Friday, April 19, 2013

Are Legal Document Reviews Taking Up Too Much of Time ?


There is a lot that happens inside a law firm. You have cases to battle, clients to answer and the mousy intern to train. The demands of the job force lawyers to look for litigation support outside the office. It is a trend that has many takes as detractors.
Security of client data and the legal knowledge of the document review team are the major concerns while outsourcing legal document review tasks.
Oops where did my dollars go?
It is a known fact that legal document reviews take up a lot of time. They can occupy your staff for hours on end. As countless frustrated lawyers would attest, it is a job that can be a time drainer. And prove to be pretty expensive in the long run.
The whole document review rigmarole...
Well it is one long and often nerve wracking process. There are five key steps that need to be followed. And it is important that the person following them understands the legal game. Has infinite patience and doesn't drop a bombshell in the law practice's budget.
Privilege review.
Responsiveness review.
Review of subject matter.
Deposition summary review.
Additional support for complex documents.

The documents are verified whether they are subject to the attorney/client privilege. Whether, the documents pertain to a certain discovery request and specific issue. The documents are summarized and additional e-discovery support is needed for complicated document projects. All this and a lot more is needed for a thorough document review process.
How outsourcing can take the sting out of reviewing tasks!
Entrusting sensitive documents to a sweet talking semi-professional can land your practice in hot water. Hiring additional staff to take care of it means setting aside thousands of dollars every year for reviewing documents. And that is why an increasing number of law firms turn to legal transcription companies to handle document review tasks. Working with professionals who charge a lot less than in-house staff is certainly a good deal. But it isn't all gravy. Like in all other fields cheap labor could mean unprofessional work.
What you need to keep in mind while making a choice
Ask for the list of clients the company's worked with.
Speak to a few clients and enquire about the kind of work handled by the firm and accuracy levels. 
Make sure every assignment you send out is accompanied by a small list of specifications you need.

With a little luck and effort you can finally bid a relieved goodbye to time consuming and back breaking, legal documentation reviewing services tasks.

2 comments:

  1. Wonderful blog & good post.Its really helpful for me, awaiting for more new post. Keep Blogging!



    Litigation Coding

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  2. Great thoughts you got there, believe I may possibly try just some of it throughout my daily life.


    Litigation Coding

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