The Legal Tech-To-English Dictionary: Document Management Software

Ed. Note: This is the third edition of The Legal Tech-to-English Dictionary, part of our Non-Event for Tech Perplexed Lawyers. Jared Correia is hosting the non-eventcast.

There is a term for lawyers using Latin and other obscure languages ​​to describe legal processes to consumers: “Legal”.

But there is no similar term for vendors using technical and other obscure languages ​​to describe their legal software operations for attorneys.

It is true that this dynamic may seem unfair. But now we have the Legal Tech-to-English Dictionary to help us deal with it.

Read on for the third part where we translate topics related to legal document management software into plain English.

Further comments on Legal Tech can be found in the non-event cast in the rooms Law Practice Management Software and Legal Operations Contract Lifecycle Management in Above the Law Non-Event.

Document management software

1. A system that stores and organizes electronic documents and enables (possibly multiple) users to edit, store, search and share these documents.
2. A stack of Redwelds.

Lawyer 1: Hey, I can’t open the document you just emailed me.

Lawyer 2: Seriously? It’s a WordPerfect file.

Lawyer 1: Um.

Lawyer 2: It’s just embarrassing. I mean, I can bring the floppy disk. But I blame you for that shit.

See. Avoid storing valuables at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

history

1. A software feature that tracks various phases of document generation, including saved and active iterations, so that users can access a chronological record of document updates.
2. The recording of changes and edits to a specific document, which is automatically saved by the software.

Lawyer 1: FOR LOVE. . . I ONLY LOST 7 HOURS OF WORK !!!

Lawyer 2: Just press CTRL + Z for “Undo”. And if that doesn’t work, access the version history.

Attorney 1: Wait what?

See in “Star Wars” Darth Vader he probably felt he was the good one.

PDF

1. A specific document format that looks the same on any device or program that is accessed. A scanned PDF is an image file unless OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is used to render / recognize the document text.
2. A document with unmatched potential to cause frustration when attempting to edit or otherwise manipulate text in any way.

Lawyer 1: Did you open the PDF I sent you?

Lawyer 2: No jim! I will not open Palladium fluoride in such a small room with limited ventilation! What kind of a fool do you think I am ?!

Lawyer 1: So no?

See. The history of movable type.

Rules of naming

1. A classification system for naming objects.
2. In document management, an agreed scheme for naming files in a software system.

Lawyer 1: Hey, I think we need to go over the established law firm naming conventions, Andy.

Lawyer 2: What do you mean?

Lawyer 1: This is a dismissal request, isn’t it?

Lawyer 2: Yes, and I always call these “farting noises” + a consecutive number. Is there a problem here?

Lawyer 1: Get out. Now.

See Using dates on folders and files ensures that all folders and files are cascaded in chronological order; B. – “2021 06 22 Motion to Dismiss”

Paperless office

1. A file management system that does not rely on paper documents.
2.
A law firm that has implemented a paperless management system for documents and files. Existing paper documents are scanned and stored in an online document archive before the paper is confidentially destroyed.
3. Definitely NOT a stack of Redwelds.

Lawyer 1: I really believe we need to adopt a paperless office model.

Lawyer 2: (pauses a physical file) But I love paper so much. All I know is that I’ll miss its musk.

Lawyer 1: I’ll give you some alone time. (close the door)

Lawyer 2: (behind the closed door) And when that’s all settled, I think you and I should get an apartment!

See Developing a Paperless Office Workflow, Essential for the Transition to a Paperless Office. The workflow is relatively simple: create or scan, save. Rinse and repeat. But for most traditional lawyers, the required change in mindset is immensely difficult.

This is the third edition of The Legal Tech-to-English Dictionary, part of our Non-Event for Tech Perplexed Lawyers.

Jared Correia, a legal technology consultant and expert, hosts the Non-Eventcast, the Above the Law non-event podcast for tech-savvy lawyers.

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