What Is Litigation Management Software?

Litigation management software gives legal professionals a structured way to run civil litigation cases without bouncing between disconnected tools and systems.

It’s a broad category of legal software, not one single type of tool. Different platforms cover different parts of the litigation workflow, so the term works as an umbrella for anything that helps organize case details, documents, deadlines, and administrative tasks tied to active matters.

Some firms rely on general practice management systems that handle billing, calendars, client communication, and basic document storage.

Those help with everyday operations but don’t always offer the deeper support litigation teams need once legal discovery, drafting, or document-heavy review begins.

Litigation-focused tools go further by offering features built for structured responses, document production, collaboration during discovery, and tools that keep long matters moving in a predictable rhythm.

In short, litigation management software brings the moving parts of a case into one coordinated experience. It supports the practical work legal teams deal with every day while giving them more control over timelines and essential tasks tied to criminal or civil litigation.

5 Main Types of Litigation Management Software

Some litigation tools handle one specific task really well, and others cover several parts of a case at once. However, even the most feature-packed platforms usually leave a few gaps, so most firms rely on a mixture of software to cover everything that happens during a matter.

Let’s walk through the main categories you’ll see and how each one supports the work involved in active litigation.

1. Discovery Document Automation

Discovery document automation simplifies the parts of litigation that usually depend on hours of drafting, revising, and formatting.

Essentially, these tools help legal professionals move through the discovery process with less manual work, especially when preparing legal documents tied to key litigation events.

Tasks like building interrogatories, requests for admission, and requests for production (RFPs), or turning production sets into court-ready responses, become far more manageable when the heavy lifting happens automatically.

Many platforms now use artificial intelligence to organize structure, apply formatting rules, and generate clean drafts that follow jurisdiction-specific expectations.

Briefpoint is a leading example, giving teams a full discovery workflow that supports both propounding and responding. It drafts objection-aware requests, turns client responses into Word-ready documents, and keeps everything consistent across a matter.

Autodoc adds another layer of speed for the document creation stage. It maps productions to each request, identifies responsive documents, adds page-level Bates citations, and produces a ready-to-serve package. So, a workflow that once took days can move forward in minutes.

Book a demo today!

2. Case and Matter Management

Case and matter management tools give your team one centralized platform to keep the litigation process organized from the moment a case opens.

A strong litigation management system brings documents, deadlines, notes, assignments, and other essentials into a single, predictable workflow so routine tasks feel easier to manage.

Instead of hopping between folders, emails, and spreadsheets, everything is centralized, so you can track case progress and see what needs attention.

These platforms help legal professionals manage tasks tied to motions, discovery, hearings, and client communication. They also support task tracking for critical deadlines to make sure nothing gets overlooked during a busy period.

Most tools also offer clear views of upcoming responsibilities, who owns each assignment, and how far along each step is.

Common features include:

• Calendars that show all case-related dates in one place
• Task management tools that help teams manage tasks efficiently
• Document storage with search and version control
• Contact and client information tied directly to each matter

A good case management setup keeps your team aligned and reduces the friction that tends to build up during long civil litigation cases. It also creates a smoother path for onboarding new team members who need quick access to case details and outstanding work.

3. Discovery Support

Discovery support tools help teams handle the heavier parts of document review, production prep, and data organization that appear throughout civil litigation practice.

They’re essential for firms managing large sets of case documents, especially in complex cases where identifying relevant documents can take a significant amount of valuable time.

These platforms give you a clear way to sort, categorize, and search through materials pulled from email, shared drives, uploads, or client-provided records.

Strong document management features make it easier to group files, apply tags, highlight key passages, and keep everything organized as the matter grows. Many tools also surface patterns or connections that provide valuable insights during early strategy discussions.

Common examples of discovery support tools include:

• eDiscovery software that handles large volumes of files and maintains consistent search results.
• Document review tools with tagging, commenting, and filtering to speed up attorney and paralegal workflows.
• Production preparation tools that assemble organized sets for service.
• Analytics features that help identify themes, timelines, or communication trails.

With the right discovery support tools in place, teams gain a clearer path through large data sets and a more reliable way to organize discovery documents throughout litigation.

4. Communication and Collaboration

Law firm communication and collaboration tools make your day a lot easier when you’re working through an active case.

You probably deal with a heap of emails, quick side conversations, and documents passed around in different formats. Bringing all of that into one platform helps you stay organized and gives your team a clearer picture of what’s going on.

If you work in a larger firm or legal department, this becomes even more helpful since multiple people may touch the same matter at different points.

These tools let you share updates, talk through strategy, and keep conversations connected to the right case file. Clients benefit too, since communication feels more structured and easier for them to follow.

When everyone can find the information they need without digging through old messages, managing cases feels smoother, and you save time throughout the week.

Key features you might find useful include:

• Secure messaging that keeps matter-related conversations in one spot
• Shared document spaces so you don’t hunt for files
• Tags or @-mentions that quickly loop in the right people
• Client portals that make communication easier to track
• Activity logs that show what’s been updated

5. Billing and Time Tracking

Legal billing and time-tracking tools help law firms stay on top of billable work without relying on spreadsheets or generic accounting software.

While general billing systems can handle invoices and basic bookkeeping, they rarely match the way legal teams record time, tag tasks, or capture work tied to specific matters.

On the other hand, legal tools built into litigation support software take those needs into account. They give you a clearer picture of your hours and the value of the work you’re doing.

Time-tracking software designed for litigation lets you record work as it happens, associate each entry with the right matter, and keep an accurate record of everything from drafting to discovery preparation.

You don’t have to guess what you worked on at the end of the day, and you’re less likely to miss billable work that should have been captured.

On the billing side, legal-specific systems help produce invoices that match client expectations, matter structures, and standard formats for litigation work. They also make it easier to review entries, organize them by matter, and send polished invoices with fewer edits.

What Are the Benefits of Litigation Management Software?

You can probably tell what the main advantages look like after seeing all the different types of tools a litigation management system can include. Still, it helps to step back and look at the overarching benefits that show up once everything sits in one coordinated place.

Here are some of the benefits you’ll notice:

• Less admin work: Routine steps take less time, which leaves you with more hours for legal analysis and client needs.
• Better oversight of deadlines: Every important date stays visible, and each matter has a clear timeline you can rely on.
• Stronger support for complex matters: Large volumes of documents and moving parts stay organized, which can help you keep steady progress.
• Faster access to information: Key notes and case documents appear quickly, so you can make earlier, more informed decisions.
• Smoother collaboration: Attorneys, paralegals, and staff work from the same information without extra back-and-forth.
• More consistent work product: Templates and structured workflows help your team produce aligned and reliable documents.

Once everything fits together, the workflow feels lighter, and your attention shifts naturally toward the work that drives case outcomes.

What to Consider Before Choosing a Platform

Choosing the right platform gets easier once you’ve seen what these tools can do and how the benefits line up with your daily work. All that’s left are a few practical considerations to help narrow the list and point you toward a setup that fits your team’s needs:

Ease of Use and Learning Curve

Choose software that your team can understand without long training sessions. A smoother learning curve means everyone can start using the core features quickly, which keeps the transition from disrupting your cases.

If a platform feels intuitive from the start, adoption tends to go faster, and fewer questions pile up later.

Primary Functions Your Team Relies On

Every litigation team handles tasks a little differently, so pay attention to the features your workflow depends on. Some tools focus on case organization while others revolve around discovery or document creation.

Picking a platform that supports your daily responsibilities makes the system feel like a natural extension of your work.

Cloud-Based Storage and Mobility

Access to key documents across devices helps you stay productive even as you move between the office, home, and court.

Secure cloud-based legal software also reduces the risk of misplaced files and keeps important materials within reach whenever you need them.

Team Collaboration Needs

If multiple people contribute to a matter, look for features that keep everyone aligned.

Tools that connect comments, tasks, updates, and documents in one space help reduce confusion and keep the whole team moving in the same direction.

Scalability and Future Growth

Your needs today may not be the same a year from now. A platform that grows with your caseload or team size gives you more stability over time.

Plus, it saves you from switching systems later when your practice becomes busier or more specialized.

Security and Compliance Requirements

Legal work depends on trust, so data protection matters. Choose software that treats security as a priority, with safeguards that protect sensitive files and keep your practice aligned with professional standards.

How Briefpoint Fits Into a Modern Litigation Workflow

Litigation management software gives your team a clearer, more organized way to handle the moving parts of a case, from document handling to collaboration.

When it comes to drafting court documents and keeping work aligned with court rules, Briefpoint stands out as one of the best options for teams looking to modernize their workflow.

Briefpoint is a specialized tool designed to take the most repetitive steps off your schedule, which means you can focus on valuable work that moves a case forward.

With features that support discovery drafting, client response collection, and automated formatting, Briefpoint helps you maintain consistency and keep documents ready for review and service.

For teams that want a faster, more predictable process across multiple matters, it brings the kind of support that pairs naturally with your existing systems.

If you’re ready to upgrade the way you handle litigation tasks, Briefpoint makes the transition easy.

Book a demo today.

What Is Legal Technology Software?

Legal technology software covers a wide mix of tools that help law firms and legal professionals handle everyday work with less friction. It’s a broad category because legal processes vary so much from team to team.

One group may need help organizing matters, another may focus on legal document automation, and others may put more emphasis on research, communication, or billing. All of these fall under the same umbrella.

Most teams use legal tech software to keep daily tasks moving without relying on scattered systems or long manual steps. It gives you a clearer system for things like tracking information, storing documents, sharing updates, and handling the work that fills a typical day.

Some platforms are also built specifically for legal teams, while others come from general business software that adapts well to legal workflows. Either way, the common goal is to make it easier to manage information and stay organized.

As more legal work shifts online, these tools help create a setup that feels steady and predictable. They bring together the pieces of your practice in a way that lets you focus on the work that needs your attention, not the tools slowing you down.

Why Legal Tech Matters for Today’s Workflows

It’s hard to stay on top of everything when legal work keeps expanding, so it helps to have tools that take some pressure off your plate.

Here’s how modern legal tech tools support smoother workflows and give you more room to focus on the parts of legal practice that need your expertise.

Fewer Repetitive Tasks Slowing You Down

A lot of legal work gets eaten up by steps that feel small on their own but add up fairly quickly. Luckily, tools powered by generative AI can draft outlines, summarize long sections, or spot key language in legal documents so you don’t have to start from scratch.

A good example would be using an AI assistant to pull main deadlines from a contract before you dive into the fine print yourself.

Better Organization Across Your Files and Matters

Strong document management helps you keep everything in one platform rather than spread across emails and folders.

Here’s where you gain the most:

• Faster access to files when you need them
• Clearer version history
• Less time spent searching

For corporate legal departments or busy litigation teams, that clarity makes a noticeable difference during high-volume periods.

Improved Security for Sensitive Information

Many platforms now come with robust security features like encryption, access controls, and detailed audit logs. This makes it easier to protect client information while keeping your team’s workflow steady.

Smoother Collaboration and Higher Client Satisfaction

Quick updates, shared workspaces, and easier communication help clients feel informed and supported.

When your team can work from the same information and update each other without delay, the overall experience becomes more consistent.

Tools That Handle the Heavy Lifting Behind the Scenes

Some tasks benefit from automation running quietly in the background. Billing entries, reminders, signature tracking, and document routing can all operate with minimal oversight. You get cleaner records and fewer chances for mistakes without extra effort.

Core Categories of Legal Technology Software

Legal tech software comes in many shapes, and each category solves a different kind of problem you deal with every week.

Here’s a simple breakdown to help you understand what each one brings to your workflow.

• Practice management: Helps you organize matters, track legal tasks, manage calendars, and keep client communications in one place. Many platforms also include a client portal and options to help clients sign documents without extra steps.
• Document management and automation: Keeps important files organized and gives you easy access to drafts, versions, and shared folders. Some tools use artificial intelligence and machine learning to handle repetitive formatting or generate quick summaries.
• Contract management: Supports legal drafting, edits, approvals, and contract review in a single system. These tools help you see where an agreement stands and move it forward without losing track of changes.
• Legal billing and accounting: Designed for accurate billing, billable hours tracking, generating invoices, and expense tracking. Many tools also help you get paid faster through built-in payment options.
• Communication and collaboration: Helps your team coordinate tasks, share updates, and keep clients informed. Messaging, video calls, shared calendars, and client-facing spaces all fall here.
• eDiscovery and research: eDiscovery tools for reviewing data collections and finding relevant case law without wading through countless files on your own.

How These Tools Work Together

Once you start seeing these categories side by side, it becomes clear how much smoother things feel when they support each other. Legal tech works best as a connected setup, not a group of isolated tools.

Take a look at how the pieces can fit together in a typical legal workflow.

A Steady Path From Client Intake to Case Details

Practice management tools collect client intake information, store case details, and keep everything organized from the start. When paired with document tools, you can upload new client materials immediately and link them to the right matter without digging around for folders.

For example: A new client fills out an intake form online, and their responses automatically appear in your system alongside the documents they upload.

Cleaner, Faster Document Review in Complex Legal Work

Document management systems and eDiscovery software work well together during heavy document review. A cloud-based platform gives you a central place to sort, tag, and search through large data sets, while research tools help you check authorities during analysis.

A few benefits you’ll notice:

• Less backtracking between systems
• A clearer view of what still needs attention
• Easier collaboration when multiple reviewers step in

Smoother Communication and Collaboration Across Your Team

Communication tools connect everything by helping your team share updates and stay aligned. When your messages, files, and tasks all live within connected systems, there’s less room for confusion and fewer duplicate efforts.

Think of a scenario where your team flags a contract issue directly inside your contract management tool, then discusses it in your collaboration app without losing the context.

A More Predictable Workflow for Busy Teams

When your tools share information, your workload feels steadier and easier to manage. Tasks flow from one stage to the next without as many pauses.

A few things become noticeably smoother:

• Assigning tasks based on real-time case details
• Moving documents from review to approval without extra uploading
• Keeping everyone aligned during fast-moving matters

For example, a contract routed for approval in your contract management tool can automatically trigger a task in your practice management system, which then gives the right person a clear next step.

This kind of connected workflow helps teams stay efficient during busy periods and reduces the friction that normally shows up during complex legal work.

How to Choose the Right Legal Tech for Your Needs

The easiest way to choose legal tech is to look at what actually slows you down and match tools to those gaps. A good setup should support the whole process, feel cost-effective, and give you back time that can be spent practicing law rather than dealing with manual tasks.

Here’s a simple way to work through the selection:

• Pinpoint the tasks that take too long or pull you away from real legal work
• Note the time-consuming and repetitive steps you want to reduce
• Look for tools built to solve those specific issues
• Consider software with AI technology
• Compare options that fit your budget and firm size
• Test each platform through a demo or trial to see how natural it feels
• Make sure it connects smoothly with the tools you already use
• Review the vendor’s training resources and support
• Confirm that the tool helps you improve law firm efficiency

As you evaluate different options, focus on how each one will actually fit with the way you already practice. The right choice should remove friction, save valuable time, and make your overall process feel more manageable.

A Smarter Way to Support Litigation Work With Briefpoint

Legal technology works best when each tool handles a part of your workload that normally feels slow or repetitive.

Practice management, research platforms, billing systems, and eDiscovery tools all play a role, but litigation teams often need something extra — a way to move through discovery documents without sinking hours into formatting and repetitive drafting.

That’s where Briefpoint fits naturally into your setup. With Autodoc, which helps handle formatting tasks and document cleanup, Briefpoint gives you the automation power you need during discovery.

It automates the creation of discovery documents with AI-powered precision to give you a smoother path through tasks that usually take far too long. You get clean, ready-to-use drafts, consistent formatting, and fewer manual steps pulling you away from real legal work.

If you’re building a more modern, efficient workflow, Briefpoint is one of the easiest upgrades you can make. It supports the tools you already use, takes pressure off your schedule, and gives your team more room to focus on case strategy rather than routine drafting.

Book a demo today!

What Is Cloud-Based eDiscovery?

The primary goal of cloud-based eDiscovery is to provide legal teams with a more flexible way to collect data, sort through large data volumes, and quickly spot relevant data.

Older, non-cloud systems rely on local servers and fixed storage limits, which usually means everything feels slower once the documents pile up or new data sources get added. You often have to wait for IT support, upgrades, or extra capacity before moving forward.

With a cloud platform, on the other hand, the whole process feels smoother. You can pull information from email, chat platforms, cloud drives, and other sources without worrying about how much your system can handle.

The tools also scale automatically, so big matters or sudden surges in volume don’t force you to pause your workflow.

Collaboration is another thing that improves. Traditional setups sometimes create bottlenecks when multiple reviewers are working at the same time. A cloud environment keeps everyone on one shared system, reviewing legal documents side by side with consistent search results and updated data.

The eDiscovery market has leaned heavily toward cloud options because they handle modern communication data more reliably and adapt to changing workloads. For many teams, it’s simply a more practical way to manage growing collections without fighting with limited infrastructure.

How Cloud-Based eDiscovery Works

Once you understand the basics, it helps to see how everything functions in practice. Cloud platforms bring each step of the eDiscovery process into a single solution to make sure legal professionals can manage the entire review workflow more easily.

Here’s an overview of how it works:

1. Data Collection From Modern Data Sources

Cloud tools pull information from email, chat platforms, cloud drives, mobile devices, and other data sources you encounter in investigations or litigation. This makes gathering relevant information faster and more reliable, even when you’re dealing with large volumes of data.

2. Early Case Assessment and Processing

Once the system ingests the data, it indexes and organizes everything. Many platforms include early case assessment features that help you spot patterns, reduce noise, and estimate the scope of a matter before the deeper review process begins.

3. Review and Collaboration

Reviewers can search, tag, filter, and organize documents in one shared environment. Real-time updates help teams stay aligned as issues develop, which keeps legal workflows moving without unnecessary back-and-forth.

4. Legal Holds and Preservation

Most cloud systems include built-in legal holds, making it easier to preserve potentially relevant data and notify custodians without relying on spreadsheets or manual tracking.

5. Reporting, Production, and Export

Finally, you get detailed reporting, audit trails, and easy options to produce the data in standard formats for opposing counsel or the court.

Key Benefits of Cloud-Based eDiscovery

Cloud platforms lighten the load and help you move through discovery with fewer delays. With these tools, you can create more room to shape a stronger case strategy.

Aside from that, you can expect the following benefits from cloud-based eDiscovery software:

• Scalability: Works smoothly with large data volumes and adjusts as matters grow.
• Speed: Faster processing and indexing make it easier to search and analyze information right away.
• Security: Protects your evidence with encryption, access controls, and activity logs you can track at any time.
• Better collaboration: Keeps everyone in one shared review space with consistent tags, notes, and updates.
• Email threading: Groups conversations so you’re not reading the same emails again and again.
• Lower IT burden: Cuts down on hardware, updates, and maintenance to free your team from tech headaches.
• Informed decisions: Early insights help you spot patterns sooner and choose a clearer direction before the heavy review work.
• Support for investigations: Centralized data and smoother legal workflows help legal teams move from collection to production with less friction.
• Consistent reporting: Built-in reporting keeps everything organized and defensible.

Common Use Cases of Cloud-Based eDiscovery

Cloud-based eDiscovery fits naturally into a wide range of situations, especially when matters involve fast-moving data, tight deadlines, or teams working across different locations.

That’s why this kind of software is suitable for:

• Litigation cases: Teams handle document review, depositions, and production in one environment, which cuts down on back-and-forth and keeps everything organized.
• Internal investigations: Centralized data collection helps you sort through emails, chat messages, and cloud files without slowing the process or missing key details.
• Regulatory matters: When an agency requests information, cloud tools help you gather relevant data fast and maintain clean audit trails.
• Compliance monitoring: Ongoing oversight becomes easier with repeatable workflows, consistent reporting, and built-in tracking for higher-risk communication channels.
• Data breach response: Rapid collection and review give you a clearer picture of what happened, who was affected, and what your next steps should be.
• Client services: Firms that support many clients at once use cloud eDiscovery to manage multiple matters without overwhelming internal resources.
• Early case assessment: Quick processing helps teams estimate scope, detect issues, and make informed decisions before the review work expands.

Essential Features To Look For in Cloud-Based eDiscovery Software

The right cloud eDiscovery platform gives you more control, clearer insights, and smoother day-to-day work. As you compare options, it helps to focus on tools that offer the following features:

• Advanced analytics: Look for tools that highlight patterns, surface important terms, and cut down the time you spend sorting through data.
• AI-powered review: Features like generative AI summaries, classification, and smart tagging help teams move faster when the document count starts climbing.
• Search and filtering: Strong analysis and filtering capabilities help you narrow big collections into sets you can actually work with.
• Flexible data access: Your team should be able to log in securely from anywhere, review documents, and maintain consistency without chasing files across multiple locations.
• Email threading and deduplication: These features reduce clutter and prevent time wasted reviewing the same content repeatedly.
• Audit trails and reporting: Clear logs help you demonstrate defensibility, track decisions, and monitor activity across your matters.
• Security controls: Encryption, permissions, and identity tools reduce risk and protect sensitive information throughout the process.
• Cost transparency: Cloud solutions should help you anticipate costs, avoid surprises, and stay aligned with your budget.

Each of these features supports a smoother workflow and keeps your team grounded in a single source of truth.

Briefpoint Makes Cloud-Based eDiscovery Feel Manageable

Now that you’ve seen what strong cloud tools can offer, it’s clear how much time and stress you can save with the right setup. 

Briefpoint takes that idea even further by removing the parts of legal discovery that usually slow everyone down.

The platform focuses on the work that eats up the most hours, like drafting responses, organizing information, keeping objections consistent, and preparing clean documents.

You can move through requests, responses, and client input in a way that feels steady and predictable, all within one workspace that keeps everything easy to follow.

Where Briefpoint really shines is Autodoc. It turns productions and case files into Word-ready, Bates-cited responses in minutes. Upload your complaint, RFPs, and files, let Autodoc pinpoint responsive documents, and download a fully prepared response package.

Many firms that used to spend days sorting, reviewing, and formatting now finish that same work in a single session.

If you’ve been looking for a way to cut down the heavy lifting in discovery, book a demo today!

What Is Legal Project Management Software?

Legal project management software brings your tasks, deadlines, case details, and other important information into one organized system.

Many legal professionals use these platforms to keep matters moving without dealing with scattered emails or mismatched notes. Everything sits in a single place, which makes it easier to understand what needs attention and what’s already on track.

These tools help with tasks like:

• Scheduling
• Task assignments
• Progress tracking
• Document sharing
• Team coordination

Law firms often use legal management software to keep workloads balanced and make sure no one loses sight of important steps in a matter. It also supports budgeting, client expectations, and recurring processes that show up in different cases.

Strong legal project management tools give legal teams a clearer view of who’s doing what, how far along each task is, and where timelines might need adjustment. When used correctly, the overall workflow becomes more predictable and easier to manage.

For busy teams handling multiple matters at once, having that structure can make day-to-day work feel smoother and far less chaotic.

If you want the document-heavy part of your workflow to feel just as organized, Briefpoint can help you cut down the time you spend drafting, formatting, and preparing discovery responses. Book a demo today.

Why Should You Be Using Legal Project Management Software?

To reiterate, legal project management software helps legal firms keep matters organized, track moving pieces, and maintain steady progress across cases.

Many attorneys deal with shifting priorities and constant communication, so having a good project management tool gives the entire team a shared system that cuts down on disorganization and manual tracking.

Here’s why these platforms make such a difference in the legal sector:

• Greater visibility across matters: Everyone sees deadlines, task status, and upcoming steps easily.
• Clear task ownership: Legal work moves faster when responsibilities are assigned and easy to follow.
• More predictable schedules: Deadlines, milestones, and reminders help attorneys stay ahead of busy calendars.
• Smoother legal workflows: Routine steps, recurring tasks, and matter stages stay consistent from case to case.
• Better resource planning: Legal practice management software helps teams balance workloads and avoid bottlenecks.
• Improved client service: Organized communication and timely updates naturally raise client satisfaction.
• Fewer manual processes: Centralized information reduces the time spent tracking work in spreadsheets or scattered notes.

Legal teams that rely on structured project coordination often feel more in control of their caseloads, especially when managing multiple matters at once.

Top 5 Legal Project Management Software

Choosing the right platform can shape how smoothly your cases move from start to finish. To help you narrow things down, here’s a quick look at five legal project management tools many teams rely on when they want clearer workflows and better day-to-day organization.

1. PracticePanther

PracticePanther offers a flexible workspace that suits legal departments, small firms, and growing teams managing complex projects.

It brings together tasks, documents, deadlines, and communication so you’re not jumping between different systems to keep matters organized.

Source: G2

Many legal professionals appreciate that it adapts easily. You can set up project templates, build custom workflows, and shape the platform around how your team already handles legal processes.

The overall feel is structured without being rigid, which helps legal work move with fewer hiccups.

Best Features

• Custom workflows: Build matter stages and automated actions that match your internal steps and support consistent legal workflows.
• Project templates: Create reusable templates for cases you handle often, making it easier to set up new matters with the right structure.
• Document management: Store, manage, and share documents in one place so the entire team always knows where to find key files.
• Task and deadline tracking: Assign tasks, stay ahead of due dates, and follow progress from one dashboard.
• Integrations with other tools: Connect calendars, email platforms, accounting systems, and other tools to keep your workspace connected.

Pros

• Simple setup that helps teams get organized without a long learning curve
• Strong customization options for different practice areas
• Helpful document features for large matters and ongoing projects
• Clear visibility into workloads across the entire team
• Good balance of usability and power for firms in the legal industry

2. MyCase

MyCase offers a more guided way to manage matters, tasks, and communication, especially if your team wants something organized but not overwhelming.

Source: G2

The platform focuses on keeping your work structured from the moment a case opens. It gives you a clear place to track actionable tasks, store legal documents, and stay aligned with your team throughout each matter.

You might like how naturally it supports case management while still giving you project-focused tools that help everyone keep pace with deadlines and daily responsibilities.

Best Features

• Actionable task management: Break down work into clear, trackable steps so nothing gets overlooked.
• Centralized case management: Keep client details, deadlines, notes, and progress in one easy-to-follow system.
• Document storage and sharing: Organize legal documents, research files, and matter-related materials in a single hub.
• Built-in communication tools: Coordinate with your team and clients without relying on outside apps.
• Workflow tools: Use structured steps that help streamline workflows and keep matters moving predictably.

Pros

• Clean interface that enables users to work efficiently
• Reliable document tools for busy practices and small firms
• Helpful law firm communication features for both internal and client updates
• Strong case organization that keeps everything accessible
• Secure platform that supports consistent, organized project work

3. Clio Manage

Clio Manage gives legal teams a structured way to handle matters, track work, and coordinate daily activity without bouncing between multiple systems.

Source: G2

It combines client intake, task management, time tracking, and collaboration tools in one place. With that, your team can always have a steady flow of information as cases progress.

The platform also makes it easy to sync data from your calendar, email, and other apps you rely on, and the real-time dashboards offer a quick read on law firm productivity and upcoming deadlines. It’s a practical setup for teams that want a clearer rhythm to their work.

Best Features

• Client intake tools: Capture new client information smoothly and move it straight into your matters.
• Time tracking: Track billable and non-billable time as you work, with options to log entries from multiple devices.
• Team collaboration: Share updates, assign tasks, and keep the flow of information steady across your team.
• Real-time dashboards: See performance metrics, matter progress, and upcoming deadlines instantly.
• Customizable workflows: Set up processes that match how your firm operates and improve daily efficiency.

Pros

• Strong time tracking for accurate legal billing
• Helpful intake tools that support new client onboarding
• Clear dashboards for quick insight into active matters
• Smooth collaboration across different practice roles
• Easy integrations that keep your data synced and organized

4. Smartsheet

Smartsheet works well for legal teams that want a flexible, spreadsheet-style workspace without feeling stuck in traditional grids. It gives you an easy way to organize tasks, capture information through custom fields, and track progress across matters or internal projects.

Source: G2

Staff members can add status updates, attach documents, and monitor deadlines in a layout that feels familiar but far more structured than a basic spreadsheet.

It’s often used by legal operations teams that want a clear view of business performance while keeping day-to-day work organized.

Best Features

• Custom fields: Build the exact data structure you need for matters, tasks, or internal processes.
• Status tracking: Follow progress in real time with color-coded updates and clear task ownership.
• Dashboards: Pull together key information to quickly assess workload, deadlines, and priorities.
• Automated alerts: Receive notifications when tasks change, deadlines shift, or updates are added.
• Flexible views: Switch between grid, calendar, Gantt, and card views based on how you prefer to see your work.

Pros

• Familiar layout that’s easy for staff members to adopt
• Strong tracking tools for monitoring progress across multiple projects
• Helpful dashboards for a quick read on business performance
• Good flexibility for teams that juggle different types of work
• Clear status updates that keep everyone aligned on next steps

5. Filevine

Filevine offers a structured workspace that helps legal teams manage cases with fewer scattered updates and a lot more clarity. The platform keeps your tasks, documents, notes, and communication in one place, so important details stay connected as a matter progresses.

Source: G2

Its customization options are a standout, too. You can shape legal workflows, store legal briefs in organized folders, and save notes directly inside each file without losing track of information.

For teams looking to increase productivity and maintain a steady rhythm across their workload, it provides a dependable setup.

Best Features

• Customized workflows: Create processes that match the way your practice handles matters from start to finish.
• Document handling for legal briefs: Keep briefs, case files, and supporting documents neatly organized.
• In-matter notes: Save notes right where they belong so key points are easy to find later.
• Collaboration tools: Share updates, assign tasks, and keep everyone on the same page.
• Reporting tools: Review performance trends and workload insights without manual data gathering.

Pros

• Flexible workflow options suited to different practice areas
• Convenient note-taking inside each matter
• Solid document tools for briefs and related files
• Clear task visibility for smoother team coordination
• Useful reporting for tracking workload and performance

Why Briefpoint Complements the Best Project Management Software

Project management platforms keep your matters organized, but they don’t handle the document-intensive side of discovery and litigation workflows.

Briefpoint fills that gap by generating discovery documents for you, reducing manual drafting, and improving workflow efficiency where legal teams often lose the most time.

And with Autodoc, you get an even smoother lift. It takes the routine formatting, labeling, Bates numbering, and structure-based tasks off your plate. You get cleaner documents, faster turnaround, and a process that feels far more manageable.

Project tools manage the structure of your work; Briefpoint supports the substance. Together, they give you a smoother path through deadlines, requests, and the back-and-forth that defines discovery.

It’s a practical add-on for teams that want less friction in their document work and a more predictable pace during litigation.

If you’re ready to remove the most time-consuming part of your process, Briefpoint can help you get there.

Book a demo to see how it works in your practice.

What Is MyCase?

MyCase is a cloud-based legal practice management software that gives you one place to organize your firm’s work. It’s essentially a system that keeps your tasks, contacts, billing, calendar, and legal documents from living in ten different tabs.

It first launched in 2010 and quickly picked up traction with small and midsize firms that wanted something modern but easy to learn.

Source: G2

Part of its appeal comes from its straightforward layout. You don’t need a week of training to get comfortable. Most users jump in and start managing matters, sending invoices, or uploading documents without much friction.

Its document management setup is also a big reason people choose it. You can store files, share them with your team, and keep everything tied to the right case.

Something else you might appreciate is how client-friendly it feels. The built-in portal, online payments, and messaging tools help you cut down on emails and long phone chains. Clients get a clearer view of what’s happening, and you spend less time tracking small updates.

Overall, MyCase works well for firms that want an all-in-one platform that keeps everyday tasks moving and brings your documents, communication, and case details into one organized space.

What Is PracticePanther?

PracticePanther is a legal practice management platform built for firms that want a system they can grow into.

You get a cloud-based dashboard that brings your matters, billing, calendar, and communication together, but the real draw is how flexible the software feels once you start using it.

Source: G2

If you’ve ever felt boxed in by rigid legal workflows, this tool tends to be a nice change of pace. You can customize tasks, automate repetitive steps, and shape processes around the way your firm already works.

In other words, it’s designed to support everything from simple daily checklists to more specific tasks that vary from case to case.

Another standout trait is its connection to third-party tools and apps for lawyers. Email, payment processors, document services; PracticePanther plugs into many of the platforms firms already rely on, which keeps transitions smooth and avoids extra busywork.

And because the platform scales well, it fits solo attorneys just as comfortably as expanding teams. You get comprehensive features, plenty of control over how you work, and a structure that adapts as your caseload grows.

MyCase vs. PracticePanther: An In-Depth Comparison

Not sure which tool to choose? This quick comparison gives you a clearer sense of which option fits the way your firm actually works.

Main Purpose

When you look at the core purpose of each platform, the differences become easier to spot.

MyCase simplifies daily work for law firms that want an organized, all-in-one hub. Its goal is to cut back on time-consuming admin tasks and give you a straightforward system for matters, billing, communication, documents, and more.

If you want something that works smoothly as long as you have an internet connection and doesn’t overwhelm your team, MyCase offers a very direct path.

PracticePanther takes a slightly different angle. The platform aims to give firms more control over how they work, offering deeper customization and more flexible workflows.

PracticePanther excels when you want to tailor your processes, connect with third-party tools, and build out legal automations that match your firm’s habits. It also focuses on scalability, so teams with growing caseloads or more complex workflows often appreciate its structure.

When you’re comparing MyCase and PracticePanther, it really comes down to what you value most.

Overall, MyCase offers simplicity and a clean workflow that keeps everything in one place. PracticePanther offers more advanced functionality and the freedom to shape the software around your firm. Both solve everyday challenges, just in different ways.

Key Features

Taking a closer look at the features helps you understand how each platform supports your daily flow and where its strengths differ:

MyCase’s Key Features

• Secure client portal: Clients can view case files, send secure messages, and pay invoices while keeping everything confidential.
• Automated time tracking: Tracks time as you work, so billing and completing invoices feel easier.
• Customizable invoicing: Lets you adjust formats, payment options, and payment history.
• Document solution: Stores case files, supports customizable templates, and connects with Google Drive.
• Google Calendar sync: Keeps deadlines and events aligned across your devices.
• Accounting software: Helps you manage retainers and trust balances accurately.
• Client communications: Offers secure messages and organized updates in one place.

PracticePanther’s Key Features

• Custom fields and custom tags: Lets you tailor matters with details that match your legal workflow.
• Automated time tracking: Captures billable time in the background.
• Customizable templates: Helps you create repeatable documents for recurring or specific tasks.
• Third-party integrations: Works with Google Drive, payment systems, email tools, and other solutions.
• Secure client portal: Gives clients protected access to documents, invoices, and messages.
• Trust accounting: Tracks retainers, payments, and transfers with clear reporting.
• Reporting dashboard: Helps you gain insights into billing performance and law firm productivity.

Who It’s Best For

MyCase usually clicks with lawyers who want something they can get comfortable with right away. If your priority is a clean layout, easy case management, and quick access to the basics, it fits that style well.

Legal professionals who don’t want to spend time configuring every detail tend to appreciate how smoothly it handles law firm communication, scheduling, and billing. It’s especially appealing for small firms or teams that want things organized without juggling extra setup.

PracticePanther leans toward firms that like having more control. If your practice area involves complex steps, custom fields, or a need to connect with a bunch of other tools, the platform gives you that extra flexibility.

Many lawyers choose it because they want something that grows with their client base and adapts as workloads shift. Its advanced features and customization options make it a comfortable match for teams with expanding needs or more structured workflows.

Pricing

Pricing for both platforms depends on the plan you choose and the size of your team, but here’s what you can expect at a high level.

MyCase Pricing

• Basic plan: $49 monthly: Core case management, billing, payments, client messaging, and the secure client portal.
• Pro plan: $99 monthly: Everything in Basic plus advanced reporting and enhanced document management tools.
• Advanced plan: $119 monthly: Adds MyCase Drive, advanced document automation, and expanded analytics.

PracticePanther Pricing

• Solo plan: $59 monthly: Designed for individual attorneys with core case management, billing, and calendar tools.
• Essential plan: $79 monthly: Adds integrations, automated workflows, and more robust document management.
• Business plan: $99 monthly: Includes advanced features like deeper automation, advanced reporting, and more customization options.

Add Briefpoint to Strengthen Your Legal Tech Stack

Choosing between MyCase and PracticePanther comes down to what your firm values. Both tools cover case management, billing, communication, and client-facing features, so you’re already headed in the right direction with either one.

That said, no practice management platform handles everything on its own, especially when you’re dealing with heavy document work.

This is where Briefpoint becomes a smart addition to your legal tech stack. It automates routine litigation drafting, helps you move through legal documents faster, and keeps your work product consistent across matters.

If you’re already using systems like MyCase or PracticePanther, Briefpoint fits right in by handling the pieces those platforms don’t focus on.

You can also take advantage of the Autodoc feature for quick, accurate document assembly when you’re under pressure with multiple deadlines. It generates ready-to-serve discovery responses, complete with Bates numbering and page-level citations, so you’re not piecing things together manually.

The combination saves time and keeps your workflows running smoothly, no matter which practice management system your firm prefers.

Book a demo today!

1. Page Layout

Before document creation, a solid page layout gives your document a clean starting point and helps it line up with the legal standards most courts expect.

Standard Page Size

Most filings use 8.5 x 11 inches, which remains the default paper size across U.S. courts. Some courts allow A4, though most still expect the standard size. So, unless the rules say otherwise, stick with that for templates and everyday filings.

A few older forms still reference legal size (8.5 x 14 inches), but modern templates and electronic filing systems typically expect the standard 8.5 x 11 layout. Sticking with this size keeps your documents consistent with what courts review every day.

Recommended Margins

One-inch margins on all sides are widely accepted. A few courts ask for a slightly larger left margin to allow space for binding, so a quick check of local rules is always worthwhile.

Line Spacing Rules

Courts often expect double line spacing in the main text to improve readability. Single spacing may be used for block quotes, footnotes, and tables, depending on the requirements.

Header and Footer Placement

Page numbers usually sit in the bottom center or bottom right. Some courts also want the case details in the header on every page, so it’s worth double-checking their court standards and formatting rules before you file.

Example

A compliant layout might include:

• 8.5″ x 11″ page
• 1″ margins
• Double line spacing
• Case caption in the header
• Page number in the bottom-right corner

Layouts following these basics usually meet filing expectations, but a quick look at your jurisdiction’s rules helps make sure that everything lines up.

2. Font and Text Standards

Clear text guidelines help your filings look consistent and easy to read, no matter the court or agency. The way you handle font choice, font size, and basic formatting styles plays a big role in keeping the document polished.

Approved Fonts for Legal Documents

• Traditional serif options like the Century Schoolbook and Times New Roman font remain widely accepted
• Many courts now permit sans-serif fonts such as Arial or Calibri for other legal documents
• Pick one font family and use it throughout the document

Font Size Rules for Body Text and Headings

• Body text usually appears in a 12-point font size
• Headings often use 12–14 points, depending on hierarchy
• Keep the same sizing structure across sections for consistency

Bold, Italic, and Underline Usage

• Use bold to emphasize key points sparingly
• Italics work well for case names, citations, and defined terms
• Underlining appears less often but remains acceptable if required by local rules

Rules for Capitalization

• Capitalize defined terms consistently
• Follow standard legal writing conventions for titles, sections, and parties
• Avoid over-capitalizing everyday words that don’t carry legal significance

These standards keep your formatting clean, predictable, and aligned with what courts expect.

3. Headings and Subheadings

Strong headings keep longer documents organized and easier to read. When the structure is clear, readers can follow the flow of information without effort. This is something that matters a lot in professional documents.

Use a clear document title at the top, then break the content into logical sections with consistent formatting. Headings should signal major topics, while subheadings divide those topics into smaller, focused points that improve readability.

A simple structure looks like this:

• Main heading (H1) – Defines the broad topic
• Section heading (H2) – Introduces major sections
• Subheading (H3) – Breaks down details within each section

Keep styles consistent throughout: the same font, size, spacing, and alignment. This gives your document a clean and predictable layout that helps readers move through the content without confusion.

4. Paragraph Formatting

Clear paragraph rules go a long way toward keeping documents clean and easy to review. That’s why many teams build these settings into their Microsoft Word templates to maintain consistency and avoid formatting errors.

Indentation Rules

• Standard practice uses a first-line indent of 0.5 inches
• Some courts require no indentation and rely on spacing instead
• Apply indentation through styles to keep paragraphs consistent and ensure compliance with court preferences

Block vs. Indented Paragraphs

• Block paragraphs use no indentation and include a blank line between paragraphs
• Indented paragraphs use a first-line indent with no extra spacing
• Choose one format and keep it consistent throughout the document

Spacing Between Sections

• Add clear spacing above headings and between major sections
• Avoid manual line breaks and rely on paragraph styles to prevent inconsistent gaps

Alignment Best Practices

• Left alignment is the standard for legal documents
• Fully justified text is allowed in some filings, but can create uneven spacing
• Keep alignment consistent to maintain a clean reading experience

5. Numbering and Lists

Organized lists help readers move through information quickly in legal briefs and other documents that follow a consistent legal style. Most tasks can be handled easily in a word processing program where styles keep lists clean and uniform.

When to Use Numbered vs. Bulleted Lists

• Use numbered lists for steps, arguments, or anything that follows a sequence
• Use bullet points for items that share equal weight and don’t require a specific order

Multi-Level Lists

• Helpful for outlining arguments or breaking complex points into smaller parts
• Apply built-in list styles rather than manual spacing
• Use clear hierarchy levels (1., a., i.) to maintain the structure readers expect in legal writing

Consistent Indentation for List Items

• Keep each level aligned the same way throughout the document
• Avoid manually dragging items; use styles to prevent spacing inconsistencies
• If your document uses select columns or narrow margins, review the layout to confirm that list items remain properly aligned

Example

1. Primary argument
         a.   Supporting detail
                      i.     Sub-point
2. Secondary argument

6. Citations and References

Accurate citations keep your writing clear and consistent with court requirements. They are particularly important in briefs, motions, and other formal documents.

Most law firms follow a standard citation style (often Bluebook or local court rules) to keep references predictable and easy to verify.

Citation Format

Use the citation style required by the court or governing body. Styles may vary between jurisdictions, so always confirm the expected structure before finalizing a document.

Placement of Citations

Inline citations work well for most filings, but footnotes are acceptable in documents that allow more narrative flow. Your word processor should handle footnote numbering automatically to prevent formatting mistakes.

Short Citation Box

Some courts ask for a short citation box on the first page of a filing. This quick-reference section summarizes the mandatory citation format or abbreviation rules so the reviewer can see them at a glance.

Footnotes vs. Endnotes

Footnotes are more common in legal writing because they keep sources close to the text. Endnotes may be used in longer filings if permitted, but they’re less typical in court submissions.

Cross-Referencing

When pointing readers to exhibits or earlier sections, keep labels consistent. Use automated cross-reference tools to avoid errors during edits.

7. Document Structure Requirements

A clear structure helps every legal file stay easy to read and consistent with the formatting elements courts expect.

Little formatting details can shape how quickly someone grasps the content. This matters even more when there are many sections or extra materials involved.

Most legal documents follow a predictable flow: a title page or caption, a table of contents for longer filings, well-defined sections, and exhibits or appendices at the end.

Keeping the same heading styles, spacing, and numbering throughout gives the document a clean, steady feel that reviewers appreciate.

This becomes even more important for teams handling repeat work. If you’re drafting similar filings over and over, document automation tools help you start with the right structure every time.

Instead of rebuilding the layout from scratch, you begin with margins, headings, signature blocks, and exhibit labels already in place. Apply consistency like this and you’ll reduce errors and cut down on back-and-forth formatting fixes.

For teams that want a faster, more reliable way to create structured filings, Autodoc offers ready-to-use layouts that stay aligned with court expectations.

Book a demo to see how it fits into your workflow.

8. File-Naming Conventions

Naming a file seems simple, but a predictable system saves time and avoids mix-ups, especially when multiple people review drafts, leave comments, or track changes.

A clear convention also keeps files organized across shared drives, email threads, and document management tools. This way, no one has to guess which version is current or what’s inside a file.

Required Naming Format

Most firms rely on a straightforward pattern with the matter name, document type, and date. This keeps folders tidy and makes searches faster.

Example for motion to compel document:

Smith_v_Jones_MotionToCompel_2025-03-12.docx

Version Control Rules

Version tags help everyone follow the document history. Update the tag each time a new draft is created.

Examples:

• …_v1, …_v2, …_v3
• …_PartnerReview, …_ClientReview

Avoid ambiguous titles like “final” or “final_final,” which usually lead to duplicates.

Confidential or Privileged Labels

Sensitive files should display their status clearly in the name. This reduces the risk of accidental sharing and supports firm-level policies.

Examples:

• CONFIDENTIAL
• ATTORNEY-CLIENT_PRIVILEGED
• ATTORNEY_WORK_PRODUCT

9. Page Numbering Requirements

Good page numbering makes a document easier to move through and helps reviewers locate information quickly. This is especially true in filings that include exhibits, charts, or an insert table section.

Courts expect consistent placement, so numbering should stay in the same spot on every page; most commonly, the bottom center or bottom right.

Introductory pages sometimes follow different rules. A court may ask for Roman numerals on the table of contents and switch to Arabic numbers once the main text begins.

Other courts prefer numbering to start on the very first page of the document. A quick check of local guidelines prevents unnecessary changes later.

For documents with exhibits, keep the numbering continuous unless a rule requires each exhibit to restart at page one. This helps anyone reviewing the file follow references easily, particularly when you mark citation references throughout the text.

It’s best to use your word processor’s automatic numbering tools rather than typing numbers manually. Automated numbering adjusts smoothly as sections are added, removed, or edited, and keeps the layout stable through final review.

10. Formatting for Exhibits

Exhibits should follow a clear structure so reviewers can scan, verify, and reference them without slowing down.

Each exhibit needs a label that’s easy to spot, typically placed at the top-right corner of the first page. Labels usually follow a simple pattern such as “Exhibit A,” “Exhibit B,” and so on. 

If your matter includes many attachments, adding brief descriptions can help, as long as they remain consistent.

Exhibit pages should maintain the same margins, fonts, and spacing used in the main document unless the source material can’t be altered. When referring to exhibits in the text, use the exact label so the reader can match the reference instantly.

Make sure each exhibit begins on a new page, and include a divider or header to mark the start of each section if the exhibits appear in a single combined PDF.

Example:

• Exhibit A – Email from John Smith dated March 4, 2025
• Exhibit B – Contract Agreement (signed)
• Exhibit C – Financial Summary Spreadsheet

11. Redaction Standards

Strong redaction practices protect sensitive information and reduce the risk of accidental disclosure. Most courts expect digital redactions to fully remove the underlying text, not just hide it visually.

Proper Digital Redaction

Use a true redaction tool and not drawing tools, black boxes, or highlights. A proper tool deletes the underlying text so it can’t be revealed through copying, searching, or adjusting the file.

Marking Redacted Sections

Redacted areas should be clearly identified. Many teams use a black bar paired with a brief label such as “Redacted – Confidential Information” or “Redacted – PII.” This helps reviewers understand why content was removed and keeps the document consistent.

Quality Checks Before Producing Documents

Always review the final file in a PDF reader to confirm that the text cannot be selected or recovered. Check for hidden metadata, comments, or tracked changes that may reveal information unintentionally.

If multiple exhibits or pages were redacted, verify each one before the document is produced or shared.

12. Metadata Requirements

Metadata often contains more information than the visible document, so managing it carefully is essential for compliance and confidentiality.

Courts and opposing parties may review metadata during the eDiscovery process. This means every saved change, author name, or hidden comment matters.

Documents should include only the metadata required for identification, authorship, and basic organization.

Before sharing or filing, remove unnecessary details such as internal comments, tracked edits, previous authors, and embedded file paths. This helps prevent accidental disclosure and keeps the document focused on what’s meant to be shared.

Use your word processor’s inspection tools to scan for hidden content that might otherwise go unnoticed. Many firms add this step to their review checklist to maximize consistency across matters.

Here are a few quick tips:

• Clear tracked changes before exporting to PDF
• Remove comments and internal notes
• Confirm the author and title fields are accurate
• Avoid embedding unrelated files or links

13. PDF Production Guidelines

A polished PDF makes sure the final version of your document is easy to read, search, and share across teams or with the court. Start by exporting directly from your word processor rather than printing to PDF, since exporting preserves formatting, bookmarks, and searchable text.

Make sure the file is fully OCR-enabled. If any pages originate from scans, run an OCR pass so reviewers can search, copy, and reference specific text without manual work. Courts often reject PDFs that aren’t searchable, so this step matters.

Check that headers, footers, and page numbers appear correctly throughout the file. Layout issues occasionally shift during export, especially when the document includes tables, exhibits, or images.

If the PDF includes confidential material, confirm that any redactions are permanent and that the underlying text is removed. You should also verify security settings match your needs; some teams lock editing while allowing printing, while others keep the file open for collaboration.

Your Legal Document Workflow Can Be Lighter With Briefpoint

Formatting rules look simple on paper, but keeping them straight across briefs, motions, discovery responses, and client-ready documents can feel like a lot to juggle.

You’re expected to follow court preferences, maintain consistency, and deliver clean files every time, often under tight deadlines. A steady system helps, but it’s still easy for spacing, numbering, or citation details to slip through when you’re working fast.

Briefpoint helps you handle that workload across motions, discovery requests, discovery responses, correspondence, and more.

If you’re dealing with the heavy lift of discovery, Autodoc takes the process even further. It turns productions and case files into ready-to-serve, Bates-cited discovery responses in minutes, not weeks.

You upload the RFPs and documents, Autodoc finds what’s responsive, generates Word-formatted responses, and produces a Bates-numbered package you can serve immediately.

Book a demo and get a closer look at how it fits into your practice!

What Is Everlaw?

Everlaw is a cloud-based eDiscovery software provider that helps legal teams search, organize, and review large sets of electronic documents in a single platform.

Source: G2

Essentially, it supports the full document review process and gives teams a way to move through big data collections without feeling buried in files.

Many users appreciate that Everlaw feels approachable, runs searches quickly, and offers a layout that doesn’t require weeks of training. In comparisons built on real user data, focused insights, and detailed feature ratings, it often stands out for ease of use and overall review speed.

What Is Relativity?

Relativity is one of the most widely known eDiscovery software platforms, often used for large or complex matters that call for advanced search, analytics, and review controls.

The platform gives legal teams a structured way to handle big data collections, run detailed searches, and manage document review from start to finish.

Source: G2

Many organizations rely on Relativity because it supports deep customization and integrates well with existing legal workflows. Reviews that measure user satisfaction often include multiple data points tied to performance, ease of use, and individual vendor capabilities.

Some industry reports even aggregate emotional response ratings to produce a net emotional footprint, which helps understand the overall contract experience created through real usage.

What Is Briefpoint?

Briefpoint is an AI-powered document automation platform built to help litigation teams draft and serve discovery way faster than traditional methods.

It covers the full workflow for propounding and responding to discovery and gives firms a way to surface key elements across large sets of case files without hours of manual review.

An important element of the platform is Autodoc, Briefpoint’s module that turns productions and case files into fully formatted, Bates-cited discovery responses in minutes. Autodoc handles the heavy lifting that many teams struggle with.

Upload the complaint, requests for production, and case files. Then, the system identifies responsive materials, maps them to each request, and generates Word-ready responses along with a Bates-numbered production package.

The trust-and-verify controls give reviewers clarity into where the tool searched and what it found, which allows teams to work through high-level metrics quickly while keeping full control before service.

Briefpoint as a whole goes beyond single-task automation. It propounds discovery from complaints, drafts objection-aware responses, supports client response collection, and offers a secure, structured workflow that many firms use as their central discovery hub.

Get a demo now.

Everlaw vs. Relativity vs. Briefpoint: The Key Differences You Should Know

Shopping for discovery tools can feel like a lot, especially when each platform claims to solve the same problems. This quick comparison gives you a clear view of what each one focuses on, so you can decide which direction makes the most sense for your workflow.

Main Purpose

Everlaw, Relativity, and Briefpoint each focus on a different part of the discovery process. That’s why it should be easier to see where they fit once you look at their core goals.

Everlaw centers on fast search, clear organization, and document review. Its main goal is to give legal professionals a way to sort through large data sets without feeling overloaded.

Relativity leans into customization. Teams that need flexible workflows or integrations often choose it because its particular product offerings can support complex, specialized projects.

Briefpoint focuses on drafting, responding, and producing discovery. Its document automation helps firms move from raw case files to finished work product quickly, which creates real business value for anyone who wants fewer manual steps and shorter turnaround times.

This approach saves hours (30+ per case) and produces cleaner deliverables.

Overall, each platform typically deliver­s benefits in different parts of the workflow, which gives you a straightforward way to decide which potential partners align with your priorities.

Best Features

Here’s a quick look at the strengths each platform brings to the table. This breakdown gives you a simple way to compare what matters most across the three lawyer tools.

Everlaw Best Features

• Fast search across large data sets: Runs quick queries across your entire database to help teams find what they need without delays.
• Visual review tools: Give reviewers a clear path through documents with timelines, notes, and simple navigation.
• Collaboration features: Let teams comment, tag, and share insights to keep everyone aligned.
• User-friendly layout: Designed to lower the learning curve for legal professionals who want clean, simple workflows.
• High-level metrics: Offers reporting that helps teams compare high-level metrics across matters.

Relativity Best Features

• Deep customization: Supports advanced workflows for teams that want to tailor features to case needs.
• Analytics and predictive coding: Helps prioritize legal documents and spot patterns early in review.
• Robust integrations: Works well with other systems used by large organizations.
• Detailed end-user information: Provides activity tracking and logs that support defensible processes.
• Proprietary evaluation methodology: Backed by industry reviews that measure overall user sentiment and long-term satisfaction.

Briefpoint Best Features

• Autodoc for drafting and production: Turns case files into Bates-cited Word responses and production packages in minutes.
• Objection-aware drafting: Generates clean, consistent discovery documents that reduce manual edits.
• Client response collection: Translates interrogatories into plain English so clients answer faster.
• Full eDiscovery workflow: Covers both propounding and responding, which offers more than strong features alone by removing entire steps.
• Significant impact on workload: Cuts hours of manual drafting, which strengthens the vendor-client relationship and simplifies conflict resolution created during busy cases.
• Plain-language client tools: Make client input faster, more accurate, and easier to manage across busy matters.
• Structured verification controls: Shows exactly where Autodoc searched, so teams keep full control before service.

Who It’s Best For

Everlaw works well for teams that want a simple user interface, fast search, and a review environment that feels easy to pick up.

It’s a good fit for firms that want an eDiscovery platform focused on organization and clarity rather than deep customization. If your priority is review efficiency and quick onboarding, Everlaw usually fits that profile.

On the other hand, Relativity suits teams that handle complex matters, need flexibility, or rely on workflows that involve multiple aspects of data management.

Larger firms and litigation groups often choose it because they want a comprehensive overview of case activity and a granular comparison of product effectiveness across different projects.

Basically, many organizations look at Relativity when software satisfaction depends on customization and structured controls.

Briefpoint is ideal for firms that want fast drafting, consistent responses, and a smoother path from raw documents to finished work product. The service experience created through Autodoc appeals to teams that need reliable turnaround times and fewer manual steps.

Briefpoint works especially well for practices that want legal automation across propounding, responding, and client response collection. 

If your goal is speed, accuracy, and a tool that completes the work most platforms leave to the user, Briefpoint is often the most practical choice.

Learning Curve and Onboarding

Getting a new platform into your workflow should feel manageable, not overwhelming, so it helps to understand how each tool handles those first few days.

Everlaw is usually the easiest starting point for most legal teams. The layout feels familiar, the core actions are clear, and users often move through the basics without formal training.

Relativity asks for more time and planning. The platform gives you a lot of control, which means onboarding becomes a deeper process. Teams usually benefit from guided setup or internal admins who can configure workspaces and permissions.

This style works best for firms that want power and flexibility and don’t mind a longer path before everything feels natural.

Meanwhile, Briefpoint focuses on quick adoption. Uploads, drafting steps, and Autodoc workflows follow a simple sequence, so new users usually build confidence within minutes.

Many teams describe the customer experience as smooth because they can test real cases almost immediately.

A comprehensive assessment of all three tools shows that onboarding influences user feelings in the early stages, and understanding prior team habits helps you choose a platform that aligns with your expectations for continuous improvement and overall software performance.

What Briefpoint Offers That Everlaw and Relativity Don’t

Each platform brings something different to the table, but the real question is which one actually solves the problems your team deals with every week.

Everlaw helps with straightforward review, and Relativity supports complex, highly customized projects, but neither finishes the legal drafting or production work that usually eats up the most time.

If your goal is faster turnaround, fewer manual steps, and clear work product from the start, Briefpoint stands out as the option that reshapes the entire experience.

Briefpoint handles the part of discovery most platforms leave behind: getting from raw documents to ready-to-serve responses.

Autodoc, objection-aware drafting, and client response tools give you immediate wins, and the service experience created across the workflow helps teams move faster with less stress.

So ask yourself: which tool gives you time back, not just more features to manage? For many teams, that makes the answer obvious.

Book a demo to see how Briefpoint can support your practice.