Knowledge-management systems for law firms

摘要

A computer system comprises means for receiving a query from an agent of a law firm and means, responsive to the received query, for searching at least first and second physical or logical databases for content related to the query. The first database is a part of an information-management system for the law firm and includes briefs, client correspondence, advisory opinions, or legal memoranda of the law firm. The second database is external to the information-management system and including case opinions, court documents, law review articles, statutory materials, or legislative histories. The first and second databases are separated by a firewall. The wherein the briefs, client correspondence, advisory opinions, or legal memoranda are produced by the law firm; and the second database is part of an online pay-for-access legal research service. The means for receiving a query includes a graphical user interface for displaying a taxonomy of selectable legal topics, with selection of one or more of the legal topics indicative of a query being received.