Ask Techie: How Can AI-driven Predictive Analytics Improve Case Outcomes?

Welcome to the latest installment of our monthly Q&A column, where a panel of experts answers your questions about using technology in your law practice.

This month’s tech Q&A column answers your questions about how artificial intelligence–driven predictive analytics can improve case outcomes and how to choose between law practice management apps.

Q: How Can AI-driven Predictive Analytics Improve Case Outcomes?

A: Artificial intelligence–driven predictive analytics can enhance case outcomes by analyzing vast amounts of data to identify patterns and predict future trends. These tools can help you assess the likelihood of success in litigation, enabling you to make informed recommendations about whether to settle or proceed to trial. Here’s a deeper dive with examples:

1. Case outcome prediction. Tools such as Westlaw Edge and Lex Machina analyze historical case data to predict outcomes based on factors such as judge behavior, case type, and jurisdiction. For instance, if a lawyer is handling a patent infringement case, these tools can provide insights into how similar cases have been decided by the same judge, the average duration of such cases, and the success rates of different legal strategies. This information helps lawyers tailor their approach to increase the chances of a favorable outcome.
2. Risk assessment. Predictive analytics can identify potential risks and opportunities in a case. For example, an AI tool might analyze opposing counsels’ past cases and identify patterns in their litigation strategy. This allows the lawyer to anticipate and counteract these strategies effectively. Additionally, the tool can highlight weaknesses in the lawyer’s own case, enabling proactive measures to address them before they become critical issues.
3. Client counseling. By providing data-driven insights, predictive analytics can enhance client counseling. For instance, a lawyer can use predictive analytics to provide clients with a realistic assessment of their case’s chances of success, potential costs, and likely timelines. This transparency helps clients make informed decisions about whether to pursue litigation or explore alternative dispute resolution methods.

There are many ways beyond this list that AI-driven insights can assist you. By leveraging this tool, lawyers can improve their chances of achieving favorable outcomes for their clients, making their practice more efficient and effective.

Techie: Ashley Hallene, JD, is GPSolo eReport Editor-in-Chief ([email protected]).

Q: How Do I Choose Between Law Practice Management Apps?

We need to switch to a different practice management app. What makes each of the leaders stand out from the competition?

A: While every practice management app covers the basics, each one offers something that the others don’t have or don’t do so well.

Clio Manage

Clio Manage stands out by offering the following add-on products: Clio Complete, Clio Grow, Clio Accounting, Clio for Clients, and Clio Draft.

In addition to working with its own add-ons, Clio Manage integrates with an array of third-party legal applications. Integrating products comes with its own set of advantages and headaches.

MyCase

MyCase stands out with its Client Portal, one place where you can exchange documents, send secure messages, view billing information, and schedule meetings with each of your clients. It works on your phone, too.

PracticePanther

PracticePanther makes sure you can bill for everything you do with the ever-present timer for the current client. The outstanding Global Timer pane appears on the right side of your PracticePanther window.

Assiduously tracking time helps you get credit for all your work. Having it right there in front of you makes that easier than with many competitors.

Actionstep

Actionstep shines, unsurprisingly given its name, with its step-by-step handling of your client matters. You create workflow sequences for the types of matters you handle. The record for each matter shows the current step in its progress. Each step can trigger the creation of tasks, documents, and calendar entries.

Legal matters can take varying paths to their conclusions. Actionstep gives you the flexibility to create alternate steps and jump steps to handle these differences.

Making the Switch

Before switching to a new practice management system, it is wise to consider its full range of features. What is most important to your particular practice? How does the application handle the tasks you perform most frequently? How one application stands out from the others is important, but be sure it does not lack something you need.

Techie: Wells H. Anderson, JD, GPSolo eReport Contributing Technology Editor and CEO of SecureMyFirm, can be reached at 952/922-1120 or through www.securemyfirm.com. Their focus is on protecting small firms from cyber threats with affordable, multiple layers of defense.