Technical support
S&C provides the most up-to-date and extensive technical and staff support for our lawyers, ranging from our 70,000 volume law library to our cutting edge Electronic Discovery system to our 24/7 word processing and proofreading staff.
Library and Online Research
Law Library
Along with a modern 70,000 volume law library, S&C has 13 reference librarians firmwide to assist with research.
Extensive Desktop Research Tools
In addition to standard legal research tools, such as Lexis and Westlaw, we offer an extensive collection of desktop research tools, sparing no expense to provide our lawyers with all of the resources they need to thoroughly and efficiently research legal issues and transactional questions.
S&C also has created a program for training and support in the use of these resources, including the services of a full-time Manager of Research Training, who offers an ongoing series of optional research training programs and who is also available to assist lawyers on a one-on-one basis with their research needs.
Sophisticated Precedent Research Database
Our internal precedent database allows lawyers to search for internal precedents using Westlaw syntax. Greatly advanced search functionality is available for searching agreements, including the ability to search for defined terms and clauses and the ability to restrict searches by governing law, attorney and law firms. This resource also assists lawyers with drafting agreements through the use of an add-in tool that resides on the Microsoft Word toolbar. It allows lawyers to search for precedent language while working on draft documents and easily drag and drop text into the draft.
Comprehensive Intranet
Our intranet web site includes homepages for all practice groups, support departments and offices, as well as general firmwide resources. Practice pages include such resources as training materials and other guidance, topical resources by area of law, continuously updated news on client and legal topics and much more.
Technology
S&C’s Information Services Group (IS) constantly updates and improves S&C’s technology to ensure effective internal and external communications. IS provides lawyers at S&C with an array of state-of-the-art technology tools to support the practice of law.
Dozens of highly trained professional systems engineers and programmers manage S&C’s systems around the clock, thus ensuring that services and support are available 24/7 365 days a year. Secure high-speed networks that connect all the Firm’s offices and the Internet allow lawyers to easily communicate and collaborate with clients and colleagues at any time, day or night.
Technology Training delivers creative technology education programs including customized individual and classroom training, documentation and other support programs.
High-performance, cutting-edge desktops and laptop computers are the standard workstation machines throughout the Firm. 20” Flat Panel monitors, Personal LaserJet and high-speed network printers and scanners are also standard equipment.
Electronic Data Discovery
S&C has moved quickly to make use of new technologies designed to help manage the huge volumes of electronic data produced and reviewed in the course of today’s legal disputes.
We have dedicated significant resources to provide our widely respected Litigation Support Department with the best and most advanced technological tools available. In our continuing efforts to maintain the strength of our litigation support capabilities, we:
- manage discovery documents and map our cases using cutting-edge software such as Law5.0, dtSearch, MatLab Concordance, Opticon, SharePoint, Summation and LiveNote;
- use coding and scanning vendors and litigation support service bureaus such as Sullivan & Cromwell, Encore Legal Services, Xerox, FIOS, Capital Legal Solutions, The Oliver Group, eMag, LDM SPi Legal, Merrill Corp., Superior Glacier and World Copy; and
- rely on electronic evidence providers such as Sullivan & Cromwell and Zantaz.
Mobile Technology
All lawyers receive BlackBerry devices which are used throughout S&C. They offer wireless communication services with international roaming capability. BlackBerry devices are synchronized with lawyers’ office e-mail, calendar and contacts.
S&C provides highly secure Remote Access options using the latest technologies available. Our lawyers can work from a remote trial site, a client’s office or from their homes and have access to the same resources as if they were working in the office.
Collaboration
We continually look to advance collaboration internally between our lawyers and externally with our clients.
Our document management system provides lawyers with all the tools needed to easily create and store documents in a centralized storage system which can be accessed from any of S&C’s offices and through remote access. Customizable security settings allow lawyers to collaborate with other lawyers across all of the Firm’s offices.
Extranets and Secure Deal Rooms—online workrooms—and desktop web conferencing are available to share documents and collaborate with client and co-counsel in a secure environment.
The latest video and audio conferencing services are also available, allowing lawyers to meet and communicate with colleagues in other offices or with clients no matter where they are located.
Highly secure file transfer systems and e-mail delivery systems are available to provide lawyers flexibility and options when communicating and exchanging information with our clients.