Show Me the Way
The CaseMap software package helps litigators organize cases and get their facts straight.
Reprinted with permission. As printed in the Spring 2000 issue of

BY PHILLIP C. BOHL, ESQ.

Ever feel like you’re juggling too many issues with too many facts, with no clear idea of how to organize them for trial? With CaseSoft's (a division of DecisionQuest) CaseMap software, you can use powerful database tools to manage every bit of information in your case and maybe even replace your legal pad.

CaseMap, now in its second version, is a product of DecisionQuest’s recently acquired CaseSoft division. It is a comprehensive software package that lets litigators bring order to issues and facts. CaseMap also helps the trial team evaluate the merits of each bit of data and share case information and responsibilities.

CaseMap is based on a relational database that permits linking logically related data. This is the real power and beauty of the software. The system is based on four elements essential to any case: facts, objects, issues and questions. In CaseMap, an object is a term used to describe the people, organizations, documents, events, places and physical evidence relevant to the case.

The software lets users explore each element’s relationship to the others, permitting a study of the connections between facts, witnesses, organizations and physical evidence.

Two “sample” matters, dealing with patent infringement and contracts, help the user learn what CaseMap does best. Both samples are very detailed, nicely illustrating the software’s flexibility and power. The samples can be modified so you can hack the whey out of them while learning the system. If you get stuck, there is 90-day free support, although the software is one of the easiest relational database products on the market to use.

CaseMap is designed to be the central repository for all trial materials, helping the user through the discovery process. It even acts as a front end to document imaging systems such as DocuLex, Opticon and Adobe Acrobat.Because it is networkable, an entire trial team can enter data into the system. Rather than creating deposition summaries on a word processor, you can enter the data directly into CaseMap, linking facts, witnesses, dates, and events. Once all the information is in place, you can view the case chronology, create witness lists, tag issues that need to be followed up, and develop trial strategies using “fact evaluation” markers — including “heavily for us,” “for us,” “neutral,” “against us,” “heavily against us” and “unsure.”

Because the system is essentially a database — Microsoft Access is the database engine — there are endless report options, many already created for the user’s convenience. Using the “What’s new” feature, you can create reports showing work on the case completed after a given date — a nifty tool for keeping clients and co-counsel up to date.

CaseMap requires Microsoft Windows 95, 98, ME, 2000 or a Windows NT 4.0 Workstation. The hardware requirements are 100 MHz or greater Pentium processor, 16 MB or more of RAM (32 MB or more recommended), 30 MB or more of available disk space and a Super VGA monitor. Installation is smooth and brief in the CD-ROM format. The instructions are an exemplar to manuals everywhere, from the spiral binding (allowing one to open to any page and lay it flat) to the copious illustrations and straightforward language, this resource is a pleasure to use.

Litigators interested in honing their information management will appreciate this package. While much of the system is straightforward, don’t skip the free telephone training session. A package like this deserves your attention and your time to learn to use it.

Through March 31, 1999, CaseMap is available for $495 a license. A free, fully functional 30-day trial copy is available at the CaseSoft Web site.

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