Data has taken the legal world by storm and is essential for maintaining a competitive edge over other firms. Data has many capabilities that offer firms numerous opportunities to improve and grow. Legal firms use data to win cases and ensure positive outcomes for clients. This involves aggregating data from similar topics in the past, information about opposing counsel and judges, and information about the firm’s ability to take on new cases.

The difficulty lies in finding data that fits within your company. When you consider how to use data in your company, the number of possible use cases for data can seem overwhelming. Let’s look at three ways data insights can be used in everyday legal practice.

Data on past similar proceedings

When planning for the future, looking back at the past is essential. When formulating your strategy, looking back at previous cases is a good idea. Data-driven insights can help you be more efficient in your research. It is almost impossible to go through every case manually. Data allows you to locate the most relevant topics and prevents you from overlooking any.

Learn from past cases to help you build your case strategy.

Information about opposing counsel and judges

Data can also help you feel prepared. You can analyze the person you are facing in the courtroom and learn about the history of opposing counsel when you prepare for a case against them. Analyzing their records can help you identify any tendency to cite specific instances when supporting your points. It may be helpful to learn how your competitor approaches cases so you can prepare for your own.

Also, data can be used to research the histories of judges to help you understand any tendencies or what precedents were used in similar cases. Find out which patients were used by your judge for your case and how often. You will feel more informed and prepared to go to court if you better understand how a judge has ruled in the past.

It is a great help when developing your strategy. Although you can’t predict the outcome, you’ll be better informed.

Data about companies

Data about judges and opposing counsel is essential, but it’s equally important to have insight into all entities involved in a case. Information about a company’s litigation strategy and possible conflicts with clients can be valuable.

Data about companies can also be helpful for business development within the company. This data can help you grow your business by allowing you to target new clients and expand existing client relationships.

Gain a competitive edge using data

Beyond looking at the past proceedings of competitors and judges, you can use data within your company in many other ways. Data can be found almost everywhere. Find out how advanced legal research technology and data can help your firm.