Lesson 1Duplicate detection, deduplication procedures, and periodic repository cleanupThis section explains how to detect and manage duplicate documents through automated tools, deduplication workflows, and scheduled repository cleanup, reducing storage bloat, confusion, and the risk of using outdated or inconsistent drafts.
Common causes of duplicate filesAutomated duplicate detection toolsDeduplication review and approvalArchiving versus permanent deletionScheduled cleanup and ownership rolesLesson 2Standardized file naming convention: components, versioning, dates, and author identifiersThis section explains how to design and enforce a standardized file naming convention, defining required components such as matter, document type, version, date, and author, to support reliable search, sorting, and collaboration.
Core elements of a file name patternMatter and client identifiers in namesDates, versions, and status indicatorsAuthor or team identifiers in namesTraining and enforcement mechanismsLesson 3Retention policies, backups, and secure deletion proceduresThis section explains how to design retention schedules, backup routines, and secure deletion processes that comply with legal, ethical, and client requirements while balancing storage costs, business continuity, and defensible disposition of records.
Matter-based retention schedule designCoordinating retention with client guidelinesBackup frequency, scope, and testingEncryption and offsite backup standardsDefensible deletion and destruction logsLesson 4Document creation workflow: templates, metadata capture, and matter associationThis section details a structured document creation workflow using templates, standardized metadata, and matter association, ensuring consistency, faster drafting, accurate filing, and better search and reporting across the law office.
Template libraries for key document typesMandatory metadata fields at creationLinking documents to matters and clientsDefault security and access settingsQuality checks before first circulationLesson 5Central storage options and selection criteria: network file share vs. cloud DMS vs. integrated practice management repositoryThis section compares central storage options, including network file shares, cloud DMS platforms, and practice management repositories, outlining selection criteria such as security, search, integrations, usability, and long-term scalability.
Network file share strengths and limitsCloud DMS features and risk factorsUsing practice management repositoriesSecurity, compliance, and audit needsUser adoption, training, and supportLesson 6Version control strategies: single-source editing, version numbers, and change-history policiesThis section defines practical version control methods for legal documents, including single-source drafting, consistent version numbering, and structured change-history rules that preserve accountability, reduce confusion, and support audit-ready records.
Single-source drafting for master documentsMajor and minor version numbering schemesChange log fields and required detailsRedline comparison and approval recordsLocking rules to prevent parallel editsLesson 7Reducing email-based document exchange: shared links, check-in/check-out, and collaborative editing toolsThis section focuses on reducing email-based document exchange by using shared links, check-in/check-out, and real-time collaboration tools, improving version control, security, and client responsiveness while limiting inbox clutter.
Risks of email as a document channelUsing DMS links instead of attachmentsCheck-in/check-out to control editsReal-time coauthoring in key toolsClient collaboration portals and rulesLesson 8Designing a logical folder taxonomy mapped to matters, practice areas, and document typesThis section covers how to design a clear folder taxonomy aligned with matters, practice groups, and document types, so staff can file and retrieve records quickly, avoid duplication, and maintain consistent structure across shared repositories.
Top-level structure by office or practiceMatter-centric folder hierarchy standardsStandard subfolders by document typeNaming rules for folders and subfoldersGovernance for creating new foldersLesson 9Review and approval workflows: tracked redlines, approval stamps, and sign-off logsThis section describes review and approval workflows, including tracked redlines, approval stamps, and sign-off logs, to ensure clear responsibility, accurate version history, and reliable evidence of who approved which draft and when.
Configuring tracked changes and commentsRouting drafts for internal reviewApproval stamps and standardized notesMaintaining sign-off and audit logsEscalation paths for urgent approvalsLesson 10Access control and confidentiality: role-based permissions, sensitive document labeling, and secure sharing rulesThis section covers access control and confidentiality for documents, including role-based permissions, sensitive labeling, and secure sharing rules, to protect client information while enabling efficient collaboration and ethical compliance.
Role-based permission models in a DMSHandling highly confidential mattersLabeling sensitive and privileged filesSecure internal and external sharingPeriodic access review and remediation
