21st Century Lawyer - Dec/Jan '98

21st Century Lawyer

This program was relatively new the last time I reviewed case management software, but I was very impressed by its unique structure and approach to case management. The latest version of 21st Century Lawyer maintains it as a strong contender.

It is easy to create a program that provides database fields for whatever information you are likely to want to enter and retrieve. The far more difficult task is to create a case management program that actually promotes organization and links all the disparate bits of information you are entering in some cohesive manner.

21st Century Lawyer uses an issue-based approach to lead you all the way through trial. Instead of just entering the name of a witness in the phonebook, you would link that witness to specific evidence and the issue for which the witness will be called, for greater usefulness at trial.

21st Century Lawyer is one of the most flexible of the programs reviewed here. When opening a new file, you select from a list of practice areas and are then presented with the database fields that will likely be required for that type of case. However, these fields are almost entirely customizable to suit your practice.

The program administrator has access to the core of the program, and can change the name of virtually any button or data field. Additionally, each case file contains one screen that is for no other purpose than to allow input of items you deem necessary.

21st Century Lawyer is strong in basic PIM functions such as calendaring and to-do items. A new feature, called "Tele/Conference," is designed to mediate rounds of phone tag, and make certain that no calls fall through the cracks. Once a call is commenced by either you or a caller, the program tracks the phone call and keeps it on your to-do list until it has been completed. When you finally mark the call as complete, 21st Century Lawyer drops it from your active list and bills it to the appropriate file.

21st Century Lawyer will calendar from rules, so by entering the receipt of a complaint, for example, the deadline for responding could be automatically entered. Another nice calendaring feature is the ability to create a trial calendar that is separate from your regular calendar. Here you can list the planned dates and times for items such as voir dire, opening statements, and each witness.

21st Century Lawyer is a sophisticated program and therefore requires an investment of time to learn all of its features. However, given its unique structure, any search for case management software should include some time with this program.

CLCS Inc.
(800) 492-5279

By Aaron P. Morris

From the Shopper's Guide to Case Management Software - Dec/Jan '98