WO2001082180A2

WO2001082180A2 - Web-based outside counsel management system

Info

Publication number: WO2001082180A2
Application number: PCT/US2001/012804
Authority: WO
Inventors: Suzanne Hawkins
Original assignee: General Electric Co
Current assignee: General Electric Co
Priority date: 2000-04-20
Filing date: 2001-04-20
Publication date: 2001-11-01
Anticipated expiration: 2002-10-20
Also published as: WO2001082180A8; AU2001255508A1

Abstract

Outside Counsel Management System (OCMS) (10) is a searchable web-based system and method for collecting, tracking and disseminating information about the use of law firms, legal matters and related legal fees on a real time basis. OCMS tracks information about the use of preferred provider firms, discounts, and evaluates the performance of firms at the conclusion of the matter. OCMS further tracks additional information regarding the Significant Investigations and Litigations (SIL) and the Labor & Employment (L & E) matters. OCMS generates (120) a variety of reports including the use of preferred providers by specialty areas, total fees and related matters by business, location and practice area.

Description

WEB-BASED OUTSIDE COUNSEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to management of outside counsel and, more particularly, to network-based systems and methods for providing information about, and managing the use of, lawyers and law firms.

Over the course of a fiscal year, a large business may encounter numerous situations in which outside legal counsel is sought. Examples of matters in which outside counsel typically are sought include transactional matters, employment and labor matters, intellectual property matters, and litigation matters. Tracking and obtaining billing information on such matters can be extremely difficult and time consuming, especially if a business has multiple businesses and facilities around the world that each separately engage local counsel.

In an effort to facilitate improved management of outside counsel, some businesses utilize a preferred provider program. In accordance with such programs, outside counsel for specific matter types or geographic locations are identified on a list. Typically, to be included on a preferred provider list, a law firm must have a proven expertise in a particular practice area or areas, and agree to certain fees and minimum performance standards. The preferred provider list is distributed to each organization of the business that engages outside counsel. When a particular matter arises, then it is expected that a designated person in the business will check the preferred provider list and attempt to engage an appropriate preferred provider for that particular matter.

While preferred provider programs provide some advantages, such programs do not necessarily leverage all available information that could be used in managing and selecting outside counsel for a particular matter. For example, although a law firm may be listed as a preferred provider, that firm may not necessarily be a top performing preferred provider. That is, data related to specific experiences with such preferred providers is not captured on a simple preferred provider list.

In addition, a preferred provider list does necessarily facilitate tracking information relating to matters across a business, nor does such a list provide a mechanism for measuring the performance of preferred providers. It would be desirable to provide more robust outside counsel management systems and methods that not only identify preferred providers, but also assist in management and measurement of all providers.

Further, and even when a preferred provider program is in place, a ^business may sometimes desire to select outside counsel not in the preferred provider program. A preferred provider list does not provide any information that may be useful in selection of, and negotiation of an arrangement with, outside counsel.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an exemplary embodiment, a searchable web-based system collects, tracks and disseminates information, real time, regarding the use of law firms, legal matters and related legal fees. The system captures, for example, fees arrangements and metrics relating to performance of a firm at the conclusion of a matter.

In the exemplary embodiment, the outside counsel management system (OCMS) includes a searchable web-based database built in SQL server. The OCMS includes two main components. A first component includes law firm information including the firm name, the contact person, location, areas of expertise, discounts, other financial terms, billing rates, preferred provider status, area of business, the firm specialty, and the location. A second component of the OCMS includes a legal matters section. More specifically, legal matters are matched with the firm or firms that are handling them in a database for future retrieval. The OCMS further offers a variety of options to search and select a firm based on law firm's past evaluation, preferred provider status, location of the firm, expertise of the firm, results achieved by the firm, client service and the cost effectiveness. The OCMS also tracks additional information regarding significant investigations and litigation (SIL) and certain types of labor and employment (L&E) matters. The OCMS, through SIL and L&E database provides a wealth of information to any attorney having an authorized access. The system saves hundreds of hours of legal time by providing a quick access to the information previously not available on line thereby improving efficiency and reducing cost.

The OCMS generates a variety of user friendly reports, such as total fees and related legal matters by business, location, and practice area, that may be used, for example, in managing internal resources and forecasting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of an outside counsel management system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an expanded version block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a server architecture of an outside counsel management system;

Figure 3 shows a configuration of a database within database server of server system with other related server components;

Figure 4 is a home page depicting various menu options of the system shown in Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a "Search Firms" user interface downloaded and displayed on a client system for inputting information to search a specific firm;

Figure 6 is a "Search for Matter" user interface downloaded and displayed on the client system for inputting information to search a specific matter;

Figure 7 is a first page of an "Add a New Firm" user interface downloaded and displayed on the client system to allow in-house counsel to add a specific data pertaining to a new firm into a database; Figure 8 is a second page of an "Add a New Firm" user interface downloaded and displayed on the client system to allow in-house counsel to add a specific data pertaining to a new firm into a database;

Figure 9 is a first page of an "Open A New Matter" user interface downloaded and displayed on the client system to allow in-house counsel to open a new legal matter into the database;

Figure 10 is a second page of an "Open A New Matter" user interface downloaded and displayed on the client system to allow in-house counsel to open a new legal matter into the database;

Figure 11 is a first page of a "Close Matter" user interface downloaded and displayed on the client system to allow in-house counsel to close a specific matter into the database;

Figure 12 is a second page of a "Close Matter" user interface downloaded and displayed on the client system to allow in-house counsel to close a specific matter into the database;

Figure 13 is a first page of a "SIL Template" user interface downloaded and displayed on the client system to allow in-house counsel to open and/or update Significant Investigation and Litigation (SIL) matter;

Figure 14 is a second page of a "SIL Template" user interface downloaded and displaced on the client system to allow in-house counsel to open and/or update Significant Investigation and Litigation (SIL) matter;

Figure i5 is a third page of a "SIL Template" user interface downloaded and displayed on the client system to allow in-house counsel to open and/or update Significant Investigation and Litigation (SIL) matter;

Figure 16 is a fourth page of a "SIL Template" user interface downloaded and displayed on the client system to allow in-house counsel to open and/or update Significant Investigation and Litigation (SIL) matter; Figure 17 depicts exemplary a Labor and Employment Law Template user interface downloaded and displayed on the client system to allow in-house counsel to open an employment case;

Figure 18 depicts fields 11 through 18 of the labor and employment litigation template shown in Figure 17;

Figure 19 is a third page of the Labor and Employment Law Template user interface shown in Figure 17 requiring in-house counsel to furnish the information relating to employee termination;

Figure 20 is a fourth page of the Labor and Employment Law Template user interface shown in Figure 17;

Figure 21 is an exemplary "Generate a Report" user interface providing various printing options;

Figure 22 is an exemplary embodiment of a typical report, when the report is printed by the firm;

Figure 23 is an exemplary embodiment of a typical report printed by a location for a specific business ur^t;

Figure 24 is an exemplary embodiment of a typical preferred provider usage report printed by each division of a business entity; and

Figure 25 is an algorithm as used by the system to help the user to practice OCMS when the user logs on to a home page of the web site through the client system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of systems and processes that facilitate integrated network-based electronic reporting and workflow process management related to outside law firm management are described below in detail. The systems and processes facilitate, for example, electronic submission of information using a client system, automated extraction of information, and web-based assessment reporting and management of outside law firms for internal system users.

The systems and processes are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. In addition, components of each system and each process can be practiced independent and separate from other components and processes described herein. Each component and process also can be used in combination with other components and processes.

Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of an Outside Counsel Management System (OCMS) 10 including a server system 12 and a plurality of client systems 14 connected to server system 12. In one embodiment, client systems 14 are computers including a web browser, and server system 12 is accessible to client systems 14 via the Internet. Client systems 14 are interconnected to the Internet through many interfaces including a network, such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), dial-in-connections, cable modems and special high-speed ISDN lines. Client systems 14 could be any device capable of interconnecting to the

Internet including a web-based phon . or other web-based connectable equipment. A database server 16 is connected to a centralized database 20 containing product related information on a variety of products, as described below in greater detail, is stored on server system 12 and can be accessed by potential users at one of client systems 14 by logging onto server system 12 through one of client systems 14.

Figure 2 is an expanded version block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a server architecture of an Outside Counsel Management System (OCMS) 22. Components in system 22 identical to components of system 10 (shown in Figure 1) are identified in Figure 2 using the same reference numerals as used in- Figure 1. System 22 includes a server system 12 and client system 14. Server system

12 further includes a database server 16, an application server 24, a web server 26, a fax server 28, a directory server 30, and a mail server 32. A disk storage unit 34 is coupled to database server 16 and director server 30. Servers 16, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 are coupled in a local area network (LAN) 36. In addition, a system administrator's work station 38, a user work station 40, and a supervising attorney's work station 42 are coupled to LAN 36. Alternatively, work stations 38, 40, and 42 are coupled to LAN 36 via an Internet link or are connected through Intranet.

Each work station, 38, 40, and 42 is a personal computer including a web browser. Although the functions performed at the work stations typically are illustrated as being performed at respective work stations 38, 40, and 42, such functions can be performed at one of many personal computers coupled to LAN 36. Work stations 38, 40, and 42 are illustrated as being associated with separate functions only to facilitate an understanding of the different types of functions that can be performed by individuals having access to LAN 36.

In another embodiment, server system 12 is configured to be communicatively coupled to various outside law firms 44 and to third parties, e.g., internal or external auditors, 46 via an ISP Internet connection 48. The communication in the exemplary embodiment is illustrated as being performed via the Internet, however, any other wide area network (WAN) 50 type communication can be utilized in other embodiments, i.e., the systems and processes are not limited to being practiced via the Internet. In addition, and rather than a WAN, a local area network could be used in place of the WAN.

In the exemplary embodiment, each outside law firm 44 has a work station 54. One of the client systems includes a senior counsel's work station 56 located at a remote location or located overseas. Work stations 54 and 56 are personal computers including a web browser. Also, work stations 54 and 56 are configured to communicate with server system 12. Furthei-more, fax server 28 communicates with outside law firms 44 and any of the remotely located client systems including a client system 56 via a telephone link. Fax server 28 is configured to communicate with other client systems 38, 40, and 42 as well.

Figure 3 shows a configuration of a database 20 within database server 16 of server system 12 shown in Figure 1. Database 20 is coupled to several separate components within server system 12 which perform specific tasks. Server system 12 includes a collection component 64 for collecting information from users into centralized database 20, a tracking component 66 for tracking information, a displaying component 68 to display information, a receiving component 70 to receive a specific query from client system 14, and an accessing component 72 to access centralized database 20. Receiving component 70 is programmed for receiving a specific query from one of a plurality of users. Server system 12 further includes a processing component 76 for searching and processing received queries against the data storage device 34 containing a variety of information collected by the collection component 64. An information fulfillment component 78, located in server system 12, downloads the requested information to the plurality of users in the order in which the requests were received by the receiving component 70. Information fulfillment component 78 downloads the information after the information is retrieved from data storage device 34 by a retrieving component 80. Retrieving component 80 retrieves, downloads and sends information to client system 14 based on a query received from client system 14 regarding various alternatives.

Retrieving component 80 further includes a display component 84 configured to download information to be displayed on client system's graphical user interface and a printing component 88 configured to print information. Retrieving component 80 generates many types of various reports requested by the user through client system 14 in a pre-determined format based on a name of a law firm, a status of the law firm including preferred provider status, a type of business in which the law firm is involved, a location of the law firm including a city, country, or a state, extent of legal services provided by the law firm quantified in billing dollars an the client matter handled by the firm, a year in which the law firm was originally retained or did any work for the corporation, or for a particular time frame and a practice area.

System 10 is flexible to provide other alternative types of report and is not constrained to the options set forth above.

OCMS 10 includes a searchable database 20 built in SQL server, which is divided into two main sections that interconnect. The first section is a Law Firm Information Section 90. Every firm has a basic entry that lists the name of the firm, the contact person, location, areas of expertise, discount/other financial terms, billing rates, preferred provider status, area of exercise, business or location. The second section is a Legal Matters Section 92. Legal matters are linked to the firm or firms that are handling them. Every legal matter on which more than a designated amount in legal fees is incurred in one year is required to be entered into OCMS 10.

The legal matters are tied to the relevant firms. Basic information is collected, such as a division of a business entity handling the legal matter, legal matter type, location, a name of an in-house counsel handling the legal matter, and legal fees. OCMS 10 has a number of reports that it generates, such as total fees and related matters by business, location, practice area, etc. OCMS 10 tracks additional information including Significant Investigations and Litigation (SIL) and the Labor and Employment (L&E) matters.

The architectures of systems 10 as well as various components of system 10 are exemplary only. Other architectures are possible and can be utilized in connection with practicing the processes described below.

Figure 4 is a first user interface 100 of Outside Counsel anagement System 10 shown in Figure 2. In one exemplary embodiment, first user interface 100 displays different alternatives to a user through various hypertext links, including a Search Firms 104 alternative, a Search Matters 106 alternative, an Add Firm 108 alternative, an Update Firm 110 alternative, an Add Matter 112 alternative, an Update

Matter 116 alternative, a Close Matter 118 alternative and an alternative to generate Reports 120. First user interface 100 is a home page of OCMS 10 and displays OCMS usage guidelines for the user which are downloaded by selecting a hypertext link 122. The user downloads technical information pertaining to OCMS 10 through hypertext link 122. OCMS 10 usage guidelines relating to Significant Investigations and Litigation (SIL) section are downloaded by selecting a hypertext link 128. The user downloads directions for OCMS through a hypertext link 130, and obtains a Blank SIL Template 132 as well as a Blank Labor and Employment Template 134 by selecting one of a respective hypertext link. In yet another embodiment, first user interface 100 also displays a conflict check alternative (not shown) to permit the user to search, identify and display conflicts associated with a service provider. When a firm name is entered as an adverse firm, system 10 checks the firm name against database 20 and identifies a potential conflict. This function alerts the user to take a specific action to address the conflict including a possibility of obtaining a waiver, if applicable.

Figure 5 is a second user interface 140 downloaded and displayed on client system 14 when the user selects a hypertext link entitled "Search Firms" 104. Second user interface 140, is downloaded from server system 12 to client system 14 and is configured to receive data entries from client system 14. The user, through second user interface 140, is requested to enter certain limited search criteria to complete the search of a firm. The user is prompted to select and identify various alternatives available through a plurality of fields and prompted to enter the data in various fields through pull down menus. The user is further prompted to supply various search criteria that the user desires system 10 to use to search a law firm out of information stored in database 20. For example, if available, the user has an option to supply the search criteria by providing information through pull down menus relating to specialties 142, a preferred provider status 144, and a preferred business status 146. The user may denote additional criteria such as a preferred country 148, a city 150, a state 152, and a country 154 to limit the search to a specific region. After the user has entered required information, the user directs client system 14 to send the data entries to server system 12 for processing by using a "send" 158 command. The user also has an option to reset the entire screen by using a "reset" 160 command. Once system 12 receives the information from client system 14, server system 12 retrieves and downloads a firm name 164 on to client system 14 that best matched the search criteria. Multiple names are downloaded if search criteria are satisfied.

Figure 6 is a third user interface 170 downloaded and displayed on client system 14 when the user selects a hypertext link entitled "Search Matters" 106.

Third user interface 170 is downloaded from server 12 to client system 14 and is configured to receive data entries from client system 14. The user, through third user interface 170, is requested to provide certain limited information to complete the search of a specific matter. The user is prompted to select and identify various alternatives available through a plurality of fields and further prompted to enter the data in various fields through pull down menus. The user is prompted to supply various search criteria to search system 10 for a specific matter. For example, the user has an option to supply the search criteria by providing information through pull down menus relating to a business 172, a sub-business 174, a matter type 176, litigation 178, a city 180, a state 182, and a country 184 to limit the search to a specific region. After the user has entered the required information, the user has an option to direct client system 14 to send the data entries to server system 12 for processing by using a "send" 190 command. The user, alternatively, has an option to reset the entire screen by using a "reset" 192 command. Once system 12 receives the information from client system 14, system 12 retrieves and downloads the matter name 194 on to client system 14 that best matched the search criteria. Multiple names are also downloaded if search criteria are satisfied.

Figure 7 is a first page of the fourth user interface 200 downloaded and displayed on client system 14 when the user selects a hypertext link entitled "Add Firm" 108. Through this user interface, a firm name and related information is added to database server 16 for future retrieval of information. Fourth user interface 200 is downloaded from server system 12 to client system 14 and is configured to receive data entries from client system 14. The user is prompted to enter the data in various fields. For example, the user is requested to supply a name of the firm in a field 204, a street address in a field 206, a name of the city in a field 208, a state in a field 210, a postal code in a field 212, and a country in a field 214. The user has an option to select through one of a plurality of fields 216 to identify firm specialties. Through fourth user interface 200, the user is further requested to supply main contact information, which includes entering a first name in a field 220, a last name in a field 222, a telephone number with an area code in a field 224, a fax number in a field 226, an e-mail address in a field 230, and a last name 232 and a first name 234 of the corporation's lead contact/ relationship manager in the respective fields. Figure 8 is a second page of the fourth user interface 200 accessed by the user by scrolling through a scroll bar 236. The second page is also downloaded and displayed on client system 14 when the user selects a hypertext link entitled "Add Firm" 108. The user enters information on second page of fourth user interface 200 by scrolling down or up, as required. The user continues to enter firm related information such as a billing rate for a partner in a field 238, a billing rate for associate 240 and a rate for a paralegal 242 in respective fields. Any discount arrangement negotiated by the corporation is entered in a discount/ alternate arrangement field 246. After the user has entered required information, the user directs client system 14 to add the firm data to database server 16 by selecting an "Add Firm" 250 command. The user also has an option to reset the entire screen by using a "Clear Form" 252 command. System 10 updates database server 16 instantaneously as soon as the user exits from the system 10 by clicking the button "Add Firm" 250. System 10 further provides administrative capabilities to link various locations of a firm to the main office of the firm. This functionality allows for one parent firm to be grouped with firms residing in different countries.

Figure 9 is a first page of the fifth user interface 260 downloaded and displayed on client system 14 when the user selects a hypertext link entitled "Add Matter" 112. Through this user interface, a client matter and related information is added to database server 16 for future retrieval of information. Fifth user interface

260, is downloaded from server system 12 to client system 14 and is configured to receive data entries from client system 14. The user is prompted to enter the data in various fields. For example, a user is requested to input a matter name in a field 262, a matter type in a field 264 through a pull down menu, a date matter being opened in a field 266, a name of the city in a field 268, a state in a field 270, and a name of the country in a field 272 through a pull down menu. The user selects through one of a plurality of fields 274 to identify whether the matter relates to litigation or not. Through fourth user interface 260, the user is further requested to supply the name of a recommended firm in a field 276, preferred provider status in a field 280 and the reason if the preferred provider firm, as rated by the corporation, is not selected for the matter. Fields 276, 280 and 282 are all selected through pull down menus making it easier for the user to input data into pre-defined fields. The first name 284 and the last name 288 of a lead corporation lawyer are entered in respective fields. The user scrolls down to next fields by clicking on scroll bar 290.

Figure 10 is a second page of the fifth user interface 260 accessed by the user by scrolling through a scroll bar 290. The second page is also downloaded and displayed on client system 14 when the user selects a hypertext link entitled "Add Matter" 112. The user is prompted to enter various fields including the name of the business unit 292, name of a sub-business unit 294 through pull down menus. The user enters firm related information such as a lead firm lawyer's first name 296, a last name 298, billing arrangement in a field 300, name of an adverse firm 302, and a name of an adverse party in 304 and any other related comments in section 306. The user marks the box 310 to classify the matter as being SIL (Significant Investigations & Litigation), if it is a SIL matter. There are several fields classified as mandatory fields throughout fifth user interface 260 and other user interfaces. After the user has entered the information, the user directs client system 14 to add the firm data to database server 16 by selecting an "Add Matter" 312 command. The user also has an option to reset the entire screen by using a "Clear Form" 316 command. System 10 updates database server 16 instantaneously as soon as the user exits from the screen by clicking the button "Add Matter" 312. In yet another exemplary embodiment of system 10, the user accesses a screen to update matter when the user selects a hypertext link entitled "Update Matter" 116. Through update matter screen, the user enters or modifies fees and other pertinent information for a specific matter.

Figure 11 and Figure 12 depict exemplary sixth user interface 330. Figure 11 is a first page of the sixth user interface 330 downloaded and displayed on client system 14 when the user selects a hypertext link entitled "Close Matter" 118. Through this section of the user interface, the user is prompted to enter various fields including a matter name 332, a date 334 on which matter was closed, brief description of the matter in a matter summary 338 box, a firm name 340 to whom the fees have been paid, a month 342 and a year 344 in which fees were paid, and the amount of fees 348 in dollars. Sixth user interface 330 keeps track of total fees paid 354 as of the date matter was closed as well as year-to-date legal fees paid 352 to firm 340. Fee accounting status 354 is updated through a pull down menu. The next step in closing the matter involves the firm's evaluation for tracking purposes. First, a firm's name 358 is selected from the pull down menu. In most of the cases, firm name in a field 358 and firm's name in a field 340 are same unless there is a separate fee and service arrangement.

Figure 12 is a second page of the sixth user interface 330 accessed by the user by scrolling through a scroll bar 360. The second page is also downloaded and displayed on client system 14 when the user selects a hypertext link entitled "Close Matter" 118. Through second page of the second user interface 330, the user rates firm 358 by selecting one of a plurality of fields in a category of expertise 362, client service 364, results 366 achieved and the cost effectiveness 368. Any comments 370 as well as Early Dispute Resolution (EDR) information in various fields, if appropriate, such as resolution method 372, a resolution cost 374, and an exposure amount 378 are entered by the user. After the user has entered all the information, the user directs client system 14 to add the firm data to database server 16 by selecting a "Close Matter" 380 command. The user also has an option to reset the entire screen by using a "Clear Form" 384 command. System 10 updates database server 16 instantaneously as soon as the user exits from the screen by clicking the button "Close Matter" 380.

Figure 13 is a first page of seventh user interface 390 downloaded and delayed on client system 14 when the user selects a hypertext link entitled "SIL

Template". Figure 14 represents second page of seventh user interface 390, Figure 15 represents third page of seventh user interface 390 and Figure 16 represents fourth page of seventh user interface 390.

SIL screen depicted in seventh user interface 390 relates to significant investigation and litigation (SIL). Seventh user interface 390 is primarily used to open the matter or update the matter. Once the user accesses seventh user interface

390, the user is requested to provide information in the fields GE Business/Sub- Business component 392 and a reporting date 394. The user is further requested to identify whether a particular matter is an investigation or not by selecting one of a plurality of fields 396. If the user selects or classifies the matter as an investigation, then the user identifies the type of investigation matter 398 through a pull down menu. The user further provides information about the significance of the matter 400 through another pull down menu. The user is then prompted to fill out fields which include a date on which the answer has been filed or due 402, a discovery cut off date 404, a trial date 406, the court in which the case is being tried 408, a name of an adverse firm 410, a name of a company counsel 412 involved in the case, in addition to the evaluation of outside counsel through a plurality of fields pertaining to outside counsel's expertise 414, result achieved 416, client service 418, and cost effectiveness 420 of the law firm.

Figure 14 is a second page of seventh user interface 390 accessed by the user by scrolling through a scroll bar 430. All remaining user interface pages are accessed by scrolling through the same scroll bar 430. On the second page, the user is requested to- furnish comments 432, causes of action including a primary cause 434, a secondary cause 436, a tertiary cause 438, and case description- 440 including case assessment 442, damages 444 and actual exposure estimate 446.

Figure 15 is a third page of seventh user interface 390 requiring information from the user pertaining to major events since inception 450, major developments since last quarter 452, and insurance information 454 which includes coverage information 456 through a plurality of fields, notice requirements, and some additional information relating to the policy. The user is requested to ensure through seventh user interface 390 that if the coverage applies, the user must provide the information pertaining to the policy 460 and an effective date on which policy applies 462. There are certain fields including insurers position 466, indemnification rights 468, estimated anticipated fees to conclude the matter 470, and EDR dispute resolution methods 472 which are required to be filled in through the user interface. Through seventh user interface 390, the user prints the report either in a draft status or in a final status 474. The user also identifies whether a corporate review 478 is necessary for this significant investigation and litigation (SIL). Figure 16 is a fourth page of seventh user interface 390. This page is a continuation of previous pages and can be accessed through a scroll down bar 430. Throughout seventh user interface 390, various fields are denoted by a single asterisk 480, a double asterisk 482 or a triple asterisk 484. Single asterisk 480 denotes a required field, double asterisk 482 denotes a required .field . if this matter is an investigation, and triple asterisk 484 denotes a required field if there is an insurance coverage for the matter. After the user has entered all the information, the user directs client system 14 to add the information pertaining to significant investigation and litigation (SIL) to the firm database by selecting a "submit" 486 command. The user also has an option to reset the entire screen by using a "reset" 488 command. System 10 updates database server 16 instantaneously as soon as the user exits from the screen by selecting submit 486 button.

Figures 17 through 21 depict exemplary eighth user interface 500. Eighth user interface 500 is downloaded and displayed on client system 14 when the user selects a hypertext link entitled "Blank Labor and Employment Template" 134. Eighth user interface 500 has a total of 31 various fields. These fields are divided into several figures as described hereunder. The user inputs a plaintiffs name 502, a plant or office location 504, a business component 506 involved with the litigation, and a sub-component 508. Tir.3 user is further requested to provide information as to a court 510 where the action was filed, a docket number 512, a date the case was opened or a filing date 514 of the case, a date action received by a business division 516, and a type of the case 518, through a pull down menu. The user is further prompted to input causes of action 520 ilirough a separate pull down menu from the first page of eighth user interface 500. The user scrolls through next pages of eighth user interface 500 through a scroll down bar 530.

Figure 18 depicts the fields 11 through 18 of the labor and employment litigation screen. As shown in Figure 18, the user is prompted to input information pertaining to counter-action challenged 532 by the company, damages requested by the plaintiff 534, company counsel initiated assessment of likely potential damages 536, company counsel's initial assessment of potential for adverse publicity 538, and various other information. The user is further requested to select from a plurality of fields and identify whether pre-litigation alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process 540 is applicable to the claims made by the plaintiff. The next three fields require user to furnish the information pertaining to the ADR process if the process was applicable, including a type of process applicable 544, result of ADR process 546 and a reason 548 if the ADR process was not used when in fact it was applicable. To maintain consistency in database 20, most of the information required from the user is facilitated by having the user selecting from predetermined pull down menus.

Figure 19 is a third page of eighth user interface 500 through which the user furnishes the information relating to the termination of a plaintiff. If the plaintiff was terminated, the user is required to select from a plurality of fields to identify whether the management process 552 was utilized during the termination. A name of the company counsel involved in termination management process including a counsel's first name 554 and a last name 556 as well as a name of company counsel supervising litigation 558 is required. If an outside counsel has been retained to handle the case, the user is required to specify a name of the firm and a name of a lead attorney 560 handling the case and also to identify whether the outside counsel is a preferred provider or not 562. The information pertaining to fee arrangement 566, whether ADR is being considered as an alternative process to resolve the lawsuit 568, and an opinion of the user 570 whether the lawsuit was avoidable or not is the type of information solicited from the user through the third page of eighth user interface 500. There is a mandatory field which requires user to identify, what if anything, could have been done to avoid the litigation 572. Most of the mandatory fields are denoted by asterisks and require the user to furnish the information. The user cannot exit through the user interface without inputting required information in the mandatory fields. Since the objective of the corporation is to avoid litigation, one of the fields requires the user, who is generally an attorney, to identify if there was any special training that could have been provided or implemented 576 within the corporation to avoid the litigation or the potential problems in the litigation. This field is also a mandatory field and requires the user to make some judgment calls and provide the information for the database collection. Figure 20 depicts an exemplary fourth page of eighth user interface 500. Through one of the fields on eighth user interface 500, the user identifies whether any particular lessons that have been learned 580 throughout the process of the case evaluation are applicable to future litigation and for avoiding future litigation. Through eighth user interface 500, the company counsel, who is also a user, furnishes information through a plurality of fields to identify whether there is a coverage 582 for this matter and, if so, whether the corporation has given a notice 584 for the coverage. After the user has entered all of the information, including the information which has been denoted by asterisks, the user directs client system 14 to add the information to database server 16 by selecting a "submit" 588 command. The user also has an option to reset the entire screen and start all over again by using a "reset" 590 command. System 10 updates database server 16 instantaneously as soon as the user exits from the screen by selecting a "submit" 588 button.

Figure 21 is an exemplary ninth user interface 600. A scroll down menu 610 on ninth user interface 600 allows the user to input information, or to browse ninth user interface 600. The user interface aids the user in generating a report. Database 20 is a searchable database and accumulates all the information.

Once the information is submitted into database 20, the user has flexibility to receive several different types of reports. For example the user gets a report for top 30 law firms out of the 100 law firms 612 and sets various parameters to identify the criteria by which the firms are to be segregated. The user also receives a report or views a report on client system 14, by sorting the firms which were paid more than $25,000 per year for their services 614. The user also geic a report by annual legal fees 616 paid to each firm or a report identifying a preferred provider usage 621. The user gets a report on outside counsel management system relating to various law firms 622 or the user prints or views a report on the screen relating to all open matters 626. The user has an option to also receive a report for a preferred provider status 630 by a business type 632, by a county 634, or by a specialty type 636.

Figure 22 is an exemplary embodiment depicting the form of a typical report when the report is printed by a firm name 640. This report shows the number of law firms which were paid over $25,000 per legal matter for the respective year. It lists a dollar amount 642 paid to a law firm, a matter type 644 in which a law firm 646 was involved, a name of the business unit 650 responsible for matter type 644, a name of the matter 652, a location of the case 654 and also a name of an in-house counsel 656 involved with the law firm as an interface.

Figure 23 is an exemplary embodiment depicting a typical report by a location 670 of a business unit. For example, this particular exemplary embodiment depicts the amount of legal expenses incurred by a various business units in Brazil

672, China 674, or France 676. The report provides an overview of the expenses incurred in legal fees by each location.

Figure 24 is an exemplary embodiment of a typical preferred provider usage report 680 printed by each division or business unit of a business entity. This report shows the number of law firms which were paid for the legal services for the respective year in a designated matter type, and whether the firm is a preferred provider. The report compares the number of matters in which a preferred provider is used to the total number of matters and provides a percentage of preferred provider used (not shown). It lists a dollar amount 682 paid to a law firm, a matter type 684 in which a law firm 686 was involved, a name of the business unit 688 responsible for matter type 684, a name of the matter 690, a location of the fiπn 692 and also a name of an in-house counsel 694 involved with the law firm as an interface. The report further lists a reason 696 for not using a preferred provider for legal matter 690.

Figure 25 describes an algorithm 740 as used by ihe system to help a user to practice OCMS when the user logs on to home page 100 of the web site through client system 14. After logging on 742, the user requests information through client system 14 by selecting one of a hypertext link displayed out of all displayed 750 hypertext links. Once the user selects 752 a specific option out of various hypertext links 750, the request is sent to server system 12. The sending a request 760 can be accomplished by click of a mouse or by a voice command. Once server system 12 receives 762 the request, server system 12 displays the information in response to the request on client system 14. Server system 12 accesses 770 the database server 16 and retrieves 772 related information from database 20. The requested information is downloaded 780 and provided 782 to client system 14 from server 12. The user continues to search database 20 for other information or exits 790 from system 10. In one embodiment, client system 14, as well as server system 12, are protected from access by unauthorized individuals. As described, the Outside

Counsel Management System ("OCMS") provides a searchable database 20 of all law firms used, including those designated as preferred providers, as well as real-time information regarding these firms, including discounts, contact lawyer, location, expertise, preferred status. The OCMS has flexibility to add new firms or provide comments on existing firms. The system tracks legal matters on a real-time basis, including the type of matter, location, business, legal fees and an evaluation of the firm' s performance. System 10 tracks and manages Labor and Employment cases and Significant Investigations and Litigation.

While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for providing legal information to a user using a web-based system (10) including a server system (12) coupled to a centralized searchable database (20) and at least one client system (14), said method comprising:

collecting (64) information relating to a service provider into the centralized database;

collecting information relating to services provided by the service provider into the centralized database and cross-referencing the services provided against the service provider;

accepting an inquiry from the user for processing; and

downloading the information to satisfy the inquiry received from the user.

2. A method according to Claim 1 wherein said step of accepting an inquiry from the user further comprises the steps of:

displaying (84) information identifying at least one of a conflict check alternative, search a matter alternative (106), open a new matter alternative (112), update an existing matter alternative (116), close an existing matter alternative (118), search a firm based on specific criteria alternative (104); and

receiving (70) an inquiry from the client system regarding at least one of a conflict check alternative, search a matter alternative, open a new matter alternative, update an existing matter alternative, close an existing matter alternative, search a firm based on specific criteria alternative.

3. A method according to Claim 2 wherein said step of receiving (70) an inquiry from the client system (14) further includes the steps of submitting a request through pull down menus.

4. The method according to Claim 2 wherein said step of displaying (84) information further includes displaying an HTML document downloaded by the server system (12).

5. A method according to Claim 2 wherein said step of displaying (84) further comprises the step of displaying at least one alternative out of various alternatives available to the user.

6. A method according to Claim 1 wherein said step of downloading the information to satisfy the specific inquiry further comprises the steps of:

accessing (72) the centralized database (20);

searching the database regarding the specific inquiry;

retrieving (80) information from the database; and

causing the retrieved information to be displayed (84) on the client system (14).

7. A method according to Claim 1 wherein said step of collecting (64) information further comprises the steps of:

providing the information; and

storing the information.

8. A method according to Claim 7 wherein said step of providing information further includes the step of entering information in a pre-determined format to add the legal matter (112) that does not exist in the centralized database (20).

9. A method according to Claim 7 wherein said step of providing information further includes the step of entering information in a pre-determined format to update the legal matter (116) that is already opened previously.

10. A method according to Claim 7 wherein said step of providing information further includes the step of entering information in a pre-determined format to close the legal matter (118) that is already open.

11. A method according to Claim 7 wherein said step of providing information further includes the step of entering information regarding a relationship with a law firm on a real-time basis including the type of the matter the law firm is involved, location of the law firm, business specialties, legal fees charged by the law firm including the fees charged for various individuals within the firm, discounts offered or any other alternative fees arrangement, name of the contact lawyer at the law firm, evaluation of the law firm's performance, and the current recommendation on the law firm by an internal counsel.

12. A method according to Claim 8 wherein said step of entering information in a pre-determined format to add the legal matter (112) further includes the step of opening a labor and employment case.

13. A method according to Claim 8 wherein said step of entering information in a pre-determined format to add the legal matter (112) further includes the step of opening a significant investigation case managed by an in-house counsel.

14. A method according to Claim 8 wherein said step of entering information in a pre-determined format to add the legal matter (112) further includes the step of opening a file regarding any litigation matter.

15. A method according to Claim 8 wherein said step of entering information further includes the step of entering information at least through one of a voice activation command and a device connected to the client system (14).

16. A method according to Claim 7 wherein said step of storing information further comprises the steps of:

tracking (68) information on a real time basis;

storing information on a real time basis by updating stored information by adding the new information to the centralized database (20) on a real time basis to provide up-to date information instantaneously to the user upon a request.

17. A method according to Claim 7 wherein said step of retrieving (80) information from the database (20) pertaining to a specific inquiry further comprises the steps of checking and detecting various conflicts based on pre- established parameters.

18. A method according to Claim 7 wherein said step of retrieving (80) information from the database (20) pertaining to a specific inquiry further comprises the step of searching by preferred provider category.

19. A method according to Claim 7 wherein said step of retrieving (80) information further includes the step of generating (120) a report in a predetermined format by at least one of a law firm, a status of the firm including preferred provider status, a type of business, a location, a city, a country, a state, extent of legal services provided by the firm quantified through billing dollars and the client matter handled, a year, for a particular time frame and a practice area.

20. The method according to Claim 1 wherein the client system

(14) and the server system (12) are connected via a network and wherein the network is one of a wide area network, a local area network, an Intranet and the Internet.

21. A web-based system (10) for providing legal information to a user, said system comprising:

a client system (14) comprising a browser; a data storage device (34) for collecting information relating to a service provider as well as details regarding services provided by the service provider, said data storage device capable of accepting an inquiry from the user for processing; and

a server system (12) configured to be coupled to said client system and said database, said server system further configured to download and cause to be displayed requested information in response to the inquiry received from said client system.

22. A system (10) according to Claim 21 wherein said client system ( 14) is further configured with:

a displaying component (84) for displaying information identifying at least one of a conflict check alternative, search a matter alternative (106), open a new matter alternative (112), update an existing matter alternative (116), close an existing matter alternative (118), and search a firm (104) alternative based on a specific criteria; and

a sending component (158) to send an inquiry to the server system (12) so that the server system can process and download the requested information to the client system.

23. A system (10) according to Claim 22 wherein the sending component (158) functions in response to a click of a mouse button.

24. A system (10) according to Claim 22 wherein the sending component (158) functions in response to a voice command.

25. The client system (14) of Claim 22 is protected from access by unauthorized individuals.

26. A system (10) according to Claim 21 wherein said server system (12) is further configured with: a collection component (64) for collecting information from users into the centralized database (20);

a tracking component (68) for tracking information on an on-going basis;

a displaying component (84) for displaying information identifying at least one of a conflict check alternative, search a matter alternative (106), open a new matter alternative (112), update an existing matter alternative (116), close an existing matter alternative (118), search a firm (104) based on specific criteria alternative;

a receiving component (70) for receiving an inquiry from the client system regarding at least one of a conflict check alternative, search a matter alternative, open a new matter alternative, update an existing matter alternative, close an existing matter alternative, search a firm based on specific criteria alternative; and

an accessing component (72) to access the centralized database and causing the retrieved information to be displayed on the client system.

27. A system (10) according to Claim 26 wherein said server system (12) is further configured with a receiving component (70) for receiving an inquiry to provide information from one of a plurality of users.

28. A system (10) according to Claim 26 wherein said server system (12) is further configured with a processing component (76) for searching and processing received inquiries against the data storage device (34) containing variety of information collected by the collection component (64).

29. A system (10) according to Claim 26 wherein said server system (12) is further configured with a retrieving component (80) to retrieve information from the data storage device (34).

30. A system (10) according to Claim 26 wherein said server system (12) is further configured with an information fulfillment component (78) that downloads the requested information after retrieving from the data storage device (34) to the plurality of users in the order in which the requests were received by the receiving component (70).

31. The server system (12) according to Claim 29 wherein the retrieving component (80) is further configured to retrieve, download and send information to the client system based on an inquiry received from the client system (14) including at least one of:

conflict check alternative;

search a matter alternative (106);

open a new matter alternative (112);

update an existing matter alternative (116);

close an existing matter alternative (118);

search a firm based on specific criteria alternative (104).

32. The server system (12) according to Claim 29 wherein the retrieving component (80) is further configured with:

a display component (84) configured to download information to be displayed on client system's (14) graphical user interface; and

a printing component (88) configured to print information.

33. A system (10) according to Claim 32 wherein said printing component (88) is further configured to generate a report (120) in a pre-determined format by at least one of a law firm, a status of the firm including preferred provider status, a type of business, a location, a city, a country, a state, extent of legal services provided by the firm quantified through billing dollars and the client matter handled, a year, for a particular time frame and a practice area.

34. The server system (12) according to Claim 32 wherein the information to be printed is in a pre-determined format.

35. The server system (12) according to Claim 21 wherein said server system is further configured to protect said data storage device (34) from access by unauthorized individuals.