suggestions and support via an e-mail newsletter and a monthly mail piece. Most stunning of all, in an age when technical support for software products is often skimpy, shoddy and overpriced, CaseSoft provides each buyer with a free telephone training session to familiarize them with the program and how it's used. |
CaseSoft, a division of DecisionQuest (888) 227-3763 www.casesoft.com Windows 95, 98, NT $495 per individual license; additional
licenses discounted 5 to 25 percent Reviewed by Sheryn Bruehl, managing partner, Bruehl & Chapman, PC, Norman, Okla. PROS CON VERDICT |
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