Your firm’s most valuable asset isn’t its office space or its library; it’s the information contained in your documents. Yet for many, managing these files is a source of constant friction. Think of the time spent hunting for a specific contract on a shared drive, the confusion over which version of a document is the final one, or the security risks of emailing sensitive client data. These small frustrations add up, draining billable hours and creating unnecessary risk. A dedicated law document management system is designed to solve these exact problems, creating a central, intelligent hub for all your files and giving your team back its most precious resource: time.

Key Takeaways

  • Establish a single source of truth: A legal DMS centralizes every document, email, and case file, eliminating scattered information. This organized approach is the key to reducing risk, saving your team from searching for files, and improving overall efficiency.
  • Match the system to your firm’s needs: Look beyond a long list of features and focus on what will solve your specific challenges. Evaluate systems based on their security protocols, integration capabilities, and ability to scale with your firm as it grows.
  • Focus on adoption and workflow integration: The best software is ineffective if your team doesn’t use it properly. A successful implementation requires a clear migration plan, thorough team training, and a commitment to integrating the DMS into your daily workflows.

What is a Legal Document Management System?

A legal document management system, or DMS, is a software solution designed specifically for the needs of law firms and legal departments. Think of it as a central, intelligent hub for all your firm’s files—not just another digital filing cabinet. It’s a system built to organize, store, track, and secure every document that passes through your practice, from contracts and pleadings to sensitive client communications and emails.

Instead of files scattered across individual hard drives, shared servers, and various cloud accounts, a legal DMS creates a single source of truth. This structured environment helps your team work more efficiently and securely, ensuring that critical information is always accessible to the right people at the right time. It brings order to the chaos of document-heavy legal work.

Core functions

At its heart, a legal DMS is built to handle the entire lifecycle of your documents. The primary goal is to bring structure to your files so your team can find what they need, fast. This starts with organization. The system allows you to create a standardized folder structure and use document templates to ensure consistency across all client matters.

It also provides a secure, centralized place to store everything, eliminating the risks of relying on local servers or generic cloud storage. A key function is the ability to track documents. With version control, you can see a complete history of a file, view previous versions, and understand who made changes and when. This creates a clear audit trail for every document in your system.

Security and compliance

For any law firm, protecting client confidentiality is non-negotiable. A legal DMS is designed with this in mind, offering security features that go far beyond standard file storage. Your firm’s data is protected with tools like encryption, which safeguards information both while it’s stored and when it’s being sent.

These systems also help you meet your compliance obligations. Legal work is often subject to strict data protection regulations like GDPR or HIPAA. A specialized DMS helps you adhere to these standards by providing granular control over who can access, edit, or share sensitive information. This ensures your firm not only protects client data but also meets its ethical and legal responsibilities.

Benefits for your law firm

Adopting a legal DMS brings tangible benefits to your daily operations. The most immediate impact is on efficiency. By centralizing your documents and making them easily searchable, you drastically cut down the time your team spends looking for information. This means lawyers and support staff can focus on client work instead of administrative tasks.

It also significantly reduces risk. With version control and secure storage, you no longer have to worry about someone accidentally deleting a critical file or working from an outdated draft. Collaboration becomes simpler and more effective, as team members can work on documents together without creating conflicting copies. Ultimately, a well-organized firm can provide faster, more reliable service, which directly improves the client experience through features like a secure client portal.

Key Features of a Legal DMS

When you start looking at different legal document management systems, you’ll notice they all come with a long list of features. While some are nice-to-haves, there are a few core functions that are absolutely essential for a modern law firm. Think of these as the non-negotiables that will have the biggest impact on your team’s efficiency, security, and overall sanity.

A great legal DMS goes far beyond being a simple digital filing cabinet. It should act as a central hub for your firm’s most critical information, making it easy to find what you need, collaborate with your team, and keep sensitive client data secure. From organizing files to automating tedious tasks, the right features work together to create a seamless workflow. As we go through the key features below, think about the specific bottlenecks and daily frustrations your team currently faces. This will help you identify which capabilities will provide the most value for your firm.

Document organization and storage

At its core, a legal DMS provides a single, secure repository for all your case-related documents, emails, and files. Instead of hunting through scattered folders on a shared drive or searching individual email inboxes, everything is centralized. This means you can instantly pull up any document related to a specific client or matter.

A good system allows you to create standardized folder structures, often from templates, ensuring every new case is organized consistently from the start. This simple change eliminates confusion and makes it easy for anyone on the team to find what they need without having to ask. It’s about creating one source of truth for every file, which is fundamental to an efficient and organized practice.

Version control and audit trails

We’ve all seen file names like Agreement_Final_v3_use-this-one.docx. It’s a recipe for confusion and costly mistakes. A legal DMS with version control solves this problem by automatically tracking changes and saving different versions of a document. You can easily see who made edits and when, and you can revert to a previous version if needed.

This ensures everyone is always working from the most current draft. Just as important is the audit trail, which provides a complete history of every action taken on a document—who viewed it, edited it, or shared it. This creates a clear record of the document’s lifecycle, which is essential for both internal accountability and compliance requirements.

Advanced search

How much time does your team waste searching for a specific document? A legal DMS offers advanced search capabilities that are far more powerful than the basic search on your computer. You can find documents not just by filename, but by searching for keywords within the content of the file itself, even in scanned PDFs.

You can also search using metadata, such as the client name, case number, author, or date created. This allows you to quickly and efficiently retrieve exactly what you’re looking for, whether it’s a specific clause in a contract from five years ago or all correspondence related to a particular matter. This feature alone can save your team countless hours of frustrating searching.

Security and access control

As a law firm, protecting client confidentiality is your top priority. A legal DMS is built with security at its foundation. It allows you to implement dynamic permissions based on user roles, ensuring that team members can only access the information they need to do their jobs. For example, you can restrict access to sensitive HR or financial files while giving broad access to case documents.

Beyond access controls, these systems offer features like data encryption, both in transit and at rest, and two-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access. This layered approach to security helps you meet your ethical obligations and safeguard your clients’ most sensitive information from potential threats.

Integrations with other tools

Your document management system shouldn’t operate in a silo. To be truly effective, it needs to connect seamlessly with the other software your team relies on every day. The best legal DMS platforms offer deep integrations with tools like Microsoft 365, allowing you to save emails and attachments from Outlook directly into a case file with a single click.

These connections create a more unified and efficient workflow. When your DMS works in harmony with your email, word processor, and practice management software, your team can manage documents without constantly switching between different applications. This reduces friction and helps maintain focus on more important, billable work.

Team collaboration

Effective collaboration is key to delivering great results for your clients. A legal DMS provides the tools your team needs to work together more effectively, whether they’re in the same office or working remotely. Features like co-authoring allow multiple people to edit a document at the same time, eliminating the need to email drafts back and forth.

Many systems also include a secure client portal, which provides a safe and professional way to share documents with clients and receive files from them. This is far more secure than email and gives clients a convenient, central place to access all their case-related information. These tools help your team save time, reduce frustration, and present a more polished, modern image to your clients.

Document automation

Think about how many routine documents your firm creates—engagement letters, retainer agreements, and standard court filings. Document automation streamlines the creation of these frequently used documents by using templates that automatically pull in client and matter data.

Instead of manually copying and pasting information, your team can generate a complete, accurate document in a fraction of the time. This not only speeds up your workflow but also dramatically reduces the risk of human error. By automating these repetitive tasks, you free up your team to focus on the high-value legal work that truly matters to your clients and your bottom line.

How to Choose the Right Legal DMS

Selecting a legal document management system is a major decision for your firm. It’s more than just a new piece of software; it’s an investment that will reshape your daily workflows and impact everything from team productivity to client confidentiality. The right DMS can feel like a seamless extension of your team, while the wrong one can introduce friction and frustration.

To make the best choice, you need a clear process. It’s easy to get distracted by flashy features or a long list of integrations. Instead, focus on what your firm truly needs to operate more efficiently and securely. Think of this as a step-by-step guide to finding a system that not only solves your current challenges but also supports your firm as it grows. By taking a structured approach, you can confidently choose a DMS that fits your budget, protects your clients’ data, and empowers your team to do their best work.

Assess your firm’s needs

Before you even look at a demo, start with an internal audit. What are the biggest document-related headaches your team faces every day? Are you struggling with version control, finding specific clauses in old contracts, or securely sharing files with clients? Make a list of these pain points.

A legal DMS is much more than a digital filing cabinet. As Affinity Consulting notes, it’s an “active tool that helps law firms manage, organize, and make their documents useful.” Your goal is to find a tool that actively solves your specific problems. Consider the core features you can’t live without, like email management, secure client portals, or document signing, and use that list to guide your search.

Understand the pricing

DMS pricing can feel complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Most systems come with a mix of initial, implementation, and ongoing costs. Your job is to get a clear picture of the total investment required. Don’t just look at the monthly subscription fee per user.

Ask potential vendors for a full breakdown. Are there one-time setup fees? Is data migration included, or is that an extra charge? What about training and ongoing support? The cost can vary widely depending on the features you need and how the software is hosted. Having a transparent pricing structure helps you compare options accurately and avoid surprises down the road.

Evaluate security measures

For law firms, security is non-negotiable. You have an ethical and legal obligation to protect client confidentiality, and your DMS is central to that responsibility. When evaluating systems, look for specific security features like end-to-end encryption, granular access controls, and detailed audit trails.

Modern legal technology has come a long way. In fact, many cloud-based systems offer security protocols that are far more robust than traditional paper-based filing. Ask vendors about their compliance certifications, data center security, and disaster recovery plans. You need to feel confident that your firm’s and your clients’ most sensitive information is protected against any threat.

Consider future growth

The DMS you choose today should still serve you well in five years. Think about your firm’s growth trajectory. Do you plan on hiring more staff, expanding into new practice areas, or opening another office? Your document management system needs to be able to scale with you.

A system that’s a perfect fit for a small team might become restrictive as you grow. Ask about the process for adding new users and whether the pricing structure remains viable at a larger scale. Investing in a scalable DMS means you won’t have to go through this entire selection process again in just a few years. It’s about finding a long-term partner for your firm’s journey.

Analyze support and training

The most powerful software in the world is ineffective if your team doesn’t know how to use it. A smooth transition depends heavily on the quality of the vendor’s support and training. A good DMS should integrate seamlessly into your existing workflows, not force you to overhaul them completely.

When talking to vendors, ask detailed questions about their onboarding process. What does training look like? Do they offer live support, or will you be submitting tickets into a void? The best way to gauge this is to book a demo. Pay attention to how they answer your questions and explain the software. This initial interaction is often a good indicator of the support you’ll receive as a customer.

Calculate the total cost

Finally, look beyond the price tag and consider the return on investment (ROI). While implementing a DMS requires an initial outlay, the long-term savings and efficiency gains can be substantial. Think about the billable hours currently lost to searching for documents, manually filing emails, or dealing with version control issues.

A good DMS gives that time back to your team. As one analysis from LexWorkplace points out, “the cost-saving aspects and efficiency gains significantly outweigh these expenses in most cases.” Calculate the potential time savings across your firm to understand the true value of the investment. An effective DMS doesn’t just store files; it creates a more productive and profitable practice.

Top Legal Document Management Systems to Consider

Choosing a legal document management system is a significant decision for your firm. The right platform can transform your daily operations, while the wrong one can create more friction than it resolves. The market is full of options, each with its own strengths and ideal user. Some are built specifically for large, global firms with complex compliance needs, while others are designed as all-in-one practice management suites for smaller offices. This variety means there’s likely a perfect fit for you, but it also means you need to be clear about what you’re looking for.

Before you start comparing features, think about your firm’s unique challenges. Do you struggle with version control on complex contracts? Is secure client communication a top priority? Are your current tools poorly integrated, forcing your team to jump between different apps all day? The best DMS for you will directly address these pain points. It’s also helpful to consider whether you need a dedicated document management system or a broader practice management software that includes document handling as one of its features. The former offers deep functionality for file organization, while the latter provides a single platform for cases, billing, and documents. To help you get started, we’ve outlined a few of the top contenders in the legal tech space.

SuiteFiles

SuiteFiles is a comprehensive document management platform that integrates directly with the tools your team already uses, especially Microsoft 365. It’s designed to be an all-in-one solution, bringing together document and email management, templating, a secure client portal, and unlimited e-signing into a single system. This approach helps streamline workflows by keeping everything in one place. For law firms, this means less time spent searching for files or managing multiple software subscriptions. The focus is on making daily tasks simpler and more efficient, from auto-filing client emails to preparing documents with pre-made templates.

NetDocuments

NetDocuments is a cloud-based platform that helps legal teams manage their documents with a strong emphasis on security and compliance. The system is built to handle sensitive information, adhering to standards like GDPR and HIPAA. It helps firms work more efficiently by automating daily tasks, reducing the amount of manual work required to keep files organized and secure. NetDocuments is a popular choice for law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies that need robust security features and a reliable system for managing critical documents.

iManage

iManage is a document and email management system tailored for large, global law firms. Its platform is designed to support firms that operate across multiple countries, helping them maintain productivity and security on an international scale. A key feature of iManage is its ability to facilitate knowledge sharing, allowing legal professionals to access and leverage the firm’s collective expertise, no matter where they are located. It’s a powerful solution for organizations with complex needs and a global footprint.

Clio

Clio is widely known as a legal practice management software, and its offering includes a robust document management component. It allows lawyers to organize, store, and access legal documents from anywhere. One of its standout features is the ability to create document templates that automatically populate with client and case information, which can significantly speed up document preparation. Because Clio is a full practice management system, it also covers case management, billing, and client intake, making it a good option for firms looking for a single solution to run their entire practice.

LEAP

LEAP is a cloud-based legal practice management software that integrates document management with other essential firm operations. The platform includes AI-powered tools and is designed to provide a comprehensive solution for modern law firms. It combines legal drafting and document management with features for case management and billing. LEAP emphasizes security and efficiency, offering a system that helps legal professionals manage their documents and their practice within a single, integrated environment.

How to Implement Your New DMS

Choosing your new legal document management system is a major step. Now, it’s time to integrate it into your firm’s daily operations. A thoughtful implementation process ensures your team can start using the new software effectively from day one, minimizing disruption and maximizing your return on investment. A successful rollout isn’t just about technology; it’s about people and processes. By planning ahead, you can set your firm up for a smooth transition.

Best practices for setup

Investing in a legal DMS is a significant decision, and a successful setup begins long before you move a single file. Start by defining what success looks like for your firm. Are you trying to reduce the time spent searching for documents, improve collaboration on cases, or enhance security? Setting clear goals will guide your configuration choices.

Next, map out your ideal folder structure and file naming conventions. This is your chance to create a logical, standardized system that everyone can follow. Involving your team in this process can help secure their buy-in. Remember to consider the initial, implementation, and ongoing costs to ensure the system aligns with your budget. Understanding the full financial picture helps you calculate the total cost and justify the investment.

How to train your team

Your new DMS is only as good as your team’s ability to use it. Effective training is essential for adoption. The best software tools are designed to fit seamlessly into your existing workflows, which makes training much more intuitive. Look for a system that integrates with the tools your team already uses daily, like Microsoft 365.

Consider a phased rollout, starting with a small pilot group of tech-savvy team members. They can provide valuable feedback before you introduce the system to the entire firm. Appoint a few “DMS champions” who can act as go-to resources for their colleagues. And don’t forget to use the training materials and support offered by your DMS provider. A live demo can be a great way to kick off the training process.

Plan your data migration

Moving your firm’s documents into a new system can feel like a monumental task, but a clear plan makes it manageable. Before you start, you need to decide if the investment is worth it, especially when you factor in the effort of data migration. The first step is to conduct a thorough audit of your current files. Decide what needs to be migrated, what can be archived, and what can be securely deleted.

Next, choose your migration strategy. You might move files manually, use an automated tool, or opt for a hybrid approach. Schedule the migration for a time with minimal business activity, like a weekend or holiday, to reduce disruption. A well-planned migration prevents data loss and ensures your team can find what they need in the new system from the moment they log in.

Avoid common implementation hurdles

Even with a great plan, you can run into challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is a lack of team buy-in. If your staff sees the new DMS as a burden, they won’t use it effectively. Involve them early in the selection and setup process to build enthusiasm. Another common issue is underestimating the time and resources required for the transition. Create a realistic timeline with clear milestones.

Modern document management systems help you sidestep many of these problems with user-friendly interfaces, robust security, and true cloud capabilities. A system with a clean, intuitive design reduces the learning curve and encourages adoption. By anticipating these potential roadblocks, you can address them proactively and keep your implementation on track.

Measure your success

How do you know if your new DMS is making a difference? It’s crucial to understand how the system saves your firm time and money. While there are initial and ongoing costs, the efficiency gains and cost-saving aspects should significantly outweigh these expenses. Before you launch, establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to track your progress.

These metrics could include the average time spent searching for a document, the reduction in paper and printing costs, or faster turnaround times for client contracts. After a few months, review these KPIs to measure your return on investment. This data not only proves the value of your new system but also highlights areas where you can further refine your workflows. You can even start by exploring a free trial to see the potential benefits firsthand.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced DMS Features

Once you move past the fundamental features of document storage and search, you’ll find the capabilities that truly set modern document management systems apart. These aren’t just nice-to-haves; they are powerful tools that can reshape your firm’s efficiency, security, and flexibility. A basic system stores your files, but an advanced one helps you work smarter, faster, and more securely.

Think about how your team operates daily. Are they tied to their desks, or do they need to access files from the courthouse, a client’s office, or home? How much time is spent on repetitive administrative tasks that could be automated? Is your current system a standalone silo, or does it connect with the other software you rely on every day? Answering these questions helps pinpoint which advanced features will deliver the most value to your practice.

The right DMS goes beyond simple storage to become the central hub of your firm’s operations. It offers secure access from anywhere, automates routine work, and seamlessly connects with your other essential tools. These advanced features are what transform a DMS from a digital filing cabinet into a strategic asset for your practice, directly impacting your bottom line and client satisfaction.

Cloud-based access

The days of being tethered to an on-site server are over. Modern legal work demands flexibility, and cloud-based access is the key. A cloud-native DMS allows your team to securely access, edit, and share documents from any location with an internet connection. This means a lawyer can review a case file from home, and paralegals can collaborate on a document even if they’re in different offices.

This level of accessibility ensures that your firm can maintain productivity no matter where your team is working. It eliminates the need for complex and expensive physical infrastructure, providing a scalable solution that grows with your firm. True cloud-based software empowers your team to work together smoothly and efficiently.

AI and automation tools

Repetitive, manual tasks can consume a surprising amount of your firm’s billable hours. Advanced document management systems use AI and automation to handle this administrative work for you. Imagine a system that automatically files client emails and their attachments into the correct matter file or lets you create complex legal documents from pre-approved templates in just a few clicks.

These automation features reduce the risk of human error and free up your team to focus on higher-value legal work. By streamlining routine processes like document creation and email filing, you can significantly improve your firm’s overall efficiency and responsiveness.

Mobile accessibility

For legal professionals, work doesn’t just happen at a desk. You might need to pull up a critical document during a client meeting or review a contract while waiting for a court hearing. A DMS with robust mobile accessibility ensures you have your entire file cabinet in your pocket.

Whether on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, you should be able to access and manage your documents with ease. This on-the-go capability is no longer a luxury; it’s a fundamental requirement for a modern, agile law practice. The ability to access your documents from your phone means you’re always prepared, no matter where your work takes you.

Compliance management

Handling sensitive client information is a core responsibility for any law firm, and the compliance landscape is always changing. An advanced DMS helps you meet these obligations with built-in security and compliance features. Look for systems that offer end-to-end encryption, detailed audit trails, and secure client portals for sharing confidential documents.

Many top-tier systems are designed to help you adhere to regulations like GDPR and HIPAA, providing peace of mind for both you and your clients. By choosing a platform with compliance management at its core, you can protect sensitive information and uphold your professional duties without adding extra administrative burdens.

Integration possibilities

Your DMS shouldn’t operate in a vacuum. To achieve maximum efficiency, it needs to communicate with the other software your firm uses every day. Advanced systems offer robust integrations with tools like Microsoft 365, practice management software, and accounting platforms such as Xero or QuickBooks.

These connections create a unified workflow, eliminating the need to switch between applications or perform duplicate data entry. For example, you can save an email from Outlook directly to a client file or generate an invoice from a document template. Exploring a system’s integration possibilities is key to building a truly connected and efficient tech stack for your firm.

Getting the Most Out of Your DMS

Choosing and implementing a document management system is a huge step forward. But the real magic happens when you make it an indispensable part of your firm’s daily operations. To truly get a return on your investment, you need to go beyond basic storage and turn your DMS into a hub for productivity, collaboration, and security. Here’s how you can make sure your firm is getting the absolute most out of its system.

Encourage team adoption

A DMS is only effective if your team actually uses it. To get everyone on board, it’s crucial to foster a culture of adoption. Start by clearly communicating the benefits for each person—less time spent searching for documents, easier collaboration on cases, and no more confusion over file versions. A good legal DMS is designed specifically for the way law firms work, which can make this transition smoother. Lead by example and ensure everyone understands that the new system is the single source of truth for all firm documents. Consistent use is key to building the right habits across your entire team.

Optimize your workflows

Think of your DMS as more than just a digital filing cabinet. It should be the engine that powers your firm’s workflows. The best systems offer seamless integration with the other legal tech you rely on, like your case management or billing software. When your tools communicate with each other, you eliminate duplicate data entry and create a more efficient, connected process from client intake to final billing. Take the time to map out your key processes and see where your DMS can automate steps or create smoother handoffs between team members. This is where you’ll find significant time savings.

Maintain system security

Protecting sensitive client information is non-negotiable, and your DMS plays a central role in that responsibility. Modern, cloud-based systems have adopted numerous data security best practices that make them far more secure than paper files or a shared server in the office. Be sure to configure user permissions properly so that team members only have access to the files they need. Regularly review these access controls, especially as your team changes. Making security a priority not only protects your clients but also safeguards your firm’s reputation.

Keep the system updated

Technology is always evolving, and your DMS is no exception. Keeping your system updated is essential for both security and functionality. Updates often include critical patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities, ensuring your firm’s data stays protected against emerging threats. They also frequently introduce new features and performance improvements that can make your team more efficient. If you’re using a cloud-based platform like SuiteFiles, these updates are typically handled for you automatically. This means you can focus on your work, confident that you’re always using the most current and secure version of the software.

Use training and support resources

Even the most intuitive software has features you might not discover on your own. To leverage the full power of your DMS, encourage your team to use the available training and support resources. This could include knowledge bases, video tutorials, or live webinars offered by your provider. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the support team with questions. If you’re still exploring your options or want to see advanced features in action, you can always book a demo to get a guided tour. Investing a little time in training upfront will pay off significantly in long-term productivity and user confidence.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the real difference between a legal DMS and general cloud storage like Dropbox or Google Drive? Think of it this way: general cloud storage is like a digital warehouse where you can put anything. A legal DMS, on the other hand, is a purpose-built workshop. It doesn’t just store your files; it helps you work with them. It includes critical features designed for legal work, like automatic version control, detailed audit trails to see who accessed a file, and integrations with the other software you use every day. These specialized tools help you meet your compliance obligations and work more efficiently in ways that generic storage simply can’t.

Is a cloud-based system really secure enough for our firm’s confidential client data? This is a common and important concern. The reality is that reputable cloud-based document management systems often provide security that is far more robust than a typical in-office server. These platforms are built with multiple layers of protection, including end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication, and granular access controls. Their business depends on keeping your data safe, so they invest heavily in security infrastructure and regular audits, which is something most individual firms can’t do on their own.

Our firm is small. Is a dedicated legal DMS overkill for our needs? Not at all. In fact, smaller firms can see some of the biggest benefits. When you have a lean team, every minute counts. A DMS automates the administrative tasks that can bog down a small practice, like filing emails and creating standard documents. It creates a single, organized place for all your files, which means you spend less time searching for information and more time focusing on client work. A good system is scalable, so it can support you as your firm grows.

How long does the implementation process usually take from start to finish? The timeline can vary depending on the size of your firm and the amount of data you need to migrate. For a small to mid-sized firm, a well-planned implementation can often be completed in a matter of weeks, not months. The key is working with a provider that offers a clear onboarding process and dedicated support. A smooth transition focuses on getting your team trained and your files moved over with minimal disruption to your daily work.

What’s the single most important thing to do before choosing a DMS? Before you look at any software demos, take the time to understand your own firm’s biggest challenges. Sit down with your team and identify your main pain points. Is it finding documents quickly? Is it collaborating on drafts without creating confusing copies? Or is it securely sharing files with clients? When you have a clear list of the problems you need to solve, you can evaluate different systems based on how well they address your specific needs, rather than getting distracted by a long list of features you may never use.