New technology makes old tasks easier and unprecedented tasks possible. That is nowhere more true than in the legal profession, and especially in complex litigation.

Not long ago, large cases required large teams of lawyers. Massive documentary records meant masses of associates. Lots of boxes meant lots of billables. That was then, this is now.

Now, technologically-savvy lawyers armed with high-powered laptops and sophisticated applications can command more information more efficiently than the largest teams working with hard copies could have imagined just 10 or 20 years ago. Wallace King trades on the new capabilities that technology provides. The firm was founded on the expectation that relatively small, sophisticated teams could handle the most challenging litigation with the right technology. The model works, because the applications work.

Just a few examples demonstrate how the firm puts technology to work to improve our capabilities, our efficiency, and our results:

Document Management Databases. We use several database applications to manage documents, choosing among them to maximize compatibility with our clients' systems. These include Summation, Concordance and Introspect. In one docket of cases, for example, we amass millions of documents in Introspect, then engage an e-discovery support team to perform electronic searches to narrow the scope of relevant materials. Then we train and supervise a project-based staff of contract employees to review and code the materials, and we host a database we created of the key materials in Summation. The database provides our attorneys and the client instantaneous access to the critical materials through an application that allows searches, reports, and various methods of organizing wide-ranging materials. The database also combines original documents and electronic files with litigation records including transcripts and pleadings, as well as attorney notes and analyses.

Trial Software. We use various programs for trial exhibits and demonstrations, including Trial Director and proprietary systems developed by litigation support firms. These graphics programs enable our teams to distill complex information into dramatically effective presentations. We can display documents, electronic files, videos, animations and a variety of other materials in cogent formats that courts admit and jurors understand. These same applications are invaluable in other venues also, from board meetings for clients to mediation sessions with opponents. For lawyers as advocates, the ability to command information is secondary to the ability to present the information, and we use technology to its fullest in both assembling and presenting complex information.

Communications with Clients. We have developed several advanced methods of presenting information to clients through technology. For example, we host calendars, status reports and case digests on secure websites that clients can access as needed; we routinely distill LNFS filings in numerous cases and e-mail clients daily summaries; we have videoconferencing and web meeting capabilities that enable clients around the world to meet with us in Washington without leaving their offices; and we make databases of materials available to clients remotely.

Technology does more than level the playing field between smaller and larger firms. Technology gives the more advanced firms an advantage, one which we in turn use to our clients' best advantage.