What is Litigation Management?
What is Litigation Management?
Litigation management gives structure to a process that can easily become chaotic.
As legal matters grow more complex and the pressure to manage timelines, budgets, and outcomes increases, having a clear approach becomes essential. This is where a structured process and often, litigation management software, can make a measurable difference.
Instead of dealing with deadlines, documents, and costs all at the same time, software helps centralize the work. It gives you visibility into what’s happening across cases and lets you respond with more focus and less guesswork.
Whether you’re managing a single dispute or overseeing a large caseload, a consistent system helps you avoid surprises and keep legal work aligned with business priorities.
In the sections ahead, we’ll break down the practical components of litigation management and how they fit into the way you work.

What Is Litigation Management?
Simply put, litigation management is how legal teams organize and control the entire litigation process, from intake to resolution. For corporate legal departments and law firms, it’s a defined system for handling legal disputes, managing risk, and keeping outside counsel accountable.
The goal is simple: make smarter decisions, avoid surprises, and stay aligned with the business.
Effective litigation management typically includes:
- Defining a clear, case-by-case litigation strategy
- Tracking deadlines, filings, and related matters
- Monitoring legal spend and reporting on key metrics
- Coordinating with internal business units
- Managing large volumes of documents and communication
- Using legal tech tools to centralize case data
Without a practical framework in place, litigation tends to get reactive. But when it’s managed well, legal teams can respond faster, control outcomes, and support the company’s bigger goals.
4 Key Elements of Litigation Management
Litigation management works best when it’s built on structure, visibility, and consistency. Whether you’re handling one high-stakes case or dozens of routine matters, the same building blocks apply.
These are the core elements that can help your team stay in control and respond with confidence:
1. Strategy and Early Assessment
Before diving into the details of a case, take a step back and look at the big picture. What’s the real risk here? What outcome are you aiming for? Is this something worth settling early, or fighting all the way through?
Your overarching goal at this stage is to make informed decisions that shape everything that follows, and a strong early assessment sets the tone. It keeps you aligned with your internal stakeholders, avoids wasted time, and gives you a clear path forward.
As you assess the case, consider:
- How strong the facts and claims actually are
- Which business units need to be looped in early
- How much time and budget the matter might demand
- What a win (or loss) means for the company
A comprehensive approach up front saves time later. It helps you stay focused, communicate clearly, and build a litigation strategy that works for the case and for the business.
2. Budgeting and Outside Counsel Management
Tracking invoices alone doesn’t give you the full picture. You need to know how your resources are being used and whether the outcomes justify the spend.
Setting billing guidelines, defining project phases, and agreeing on scope early all help keep legal fees under control and aligned with your goals.
Regular check-ins with outside counsel are essential. They keep work focused and give you insight into what’s progressing and where adjustments may be needed. When you head into settlement negotiations, having that level of visibility puts you in a stronger position.
Tying budget to results helps you make smarter calls. It also creates accountability and gives you more leverage to reduce costs without sacrificing quality or strategy.
3. Document Automation and Workflow Tools
When you’re managing large volumes of filings, responses, and discovery documents, doing everything manually slows you down and increases risk.
In contrast, automation lets you move faster without losing accuracy. It doesn’t replace your unique skill as an attorney. Rather, it gives you more time to apply it where it matters.
Document automation tools help you:
- Draft discovery responses and requests quickly
- Maintain formatting and language consistency across matters
- Track due dates and document versions
- Stay organized when collaborating with internal teams and outside counsel
This kind of legal technology is especially useful during high-volume phases like discovery or just before trial, when time is tight and errors are costly.
Tools like Briefpoint make it easier to generate polished, objection-ready documents in minutes, which ultimately frees you up to focus on strategy.
For attorneys aiming to scale their impact and improve day-to-day workflows, legal automation offers more than speed. It creates room for deeper focus, fewer errors, and long-term success without the constant drain of repetitive work.
4. Reporting and Metrics
Improvement starts with visibility. When you track key metrics, like average case duration, spend by matter type, or case outcomes, you get real insight into how your litigation efforts are performing.
That understanding gives you the ability to make smarter strategic decisions, justify your legal bill, and show how your team adds value.
Good reporting also supports transparency across departments and builds credibility with leadership and clients. It turns legal data into something actionable, not just numbers on a spreadsheet.
For example, after a major post-trial outcome, reviewing timelines, costs, and firm performance can help you understand what went well and what needs to change. This feedback loop helps improve future services and reduce risk across the board.
Win Back Time and Control During the Litigation Process With Briefpoint
You already have enough to manage, discovery shouldn’t slow you down. Drafting objections, keeping formatting consistent, and managing deadlines take up hours you could be spending on higher-value work.
Briefpoint takes care of the repetitive parts. It automates discovery drafts so you can move faster without sacrificing accuracy. Upload your document, choose your objections, and download a clean, court-ready file in minutes.
If your team is managing a growing caseload and limited resources, this gives you room to focus where it counts.
Book a Briefpoint demo and see how much smoother your discovery process can run.
FAQs About What is Litigation Management
What is the meaning of litigation management?
Litigation management refers to the way legal teams plan, track, and control the entire litigation process. It helps ensure that legal disputes are handled efficiently, with a clear strategy, cost control, and coordination across internal and external teams.
What is a litigation management system?
A litigation management system is a tool or platform that helps organize and streamline litigation work. It may include features for tracking deadlines, managing documents, monitoring legal spend, and generating reports. Many corporate legal departments use these systems to stay on top of active cases and improve decision-making.
What does it mean if your case goes to litigation?
If your case goes to litigation, it means a legal dispute is moving into the court process. This involves formal procedures like filing claims, responding to complaints, exchanging information, and possibly going to trial. It’s the opposite of resolving the issue through informal settlement or negotiation.
Is litigation the same as a lawyer?
No, litigation is a legal process, while a lawyer is a professional who represents you in that process. Litigation can involve multiple lawyers, but not all lawyers handle litigation. Some focus on advisory work, contracts, or regulatory matters outside of court.
How can effective litigation management help reduce costs and legal spend?
Effective litigation management gives you more control over how time and money are spent during the litigation process. By setting clear strategies early, tracking performance, and using tools like document automation, you can reduce unnecessary work and avoid surprise expenses. This approach helps limit legal spend, avoid delays, and ultimately reduce costs without compromising outcomes.
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.
This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser. Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website authors, contributors, contributing law firms, or committee members and their respective employers.
Breaking Down the Litigation Process
Breaking Down the Litigation Process
Litigation follows a structured series of phases, each one with its own demands, deadlines, and decisions. From early case assessment to post-trial motions, staying organized is what helps you maintain consistency, avoid delays, and respond effectively as the case develops.
Many legal teams rely on litigation management software to support that structure. It helps track filings, manage documents, and coordinate tasks across phases without losing momentum.
But we still need to go back to the core: understanding the process from the inside out. Knowing how each phase works is what gives you the clarity to make the right calls, keep your team aligned, and manage litigation with more control.

Different Phases of the Litigation Process
If you’re managing an active litigation workflow, you already know how important timing and structure are. Each phase in the process brings its own requirements, from filing and discovery to trial and post-judgment steps.
Knowing what to expect and when can help you stay organized, meet deadlines, and keep your team aligned throughout the case.
1. Pre-Litigation and Case Assessment
Before a lawsuit is filed, there’s often a phase of evaluation and strategy. This stage is essential in civil litigation, especially when dealing with complex matters involving two or more parties, such as partnership disputes, contract breaches, or other forms of business conflict.
During pre-litigation, you’re:
- Gathering facts
- Reviewing litigation documents
- Assessing potential claims or defenses
It also involves determining the likelihood of resolving disputes without court involvement. This may involve internal investigations, settlement discussions, or demand letters aimed at reaching an early resolution.
Clear case assessment at this point helps reduce surprises later. You can identify risks, estimate costs, and determine whether litigation is the right path or if alternative solutions make more sense.
For companies involved in frequent legal disputes, this phase also helps prioritize which matters require immediate legal action versus those that can be managed informally.
2. Filing the Complaint
If informal efforts fail to resolve the dispute, the litigation process begins with the filing of the complaint. This is the formal start of a civil case. The plaintiff files a complaint with the appropriate court, outlining:
- The legal and factual basis for the claim
- The parties involved
- The relief sought
In business litigation, this step is often detailed and technical. You’re not just explaining what happened; you’re setting the tone for how the court will handle the dispute. The court system uses this document to initiate the case and assign deadlines for the defendant’s response.
Filing also triggers procedural steps. The complaint must be served on the opposing party, starting the clock for them to answer or file pre-trial motions such as a motion to dismiss. These motions can delay or narrow the case early on, depending on the strength of the claims.
This step requires careful attention to detail. If you’re involved in a civil case, either as the party filing or responding, accuracy and clarity in the complaint can shape the rest of the matter. It’s the first formal chance to tell the court your side and push the litigation forward.
3. Response and Preliminary Motions
After the complaint is filed and served, the defendant must respond, typically within 20 to 30 days, depending on the court’s rules. This response can take several forms: an answer that admits or denies each allegation, or a preliminary motion challenging the complaint itself.
One common preliminary motion is a motion to dismiss. For example, in a business litigation case, a company might argue that the plaintiff failed to state a legal claim or that the court lacks jurisdiction. If the motion succeeds, parts of the case (or the entire case) may be dismissed before discovery begins.
Filing a strong answer or motion requires analyzing the claims, identifying weaknesses, and deciding whether to contest facts, legal grounds, or both. Strategic use of preliminary motions can limit the scope of litigation early, which can save time and resources.
Even if the motion doesn’t result in dismissal, it sets up important arguments for later phases of the case.
4. Discovery
This is where things get detailed. Discovery is the part of the litigation process where both sides exchange information, legal documents, and evidence related to the case.
If you’re involved in a civil procedure, this stage helps you understand what the other party knows and gives you a chance to build your argument before trial.
The discovery period can last a few weeks or stretch over several months, depending on the complexity of the case. And while it may feel slow at times, this is where the groundwork for your outcome is set.
You’ll likely encounter tools like:
- Interrogatories: Written questions that require sworn answers.
- Requests for production: Document and data requests from the other side.
- Requests for admission: Statements to confirm or dispute.
- Depositions: Sworn testimony recorded before trial.
- Expert witness disclosures: Summaries of expert opinions and qualifications.
A strong discovery strategy helps avoid surprises and clarifies what you’re up against. The more organized and proactive you are here, the more control you’ll have later in the trial process.
5. Pre-Trial
The pre-trial phase sets the stage for what happens in the courtroom. It’s where both sides prepare their arguments, exchange final disclosures, and attempt to narrow the issues before the case moves forward in the legal system.
This period can include:
- Settlement discussions
- Pre-trial motions
- Evidentiary hearings
- Scheduling conferences
In a civil action, this stage often determines how much time a case will take in court, or whether it will even reach trial at all. Many disputes are resolved during this phase through negotiated agreements or rulings that eliminate the need for a full trial.
For example, in a federal court case involving a partnership dispute, the parties might file motions to exclude certain evidence or request summary judgment if they believe the facts are undisputed. If the judge agrees, it could prevent the case from advancing further in the public court system.
Pre-trial activity is a highly formal process governed by strict procedural rules. It also gives both parties a last opportunity to resolve the matter earlier to reduce litigation costs and avoid public exposure in the courtroom.
If resolution isn’t reached, everything that happens here shapes how legal rights will be argued and ultimately decided, before a judge or jury in a higher court.
6. Trial
If no resolution is reached during earlier stages, the case moves to trial. Trial is the most public and structured part of the litigation process. Trials follow strict federal rules or state procedures and can take anywhere from a few days to multiple years.
The trial stage is where the legal system formally hears and resolves disputes. One party presents evidence to support their claims, and the other defends against them.
In civil litigation, the burden of proof is lower than in criminal cases, and the outcome can be decided by a judge or jury.
Key aspects of the trial include:
- Opening statements from both sides
- Presentation of evidence and examination of witnesses
- Cross-examination by the opposing party
- Closing arguments summarizing each side’s position
- A final decision, either a judge’s ruling or a jury verdict
Although the trial is central to the process of resolving disputes, many civil cases never reach this point. Parties often settle or use alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation or arbitration to avoid the time, cost, and uncertainty of trial.
But when a case proceeds, trial is where each side has a formal chance to argue its case and seek a binding decision.
7. Post-Trial and Appeals
After the trial concludes, the process doesn’t always end there. Post-trial actions and appeals are common, especially in civil litigation involving complex or high-stakes issues.
If one party believes the outcome was flawed due to legal error, jury misconduct, or another issue, they may appeal to a higher court.
Appeals focus on legal issues, not new evidence. The appellate court reviews the trial record and determines whether the law was applied correctly. This part of the litigation process can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the court and the complexity of the case.
Post-trial steps often include:
- Filing motions to alter or set aside the judgment
- Requesting a new trial based on procedural errors
- Preparing an appeal for a higher court to review the case
- Enforcing or collecting the judgment if no appeal is made
For example, a business owner involved in a partnership dispute may appeal a jury verdict if they believe key evidence was wrongly excluded. Even if both parties waive their right to appeal, lawyers often assist with final compliance steps to ensure judgments are enforced.
Like the trial itself, the post-trial phase can be a lengthy process, but it’s essential for protecting legal rights and ensuring fair outcomes.
Simplify the Litigation Process With Briefpoint
You already know the litigation process isn’t light work. From initial case assessments to post-trial motions, it’s a constant stream of documents, deadlines, and decisions. Even if you’ve done it a hundred times, it can still eat up more hours than it should, especially during discovery.
Briefpoint helps you get some of that time back.
Instead of building discovery responses from scratch or toggling between formatting rules, you upload your documents, choose objections, and download clean, court-ready drafts. Just a faster way to move through one of the most time-consuming phases of litigation.
If you’re handling high volumes of cases or want more time to focus on legal strategy, Briefpoint can give you space to do that. It’s designed to support the way you already work, just with fewer delays.
Book a demo and see how much smoother your litigation workflow can run!
FAQs About the Litigation Process
What is the litigation procedure?
The litigation procedure refers to the formal process used to handle disputes through the court system. It includes several phases: pre-litigation assessment, filing the complaint, response and motions, discovery, pre-trial, trial, and post-trial or appeal. Each stage follows a set of civil procedure rules.
Is it better to settle or litigate?
It depends on the case. Settlement often reduces court costs and resolves matters in a short period. However, some disputes require litigation, especially if there’s a need to establish precedent, protect legal rights, or when parties can’t agree on terms.
What are the 5 steps to initiate a lawsuit?
The basic steps include:
- Pre-litigation assessment
- Filing the complaint
- Serving the defendant
- Defendant’s response
- Preliminary motions
What is the correct order of the phases of litigation?
The typical order is:
- Pre-litigation and case assessment
- Filing the complaint
- Response and motions
- Discovery
- Pre-trial
- Trial (where a jury decides, if applicable)
- Post-trial and appeals, where outcomes are often decision-based.
How does alternative dispute resolution differ from the court system?
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) refers to methods like mediation and arbitration that resolve legal disputes outside of the traditional court system. ADR is often faster, less formal, and more cost-effective than litigation. Unlike a courtroom trial, where a judge or jury decides the outcome, ADR processes are typically more collaborative and confidential. Many civil disputes, including business and partnership conflicts, are successfully resolved through ADR before reaching trial.
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.
This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser. Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website authors, contributors, contributing law firms, or committee members and their respective employers.
5 Types of Litigation Management Software Firms Use Daily
5 Types of Litigation Management Software Firms Use Daily
Handling legal cases is more than just showing up in court. It’s a nonstop cycle of deadlines, paperwork, and research. Every motion, filing, and client update demands attention. That’s why it can be so easy to get lost in the details.
Litigation software helps law firms cut through the chaos. With tools designed to organize case files, automate administrative tasks, and speed up research, legal teams can work more efficiently and stay ahead of critical deadlines.
From case management to document automation, the right software can transform the way you handle litigation. Let’s explore the must-have tools that can make legal work faster, more accurate, and less overwhelming.

What is Litigation Software?
Litigation software is a suite of digital tools that helps law firms and legal departments manage cases more effectively. It’s built to handle the complexities of litigation without relying on disjointed tools or manual processes.
There is plenty of legal tech for litigation out there. Some focus on document management, others on case tracking, e-discovery, or trial preparation. But the goal is the same: to keep you organized, save time, and give you the structure to stay aligned across the life cycle of litigation.
Depending on what you’re using, litigation software can help you:
- Store and search case documents in one central location
- Track deadlines, court dates, and filing requirements
- Draft discovery responses and motions faster with templates
- Assign tasks across your team and monitor progress
- Generate reports and metrics to guide decision-making
- Communicate with clients and co-counsel without losing context
If you’re managing active cases or prepping for trial, having the right system in place keeps your work focused and your team aligned.
5 Types of Litigation Software You Need
There are various types of litigation software, each serving a specific need in the legal process. So, let’s break them down one by one to give you a better idea of what’s out there.
1. Litigation Management Software
Litigation management software keeps everything connected, so you don’t lose track of key litigation events. Instead of relying on multiple tools for task management, calendar reminders, and document storage, you get a centralized platform that supports the entire life cycle of a case.
Deadlines, court appearances, filings, team notes; it’s all in one place. With a clear view of what’s coming and what’s done, you can manage caseloads more effectively and spend less time chasing updates.
Key Features:
- Case tracking: Organizes case details, including parties involved, court documents, and status updates, so you can quickly access critical information.
- Calendar reminders for court dates: Sends automated notifications for hearings, filing deadlines, and other important litigation events to prevent missed deadlines.
- Document organization by case: Stores pleadings, motions, and other legal documents in a structured format, which helps make retrieval fast and hassle-free.
- Time tracking and billing: Logs billable hours linked to specific cases for accurate invoicing and time management.
2. Document Management Software
Every lawyer knows that paperwork is a constant. Organizing discovery documents, filing them accurately, and retrieving the right version when you need it takes time, and the risk of missing key case information is real.
That’s where document management software steps in. It stores your files securely in one place and gives you the tools to search, retrieve, and collaborate without the hassle.
You get improved efficiency across the board, especially when managing high volumes of legal documents tied to complex litigation.
Key Features:
- Secure file storage: Keeps confidential legal documents protected with encryption and access controls, which means only authorized users can view or edit files.
- Searchable document libraries: Allows quick retrieval of case files, contracts, and pleadings using keywords, metadata, or filters, so you don’t waste time digging through folders.
- Version control: Tracks changes to documents, maintaining a history of edits and preventing accidental loss of important updates.
- Sharing and collaboration tools: Allows team members to review, comment, and edit documents in real time.
3. Discovery Document Automation Software
Drafting discovery documents can be a tedious and time-consuming task, but discovery document automation software simplifies the process.
It helps generate standardized discovery requests, responses, and other court documents to save valuable time and reduce errors in these critical documents.
Key Features:
- Automated drafting of discovery documents: Uses pre-set templates and AI-driven tools to quickly generate requests for production, interrogatories, and requests for admission.
- Templates for discovery requests and responses: Provides customizable templates that align with court requirements, reducing the need to draft documents from scratch.
- Legal form generation: Automatically fills out commonly used legal forms, ensuring accuracy and compliance with jurisdictional standards.
- Customization options for specific case needs: Allows legal professionals to modify templates and add case-specific details. This helps make sure documents meet the unique demands of each case.
A great example is Briefpoint, an AI-driven tool designed to accelerate the drafting of discovery documents like requests for production, interrogatories, and requests for admission.
When you upload a document, Briefpoint’s artificial intelligence quickly analyzes it and fills in most of the routine details for you, all while adhering to court rules for documents. You can then add responses or objections from its pre-built options and finalize everything in Word.
Briefpoint’s Bridge feature also simplifies client communication by turning legal jargon into plain language, letting clients respond directly.
Plus, their answers are automatically added to your document to save you from the usual back-and-forth emails.
Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.
4. Legal Research Software
Legal research is a critical part of case preparation, but digging through court rulings, statutes, and regulations by hand takes time you may not have. Building strong claims and challenging opposing evidence means having the right information at your fingertips.
Legal research software uses technology to speed up the process. It helps you locate relevant case law, analyze how similar claims have been handled, and stay on top of changes in legal standards.
With tools that surface key rulings and interpretations quickly, you can spend more time strengthening your arguments and less time searching for them.
Key Features:
- Searchable databases of case law: Provides access to a vast collection of court opinions, legal briefs, and rulings, allowing for quick retrieval of relevant precedents.
- Verdict search for past rulings: Helps analyze similar cases and outcomes to give insights into how courts have ruled on comparable legal issues.
- Statute and regulation libraries: Offers a centralized source for federal, state, and local laws, which makes it easy to find applicable legal statutes.
- Real-time updates on changes in the law: Keeps you informed of newly passed legislation, amendments, and judicial decisions that could impact your cases.
5. Legal Practice Management Software
While litigation management software focuses on tracking cases and court schedules, legal practice management software goes beyond that by handling billing, client communication, and overall law firm operations.
It’s an all-in-one solution designed to keep everything running smoothly, from case intake to invoicing.
For firms handling civil litigation practice, managing deadlines is only part of the equation. Tracking client interactions, billing hours accurately, and organizing case files efficiently all require the right litigation management software.
A good litigation case management software makes sure that every aspect of the legal process (both administrative and case-related) is handled in a centralized system.
Key features:
- Client management tools: Keeps detailed records of client interactions, case details, and communication history to streamline follow-ups and case progress tracking.
- Billing and invoicing: Automates time tracking, generates invoices, and ensures accurate billing for both hourly and fixed-fee clients.
- Time tracking: Logs billable hours by case, client, or task to help attorneys accurately account for their work and maximize revenue.
- Document and case management integration: Syncs case files, legal documents, and court filings with case records, so all information is easily accessible in one place.
Simplify Your Legal Workflow with Litigation Software
Litigation moves fast, and paperwork doesn’t slow down. From filings and deadlines to discovery requests, there’s a constant stream of documents to manage. Whether it’s civil litigation or regulatory work, staying organized is non-negotiable.
Litigation software helps by automating repetitive work, minimizing administrative load, and keeping critical dates on track.
Discovery, in particular, can drain time, especially when drafting requests and responses from scratch. Briefpoint handles that for you. It creates clean, court-compliant discovery documents automatically, cutting hours down to minutes.
Want to see how much time you can get back?
Try Briefpoint for yourself! Schedule a demo today and find out how it can speed up your discovery process, cut costs, and free up more time for case strategy!
FAQs About Litigation Management Software
What is the best legal management software?
The best legal management software depends on your firm’s needs. Some platforms focus on case tracking and document management, while others offer billing, client communication, and workflow automation. Top legal software options include civil litigation software, practice management tools, and discovery automation platforms like Briefpoint for streamlining document drafting.
How much does legal case management software cost?
Pricing varies based on features, user count, and whether the software is cloud-based or on-premise. Entry-level plans can start at around $30 per user per month, while more advanced solutions with automation, integrations, and secure document storage can cost several hundred dollars per month. Many providers offer tiered pricing or custom quotes for larger firms.
What is legal spend management software?
Legal spend management software helps law firms and corporate legal departments track expenses, manage budgets, and analyze billing data. It provides insights into legal costs, ensures compliance with billing guidelines, and improves financial oversight by identifying inefficiencies in legal spending.
What does litigation support software do?
Litigation support software assists with case preparation by organizing documents, managing discovery, and facilitating legal research. It streamlines tasks like e-discovery, trial presentation, and document review, helping legal teams work more efficiently and focus on case strategy.
How can litigation software lead to cost savings?
Litigation software reduces the time spent on routine tasks like document drafting, deadline tracking, and communication. By automating these steps, legal teams can shift their focus to billable work and high-priority matters. It also cuts down on the need for outside counsel in areas where internal teams can handle tasks more efficiently, contributing to measurable cost savings.
Can legal management software improve the intake process?
Yes, many legal management platforms include tools to streamline the intake process by capturing key information from the start. This ensures client information is organized, complete, and easy to access across the team. With better intake, your company can deliver services more effectively and gain valuable insights into case trends, resource needs, and process gaps.
The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.
This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser. Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website authors, contributors, contributing law firms, or committee members and their respective employers.
Top Features of Litigation Document Management Software
Top Features of Litigation Document Management Software
When your day is packed with deadlines, meetings, and case updates, the last thing you want is to waste time hunting for the right file. Managing legal documents shouldn’t slow you down—it should support your workflow and keep everything on track.
That’s why having a reliable system matters. Litigation document management software helps legal professionals organize files by case, manage version control, share documents securely, and keep everything accessible in one place.
This guide breaks down what these tools do, how they support everyday legal work, and which features are worth paying attention to.
Whether you’re with a large firm or managing cases on your own, having a better way to handle documents can save time, prevent mistakes, and keep your practice running more smoothly.

What Are Litigation Document Management Tools?
Litigation document management tools are software platforms built to help legal professionals organize, store, search, and share documents tied to lawsuits and other legal work.
Unlike general file storage apps, these tools are made for law firms, so they handle things like case-based organization, secure access, and version control right out of the box. They make it easy to keep discovery files, motions, transcripts, and exhibits all sorted by matter.
Most tools also include search filters, tagging, and audit trails, which help you find what you need quickly and stay compliant. Some even come with AI features for drafting and tools for collaboration. Essentially, they’re designed to support how litigation teams actually work, but without adding more steps.
What Can Litigation Document Management Tools Do?
Litigation document management tools aren’t just digital filing cabinets; they’re built to handle the back-and-forth of real legal work. From sorting thousands of documents to helping your team stay in sync, these tools cover more than basic storage.
Take a look at what they can actually do for your practice.
1. Organizing Case Files Across Multiple Matters
Managing documents for several cases at once takes more than a set of folders and file names. Without a clear system, it’s easy to mix things up or waste time searching for the right draft.
Legal document management software like NetDocuments helps keep everything in order. It’s a document management system built specifically for legal teams, with tools that let you organize files by matter, tag them by document type, and search by keywords or metadata.
It also adds structure to your legal document workflows. Each case stays separate, access can be limited by user or role, and audit trails track who viewed or changed a document. That’s especially useful when dealing with sensitive documents or working across teams.
Since NetDocuments is cloud-based, you’re not tied to your office computer. You can log in from anywhere with full access to your case files.
For teams managing multiple matters, it creates a single, reliable source of truth. That means no more back-and-forth trying to confirm which version is current or where something was last saved.
2. Drafting Legal Documents With AI
Drafting discovery requests and responses is tedious, repetitive, and time-consuming. Most of it follows a predictable format, but it still eats up valuable hours. That’s where Briefpoint, a legal document management software designed for litigators, makes a difference.
Briefpoint automates the drafting of Requests for Production, Requests for Admission, and Interrogatories—both for propounding and responding. It works across all U.S. states and federal districts, applying local formatting rules automatically.
Here’s how the process works:
- Propound: Upload a .pdf of your Complaint or Petition
- Respond: Upload opposing counsel’s requests/interrogatories
- Customize: Select objections, add responses
- Download: Get a Microsoft Word doc ready to review, sign, and serve
The AI extracts case details like court name, parties, request type, and more. From there, you can easily select objections, add responses, and download a clean draft, ready to finalize and send out.
Briefpoint doesn’t just save time; it helps teams stay consistent across cases and attorneys. You also don’t have to worry about security, as none of your data is used to train AI, and everything is encrypted.
If you’re still drafting discovery by hand, Briefpoint may be the smart shift you’ve been waiting for. Book a demo today.
3. Real-Time Collaboration on Case Documents
In the legal industry, collaboration isn’t optional—it’s constant. Partners, associates, paralegals, and clients often need to weigh in on the same documents.
Without a solid system in place, you’re stuck emailing drafts back and forth, losing track of who made what change, and crossing your fingers that the version you’re editing is the latest one.
A legal document management system built for collaboration can fix all of that. These systems let multiple people review, comment on, and update documents at the same time. Changes are tracked automatically, and version histories keep everything transparent.
In other words, you know exactly who did what and when.
Let’s say you’re finalizing a motion. One attorney updates the language, another reviews citations, and a third adds exhibits. With traditional tools, that’s three separate versions to manage. With the right system, it’s one file—everyone works in it together, and you stay in sync.
Real-time collaboration has become a basic expectation in legal document management solutions. When paired with your law practice management software, it cuts down on errors and keeps the whole team moving in the same direction.
4. Automating Document Version Control
Version mix-ups can derail even the most organized legal teams. When multiple people touch the same file, it’s easy to lose track of edits, or worse, send out the wrong draft. That’s why version control is one of the most valuable features in today’s document automation tools.
With the right system in place, every change is tracked. You can review previous versions, compare edits side-by-side, and restore older drafts if needed. This saves time, prevents mistakes, and avoids that awkward moment when someone realizes the wrong motion got filed.
Tools like NetDocuments and Worldox offer version control built into their platforms. But the real benefit is how these systems fit into your workflow. Only authorized personnel can make changes, while others can access documents in view-only mode. That keeps the process clean and prevents accidental edits.
Say you’re drafting a settlement agreement with multiple reviewers. Instead of juggling five versions with tracked changes in email, you’ve got one clean document, and every update is recorded automatically.
5. Secure Sharing With Co-Counsel or Experts
Legal teams often need to bring in outside help, such as co-counsel, expert witnesses, and consultants. Sharing files shouldn’t mean giving up control. With cloud-based legal document management software, you can grant access to the right people while keeping everything else locked down.
Rather than emailing attachments or uploading files to general cloud drives, legal-focused platforms offer features that protect your work and client data. You can choose exactly which files to share, decide who gets access, and track activity without extra steps.
Here’s what secure file sharing typically includes:
- Share specific documents only—no full-folder access
- Set view-only, no-download, or time-limited access
- Track views, downloads, and changes
- Remove access instantly if needed
- All files are encrypted and protected at rest and in transit
These tools function as both knowledge management software and seamless document sharing systems. For example, if an expert needs a batch of deposition exhibits, you can send just what they need with read-only access and get alerts when they open the files.
6. Ensuring Compliance With Court Orders and Retention Policies
Legal work also involves keeping a close eye on deadlines, document retention rules, and privacy obligations. Courts often require firms to retain or delete files on specific timelines.
Failing to do that can lead to unnecessary risks, especially when client confidentiality and regulatory compliance are involved.
Basic file storage platforms don’t cut it here. They might hold your files, but they rarely provide the tools to manage timelines, flag records for deletion, or track compliance actions. A proper system does more than store; it monitors, logs, and reminds.
With a good legal document management setup in place, your firm can track how long each file should be kept, restrict access based on staff roles, and automatically apply retention policies across the system. This helps prevent accidental deletions or holding on to sensitive files longer than allowed.
Data security is baked into the process. Files are encrypted, access is limited, and audit trails are recorded. When someone questions how your law firm’s documents were handled, you’ve got the logs to show it.
7. Tracking Review Progress and Reviewer Activity
When you’re dealing with hundreds (or thousands) of files, staying organized plays a big role in keeping the case on track. But without the right system, human error creeps in, and important documents can get overlooked.
Modern document management software makes it easier to keep everything moving. You can assign documents, track who’s working on them, and spot bottlenecks before they become real problems.
For example, here’s what these tools help you manage:
- Assign documents to specific reviewers
- Track progress by user, tag, or status
- Get real-time updates on what’s completed
- Avoid duplicate work with activity logs
They also help automate routine tasks like routing documents and sending reminders. Instead of chasing updates, you can focus on what matters, like strategy, deadlines, and communication.
What do you get? A smoother process, fewer delays, and stronger client service. When everyone knows what they’re responsible for and when it’s due, your team works better and delivers more consistent results. For litigation teams with a lot of moving parts, that kind of visibility makes all the difference.
8. Quick Retrieval of Critical Docs During Depositions or Hearings
During a deposition or court hearing, every second counts. You can’t afford to pause the conversation while you scroll through folders or search your inbox for the right file. You need to be able to find the document fast and know that it’s the correct version.
A strong legal document management software makes that possible. These systems let you categorize documents by matter, document type, or keyword so they’re easy to find when the pressure’s on.
You can search using case numbers, file names, or even tags your team created. That cuts down on administrative tasks and helps you focus on the moment in front of you.
Imagine you’re in a deposition and opposing counsel refers to a set of interrogatories from six months ago. With a proper legal DMS solution, you can pull up that document in seconds and respond with confidence. There’s no fumbling with printed binders or digging through old emails.
Beyond speed, these systems also support enhancing security. Every file is protected, access is controlled, and all activity is recorded. You get fast access to what you need without compromising privacy or compliance.
9. Linking Documents to Case Chronologies and Facts
Keeping your case facts and documents in sync can be a challenge, especially when you’re working across multiple teams, timelines, and legal issues.
A well-structured legal document management system makes it easier to connect the dots between key events and supporting materials. This is where integration between case management software and your document system becomes incredibly helpful.
Rather than juggling spreadsheets and folders, you can build a case timeline and link every relevant document—transcripts, emails, filings—directly to each event. You’re not just storing all your files in one place; you’re creating context around them so your team sees the full picture.
This setup can improve your workflow in many ways:
- View and edit documents while reviewing facts or timelines
- Access multiple records or document collections side-by-side
- Update case notes and supporting documents simultaneously
- Stay organized across multiple users and deadlines
Tools like CaseFleet and FactBox offer features like this, but any system that supports timeline integration adds real value. You’re not forced to switch between platforms to see the evidence that backs your narrative.
A leading provider will let you connect everything with minimal setup, which can help your team stay aligned from intake through resolution.
Must-Have Features of a Litigation Document Management System
A reliable litigation document management system should do more than hold files—it should support how your firm works, communicates, and protects sensitive information.
When evaluating options, focus on features that actually improve how your team handles client files, deadlines, and document access. The best document management system is one that keeps everything in one place and works with the tools you already use.
Based on our clients’ experiences, here are the features that matter most:
- Robust security: Keeps data protected with encryption, user authentication, and access controls. Prevents unauthorized access to sensitive case material.
- Secure client portal: Lets clients safely upload and view documents without relying on email. Reduces risk and keeps communication simple.
- Centralized storage: Stores all files—pleadings, exhibits, motions—in one place. Avoids scattered folders and makes sure everyone is working with the latest version.
- Seamless integration: Connects with your calendar, email, billing, and case management software so everything stays in sync.
- Smart search and tagging: Helps you find documents fast using filters, keywords, or matter-specific tags. No more endless scrolling through folders.
- Role-based access: Controls who can view or edit certain files, keeping internal and external collaboration secure and clear.
- Audit trails: Tracks file access, edits, and downloads for accountability and compliance. Gives you a complete history of document activity.
Make Litigation Painless With Briefpoint
Litigation is already demanding. Your document process shouldn’t make it harder.
Briefpoint helps you save time by automating discovery drafting, organizing files, and keeping everything consistent and secure. It’s built for real legal teams who need to move fast without losing control.
No complicated setup. No extra steps. Just faster drafting, better organization, and fewer headaches.
Book a demo today to see how Briefpoint can simplify your workflow and get you back to focusing on your case.
FAQs About Litigation Document Management Software
What is the best document management software?
The best document management software depends on your firm’s size, needs, and workflow. Look for tools that offer powerful search capabilities, secure access controls, version tracking, and integration with other legal tools. NetDocuments, iManage, and Briefpoint are commonly used in litigation practices.
What is a legal document management system?
A legal document management system is software built specifically for law firms to store, organize, and manage case-related files. It supports document reviews, tracks document changes, and helps teams stay compliant with court rules and privacy requirements. Unlike basic storage platforms, legal DMS tools offer features designed for law practice.
What software do most law firms use?
Many firms use a mix of tools depending on their practice areas. Popular systems include NetDocuments, Clio, Worldox, and Briefpoint. These platforms often integrate with billing, calendaring, and case management tools to support the full legal workflow.
Does Office 365 have a document management system?
Office 365 includes basic file storage through OneDrive and SharePoint, which can be configured for document sharing. However, it’s not designed specifically for legal work. Law firms often pair Office 365 with a dedicated legal DMS to meet security, compliance, and enhance productivity standards.
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