Legal workflow automation

CaseFlow

Law Done. Paperwork Gone.

CaseFlow automates client intake and document drafting for solo attorneys and small-firm lawyers drowning in paperwork. Its guided intake wizard and AI-powered templates instantly generate court-ready documents, slashing setup time by 80% and eliminating errors—so attorneys onboard clients quickly and reclaim over 10 hours a week to focus on higher-value legal work.

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CaseFlow

Product Details

Explore this AI-generated product idea in detail. Each aspect has been thoughtfully created to inspire your next venture.

Vision & Mission

Vision
To empower solo attorneys everywhere to deliver world-class legal service through effortless, automated case management and document creation.
Long Term Goal
By 2028, empower 50,000 solo attorneys worldwide to automate over one million cases annually, freeing 10+ hours per lawyer each week for higher-impact client work.
Impact
Cuts case intake and document setup time by up to 80% for solo attorneys and small firms, reducing manual errors by 60% and enabling lawyers to onboard clients and deliver court-ready documents three times faster—freeing over 10 hours per week for higher-value legal work.

Problem & Solution

Problem Statement
Solo attorneys and small firm lawyers waste hours on repetitive case intake and manual document drafting because existing legal software is too complex, expensive, and poorly tailored to their need for simple, fast, automated workflows.
Solution Overview
CaseFlow automates client intake and instant document drafting with a one-click, guided intake wizard and AI-powered, court-ready templates, allowing solo attorneys to launch new cases in minutes and eliminate repetitive paperwork that eats up hours each week.

Details & Audience

Description
CaseFlow automates case intake and document creation for solo attorneys and small firm lawyers. Designed for those overwhelmed by repetitive legal paperwork, it slashes setup time by up to 80% and eliminates costly errors. Its AI-powered templates customize court-ready documents instantly, letting attorneys focus on clients instead of administrative tasks. Distinctive for its one-click, guided intake wizard.
Target Audience
Solo attorneys and small firm lawyers (30-55) overwhelmed by paperwork, seeking fast, automated legal workflows.
Inspiration
Late one night, I watched my friend—an overworked solo attorney—frantically retyping the same client details into three different forms, her eyes red from exhaustion and frustration mounting with each error. Seeing her miss a filing deadline because of endless, repetitive paperwork made me realize attorneys deserved better. That moment inspired CaseFlow’s mission: to make admin work vanish, so lawyers can focus on practicing law.

User Personas

Detailed profiles of the target users who would benefit most from this product.

P

Pro Bono Piper

- Age: 34 - Role: Sole public-interest attorney at local legal aid - Education: JD from state law school - Income: $45K annual nonprofit salary - Location: Urban community clinic

Background

After a stint at a big firm, she shifted to legal aid, driven by passion for access to justice. Overwhelmed by high case volumes and low budgets, she scoured digital tools to maximize her limited time and resources.

Needs & Pain Points

Needs

1. Automate client interviews to reduce manual intake time 2. Ensure error-free pleadings under tight deadlines 3. Maximize billable hours without extra staffing costs

Pain Points

1. Wasted hours manually entering client data repeatedly 2. Anxiety over typos or missing information in filings 3. Inability to scale pro bono workload sustainably

Psychographics

- Advocate at heart, prioritizes justice over profit - Resourceful tinkerer always seeking efficiency hacks - Empathetic listener devoted to underserved clients - Budget-conscious innovator values cost-effective solutions

Channels

1. Twitter legal aid communities 2. LinkedIn nonprofit law groups 3. Email legal clinic newsletters 4. Avvo for pro bono referrals 5. Spotify legal-tech podcasts

L

Litigator Leo

- Age: 38 - Role: Partner at 15-attorney litigation firm - Education: JD from top law school - Income: $250K annual - Location: Suburban office near courthouses

Background

Spent early career clerking for a federal judge, mastering precedent research and court etiquette. Now leads heavy caseloads, where manual document prep drains his team—he champions automation to keep pace with litigation demands.

Needs & Pain Points

Needs

1. Rapid discovery intake for voluminous case materials 2. Consistent template formatting compliant with court rules 3. Real-time collaboration with junior associates and paralegals

Pain Points

1. Tedious manual parsing of discovery responses 2. Formatting inconsistencies causing filing rejections 3. Overworked team juggling multiple case workflows

Psychographics

- Competitor mindset thrives under adversarial challenges - Perfectionist demands flawless, court-ready documents - Efficiency-seeker detests repetitive manual tasks - Team-oriented mentor values reliable workflows

Channels

1. LinkedIn litigation forums 2. Westlaw newsletter emails 3. Law.com litigation blogs 4. ABA Journal website 5. Courthouse in-person seminars

C

Corporate Claire

- Age: 42 - Role: Senior corporate counsel at tech scale-up - Education: JD plus MBA - Income: $300K salary plus equity - Location: Hybrid remote/traditional office

Background

Former associate at big law, pivoted in-house for strategic impact. Burdened by repetitive contract drafting, she seeks automation to balance risk management with board-level advisory responsibilities.

Needs & Pain Points

Needs

1. Instant drafting of standard contracts and agreements 2. Automated compliance checks against company policies 3. Audit trail for version control and approvals

Pain Points

1. Manual redlining leads to inconsistent contract language 2. Overlooked policy changes exposing legal risks 3. Cumbersome approval workflows delaying deal closures

Psychographics

- Strategic thinker prioritizes high-impact work - Risk-averse ensuring compliance adherence - Tech-curious early adopter of legal software - Autonomy-driven values control over legal processes

Channels

1. Corporate legal Slack channels 2. Lexology email digests 3. Legaltech webinars via Zoom 4. In-house counsel LinkedIn groups 5. Tech conference workshops in-person

T

Tech Tina

- Age: 30 - Role: Operations manager at 5-attorney boutique firm - Education: B.S. in Information Systems - Income: $80K annual - Location: Urban coworking space

Background

Started as paralegal, then specialized in legal operations. Frustrated by siloed tools, she designs integrations to unify client intake and document automation for peak efficiency.

Needs & Pain Points

Needs

1. Seamless integration with existing practice management software 2. Customizable AI templates for varied practice areas 3. Real-time process analytics and workflow dashboards

Pain Points

1. Disconnected systems causing redundant data entry 2. Inflexible templates failing unique firm needs 3. Lack of visibility into document turnaround times

Psychographics

- Data-driven planner obsessed with process efficiency - Early adopter embraces new legal tech solutions - Collaborative facilitator bridges attorneys and IT - Continuous learner seeks regular product training

Channels

1. Legal Operations Slack communities 2. TechCrunch newsletters 3. Practical Law webinars 4. GitHub legal-tech repos 5. Trello integration forums online

T

Transactional Tyler

- Age: 36 - Role: Solo practitioner in commercial transactions - Education: JD from regional law school - Income: $120K annual - Location: Suburban home office

Background

After clerkship, he launched a solo transactional practice targeting small businesses. Overwhelmed by repetitive contract work, he adopted automation tools to scale without hiring additional staff.

Needs & Pain Points

Needs

1. Automated client intake with secure data capture 2. Rapid generation of standardized contract templates 3. Audit logs for client billing transparency

Pain Points

1. Manual contract drafting consuming billable hours 2. Risk of overlooking critical clause variations 3. Lengthy onboarding reducing potential client engagement

Psychographics

- Entrepreneurial mindset seeking business growth - Detail-oriented ensuring precise contract language - Time-conscious values swift turnaround - Service-focused aiming for client satisfaction

Channels

1. LinkedIn small business groups 2. Facebook legal entrepreneur pages 3. Clio blog articles 4. Zoom client consultations 5. Google Ads search campaigns

Product Features

Key capabilities that make this product valuable to its target users.

Smart CallerID

Automatically enrich incoming voicemails with caller profile data—pulling contact details, case history, and previous interactions—to pre-populate intake forms and provide context at a glance.

Requirements

Caller Profile Retrieval
"As a solo attorney, I want the system to automatically retrieve caller profile details upon receiving a voicemail so that I can immediately identify the client and access relevant case info."
Description

Automatically retrieve caller profile data from the CRM when a new voicemail is received, including name, contact details, and existing case assignments. This integrates with CaseFlow's contact database to provide immediate access to relevant client information without manual lookup.

Acceptance Criteria
Voicemail Reception Triggers Profile Lookup
Given a new voicemail is received When the voicemail arrives in the system Then the system automatically queries the CRM for the caller's profile data within 2 seconds
CRM Lookup Success with Existing Profile
Given the CRM contains a profile matching the caller's phone number When the profile data is retrieved Then the system displays the caller's name, contact details, and active case assignments in the voicemail details view
CRM Lookup Missing Profile Handling
Given the CRM does not have a profile for the caller's phone number When the lookup returns no results Then the system prompts the user to create a new contact and pre-fills the intake form with the voicemail metadata
Incomplete Data Field Population
Given the CRM profile is missing certain contact fields When the profile is loaded Then the system highlights the missing fields and allows the user to input the missing information before proceeding
CRM Service Unavailable Fallback
Given the CRM service is unavailable Due to a network error or outage When the system fails to retrieve the profile Then the system logs the error, notifies the user of the failure, and queues the lookup to retry automatically in 5 minutes
Case History Pre-population
"As a legal assistant, I want case history to be pre-populated from previous records when a client leaves a voicemail so that I save time and maintain accurate records."
Description

Upon voicemail receipt, analyze the caller’s ID and pre-populate the case history section of the intake form with existing case summaries, previous interactions, and important notes pulled from past records, reducing manual data entry and ensuring consistency.

Acceptance Criteria
Existing Client Voicemail Triggers Pre-population
Given a voicemail from a known phone number When the system receives the voicemail Then it identifies the caller’s profile in the CRM And it pre-populates the case history section with the last 5 case summaries and important notes.
Unknown Caller Voicemail Handling
Given a voicemail from an unrecognized phone number When the system cannot find a matching client profile Then it prompts the user to manually create or select a client profile And leaves the case history section empty until a profile is selected.
Multiple Profile Matches Resolution
Given a voicemail number that matches multiple client profiles When the system identifies duplicate matches Then it displays all potential profiles sorted by most recent interaction And requires the user to confirm which profile to use for pre-population.
Case History Data Accuracy Validation
Given a pre-populated case history section When the user reviews the intake form Then every entry (date, title, and notes) exactly matches the corresponding records in the database And any discrepancy triggers an alert for manual review.
High Volume Voicemail Processing
Given 50 voicemails received within one minute When the system processes each voicemail Then it completes case history pre-population within 5 seconds per voicemail And logs a success or failure status for each processed voicemail.
Intake Form Auto-fill
"As an attorney, I want the intake form to auto-fill with caller information extracted from voicemail so that I can initiate case setup faster and with fewer errors."
Description

Auto-fill key fields in the guided intake wizard—such as name, phone number, email, and case type—based on enriched caller data, accelerating the intake process and minimizing input errors.

Acceptance Criteria
Known Caller Auto-fill
Given a voicemail is received from a phone number matching an existing client record, when the attorney opens the guided intake wizard, then the Name, Phone Number, Email, and Case Type fields are populated with the client’s stored information.
New Caller Enrichment
Given a voicemail is received from a new phone number and the enrichment service returns contact data, when the attorney opens the guided intake wizard, then the Name, Phone Number, Email, and Case Type fields are populated with the enriched data.
Partial Data Handling
Given enrichment returns only partial caller data (e.g., Name and Phone Number), when the attorney opens the guided intake wizard, then the available fields (Name and Phone Number) are auto-filled and the missing fields (Email and Case Type) remain blank.
Manual Override of Auto-fill
Given fields are auto-filled by enrichment, when the attorney edits any auto-filled field and saves the intake form, then the updated field values persist and override the auto-filled data.
Enrichment Service Failure
Given the data enrichment service is unavailable or returns an error, when the attorney opens the guided intake wizard, then no fields are auto-filled and a non-blocking error message is displayed indicating that auto-fill failed.
Voicemail-to-Case Linking
"As a paralegal, I want incoming voicemails linked to the appropriate case files so that I can quickly review client communications in context."
Description

Automatically link incoming voicemails to existing case files or create new case records if no match is found, attaching audio files and transcription data to the correct case, ensuring all communications are organized and easily accessible.

Acceptance Criteria
Linking Voicemail to Existing Case
Given an incoming voicemail from a phone number already associated with a case When the system processes the voicemail Then it links the audio file and transcription to that existing case record
Creating New Case for Unmatched Caller
Given an incoming voicemail from a phone number not found in any case record When the system processes the voicemail Then it creates a new case record, populates it with caller metadata, and attaches the audio file and transcription
Displaying Voicemail Details in Case Record
Given a case record with linked voicemails When a user opens the case details page Then they see a list of voicemails with playback controls and transcription previews
User Notification of Voicemail Association
Given a voicemail has been successfully linked or a new case created When the system completes processing Then it sends a notification to the assigned attorney with a direct link to the voicemail entry
Handling Transcription Errors
Given the system fails to transcribe a voicemail When processing completes Then the voicemail is tagged as "Transcription Error", a basic fallback transcription placeholder is generated, and the user is alerted to review manually
Caller Context Dashboard
"As an attorney, I want a dashboard view that shows caller context alongside the voicemail so that I can make informed decisions without navigating multiple screens."
Description

Provide an at-a-glance dashboard panel displaying caller context—contact overview, case status, recent communications, and critical action items—when reviewing voicemails in CaseFlow’s interface, giving attorneys immediate situational awareness.

Acceptance Criteria
Viewing Caller Context for a Known Client
Given a voicemail from an existing contact When the attorney opens the voicemail Then the dashboard displays the contact’s name, phone number, and email within 2 seconds
Onboarding a New Client via Voicemail
Given a voicemail from an unknown number When the attorney views the voicemail Then the dashboard shows an option to create a new contact and pre-populates intake form fields with caller ID details
Reviewing Case Status for Returning Caller
Given a voicemail from a client with multiple cases When the attorney opens the dashboard Then it lists all active cases with status labels and next action date
Accessing Recent Communications
Given a voicemail When the attorney checks the communication panel Then the last five emails, calls, and notes are displayed in chronological order with timestamps
Identifying Critical Action Items
Given a voicemail When the attorney views the dashboard Then any overdue deadlines or required filings appear highlighted in red with due dates

Intent Extractor

Analyze voicemail content to detect matter type, urgency level, and key details, then dynamically select and populate the appropriate intake template for faster, more accurate client onboarding.

Requirements

Voicemail Audio Transcription
"As a busy attorney, I want automatic transcription of voicemails so that I can quickly read and analyze client inquiries without listening to audio messages."
Description

The system must automatically transcribe voicemail audio files into text using speech recognition technology. Transcriptions should be accurate to at least 90% word accuracy, support multiple accents and languages, and provide time-stamped segments for easy reference. This feature integrates with the intake wizard by converting voice messages into text that can be analyzed for matter type, urgency, and details without manual listening.

Acceptance Criteria
Standard English Voicemail Transcription
Given a clear, single-speaker English voicemail When the audio file is uploaded Then the system returns a text transcription with at least 90% word accuracy within 1 minute
Multi-Accent Voicemail Transcription
Given a voicemail recorded with a non-native English accent When the transcription process completes Then the transcript accuracy remains at or above 90% and properly reflects unique pronunciation variations
Multi-Language Voicemail Transcription
Given a voicemail in Spanish or French When the audio file is processed Then the system detects the language and provides a transcription in the original language with at least 90% accuracy
Time-Stamped Transcript Generation
Given any voicemail audio When the transcription is generated Then each sentence or phrase is labeled with a timestamp accurate to within ±1 second for easy reference
Noisy Audio Transcription Accuracy
Given a voicemail containing background noise when recorded When the transcription feature runs Then the system isolates speech and delivers a transcript with at least 90% accuracy despite the noise
Matter Type Classification
"As a small-firm lawyer, I want the system to categorize client inquiries by matter type so that I can expedite the selection of the appropriate intake template."
Description

The system must analyze transcribed voicemail text using an AI classification model to determine the legal matter type (e.g., family law, personal injury, estate planning). It should support a predefined set of matter categories and allow for future extensibility. The classification should achieve at least 85% accuracy and provide a confidence score for each prediction. Results should be presented to the user for verification before proceeding.

Acceptance Criteria
Classification Model Accuracy Evaluation
Given a dataset of transcribed voicemails with known matter types, when the AI model classifies them, then the model achieves at least 85% accuracy across all predefined matter categories.
Confidence Score Display to User
Given the model outputs a classification and confidence score, when the result is presented in the UI, then each matter type prediction displays a numeric confidence score between 0% and 100%, rounded to two decimal places.
Template Selection Based on Classification
Given a prediction with confidence above the configured threshold, when the user proceeds, then the system automatically selects and populates the corresponding intake template matching the predicted matter type.
Future Extensibility of Matter Categories
Given an administrator adds a new matter category via the configuration interface, when the classification model is retrained, then the system recognizes and classifies voicemails into the new category without requiring code changes.
User Verification Workflow
Given a classification result is displayed, when the attorney reviews and either confirms or overrides the matter type, then the selected matter type is updated accordingly in the system and the override is logged with timestamp and user ID.
Urgency Level Detection
"As an attorney, I want the system to identify urgent client voicemails so that I can prioritize responses and ensure time-sensitive matters are addressed promptly."
Description

The system must evaluate transcribed voicemails to detect and categorize the urgency level (e.g., low, medium, high) based on keywords and context. The detection model should flag urgent matters for immediate attention and visually highlight them in the dashboard. Urgency determination should reach an accuracy of at least 80% and include a confidence metric.

Acceptance Criteria
High Urgency Voicemail Detection
Given a voicemail transcript containing explicit urgency keywords like “urgent,” “immediately,” or “emergency,” the system categorizes it as “High” urgency When processed, the detection confidence score is ≥ 0.8 Then the item is flagged for immediate attention in the dashboard with a red highlight
Medium Urgency Voicemail Identification
Given a voicemail transcript containing moderate-priority terms such as “as soon as possible” or “soon,” the system categorizes it as “Medium” urgency When processed, the detection confidence score is ≥ 0.8 Then the item is highlighted in the dashboard with an orange indicator
Low Urgency Voicemail Classification
Given a voicemail transcript containing non-urgent phrases like “when convenient,” “for your information,” or “not time-sensitive,” the system categorizes it as “Low” urgency When processed, the detection confidence score is ≥ 0.8 Then the item is highlighted in the dashboard with a green indicator
Accuracy Threshold Verification
Given a test set of 100 voicemails with pre-labeled urgency levels, the system correctly classifies at least 80 of them (accuracy ≥ 80%) When processing the test set, the average confidence score across all classifications is ≥ 0.8
Confidence Metric Display
Given any processed voicemail, the system displays a numerical confidence score (0.0–1.0) next to the detected urgency label in the dashboard When the voicemail is processed, the confidence score appears within 2 seconds
Key Details Extraction
"As a paralegal, I want the system to automatically pull key details from voicemails so that I can reduce manual data entry and avoid errors in client records."
Description

The system must extract essential client details (e.g., names, dates, case-related facts) from the transcript using natural language processing. Extracted details should be mapped to defined fields within the intake form. The extraction process should achieve at least 75% accuracy and allow manual review and editing by the user before finalizing the intake record.

Acceptance Criteria
Basic Client Information Extraction
Given a voicemail transcript containing a client’s name, When the NLP engine processes it, Then it correctly identifies the client’s full name and populates the Name field with at least 75% accuracy.
Date Recognition in Client Statements
Given a transcript containing one or more dates, When processed, Then the system extracts each date and formats it to MM/DD/YYYY in the Intake Form with at least 75% accuracy.
Case Fact Mapping
Given a transcript describing case-related facts, When processed, Then the system identifies and maps each fact to its corresponding intake field (e.g., incident description) with at least 75% accuracy.
Manual Review and Editing of Extracted Data
Given extracted details are presented in the intake form, When a user reviews them, Then the user can edit any field inline and save the changes before finalizing the record.
Accuracy Threshold Validation
Given a batch of 100 transcripts, When processed by the system, Then at least 75 transcripts must have all key details correctly extracted and mapped, demonstrating 75% overall accuracy.
Dynamic Template Mapping
"As a solo practitioner, I want the system to automatically fill the correct intake document template so that I can finalize client onboarding documents faster and with fewer errors."
Description

Based on the detected matter type and extracted details, the system must dynamically select and populate the appropriate intake template with extracted information. The mapping logic should handle field matching, placeholder substitution, and device document-ready templates. Users must have the option to review and adjust populated templates before completing the intake process.

Acceptance Criteria
Selecting Correct Template Based on Matter Type
Given a voicemail is analyzed and the system detects matter type 'Personal Injury', when mapping logic executes, then the 'Personal Injury Intake' template is selected and loaded.
Populating Placeholder Fields with Extracted Details
Given the system has extracted client name, contact info, and incident date, when the template is populated, then all corresponding placeholders in the document are replaced with the correct extracted values.
Handling Missing Extracted Fields Gracefully
Given certain optional details are not extracted from the voicemail, when populating the template, then missing fields are marked with an inline prompt requesting user input before completion.
User Review and Adjustment of Populated Template
Given a populated template is ready, when the review screen is displayed, then the user can view each populated field, make edits, and confirm changes before finalizing intake.
Switching Templates on Matter Type Change
Given a user updates the detected matter type during review, when the new type is confirmed, then the system switches to the appropriate template and remaps any previously extracted details.

Sentiment Snapshot

Capture and display an at-a-glance sentiment score for each voicemail, flagging stressed or frustrated callers so attorneys can prioritize high-need clients and tailor follow-up communications.

Requirements

Voicemail Transcription Service
"As an attorney, I want voicemails automatically transcribed so that the system can analyze the content and I can quickly understand caller issues without listening."
Description

Implement an automated speech-to-text transcription service for voicemails, converting incoming audio files into text transcripts. This service will support multiple audio formats, integrate noise reduction, and seamlessly feed transcripts into the sentiment analysis pipeline, ensuring text is available within seconds of voicemail receipt.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Transcription Trigger Upon Voicemail Receipt
Given a new voicemail audio file is received in the system When the transcription service processes the file Then a text transcript is available in the system within 10 seconds
Support for Multiple Audio Formats
Given a voicemail in WAV, MP3, or M4A format When the transcription service attempts to transcribe Then a text transcript is generated with at least 95% word accuracy
Integration of Noise Reduction Module
Given a voicemail with background noise When the transcription service applies noise reduction Then the transcript’s word error rate is reduced by at least 20% compared to non-processed audio
Seamless Pipeline Integration with Sentiment Analysis
Given a completed voicemail transcript When the transcript is passed to the sentiment analysis pipeline Then the sentiment score is generated and attached to the client record without manual intervention
Error Handling for Low-Quality Audio
Given an audio file that fails transcription due to low quality When the transcription service detects the failure Then an error notification is logged and the voicemail is flagged for manual review within 5 seconds
Sentiment Analysis Engine Integration
"As a small-firm lawyer, I want the system to analyze the tone of voicemails so that I can identify callers who may need urgent attention."
Description

Integrate a sentiment analysis engine that processes voicemail transcripts to generate a sentiment score indicating emotional tone (e.g., stressed, frustrated, neutral). The integration should provide adjustable scoring thresholds, handle edge cases like mixed sentiments, and return standardized scores via API for display and further processing.

Acceptance Criteria
Attorney Prioritizes High-Stress Voicemails
Given a list of voicemail transcripts, when the sentiment analysis engine processes each transcript, then voicemails flagged as 'stressed' or 'frustrated' must appear at the top of the attorney's dashboard sorted by descending intensity score.
API Returns Standardized Sentiment Scores
Given a valid voicemail transcript submitted via API, when the sentiment analysis API processes the transcript, then it must return a JSON response containing a sentiment score between -1.0 and 1.0 and a sentiment label ('stressed', 'frustrated', 'neutral', 'positive').
Adjustable Scoring Thresholds
Given the attorney adjusts the sentiment threshold settings in the admin panel, when new transcripts are processed, then the sentiment labels must reflect the updated thresholds without requiring a service restart.
Handling Mixed Sentiments in Transcripts
Given a transcript containing both positive and negative phrases, when processed by the engine, then the overall sentiment score must reflect the dominant sentiment and the API response must include a confidence metric for mixed sentiment.
Error Handling for Unprocessable Transcripts
Given an unreadable or corrupted transcript, when the sentiment analysis API receives the transcript, then it must return an error code 422 with an error message explaining 'Transcript Unprocessable' and log the error for review.
Sentiment Score Visualization
"As a solo attorney, I want to see a clear visual indicator of caller sentiment next to each voicemail so that I can quickly prioritize follow-ups."
Description

Design and implement a user interface component within the CaseFlow dashboard that displays sentiment scores alongside voicemail entries using color-coded indicators (e.g., red for high stress, yellow for moderate concern). Include tooltips or hover details to explain the score and provide context.

Acceptance Criteria
Viewing Sentiment Score on Dashboard
Given the attorney is on the CaseFlow dashboard with recent voicemail entries loaded, When the sentiment snapshot component renders, Then each voicemail entry displays a sentiment score value between -1.0 and +1.0 alongside a corresponding color-coded indicator.
Interpreting Color-Coded Stress Levels
Given a sentiment score is assigned to a voicemail, When the score is between 0.7 and 1.0 it displays a red indicator; between 0.4 and 0.69 a yellow indicator; and below 0.4 a green indicator, ensuring color thresholds match design specifications.
Hovering Over Sentiment Indicator for Details
Given the user hovers over any sentiment color indicator, When the hover state persists for at least 200ms, Then a tooltip appears explaining the sentiment score, its stress level interpretation, and guidance for follow-up actions.
Filtering Voicemails by High Stress
Given the dashboard filter options are visible, When the user selects the 'High Stress' filter, Then only voicemails with sentiment scores of 0.7 and above are displayed, and the filter badge shows the count of high-stress calls.
Viewing Historical Sentiment Trends
Given the user clicks the sentiment history icon on a voicemail entry, When the sentiment history modal opens, Then a time-series chart displays at least the last 10 sentiment scores for that caller, with axes labeled and data points plotted correctly.
Priority Flagging and Sorting
"As a busy lawyer, I want my voicemails sorted by sentiment so that I can address the most urgent and stressed clients first."
Description

Develop functionality to flag and automatically sort voicemails based on sentiment scores, allowing attorneys to view high-stress or frustrated callers at the top of their voicemail list. Provide filtering options to display calls above a configurable sentiment threshold.

Acceptance Criteria
Flagging High-Stress Voicemails
Given a voicemail with sentiment score above the user-defined 'High Stress' threshold, When the voicemail is processed, Then it is visually flagged with a red 'High Stress' indicator in the voicemail list.
Sorting Voicemails by Sentiment Score
Given multiple voicemails with varying sentiment scores, When the user sorts by 'Sentiment Score' in the UI, Then voicemails are listed in descending order of sentiment score, with highest scoring (most stressed) calls at the top.
Applying Configurable Sentiment Threshold
Given the user sets a new sentiment threshold in settings, When the threshold is saved, Then only voicemails with sentiment scores above the configured threshold are displayed when the filter is active.
Default Filter on Voicemail Dashboard
Given the user has not customized the threshold, When the voicemail dashboard is loaded, Then voicemails with sentiment scores above the default threshold of 0.7 are automatically filtered and displayed.
User Interface for Sentiment Flags and Filters
Given sentiment analysis is complete for all voicemails, When viewing the voicemail dashboard, Then the UI displays filter controls, sorting options, and colored sentiment badges (green, yellow, red) corresponding to low, moderate, and high stress levels.
Historical Data Logging
"As a small-firm manager, I want to track sentiment trends over time so that I can identify patterns and improve client communication strategies."
Description

Implement backend storage for sentiment scores and corresponding transcripts, associating each entry with client and case records. Ensure data is searchable by date, client, and sentiment range, enabling audit trails and trend analysis over time.

Acceptance Criteria
Logging Sentiment and Transcript Records
Given a voicemail is processed through the Sentiment Snapshot feature, when sentiment analysis completes, then the system stores the sentiment score and full transcript in the backend database linked to the correct client and case record.
Search by Date Range
Given stored sentiment entries, when a user specifies a start and end date in the search interface, then the system returns all entries whose timestamps fall within the selected date range sorted chronologically.
Filter by Client
Given multiple clients with logged sentiment data, when a user selects a specific client, then the system filters and displays only the sentiment entries associated with that client.
Filter by Sentiment Range
Given sentiment scores ranging from -1 to +1, when a user sets a sentiment threshold or range in the search filters, then the system returns all entries whose sentiment scores fall within the specified range.
Audit Trail Review
Given historical sentiment records, when an auditor requests an audit trail for a case, then the system generates and displays a timeline of all sentiment entries, including timestamps, scores, transcripts, and user actions that accessed or modified each entry.

Polyglot Transcriber

Support multi-language voicemails by automatically detecting and transcribing messages in dozens of languages, ensuring non-English-speaking clients receive the same seamless intake experience.

Requirements

Automatic Language Detection
"As a solo attorney, I want the system to detect the language of incoming voicemail messages automatically so that I can receive accurate transcriptions without manual language selection."
Description

The system automatically analyzes incoming voicemail audio to identify the spoken language from a supported list of over 50 languages. It integrates with the transcription pipeline to route messages to language-specific speech-to-text models, eliminating manual language selection and ensuring accurate downstream transcription.

Acceptance Criteria
English Voicemail Detection
Given an incoming voicemail in English, when the language detection module processes the audio, then the system identifies the language as English with ≥95% confidence and routes it to the English transcription model.
Spanish Voicemail Detection
Given an incoming voicemail in Spanish, when the language detection module processes the audio, then the system identifies the language as Spanish with ≥95% confidence and routes it to the Spanish transcription model.
Unsupported Language Handling
Given an incoming voicemail in a language outside the supported list, when processed, then the system flags the language as unsupported, notifies the user of unsupported language, and logs the event for review.
Background Noise Resilience
Given an incoming voicemail with moderate background noise, when processed, then the system still detects the correct language with ≥90% confidence and routes it to the appropriate transcription model.
Short Duration Audio Detection
Given an incoming voicemail shorter than 3 seconds, when processed, then the system accurately detects the predominant language and does not default to an unsupported or fallback model.
Multi-Language Speech-to-Text Engine
"As a small firm lawyer, I want voicemail messages in any language to be transcribed automatically into text so that I can understand and act on client messages promptly."
Description

The platform leverages a multi-language speech-to-text engine capable of processing voicemail recordings in any supported language. It delivers near-real-time transcription by dynamically loading language models, reducing turnaround time and ensuring non-English-speaking clients receive timely intake documentation.

Acceptance Criteria
Language Detection for Incoming Voicemail
Given a voicemail in any supported language When the transcription engine processes the recording Then the system correctly identifies the spoken language with at least 95% accuracy
Near-Real-Time Transcription Delivery
Given a voicemail file shorter than two minutes When the file is uploaded for transcription Then the system provides a complete transcript to the client dashboard within 30 seconds of upload completion
Dynamic Language Model Loading
Given a voicemail in a language model not currently loaded When the transcription process begins Then the system loads the required language model within 5 seconds and continues transcription without user intervention
Accuracy Threshold in Non-English Transcriptions
Given a representative batch of 100 non-English voicemail recordings When the system transcribes the batch Then the overall word error rate across all transcripts does not exceed 10%
Fallback Handling for Unsupported Languages
Given a voicemail recorded in an unsupported language When the system cannot detect a matching language model Then it notifies the user of the unsupported language and provides an option for manual transcription
Transcript Quality Assurance
"As an attorney, I want the system to highlight low-confidence transcription segments and allow me to review and correct them so that transcript accuracy is ensured."
Description

The feature implements a transcription quality assurance layer that calculates confidence scores for each segment of text and flags low-confidence words or phrases. Attorneys can easily review flagged items in the transcript editor, correct errors, and ensure the final transcript meets professional standards.

Acceptance Criteria
Segment Confidence Calculation
Given an audio file is processed for transcription, when the transcription completes, then the system assigns a confidence score between 0% and 100% to each text segment and stores these scores with the transcript.
Low-Confidence Flagging in Editor
Given a transcript with assigned confidence scores, when opening the transcript in the editor, then any segment with a confidence score below 90% is visually highlighted and shows the exact score on hover.
Attorney Correction Workflow
Given a flagged segment in the editor, when an attorney edits the text and saves changes, then the system recalculates the confidence score for that segment and removes the flag if the new score is 90% or higher.
Correction Audit Trail
Given any manual correction of a transcript segment, when the correction is submitted, then the system logs the original text, corrected text, user ID, and timestamp in an audit trail accessible from the transcript metadata.
Export Clean Transcript
Given all flagged segments have been addressed, when the attorney exports the transcript, then the exported document contains only the final approved text without any confidence scores or flags.
Language Customization Options
"As a user, I want to specify a preferred language or dialect for transcription so that nuances and regional variations are captured correctly."
Description

Users can choose a default language or dialect for voicemail transcriptions and override automatic detection when needed. This customization setting ensures regional variations and specific client preferences are captured accurately, improving transcription relevance and client satisfaction.

Acceptance Criteria
Default Language Selection
Given the user navigates to the transcription settings, when they select a default language (e.g., English, Spanish) and save changes, then all subsequent voicemail transcriptions are processed in the chosen language unless explicitly overridden.
Automatic Language Detection Accuracy
Given a voicemail is received in a non-default language, when the system processes the message, then it automatically detects the correct language with at least 95% accuracy and applies the corresponding transcription model.
Manual Language Override
Given a voicemail is processed and a detected language is displayed, when the user selects a different language or dialect from the override menu and confirms, then the transcription is generated in the selected language/dialect.
Dialect Selection for Regional Variations
Given the user clicks on dialect options for a selected language, when they choose a regional variant (e.g., Mexican Spanish, Castilian Spanish) and save, then the transcription reflects region-specific vocabulary and spelling conventions.
Persistence of Language Preferences
Given a user has set a default language and possibly a dialect, when they log out and later log back in, then the previously selected default settings are retained and preselected in the transcription settings.
Export & Integration
"As a lawyer, I want to export transcribed voicemail messages into client intake forms and document templates so that I can streamline the onboarding process."
Description

The system enables the export of transcribed voicemail text into CaseFlow’s intake forms, client profiles, and AI-powered document templates. Transcripts can also be downloaded as PDF or Word documents, integrating seamlessly with existing workflows and accelerating client onboarding.

Acceptance Criteria
Populate Intake Form with Transcribed Voicemail
Given a completed voicemail transcription exists, When the user selects “Export to Intake Form”, Then the corresponding intake form fields are populated with the exact transcript text within 3 seconds
Attach Transcript to Client Profile
Given a voicemail transcription is available, When the user clicks “Save to Client Profile”, Then the transcript is appended to the client’s profile under “Voicemail Transcripts” with timestamp and language metadata
Integrate Transcript into AI-Powered Document Template
Given a user has chosen a document template, When the user selects “Insert Transcript”, Then the transcription text is inserted into the designated merge field and the document preview updates correctly
Download Transcription as PDF
Given a voicemail transcription is completed, When the user clicks “Download PDF”, Then a PDF file is generated containing the full transcript, with correct formatting and header information, and the download starts within 5 seconds
Download Transcription as Word Document
Given a voicemail transcription is available, When the user selects “Download Word Document”, Then a .docx file is generated containing the full transcript, with editable text and proper styling, and the file is downloaded successfully
Handle Export Failures Gracefully
Given the system encounters an error during export, When the user attempts to export or download the transcription, Then a clear error message is displayed with details and a retry option

Live Edit

Enable attorneys or staff to review and correct transcriptions in real time, with instant sync to intake forms—minimizing errors and ensuring client details are captured accurately before submission.

Requirements

Real-time Transcript Synchronization
"As a legal assistant, I want client audio responses to populate the intake form in real time so that I can verify and correct details instantly and avoid transcription errors."
Description

Implement a system that instantly updates transcribed audio input into the corresponding fields of the client intake form with sub-second latency. The solution must reliably handle fluctuations in network connectivity by buffering changes locally during interruptions and syncing automatically once the connection is restored. This requirement ensures that attorneys and staff see up-to-date transcript data without manual refreshes, reducing the risk of data loss and minimizing delays during client interviews.

Acceptance Criteria
Standard Real-Time Sync During Stable Connection
Given a stable network connection, When the transcription engine outputs new text, Then the corresponding intake form field updates within 500ms; And the displayed text exactly matches the transcription.
Local Buffering During Network Interruption
Given network connectivity loss, When new transcription data is generated, Then the system stores the data in a local encrypted buffer; And displays an 'Offline Mode' indicator; And ensures no transcription data is lost.
Automatic Resync After Connection Restoration
Given buffered transcription data and restored network connectivity, When the connection is re-established, Then buffered data syncs automatically to the server and intake form fields; And duplicate entries are resolved; And original timestamps are preserved.
Performance Under High Transcription Load
Given continuous transcription flow at up to 500 events per minute, Then the system maintains a mean update latency ≤200ms and a 95th percentile latency <500ms per field update; And requires no manual refresh.
Conflict Resolution for Concurrent Edits
Given simultaneous user edits and incoming transcription updates to the same field, When both changes occur, Then the system merges changes by prioritizing user edits; And prompts the user to confirm resolution of any conflicting text; And prevents unconfirmed overwrites.
Inline Correction Interface
"As an attorney, I want an inline editing toolbar to quickly correct misheard words in the live transcript so that my intake forms accurately capture client information without interrupting the conversation."
Description

Design an intuitive editing interface overlaying the live transcript, enabling users to highlight, delete, or replace words directly in the text. Include keyboard shortcuts and AI-powered suggestions for common legal terms to streamline corrections. This interface should integrate seamlessly with the form engine, reflecting edits immediately in the intake form fields.

Acceptance Criteria
Editing a Mis-transcribed Client Name in Real Time
Given a live transcript shows an incorrectly spelled client name, when the user highlights the incorrect text and replaces it, then the intake form’s Client Name field updates immediately with the corrected text.
Applying AI-Powered Legal Term Suggestions
Given the user types a partial legal term in the transcript overlay, when AI suggestions appear, then selecting a suggestion inserts the full legal term and updates the corresponding form field.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts for Quick Corrections
Given the transcript overlay is focused, when the user presses predefined keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl+B for bold, Ctrl+Z for undo), then the intended action executes and the intake form reflects any linked changes.
Synchronizing Deleted Text with Intake Form Fields
Given the user deletes text from the live transcript, when the deletion is confirmed, then the corresponding intake form field removes the deleted text instantly and no residual characters remain.
Persisting Inline Edits Across Session Reloads
Given the user makes inline edits in the transcript, when the page is reloaded or the session is resumed, then all edits persist and the intake form displays the updated values without loss.
Edit History and Audit Log
"As a firm manager, I want to review a history of all transcript edits so that I can audit changes, track accountability, and meet compliance requirements."
Description

Maintain a comprehensive, timestamped log of all modifications made to the transcript and form fields, capturing the original text, edited text, the user who made each change, and the exact time of the edit. Store this log within the case record for compliance and accountability, and provide a UI to review and export the edit history.

Acceptance Criteria
Record Original and Edited Text
Given a user edits a transcript field, when the edit is saved, then the system logs an audit entry containing both the original text and the modified text.
Capture Editor Identity and Timestamp
Given a saved edit, then each audit entry includes the username of the editor and the exact timestamp in ISO 8601 format.
Persist Edit History to Case Record
Given a case record, when an edit is saved, then all corresponding audit entries are stored within the database record for that specific case.
Display Edit History in UI
Given the edit history UI is opened for a case, then all audit entries are displayed in reverse chronological order with columns for original text, edited text, editor, and timestamp.
Filter and Search Edit History
Given a user applies filter criteria (e.g., date range, editor name), when the filter is executed, then the UI displays only the audit entries matching the filter.
Export Edit History Logs
Given a user selects the export function, when they confirm export, then the system generates a CSV file containing all displayed audit entries and prompts the user to download it.
Offline Editing and Sync
"As an attorney working in a location with unreliable internet, I want to edit transcription offline so that I can complete client intake without connectivity issues and sync later."
Description

Enable users to continue editing the live transcript even when offline by caching both audio and edits locally. Once network connectivity is restored, automatically synchronize all buffered audio data and editing changes with the server, resolving any conflicts based on timestamps. This feature ensures continuous workflow in low- or no-connectivity environments.

Acceptance Criteria
Offline Edit Session Continuation
Given the user loses network connectivity while editing a live transcript, when they continue typing corrections, then all edits are saved locally without errors and no changes are lost upon reloading the page.
Cached Audio Playback
Given the application enters offline mode, when the user plays back previously recorded audio segments, then the audio is loaded and played from the local cache in under two seconds with no network requests.
Automatic Synchronization on Reconnection
Given the device regains network connectivity after being offline, when the connection is detected, then the system automatically uploads all buffered audio data and editing changes to the server within 10 seconds and marks each item’s sync status as successful.
Conflict Detection and Resolution
Given a transcript segment was edited offline on one device and online on another, when synchronization occurs, then the system compares timestamps, detects conflicts, and resolves them by retaining the most recent edit and logging conflict details for user review.
Resumption after Failed Sync
Given a network drop occurs mid-synchronization, when the application retries, then it retains unsynced changes locally, schedules automatic retry attempts with exponential backoff, and successfully syncs all changes once connectivity is stable.
Role-based Access Control
"As an admin, I want to restrict transcript editing privileges to specific roles so that sensitive client data is protected and only authorized users can make corrections."
Description

Implement granular access controls to define which user roles (e.g., attorney, paralegal, support staff) can view, edit, or approve transcript corrections. Integrate with the existing user management system to assign permissions dynamically, ensuring that only authorized personnel can modify sensitive client information.

Acceptance Criteria
Attorney Role Editing Access
Given a user with the 'Attorney' role and valid edit permissions, when they access the live transcript editor, then they can modify transcript text and save changes successfully.
Paralegal Role Approval Access
Given a user with the 'Paralegal' role and valid approval permissions, when they navigate to the transcript corrections queue, then they can approve or reject corrections and see confirmation of their action.
Support Staff Restricted Edit Attempt
Given a user with the 'Support Staff' role lacking edit permissions, when they attempt to edit a transcript correction, then the system displays an access denied message and prevents changes.
Dynamic Permission Assignment
Given an administrator assigns specific view permissions to a role via the user management system, when the role accesses a transcript, then the user can only view transcript corrections but cannot edit or approve them.
Unauthorized User Access Block
Given a user without any assigned role permissions, when they try to access the transcript correction feature, then the system blocks access and logs the unauthorized access attempt.

Follow-Up Scheduler

Automatically generate personalized follow-up tasks and reminders based on voicemail content and priority, integrating with calendars and case management systems to ensure timely client outreach.

Requirements

Voicemail Content Extraction
"As a solo attorney, I want voicemails transcribed automatically so that I can review client messages quickly and accurately."
Description

Integrate with the firm’s telephony system to automatically retrieve and transcribe voicemail messages. This functionality uses AI-driven speech-to-text processing to convert voice notes into text, enabling the scheduler to analyze message content without manual input. It ensures accuracy by supporting noise reduction and legal vocabulary recognition, and stores transcripts securely in the client’s case file for audit and reference purposes.

Acceptance Criteria
Retrieve and Transcribe Voicemail Automatically
Given a new voicemail is left in the firm’s telephony system, When the system polls for new voicemails, Then it retrieves the audio file and initiates transcription within 60 seconds of retrieval.
Accurate Transcription with Noise Reduction
Given a voicemail containing background noise, When the voicemail is processed, Then the transcription accuracy remains at or above 95% and background noise is filtered out.
Legal Vocabulary Recognition
Given a voicemail containing legal terminology, When the voicemail is transcribed, Then the transcript correctly recognizes and records at least 98% of defined legal terms from the firm’s vocabulary list.
Secure Storage of Transcripts
Given a completed transcription, When the transcript is saved, Then it is stored in the client’s encrypted case file and accessible only to authorized users within the case management system.
Real-Time Error Reporting
Given a transcription failure or low-confidence segments, When errors are detected, Then the system generates an alert and logs the specific segments with confidence scores below 90%.
Follow-Up Priority Detection
"As a small-firm lawyer, I want the system to prioritize follow-ups automatically so that I can address the most urgent client needs first."
Description

Develop an AI-powered module to analyze transcribed voicemail content and assign priority levels based on keywords, sentiment, and case deadlines. The system flags high-urgency messages by identifying terms related to emergencies, court dates, or client distress, ensuring that critical follow-ups are scheduled first. Priority rules are configurable by the user to align with firm-specific protocols.

Acceptance Criteria
High-Urgency Term Detection
Given a voicemail transcript containing keywords such as 'emergency', 'urgent', or references to imminent court dates, when the AI module processes the transcript, then the system must assign the message a 'High' priority level.
Sentiment Analysis Based Prioritization
Given a voicemail transcript expressing negative sentiment (e.g., words indicating distress or frustration), when sentiment analysis scores exceed the configurable threshold, then the system must flag the message as 'High' priority.
Deadline Based Escalation
Given a voicemail transcript that mentions or implies a court deadline within 48 hours of the message timestamp, when the transcript is processed, then the system must escalate the priority to 'High' regardless of detected keywords or sentiment.
Configurable Priority Rule Adjustment
Given user-defined priority rules with custom keywords and sentiment thresholds, when the AI processes a voicemail, then the assigned priority must reflect the user's configured settings instead of default rules.
Non-Critical Messages Default Handling
Given a voicemail transcript that does not contain emergency terms, negative sentiment above threshold, or impending deadlines, when processed, then the system must assign the message a 'Normal' priority level.
Automated Task Generation
"As an attorney, I want follow-up tasks generated automatically so that I can save time and reduce manual data entry."
Description

Create a rules engine that translates voicemail transcripts and priority levels into actionable tasks. The module auto-populates task details—such as client name, case ID, follow-up type, and suggested due date—then queues tasks in the scheduler. It supports customization of default task parameters and allows batch creation of tasks based on multiple messages received within a set timeframe.

Acceptance Criteria
Voicemail Transcript Task Creation
Given a voicemail transcript containing client name "John Doe", case ID "C12345", and follow-up type "Document Request"; When the rules engine processes the transcript; Then a new task is created with client name "John Doe", case ID "C12345", follow-up type "Document Request", and a suggested due date based on default settings.
Batch Task Generation from Multiple Voicemails
Given three voicemail messages received within a 2-hour window; When the user initiates batch task creation; Then the system generates three distinct tasks, each populated with the correct client details, case IDs, follow-up types, and suggested due dates, and queues them in the scheduler.
Custom Default Parameter Overrides
Given default task parameters of follow-up type "Consultation" and due date 3 days from now are overridden to follow-up type "Meeting" and due date 5 days from now; When the rules engine applies custom settings; Then the resulting task reflects follow-up type "Meeting" and a due date set exactly 5 days from the task creation date.
Priority-Based Task Scheduling
Given a voicemail transcript marked with priority "High"; When the transcript is processed; Then the suggested due date is set to 24 hours from the current time and the task priority flag is set to "High" in the task details.
Task Integration with Scheduler
Given tasks created by the rules engine; When queued into the Follow-Up Scheduler; Then each task appears in the scheduler with correct client name, case ID, follow-up type, due date, and priority, and is visible on the integrated calendar.
Calendar and Case Management Synchronization
"As a lawyer, I want follow-up reminders to appear in my calendar and case management system so that I never miss an appointment."
Description

Implement connectors to synchronize generated follow-up tasks with the attorney’s calendar (e.g., Google Calendar, Outlook) and the firm’s case management system. The integration ensures that task reminders appear in both environments, avoids double-booking by checking availability, and updates statuses in real time when tasks are completed or rescheduled.

Acceptance Criteria
Follow-Up Task Creation in Calendar
Given a voicemail with a follow-up task, when the task is finalized by the system, then the task appears in the attorney’s connected calendar with the correct date, time, title, and link to the case management record.
Availability Check to Prevent Double-Booking
Given an attorney’s existing calendar events, when a new follow-up task is scheduled, then the system checks for conflicts and only books available time slots, notifying the user if conflicts require manual resolution.
Real-Time Status Update on Task Completion
Given a follow-up task is marked complete in either the calendar or case management system, when the status changes, then the update is reflected immediately in both systems within 30 seconds.
Bi-Directional Sync with Case Management System
Given a new follow-up task generated from a voicemail, when the task is created, then a corresponding task record is automatically created in the case management system with matching fields (due date, priority, case link) and remains synchronized for all updates.
Handling Rescheduled Follow-Up Tasks
Given an attorney reschedules a follow-up task in the calendar, when the new date/time is set, then the change is propagated to the case management system and confirmation is sent via notification.
Personalized Template Selector
"As a practitioner, I want the system to suggest personalized follow-up templates so that I can communicate efficiently and maintain a professional tone."
Description

Provide a library of customizable follow-up email and call script templates that the scheduler populates with client details and case information. Based on the voicemail’s content and priority, the system suggests the most appropriate template, allowing attorneys to review and edit before sending. Templates support variables for personalization and can be saved as favorites for quick selection.

Acceptance Criteria
Template suggestion based on voicemail content and priority
Given a voicemail marked as high priority containing client-specific keywords, when the Personalized Template Selector analyzes the voicemail, then it suggests the top three follow-up templates ranked by relevance and priority within two seconds.
Attorney edits and approves template before sending
Given a suggested template is loaded in the editor, when the attorney reviews the content, then all client and case details are prefilled as variables, the attorney can modify any text or variables inline, and clicking “Send” uses the updated content.
Personalization variables replaced correctly
Given a template containing variables such as {client_name}, {case_number}, and {next_hearing_date}, when the template is selected or previewed, then each variable is replaced with the correct client and case information without any leftover placeholders.
Saving a template as favorite for quick access
Given an edited or selected template, when the attorney clicks the “Add to Favorites” button, then the template is saved to the Favorites list, and a confirmation message appears indicating successful addition.
Retrieving favorite templates
Given the Favorites list contains saved templates, when the attorney filters by Favorites, then all favorite templates are displayed sorted by date added, and selecting a template loads it into the editor with all personalization variables intact.

LocalRule Mapper

Automatically detect the document’s jurisdiction and apply tailored formatting rules—margins, fonts, citations—ensuring every filing meets local court standards without manual research or adjustments.

Requirements

Jurisdiction Detection Engine
"As an attorney, I want the system to automatically detect the document’s jurisdiction so that I can avoid manual research and ensure compliance with local court standards."
Description

Automatically identify the court jurisdiction of each document by analyzing metadata, content, and user inputs. Integrate a detection algorithm that cross-references document attributes—such as case type, court name, and location—against a maintained jurisdiction database. This engine enhances efficiency by eliminating manual jurisdiction lookup and ensures subsequent formatting applies the correct local rules without user intervention.

Acceptance Criteria
Automatic Jurisdiction Identification at Document Upload
Given a user uploads a document containing metadata and content references to a court name and location When the detection engine processes the document Then it correctly identifies and displays the corresponding jurisdiction
Fallback to User Input on Ambiguous Metadata
Given a document with insufficient or conflicting metadata When the detection engine cannot reach a confidence threshold Then it prompts the user to select the correct jurisdiction from a predefined list
Integration with Jurisdiction Database Updates
Given the jurisdiction database is updated with new or modified entries When the detection engine processes a document Then it applies the latest database information without requiring a system restart
High Confidence Detection Threshold
Given the detection engine processes a document When the computed confidence score for jurisdiction identification exceeds 95% Then the system automatically applies the jurisdiction without user confirmation
Error Handling for Unsupported Jurisdictions
Given a document references a jurisdiction not present in the database When the detection engine processes the document Then it logs an error, notifies the user, and suggests the closest matching supported jurisdictions
Dynamic Rule Mapping
"As a solo attorney, I want the system to apply local court formatting automatically so that my documents are always court-ready and error-free."
Description

Map and apply specific local court formatting rules—including margins, font styles, citation formats, and cover page requirements—once the jurisdiction is detected. Integrate the mapping logic with the template engine to dynamically adjust document layouts and styles, ensuring every filing meets local standards accurately and consistently without manual adjustments.

Acceptance Criteria
Federal District Court Document Formatting
Given a user uploads a document and selects 'U.S. District Court – Northern District of California' as the jurisdiction, when the system processes the document, then margins must be set to 1 inch on all sides, font updated to Times New Roman 12pt, and the court’s specific citation style applied to all case references.
State Supreme Court Brief Preparation
Given a user chooses 'California Supreme Court' jurisdiction, when generating a brief, then the system must apply double-spaced line spacing, 1.5-inch top margin, and adopt the court's designated header and footer format as per local rules.
Citation Format for Appellate Court Filings
Given a filing intended for the 'Third Circuit Court of Appeals', when inserting citations, then the system must format citations to match the court's Bluebook variant, including abbreviated case names, punctuation, and page number formatting.
Cover Page Generation for County Court
Given a user indicates 'Los Angeles County Superior Court' jurisdiction, when creating a new document, then generate a cover page that includes court name, case number placeholder, judge's name field, and required footer information as defined by the local rule set.
Margin Adjustment for Bankruptcy Court Documents
Given a document submission targeted to the 'Eastern District of New York Bankruptcy Court', when the system detects the jurisdiction, then adjust margins to 0.5 inches on top and bottom, 1 inch on left and right, and apply Calibri 11pt font to comply with local bankruptcy formatting rules.
Local Rule Repository Management
"As a system administrator, I want to manage and update local court rules securely so that the tool always uses up-to-date and accurate formatting standards."
Description

Maintain a centralized repository of local court rules, supporting manual updates by administrators and automated pulls from official court sources. Include versioning, rule metadata, and audit logs to track changes over time. This repository ensures the system uses the latest guidelines and provides transparency and rollback capabilities for rule updates.

Acceptance Criteria
Manual Update of Local Rules by Administrator
Given an administrator is on the Local Rule Repository Management page and selects “Add New Rule” When the administrator fills in all required metadata fields (court name, jurisdiction, effective date, rule text) and clicks “Save” Then the new rule is stored in the repository with version 1, status “Active”, and appears in the rule list
Automated Fetch of Rules from Official Sources
Given a scheduled synchronization task is configured for an official court source When the task runs and detects new or updated local rules Then the system automatically fetches the rule data, validates metadata accuracy, increments the version for existing rules, and adds new rules to the repository
Versioning and Rollback of Rule Updates
Given a rule has multiple versions stored in the repository When an administrator selects an earlier version and clicks “Rollback” Then the selected version becomes the current active version, the version number is updated accordingly, and the previous current version is retained in history
Audit Logging of Repository Changes
Given any create, update, or delete action occurs on a local rule entry When the action completes Then an audit log entry is created capturing the timestamp, user ID, action type, rule ID, old and new version numbers, and metadata changes
Metadata Validation for Newly Added Rules
Given an administrator or automated process submits a new rule or update without required metadata fields When the submission is processed Then the system rejects the change, displays clear validation error messages for each missing or invalid field, and does not create or update the rule in the repository
Manual Override Interface
"As an attorney, I want to manually adjust formatting rules when needed so that I maintain control over document presentation in exceptional cases."
Description

Provide an intuitive interface for users to review and override automatically applied formatting rules. Allow attorneys to adjust margins, fonts, and citations manually, save custom rule sets, and revert to default local rules as needed. Log all overrides to maintain auditability and ensure flexibility without sacrificing compliance.

Acceptance Criteria
Accessing the Manual Override Interface
Given a document has been auto-formatted based on detected jurisdiction When the user clicks the “Manual Override” button in the toolbar Then the system displays editable fields for margins, fonts, and citations reflecting current settings.
Adjusting and Saving Custom Rule Sets
Given the user has modified at least one formatting parameter (e.g., margin size, font family, citation style) When the user clicks “Save as Custom Rule Set” and enters a name Then the custom rule set is persisted in their profile and available for selection for future documents.
Reverting to Default Local Rules
Given a user is working with a custom rule set applied to a document When the user clicks “Revert to Default Local Rules” Then all formatting fields reset to the default values for the detected jurisdiction and any unsaved changes are discarded.
Logging Override Actions
Given a user makes manual adjustments to formatting parameters and saves When the save action completes Then an entry is created in the audit log with timestamp, user ID, document ID, parameters changed, and previous values.
Reviewing Audit Log Entries
Given the user has appropriate permissions and views the “Audit Log” section for a document When the user filters log entries by override actions Then the system displays all override entries sorted by timestamp with details for each change.
Real-time Formatting Preview
"As an attorney, I want a real-time preview of formatted documents so that I can verify compliance before submission."
Description

Implement a live preview panel displaying document layout and formatting changes in real time as local rules are applied. The preview must reflect page breaks, font sizes, citation styles, and other rule adjustments, enabling users to validate compliance and appearance before finalizing the document.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Document Load Preview
Given a user uploads or opens a document in the editor, when the jurisdiction is detected, then the real-time preview panel must render the document layout reflecting the detected local court margins, font type and size, and citation style within two seconds of detection.
User Adjusts Document Content
Given a user adds or edits text in the document, when changes are paused for one second, then the preview must update the layout including page breaks, margin shifts, and citation formatting in real time without requiring a manual refresh.
Switching Between Jurisdictions
Given a document's jurisdiction is changed by the user, when the new jurisdiction is selected, then the preview must immediately re-render the document applying the new jurisdiction's formatting rules and highlight any formatting conflicts in red.
Handling Large Documents
Given a document exceeding fifty pages, when the user scrolls the preview panel, then the preview must maintain smooth scrolling performance at sixty frames per second and correctly display page breaks and formatting for pages in view within one second.
Citation Style Change
Given a user toggles between citation styles (e.g., Bluebook to ALWD), when the toggle is activated, then the preview must update all citations to the selected style throughout the document and indicate successful application with a confirmation message.
Rule Conflict Detection
"As an attorney, I want to be alerted when formatting rules conflict so that I can resolve issues before filing."
Description

Detect conflicts between local court rules and document content or user overrides. Provide clear alerts with guidance on resolving conflicts to prevent the creation of non-compliant documents. Ensure conflict detection runs automatically during formatting operations to safeguard against filing errors.

Acceptance Criteria
Automatic Rule Conflict Check on Document Load
Given a document is loaded and jurisdiction detected, when the system finishes loading, then an automatic rule conflict check runs comparing document content to local court rules within 5 seconds for documents up to 100 pages.
Real-Time Detection During User Overrides
Given a user applies a formatting override, when the override violates a local court rule, then an inline warning appears immediately with the rule name, section, and suggested resolution.
Bulk Document Formatting Check
Given the user selects multiple documents for batch formatting, when the batch operation starts, then the system processes each document, flags any rule conflicts, and generates a summary report listing document names, conflict counts, and resolution guidance.
Alert Presentation with Guidance
Given one or more conflicts are detected, when the system displays alerts, then each alert includes a conflict description, impacted text, court rule reference, and a link to automated resolution options, allowing the user to accept a fix or manually adjust.
Suppression of Non-Conflicting Overrides
Given a user override that does not conflict with any local rules, when the override is applied, then no conflict alert is displayed and the override is preserved, with the action logged in the audit trail without false positives.

CitationFormatter Pro

Auto-format all legal citations and references according to Bluebook or jurisdiction-specific styles, eliminating citation errors and saving time on manual corrections during document review.

Requirements

Bluebook Standard Formatting
"As an attorney, I want my citations automatically formatted to Bluebook standards so that I ensure compliance and avoid errors in court submissions."
Description

Implement automatic formatting of legal citations according to the Bluebook rules. When users insert citations into documents, the system should apply correct abbreviations, punctuation, italics, and ordering conventions. This functionality ensures consistency across all legal documents and reduces manual correction time.

Acceptance Criteria
Formatting a Single Case Citation
Given a user inserts an unformatted case citation into a document (e.g., “Smith v Jones 123 US 456 2005”) When the user saves or previews the document Then the citation is automatically formatted according to Bluebook rules with correct italics, abbreviations, punctuation, and year placement
Formatting Multiple Citations in a Single Footnote
Given a user enters multiple unformatted case citations separated by commas in one footnote When the user saves or previews the document Then each citation is individually formatted per Bluebook style and separated by semicolons
Applying Correct Abbreviation for Law Review Articles
Given a user inserts an unformatted law review article citation (e.g., “John Doe, The Future of Law 10 Yale L Rev 100 2020”) When the user saves or previews the document Then the citation is formatted with proper Bluebook abbreviations for journal titles, volume, reporter, page, and year
Handling Short Form Citations After Full Citation
Given a user has already inserted and formatted a full citation of a source earlier in the document When the user uses a short form citation for the same source Then the system generates the correct short form (e.g., “Smith, 123 U.S. at 458”) adhering to Bluebook rules
Formatting Statutory Citations
Given a user inserts an unformatted statutory citation (e.g., “42 USC 1983”) When the user saves or previews the document Then the citation is formatted with proper section symbols, spacing, and title abbreviations per Bluebook rules
Jurisdiction-Specific Citation Styles
"As a small-firm lawyer, I want citations formatted for different jurisdictions so that my filings meet each court's local style guidelines."
Description

Support customization of citation formats based on jurisdiction-specific rules. The module should detect the selected jurisdiction and apply its citation conventions, such as regional reporter names, case numbering formats, and local rule variations, ensuring that documents adhere to local court requirements.

Acceptance Criteria
State Jurisdiction Detection
Given a user selects a specific state jurisdiction in the document settings, when the CitationFormatter Pro processes citations, then it automatically applies the selected state’s citation conventions including reporter abbreviations and punctuation.
Federal Citation Fallback
Given no state jurisdiction is selected or a federal case is entered, when the formatter runs, then it defaults to Bluebook federal citation style ensuring standard reporter names and format.
Local Reporter Name Formatting
Given the selected jurisdiction uses local reporter names, when a citation to a regional reporter is formatted, then the formatter replaces generic reporter abbreviations with jurisdiction-specific reporter names as per local rules.
Case Number Formatting
Given the jurisdiction specifies a unique case numbering format (e.g., YYYY-#####), when the user inputs a case number, then the formatter validates and reformats it to match the jurisdiction’s required pattern.
Custom Rule Variation Application
Given a jurisdiction has special citation rules (e.g., omitting volume numbers for certain reporters), when such a citation is encountered, then the formatter applies or omits elements according to the jurisdiction’s defined variations.
Real-Time Inline Citation Validation
"As a solo attorney, I want to see citation errors highlighted in real time so that I can correct them on the spot and avoid revisions later."
Description

Provide live validation of citations as users type, highlighting errors or deviations from the selected style guide. The system should flag incorrect abbreviations, missing elements, or formatting mismatches, offering suggestions for corrections to streamline the review process and minimize post-drafting edits.

Acceptance Criteria
Incorrect Abbreviation Detected
Given a user enters a citation abbreviation incorrectly, When the user pauses typing for 500ms, Then the system highlights the incorrect abbreviation in red and displays a tooltip with the correct Bluebook abbreviation suggestion.
Missing Citation Element Flagged
Given a user types a citation missing a mandatory element (e.g., reporter volume or page number), When the user completes the citation field, Then the system underlines the incomplete citation in yellow and lists the missing elements in a side panel.
Inline Correction Suggestion Accepted
Given the system presents a correction suggestion for a misformatted citation, When the user clicks the suggestion, Then the citation updates instantly to the correct format and the highlight is removed.
Citation Style Switch Handling
Given a user changes the selected style guide from Bluebook to a jurisdiction-specific style mid-document, When the change is applied, Then all existing inline citations are re-validated and correctly re-formatted according to the new style without manual intervention.
Bulk Citation Paste Validation
Given a user pastes multiple citations at once, When the paste operation completes, Then the system processes each citation in real time, highlights any errors, and provides a summary report of issues within 1 second per citation.
Bulk Citation Batch Processing
"As a busy attorney, I want to reformat all citations in a document at once so that I save time and maintain consistency in lengthy briefs."
Description

Enable batch processing of all citations within a document or across multiple documents. With a single command, users can reformat or validate all citations at once, reducing manual overhead in lengthy filings and ensuring uniformity throughout the document set.

Acceptance Criteria
Batch Reformat Within Single Document
Given a single document containing citations in multiple formats, when the user triggers ‘Reformat All Citations’ with Bluebook style selected, then every citation in the document is converted to valid Bluebook format with no remaining legacy formats.
Batch Reformat Across Multiple Documents
Given a selection of multiple documents in the workspace, when the user executes the batch reformat command with a chosen citation style, then all selected documents are updated so that every citation in each document conforms to the specified style and a summary report confirms success.
Citation Validation Batch Process
Given a set of citations within one or more documents, when the user initiates ‘Validate Citations’ in batch mode, then the system verifies each citation against Bluebook rules, flags any invalid citations, and provides correction suggestions in a consolidated report.
Jurisdiction Style Batch Formatting
Given documents requiring a jurisdiction-specific citation style, when the user selects the jurisdiction profile and runs the batch formatter, then all citations across the documents are styled according to that jurisdiction’s rules and no citation is left in a generic format.
Batch Processing Error Reporting
Given documents containing citations with unrecognized patterns or missing data, when batch processing is executed, then the system processes valid citations, skips invalid ones, and generates an error report listing each failure with document name, page or line number, and descriptive error message.
Custom Citation Style Editor
"As a law firm manager, I want to define custom citation styles so that our team follows firm-specific formatting without manual adjustments."
Description

Allow users to create and manage custom citation styles through a user-friendly interface. Users can define rules for element order, punctuation, and formatting, and save these styles for future use or share them with colleagues, accommodating out-of-the-box or firm-specific citation requirements.

Acceptance Criteria
Creating a New Custom Style
Given the user is on the Custom Style Editor page, When the user clicks "Create New Style" and enters a unique style name, Then a new blank style template named accordingly is created and listed in the user's styles.
Editing Existing Citation Rules
Given the user has selected an existing custom style, When the user modifies element order, punctuation, or formatting rules and clicks "Save", Then the updated rules are persisted without errors and reflected in the style preview.
Saving and Naming Custom Styles
Given the user has defined or edited citation rules for a style, When the user enters a style name and clicks "Save", Then the style is stored with the provided name in the user's library and is retrievable in subsequent sessions.
Sharing Styles with Colleagues
Given the user has a custom style saved, When the user clicks "Share" and selects one or more colleagues or exports a shareable file, Then the selected recipients can import the style successfully and it appears in their style list.
Validating Style Against Sample Document
Given the user has a custom style saved, When the user applies the style to a sample document via the preview function, Then all citations in the sample document are formatted according to the defined rules and match the displayed preview.

Smart Margin Enforcer

Continuously monitor and adjust page layout—margins, line spacing, headers/footers—to maintain strict adherence to court directives, preventing rejections due to formatting oversights.

Requirements

Margin Detection Engine
"As a solo attorney, I want the system to automatically detect and flag margin deviations in my documents so that I can ensure compliance with court formatting rules before submission."
Description

Continuously scan documents to detect deviations from specified margin requirements, analyzing headers, footers, and line spacing to identify formatting oversights and flag inconsistencies.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-time Margin Deviation Alert
Given a document is open in the editor with margins set outside the court-specified minimum of 1 inch, when the engine performs a scan, then the system must immediately flag any deviation and display an alert indicating the page number and the measured margin values.
Header and Footer Consistency Verification
Given a multi-page document, when the engine analyzes headers and footers, then it must verify that all header and footer margins match the specified values and report any inconsistencies by page.
Automated Page Layout Analysis
Given a completed draft document, when the scan is triggered, then the engine must calculate line spacing and margin values for each page and generate a summary report listing all pages compliant and non-compliant.
Historical Document Audit
Given a document imported from the archive, when running the margin detection, then the system must process and flag formatting issues in documents dating back up to 12 months and present results in a timeline view.
Custom Margin Configuration Support
Given a user-defined margin configuration for a specific court, when the engine applies settings, then it must detect deviations based on custom thresholds and validate against the selected court profile.
Dynamic Layout Adjustment
"As a small-firm lawyer, I want the document layout to automatically adjust itself to court standards so that I don’t have to manually tweak formatting settings."
Description

Automatically adjust page layout parameters, including margins, line spacing, and header/footer positioning, in real time to align with the selected court's formatting directives, ensuring immediate correction without manual intervention.

Acceptance Criteria
Court-Specific Margin Selection
Given a user selects a court from the court directives dropdown When the user applies the document template Then the page margins, line spacing, and header/footer positioning match the selected court’s specified measurements within ±0.1 inches
Live Document Editing Margin Correction
Given an open document undergoing edits When the user’s content causes margins, line spacing, or header/footer positions to drift from court directives Then the system automatically adjusts the layout back to the correct values within one second without data loss
Header/Footer Positioning Adjustment
Given a user adds or modifies header or footer content When the user saves or previews the document Then the header and footer positions align precisely with the court’s top and bottom margins as defined in its formatting rules
Imported Document Layout Standardization
Given a user imports an external document in .docx or .pdf format When the import completes Then the system automatically standardizes the margins, line spacing, and header/footer positions to the selected court’s requirements within two seconds without manual intervention
Manual Layout Override Prevention
Given a user attempts to manually change margin or header/footer settings in the document editor When the user commits the change Then the system reverts the layout back to the court-standard values and displays a non-blocking notification explaining that manual overrides are not permitted
Court Directive Repository Integration
"As a paralegal, I want the system to fetch the latest formatting rules for each court so that I can be confident my documents meet jurisdictional requirements."
Description

Integrate with an updatable repository of court-specific formatting rules to retrieve margin and layout requirements for different jurisdictions, enabling the system to apply the correct standards for each case automatically.

Acceptance Criteria
Fetch Court Formatting Rules for Specific Jurisdiction
Given a user selects a case with jurisdiction X When the system queries the court directive repository Then it retrieves JSON data containing margin, line spacing, header and footer settings for jurisdiction X
Auto-Apply Retrieved Formatting to New Document
Given formatting rules for jurisdiction X are available When a user creates a new case document Then the system automatically applies the specified top, bottom, left, and right margins and line spacing to the document template
Repository Update Synchronization
Given a new court directive is added to the repository When the scheduled sync process runs Then the system updates its local cache with the new formatting rules within 15 minutes and logs the update event
Manual Override of Formatting Rules
Given auto-applied formatting rules are in effect When a user manually adjusts margin or line spacing values Then the system applies the overrides to the document and records an audit log entry with user ID, timestamp, and reason
Repository Unavailable Error Handling
Given the court directive repository is unreachable When the system attempts to fetch formatting rules Then the system displays an error message to the user, logs the failure, and applies the last known valid settings
Real-time Preview and Alerts
"As a legal assistant, I want a real-time preview that alerts me to margin errors so that I can correct them before finalizing the document."
Description

Provide a live preview pane displaying document layout with highlighted margin issues and prompt alert notifications when formatting falls outside court directives, allowing users to view corrections as they happen.

Acceptance Criteria
Highlight Margin Violations in Live Preview
Given a user uploads or edits a document When any page margin falls outside the court-specified measurements Then the preview pane highlights the violation area with a red outline and displays the current vs. required margin values
Real-time Alert Notification
Given a user modifies document formatting When line spacing, headers/footers, or margins deviate from court directives Then a non-blocking alert appears within 5 seconds, clearly stating the specific formatting issue
Automatic Layout Adjustment Suggestion
Given the system detects a margin or spacing violation When the user clicks on the suggested correction indicator in the preview pane Then the system automatically adjusts the layout to meet court requirements and refreshes the preview within 2 seconds
Continuous Monitoring During Editing
Given a user is actively typing or modifying content When any layout parameter drifts outside the acceptable range Then the system logs the change, updates the preview highlights, and triggers an alert if uncorrected for more than 10 seconds
Export of Corrected Document
Given the user has applied all suggested formatting corrections When exporting the document to PDF or Word format Then the exported file passes an automated validation check confirming all margins, line spacing, and headers/footers comply with court directives
Version Control and Audit Trail
"As a compliance officer, I want to track all formatting changes and revert if necessary so that I can maintain a clear record for audits."
Description

Implement versioning for document layouts and maintain an audit trail of all automated adjustments made to margins and formatting, ensuring traceability and the ability to revert to previous versions.

Acceptance Criteria
Initiate Version Control for Formatting Adjustments
Given a user applies margin or layout changes to a document, When the user saves the document, Then the system creates a new version entry capturing all layout parameters before and after the change.
View Audit Trail of Formatting Changes
Given a document has multiple versions, When the user opens the audit trail view, Then the system displays a chronological list of all formatting adjustments with timestamps, version numbers, and user identifiers.
Revert Document Layout to Previous Version
Given a document version history exists, When the user selects a previous version and clicks 'Revert', Then the system restores the document's layout to that version and logs a new version entry reflecting the revert action.
Track Concurrent Formatting Adjustments
Given multiple users edit the same document's layout concurrently, When conflicting changes are saved, Then the system records each change as a separate version and flags conflicts for user resolution.
Record Timestamp and User for Each Formatting Change
Given any automated adjustment to margins or headers/footers, When the adjustment occurs, Then the system logs the timestamp, affected elements, and user or system process that triggered the change.
Performance and Scalability Optimization
"As a busy attorney, I want the formatting engine to perform quickly on lengthy filings so that my workflow remains smooth without lag."
Description

Optimize the margin enforcement processes to maintain responsive performance on large documents, ensuring that layout analysis and adjustments do not degrade editor responsiveness or system stability.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-time Margin Adjustment with Large Documents
Given a user opens a 200-page document with the Smart Margin Enforcer active, When the margin compliance process completes, Then the margins are adjusted to meet court directives within 1 second, and the editor remains fully responsive with no input delay exceeding 200ms.
Simultaneous Multi-Document Processing
Given the system is processing three 100-page documents concurrently, When margin enforcement runs on all documents, Then each document adjustment completes within 2 seconds without CPU usage exceeding 75% on a standard 4-core machine.
Resource Utilization under Peak Load
Given a document with 500 pages and varied header/footer configurations, When the margin analysis and adjustments begin, Then memory consumption does not exceed 500MB and garbage collection pauses do not exceed 50ms.
Editor Responsiveness during Continuous Formatting
Given a user continuously types and scrolls in the editor for 10 minutes while Smart Margin Enforcer is active, When the system performs automatic layout checks every page, Then average editor response time for keystrokes remains under 100ms.
Scalability under Concurrent User Sessions
Given five users simultaneously enforce margins on separate 150-page documents, When processing is at peak usage, Then the server CPU load remains under 80% and each enforcement completes within 2.5 seconds.

Interactive Preview

Provide a real-time, side-by-side view of the draft and the final court-ready document, enabling attorneys to spot formatting issues instantly and make quick edits before export.

Requirements

Live Format Sync
"As an attorney, I want to see real-time formatting synchronization between my draft and the final court-ready document so that I can catch and correct issues immediately."
Description

Implement a real-time, side-by-side rendering engine that displays both the input draft and the AI-generated court-ready document simultaneously. Changes made to the draft should instantly reflect in the final view, allowing attorneys to detect formatting discrepancies and content shifts without manual refresh. The system should support varied document lengths, maintain high rendering performance, and integrate seamlessly with existing CaseFlow drafting components.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Draft Update
Given an attorney edits the draft in the input pane, When the attorney pauses typing for 500ms, Then the final court-ready document view updates within 300ms without requiring a manual refresh.
Large Document Performance
Given a draft document exceeding 100 pages with mixed content (text, tables, images), When a single change is made, Then the side-by-side preview refreshes within 1 second and CPU utilization for rendering does not exceed 70%.
Formatting Fidelity Check
Given the draft contains custom styles (headings, footers, citations), When rendered in the preview pane, Then all formatting, styles, and legal citations appear exactly as in the draft and adhere to the jurisdictional style guide.
Seamless Navigation Synchronization
Given an attorney scrolls to a specific section in the draft view, When the scroll event completes, Then the final document preview scrolls to the corresponding section within 100 pixels accuracy.
Error Resilience and Fallback
Given the rendering engine encounters an unsupported element or parsing error, When attempting to render the draft, Then the system logs the error, highlights the problematic section in the draft pane, and retains the last successful preview without crashing.
Inline Preview Editing
"As an attorney, I want to edit content directly in the preview pane so that I can make quick adjustments without switching back to the draft editor."
Description

Enable direct editing within the preview pane so that users can modify text, adjust formatting, and insert placeholders directly in the final document view. All inline edits should propagate back to the underlying draft source, preserving the bidirectional link between draft content and preview. The feature should include undo/redo, input validation, and maintain audit logs of changes.

Acceptance Criteria
Inline Text Modification
Given a draft document is displayed in the inline preview pane, when the user clicks into a text region and modifies content, then the change is immediately reflected in both the preview pane and the underlying draft source.
Inline Formatting Adjustment
Given text is selected within the inline preview pane, when the user applies formatting options (bold, italic, underline, lists), then the formatting is applied in the preview and persisted in the draft source with identical style.
Inline Placeholder Insertion
Given a set of predefined placeholders is available, when the user selects and inserts a placeholder directly in the inline preview pane, then the placeholder appears at the correct location in the preview and is inserted into the underlying draft source.
Undo and Redo Actions
Given the user has performed one or more inline edits, when the user invokes undo or redo in the preview pane, then the last action is reversed or reapplied consistently in both the preview and the draft source.
Audit Log Recording
Given any inline edit is confirmed, when the change is applied, then an audit log entry is created capturing the user ID, timestamp, type of change, and before/after values.
Visual Change Tracking
"As a paralegal, I want to see highlighted differences between my draft and the final document so that I can review and validate changes efficiently."
Description

Integrate a visual diff tool that highlights additions, deletions, and formatting changes between the current draft and the generated preview. Changes should be color-coded (e.g., green for additions, red for deletions) and support hover-over tooltips for detailed change metadata. This feature will help attorneys quickly identify modifications and approve or reject specific changes.

Acceptance Criteria
Attorney Adds Content to Draft Document
Given an attorney adds new text to the draft document, when the preview is generated, then all newly added text is highlighted in green in the preview pane.
Attorney Deletes Content from Draft Document
Given an attorney deletes text from the draft document, when the preview is generated, then all deleted text is highlighted in red with a strikethrough in the preview pane.
Attorney Applies Formatting Changes to Draft Document
Given an attorney modifies formatting (e.g., bold, italic, font size) in the draft document, when the preview is generated, then all formatting changes are highlighted in yellow in the preview pane.
Attorney Hovers Over a Highlighted Change
Given change highlights are displayed in the preview pane, when the attorney hovers over any highlighted change, then a tooltip appears showing change type, author, date, and time metadata.
Attorney Approves or Rejects a Highlighted Change
Given highlighted changes in the preview pane, when the attorney clicks the approve icon on a change, then that change is applied to the draft and the highlight is removed; when the attorney clicks the reject icon, then the change is reverted in the draft and the highlight is removed.
Version Comparison Mode
"As a small-firm lawyer, I want to compare the current draft’s preview with earlier versions so that I can ensure consistency and track the evolution of my documents."
Description

Offer a comparison mode that lets users load previous versions of the generated document alongside the current preview. The comparison should present side-by-side views, synchronized scrolling, and diff highlighting to trace edits across versions. It should seamlessly integrate with CaseFlow’s version history module and allow users to revert to an earlier format if needed.

Acceptance Criteria
Loading Previous Document Versions
Given the user has accessed the preview of a generated document and opens Version Comparison Mode, when they select a previous version from the version history sidebar, then the system displays the selected version alongside the current draft in a side-by-side view with synchronized scrolling within 2 seconds of selection.
Synchronized Scrolling Between Versions
Given two document versions are displayed side-by-side, when the user scrolls in either pane, then the corresponding section in the other pane scrolls automatically, ensuring both views remain aligned at all times.
Diff Highlighting of Edits
Given two versions are displayed in comparison mode, when the documents differ in content or formatting, then all additions are highlighted in green and deletions in red, with inline markers accurately reflecting the location of each change.
Reverting to an Earlier Version
Given the user reviews differences in Version Comparison Mode, when they click the “Revert to This Version” button below the earlier version pane, then the system prompts for confirmation and upon confirmation replaces the current draft with the selected version and logs the revert action in version history.
Performance Under Large Document Size
Given the user compares two large documents (up to 200 pages each), when they load Version Comparison Mode, then both versions render fully with synchronized scrolling and diff highlighting within 5 seconds without UI lag or errors.
Export After Revert
Given the user has reverted to a previous version in comparison mode, when they export the document, then the exported file matches exactly the reverted version’s content and formatting and is downloadable in PDF and DOCX.
Customizable Preview Layout
"As an attorney, I want to customize the preview layout so that I can focus on critical sections and improve my review efficiency."
Description

Provide layout customization controls for the preview interface, allowing users to adjust pane sizes, toggle visibility of headers, footers, and sidebars, and zoom in/out of document sections. The layout preferences should persist per user and per document type. This enhancement ensures attorneys can tailor the interface to their specific review workflow.

Acceptance Criteria
Resize Preview Panes
Given an attorney views the side-by-side preview When they drag the divider between panes Then each pane resizes in real time within 20% to 80% width and no content is clipped
Toggle Header and Footer Visibility
Given an attorney needs a clean view When they click the header or footer visibility toggle Then the selected section is hidden or shown immediately without page reload
Toggle Sidebar Visibility
Given an attorney wants focus on content When they toggle the sidebar visibility Then the sidebar collapses or expands smoothly and the document panes adjust to fill available space
Zoom Document Sections
Given an attorney examines detailed content When they use zoom controls Then the document scale changes between 50% and 200% in 10% increments and text remains legible
Persist Layout Preferences Across Sessions
Given an attorney customizes layout for a document type When they log out and log back in or open a new document of the same type Then the interface restores their last pane sizes, visibility toggles, and zoom level

BatchFormatter

Apply consistent formatting across multiple documents in one go—motions, briefs, exhibits—streamlining large-scale filings and ensuring uniform compliance across an entire case docket.

Requirements

Standardized Style Library
"As a small firm attorney, I want to choose from predefined style libraries so that all my filings comply with court formatting rules effortlessly."
Description

The system shall provide a centralized library of standardized formatting styles, including court-specific templates, font settings, margin rules, line spacing, numbering conventions, and heading hierarchies. Users can select predefined legal-style templates or customize and save their own formatting rules. The library integrates with the BatchFormatter feature, ensuring that chosen styles are consistently applied across all selected documents in a batch. This requirement enhances efficiency and compliance by reducing manual formatting and errors.

Acceptance Criteria
Applying Predefined Legal Style via BatchFormatter
Given a user has selected one or more documents in supported formats and chosen a predefined style template from the centralized library When the user initiates the BatchFormatter process Then the system applies the selected style's font settings, margin rules, line spacing, numbering conventions, and heading hierarchies consistently across all chosen documents without errors.
Customizing and Saving a New Style Template
Given a user modifies font, margins, line spacing, or heading hierarchy in the style editor and assigns a unique name to the new style When the user clicks 'Save' Then the system stores the custom style in the library, and the new style appears in the list of available templates for future selection.
Applying Custom Style to Multiple Documents
Given a user selects a previously saved custom style template from the library and multiple documents in the BatchFormatter interface When the user runs the formatting batch Then each document reflects the exact customizations (font, margins, spacing, numbering, headings) as defined in the saved template, with no deviations.
Enforcing Court-Specific Formatting Rules
Given a user selects a court-specific template (e.g., Federal District Court) from the library and applies it to a batch of documents When the formatting completes Then all documents conform to the court’s official template requirements including header/footer styles, citation formats, margin settings, and approval labels.
Handling Unsupported File Types During Batch Formatting
Given a user includes files in an unsupported format (e.g., PDF, images) in the document selection When the user runs BatchFormatter Then the system skips unsupported files, applies formatting only to supported document types, and provides a clear report listing which files were skipped and why.
Custom Style Rule Configuration
"As a solo practitioner, I want to configure custom formatting rules to match my firm's branding and case requirements so that I maintain consistency across documents."
Description

The system shall allow users to create, edit, and manage custom style rules, including document-level settings (e.g., page size, headers, footers) and paragraph-level attributes (e.g., indentation, alignment, spacing). Users can define rule applicability based on document type or file metadata. Changes to style rules automatically update the style library and are version-controlled. This requirement provides flexibility and empowers users to tailor formatting to individual case needs.

Acceptance Criteria
Creating a New Custom Style Rule
Given the user accesses the Custom Style Rule Configuration page, When the user enters a unique rule name, selects page size 'A4', sets header 'Client Name', sets paragraph indentation '0.5in', selects applicability to 'Motion' document type, and clicks 'Save', Then the new style rule is added to the style library with the specified settings and a new version entry is created.
Editing an Existing Custom Style Rule
Given an existing style rule 'Default Motion Style' is selected, When the user modifies the footer content to 'Confidential – CaseFlow', updates line spacing to '1.5', and saves changes, Then the style library reflects the updated attributes and increments the version number by one.
Applying Custom Style Rules to a Batch of Documents
Given a set of five documents in the batch formatter, When the user selects the custom style rule 'Federal Brief Style' and clicks 'Apply to All', Then each document in the batch is reformatted according to the rule's settings and a success notification is displayed.
Verifying Version Control of Style Rules
Given the style rule 'Exhibit Layout' has multiple versions, When the user views the rule's history, Then the system displays a chronological list of version entries with timestamps, user names, and change summaries, and allows restoring to any previous version.
Filtering Style Rules by Document Type
Given the style library contains rules applicable to motion, brief, and exhibit document types, When the user filters by 'Exhibit', Then only rules with exhibit applicability are displayed.
Batch Formatting Execution
"As a paralegal, I want to apply formatting presets to multiple documents in one go so that I save time on repetitive formatting tasks."
Description

The system shall enable users to select one or more documents and apply chosen style presets or custom rules in a single operation. A progress indicator displays the real-time status of formatting tasks. Upon completion, a summary report outlines documents processed, styles applied, and any exceptions. This requirement streamlines large case dockets, significantly reducing manual work and ensuring uniformity.

Acceptance Criteria
Single Document Batch Formatting
Given a single document is selected and a style preset is chosen, When the user initiates batch formatting, Then the system reformats the document according to the chosen preset within 30 seconds and displays a success confirmation.
Multiple Documents with Mixed Presets
Given multiple documents each assigned a different style preset, When the user starts batch formatting, Then each document is reformatted with its respective preset without skipping and a consolidated success message is shown.
Custom Rule Application in Batch
Given user-defined custom formatting rules are available and multiple documents are selected, When the user applies the custom rules via batch formatting, Then all documents reflect the custom rules and any conflicting properties revert to default style settings, with no errors.
Progress Indicator Accuracy
Given a batch formatting operation on N documents, When formatting is in progress, Then the progress indicator updates proportionally (i.e., 1/N increments per document) and reaches 100% upon completion of all documents.
Summary Report Generation
Given batch formatting has completed, When the user opens the summary report, Then the report lists total documents processed, presets or rules applied per document, any exceptions with document names and error descriptions, and provides an option to export as CSV.
Document Consistency Validation
"As an associate, I want the system to validate formatted documents for consistency so that I catch any formatting errors before filing."
Description

The system shall automatically validate formatted documents against defined style rules, identifying inconsistencies such as font mismatches, margin deviations, or unauthorized modifications. Detected issues are flagged in an interactive review panel, allowing users to accept or override corrections. This requirement ensures quality control and compliance before filing.

Acceptance Criteria
Font Mismatch Detection
Given a batch of documents containing font mismatches, when the validation process completes, then the system flags each document with a font mismatch in the review panel.
Margin Deviation Identification
Given documents with margin settings outside the defined style rules, when users initiate the consistency validation, then the system identifies and lists all margin deviations with document names.
Unauthorized Modification Alert
Given a user uploads a document with unauthorized style modifications, when the system performs validation, then the system highlights each unauthorized change and prompts the user to accept or override corrections.
Interactive Override Workflow
Given flagged formatting issues are displayed in the review panel, when the user selects an issue and chooses to override, then the system applies the user's formatting choice and removes the flag.
Batch Validation Performance
Given a batch of 100 documents, when consistency validation is requested, then the system completes validation within 60 seconds without errors.
Undo and Error Recovery
"As a lawyer, I want to undo batch formatting operations so that I can revert any undesired changes and ensure document integrity."
Description

The system shall track formatting operations and enable users to undo or roll back changes for individual or all documents in a batch. In case of formatting errors or user mistakes, a history log records applied style versions and timestamps. Users can revert documents to their prior state, preventing data loss and facilitating safe experimentation with style adjustments. This requirement enhances reliability and user confidence.

Acceptance Criteria
Undo Single Document Formatting
Given a user formats a single document; When the user clicks 'Undo' within two minutes of the operation; Then the system reverts only the last formatting action on that document and displays a confirmation message.
Rollback Entire Batch Formatting
Given a user has applied styles to a batch of documents; When the user selects 'Rollback Batch' and confirms the action; Then the system reverts all documents in the batch to their pre-format states and logs the rollback event in the history.
Handle Formatting Errors Gracefully
Given a document encounters a formatting error during a batch process; When the error is detected; Then the system automatically rolls back that document to its prior state, continues formatting the remaining documents, and notifies the user of the error details.
View and Restore from History Log
Given a user accesses the history log for a document; When the user selects a specific timestamped entry; Then the system displays before-and-after previews and allows the user to restore the document to the selected state.
Concurrent Undo Operations
Given two users perform undo operations on different documents simultaneously; When both undo actions are triggered; Then each document reverts correctly without conflicts, and separate undo entries are recorded in the history log.

RuleChange Alerts

Receive automatic notifications and template updates when local court rules or formatting guidelines change, keeping your filings current and avoiding costly rejections due to outdated requirements.

Requirements

Automated Rule Monitoring
"As a solo attorney, I want the system to automatically monitor my jurisdiction’s court rule repositories so that I always know when rules change without having to check manually."
Description

Periodically scan and retrieve updates from official local court rule repositories and formatting guidelines, ensuring the system detects any changes or additions to rules relevant to the user’s jurisdiction. This automated monitoring reduces manual overhead and minimizes the risk of using outdated information in filings.

Acceptance Criteria
Scheduled Rule Retrieval
Given the system's daily schedule at 2:00 AM, When the scheduled time is reached, Then the system successfully connects to each configured court rule repository and retrieves the latest rule data without errors.
Rule Change Detection
Given the newly retrieved rule data and the stored version, When differences are found in rule content or metadata, Then the system flags each changed rule and logs the specific modifications.
User Notification Dispatch
Given rules have been flagged as changed, When the change detection process completes, Then the system sends an in-app notification and email alert to the user within 5 minutes, containing a summary of the changes.
Template Synchronization
Given flagged rule changes affecting document templates, When the notification is sent, Then the system automatically updates the affected AI-powered templates to comply with the new rules and records the update in the version history.
Repository Access Failure Handling
Given a failure to connect to a court rule repository, When a fetch attempt fails, Then the system retries up to three times with exponential backoff, logs each failure, and generates an alert for administrative review if all retries fail.
Real-Time Notification Delivery
"As a small-firm lawyer, I want to receive instant notifications when local court formatting rules change so that I can revise my documents before filing."
Description

Deliver immediate alerts through configurable channels—such as in-app banners, email, or SMS—whenever a detected rule change affects a user’s selected jurisdiction. Notifications include a summary of changes and direct links to updated templates, enabling rapid response and compliance.

Acceptance Criteria
In-App Banner Notification for Jurisdiction Rule Change
Given a rule change is detected for a user’s selected jurisdiction, when the user is actively logged into CaseFlow, then an in-app banner notification displaying a concise summary of the change and a direct link to the updated template appears within 30 seconds, is dismissible, and clicking the link navigates to the correct updated document.
Email Notification Sent to User for Rule Change
Given the user has enabled email notifications, when a rule change affecting their selected jurisdiction is detected, then CaseFlow sends an email to the user’s verified address within two minutes containing the update summary, a timestamp, and a clickable link to the updated template, with a subject line formatted as 'CaseFlow Alert: [Jurisdiction] Rule Change'.
SMS Notification Delivery for Critical Rule Changes
Given the user has opted in for SMS alerts and a critical rule change is detected, when the change is processed by CaseFlow, then an SMS message of no more than 160 characters containing a brief summary and a shortened link to the updated template is delivered to the user’s mobile number within two minutes.
Notification Channel Configuration Persistence
Given the user updates their notification channel preferences in the settings page and clicks 'Save', when the system confirms the change, then the new preferences are persisted to the user’s profile and used for all subsequent rule change alerts without overwriting other settings.
Notification Link Redirects to Updated Template
Given the user clicks the link in any rule change notification (in-app, email, or SMS), when the link resolves, then the user is redirected to the latest version of the template for the relevant jurisdiction and the document editor loads with the updated content ready for review.
Template Auto-Update Engine
"As a solo attorney, I want my document templates to update automatically when court rules change so that I always produce compliant filings."
Description

Automatically update AI-powered document templates to reflect newly detected rule changes, modifying formatting, clause language, and required fields without manual intervention. This ensures all generated filings adhere to the latest guidelines and reduces error rates.

Acceptance Criteria
Rule Change Detection
Given a new local court rule is published When the system scans the rules database Then it automatically identifies all impacted document templates within 5 minutes and logs each detected change
Template Clause Language Update
Given an identified rule change When the auto-update engine processes the affected templates Then it updates clause language to exactly match the new rule wording and passes syntax validation
Template Formatting Adjustment
Given updated court formatting guidelines When the auto-update engine applies formatting changes Then document margins, fonts, and spacing are adjusted to the new specifications and a sample document reflects correct layout
Quality Validation of Updated Templates
Given templates have been auto-updated When the system runs automated test generations Then all generated documents adhere to the latest guidelines with no missing fields, formatting errors, or language mismatches
User Notification of Template Update
Given the auto-update process completes When all updates are verified Then the system sends a notification to relevant users within 2 minutes listing the updated templates and a link to review changes
User Preference Configuration
"As a CaseFlow user, I want to configure how and when I receive change alerts so that they integrate seamlessly into my existing workflow without causing distractions."
Description

Allow users to specify their notification preferences, including alert channels, frequency (instant, daily digest, weekly summary), and jurisdictions of interest. Preference settings ensure users receive only relevant alerts in a manner that fits their workflow.

Acceptance Criteria
Instant Alert Configuration
Given the user is on the notification preferences page and selects 'instant' as the frequency, When a rule change alert for a selected jurisdiction occurs, Then the user receives an alert via the configured channel within 5 minutes of the change being published.
Daily Digest Setup
Given the user selects 'daily digest' and chooses multiple jurisdictions, When daily rules updates are aggregated at 6 AM local time, Then the system compiles all relevant alerts into a single email and sends it to the user.
Weekly Summary Scheduling
Given the user opts for a 'weekly summary' and specifies Sunday as the delivery day, When the weekly summary job runs at 8 AM on Sunday, Then the summary includes all rule changes from the past week for selected jurisdictions.
Jurisdiction Filter Customization
Given the user adds or removes jurisdictions from their preference list, When the user saves the changes, Then subsequent alerts only include rule changes from the updated list of jurisdictions.
Alert Channel Selection
Given the user selects email and SMS as alert channels, When an alert is triggered, Then the system sends the notification simultaneously via both channels and logs delivery status for each.
Change Log and Audit Trail
"As an administrator, I want to review a log of all rule change events and subsequent template updates so that I can audit system performance and ensure compliance."
Description

Maintain a comprehensive history of detected rule changes, notifications sent, and template updates performed, accessible via a searchable log. This audit trail supports compliance reviews and helps administrators track system actions over time.

Acceptance Criteria
Rule Change Detection Entry Creation
Given a new local court rule change is detected by the system When the detection process completes Then a log entry is created containing the rule identifier, timestamp, change summary, and source URL
Notification Log Entry Recording
Given the system sends an alert notification to subscribed users about a rule change When notification delivery completes Then the audit trail records a notification entry with user IDs, delivery channel, timestamp, and notification status
Template Update Entry Logging
Given an AI-powered template is updated in response to a rule change When the template update process completes Then the audit trail captures the template ID, new version number, detailed change description, timestamp, and administrator identifier
Audit Trail Search Functionality
Given an administrator accesses the audit trail search interface When they enter a date range and select filters (e.g., change type, user) Then the system returns all matching log entries sorted by timestamp and displays the total count
Audit Log Export Capability
Given an administrator requests an export of audit log entries When they choose the export format (CSV or PDF) and initiate the export Then the system generates and provides a downloadable file containing the selected entries without data truncation or formatting errors

Instant Retainer

Embed a seamless payment widget into the client intake flow, allowing clients to pay retainers instantly with credit cards or bank transfer. This eliminates onboarding delays, boosts client satisfaction, and guarantees funds are secured at the start of engagement.

Requirements

Payment Widget Integration
"As a potential client, I want to complete my retainer payment within the intake process so that I can begin legal services immediately."
Description

Embed a customizable retainer payment widget directly into the client intake workflow, ensuring consistent branding and seamless integration with the CaseFlow UI. The widget must support responsive design for desktop and mobile, allow configuration of payment amount, and provide real-time validation of input fields. Successful embedding will streamline the onboarding process by enabling clients to complete payment without leaving the intake flow, reducing drop-off rates and accelerating engagement.

Acceptance Criteria
Responsive Widget Display
Given a desktop or mobile device, when the intake flow loads the payment widget, then the widget layout adjusts to the device screen size without horizontal scroll or layout break.
Configurable Payment Amount
Given an attorney sets the retainer fee in the admin panel, when the widget renders, then the payment amount field displays the configured fee and prevents modification if locked.
Real-Time Input Validation
Given the client enters credit card details, when each field loses focus, then the widget validates the input format and displays inline error messages for invalid entries.
Seamless Payment Completion
Given the client submits valid payment information, when they click the pay button, then the widget processes the transaction and displays a confirmation message without redirecting away from the intake flow.
Consistent Branding Integration
Given custom CSS themes applied by the attorney, when the widget is embedded, then its colors, fonts, and logo match the CaseFlow UI theme and pass visual QA.
Multi-Payment Method Support
"As a client, I want multiple payment options so I can choose my preferred method and complete payment easily."
Description

Implement support for multiple payment methods, including credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX), debit cards, and ACH bank transfers. Integrate with a third-party payment gateway API to securely process transactions, display available payment options dynamically based on client location, and handle provider-specific error messaging. Offering diverse payment methods increases client convenience and reduces payment friction.

Acceptance Criteria
Client Selects Credit Card Payment
Given the client is on the payment screen in the intake flow When the client selects Visa, MasterCard, or AMEX and enters valid card details Then the payment gateway processes the transaction successfully and displays a confirmation message
Client Chooses ACH Bank Transfer
Given the client opts for ACH in the payment widget When the client enters valid routing and account numbers Then the system initiates a secure ACH transaction and displays a pending confirmation status
Dynamic Display of Payment Options Based on Location
Given the client’s geolocation is detected When the payment widget loads Then only payment methods supported in the client's region are displayed
Handling Insufficient Funds Error Messaging
Given the payment gateway returns an insufficient funds error code When the client attempts to complete the transaction Then the widget displays the provider-specific error message and prompts the client to retry or use another method
Payment Confirmation and Receipt Generation
Given a transaction is processed successfully When the payment is confirmed Then the system generates a downloadable PDF receipt and sends an email confirmation to the client
Retainer Agreement Generation
"As an attorney, I want the system to generate a retainer agreement with client details and amount so that I have a signed agreement before engagement."
Description

Automatically generate a customized retainer agreement within the intake flow, populated with client details, engagement date, and agreed retainer amount. Present the agreement for e-signature before the payment step, then securely store the signed document in the client’s CaseFlow records. This ensures legal compliance and provides both attorney and client with a signed contract prior to commencing work.

Acceptance Criteria
Agreement Field Population
Given the attorney has entered client details, engagement date, and retainer amount in the intake wizard When the retainer agreement is generated Then the agreement must include the client’s full name, address, engagement date, and the exact retainer amount as entered
Agreement Presentation Prior to Payment
Given a generated retainer agreement When the client reaches the payment step Then the system must display the agreement for e-signature and disable the payment widget until the agreement is signed
E-Signature Capture
Given the agreement is presented for signing When the client clicks the e-signature button Then the client must be prompted to provide a valid signature and the system must record a timestamped e-signature event
Secure Document Storage
Given the client has signed the agreement When the signature is confirmed Then the agreement must be automatically stored in the client’s CaseFlow records with restricted access and an audit trail entry
Error Handling During Signing
Given a network or validation error occurs during signing When the client attempts to sign the agreement Then the system must display a clear error message and allow the client to retry without losing entered data
Transaction Confirmation Notification
"As a client, I want to receive a confirmation of my payment so that I am assured the retainer is secured."
Description

After a successful retainer payment, automatically send a confirmation email and an in-app notification to both the client and the attorney. Include a payment receipt, link to the signed retainer agreement, and next-step instructions. Notifications must be customizable and logged in the CaseFlow activity feed for audit and client service tracking.

Acceptance Criteria
Client Payment Successful Notification Email Sent
Given a client completes a retainer payment, when the transaction is processed, then an email must be sent to the client within 1 minute containing: the payment receipt, a working link to the signed retainer agreement, and clear next-step instructions.
Attorney In-App Notification Delivered
Given a successful retainer payment, when the transaction is processed, then an in-app notification must appear in the attorney’s dashboard within 1 minute, displaying a summary of the payment, a link to the receipt, and a link to the retainer agreement.
Notification Content Customization Applied
Given that the attorney has customized the notification templates, when emails and in-app notifications are sent, then the content must reflect the custom text, branding, and placeholders must be correctly replaced with actual payment and client details.
Activity Feed Logging for Notifications
Given any confirmation email or in-app notification is sent, when the notification event occurs, then the event must be logged in the CaseFlow activity feed with timestamp, notification type, recipient identifier, and links included in the notification.
Notification Link Accessibility
Given the payment confirmation notifications are received, when the recipient clicks any link in the email or in-app notification, then the link must successfully open the correct resource (receipt PDF or signed agreement) without error.
Secure Payment Data Handling
"As a firm administrator, I want payment data to be handled securely so that we comply with regulations and protect client information."
Description

Ensure all payment transactions are fully PCI DSS compliant by implementing end-to-end encryption and tokenization for payment data in transit and at rest. Integrate audit logging for every payment event, including successes and failures, and provide the ability to generate security reports. Robust data handling safeguards client financial information, reduces regulatory risk, and builds trust.

Acceptance Criteria
Client Provides Payment Details
Given a client is on the payment widget page When the client enters valid credit card or bank account information and submits Then the payment data is accepted without errors
Payment Data Encryption Verification
Given payment data is submitted in the intake flow When data is in transit Then TLS 1.2 or higher encryption is applied; And data packets are encrypted end-to-end
Tokenization Process Execution
Given payment data reaches the server When data is stored Then raw payment details are not persisted; And a unique token is generated and stored instead
Audit Logging for Payment Events
Given any payment event occurs When a payment is successful or fails Then an audit log entry is recorded with timestamp, user ID, event type, and outcome
Security Report Generation
Given an administrator requests a security report When generating the report Then all payment events from the selected period are included; And the report can be exported as PDF or CSV

AutoLedger Sync

Automatically post every trust-account transaction directly into the firm’s case management ledger. This removes manual data entry, reduces reconciliation errors, and provides real-time financial visibility across all matters.

Requirements

Real-time Transaction Sync
"As a firm administrator, I want transactions to be synced in real time so that I always see current trust-account balances and avoid discrepancies."
Description

Provide a continuous synchronization of trust-account transactions from the bank’s API into CaseFlow’s ledger immediately upon posting. This functionality ensures attorneys and administrators always see the most current balances, enabling prompt financial decisions and reducing period-end reconciliation workloads.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Transaction Posting
Given a new trust-account transaction is posted at the bank, When the AutoLedger Sync feature polls the bank's API, Then the transaction must appear in CaseFlow's ledger within 2 seconds with matching transaction ID, date, amount, and matter association.
Handling Failed Sync Attempts
Given a temporary network interruption during synchronization, When the AutoLedger Sync feature encounters a failed API request, Then the system must retry the request up to 3 times with exponential backoff and log each attempt, and if all retries fail, display an actionable error notification to the administrator.
Duplicate Transaction Prevention
Given a transaction that has already been synchronized, When the AutoLedger Sync feature receives the same transaction from the bank's API, Then the system must detect the duplicate by transaction ID and prevent it from being re-posted in the ledger.
Latency Threshold Compliance
Given multiple concurrent trust-account transactions being posted, When the AutoLedger Sync feature processes them, Then each transaction must be reflected in the CaseFlow ledger within an average of 2 seconds and no transaction should exceed a 5-second delay.
Audit Trail Accuracy
Given any transaction synchronized by AutoLedger Sync, When the administrator reviews the ledger entry, Then an audit trail must be available showing the original bank transaction details, timestamp of synchronization, and user or system process that performed the sync.
Automated Bank Statement Import
"As a solo attorney, I want to import my monthly bank statement automatically so that CaseFlow can post all relevant transactions without manual data entry."
Description

Enable automatic ingestion of periodic bank statement files (CSV, OFX, QFX) into CaseFlow. The system will parse and post all transactions from the statement directly to the ledger, eliminating manual uploads and data entry errors.

Acceptance Criteria
Valid CSV File Import
Given a valid CSV bank statement file with date, description, amount, and transaction ID columns When the user uploads the file through the Automated Bank Statement Import interface Then the system parses all rows, posts each transaction to the ledger with correct date and amount, and displays a success message
Valid OFX File Import
Given a valid OFX bank statement file conforming to OFX 2.0 specifications When the user selects the file for import Then the system reads the OFX data, extracts transactions, posts them to the ledger, and confirms the import without errors
Malformed File Error Handling
Given a bank statement file (CSV, OFX, or QFX) with missing required fields or invalid format When the user attempts to import the file Then the system rejects the file, displays an error message specifying the issue, and does not post any transactions
Duplicate Transaction Detection
Given a bank statement file containing transactions already present in the ledger When the user imports the file Then the system identifies duplicate transactions by matching transaction IDs or date and amount, skips duplicates, and posts only new transactions
Post-Import Reconciliation Summary
Given the completion of a successful statement import When the system finalizes ledger postings Then the system generates and displays a reconciliation summary report showing the number of transactions imported, skipped duplicates, and current ledger balance
Custom Ledger Field Mapping
"As an office manager, I want to define how incoming transaction fields map to our ledger fields so that entries are posted accurately and align with our chart of accounts."
Description

Provide a configuration interface for users to map incoming bank transaction fields (date, description, amount, type) to CaseFlow ledger fields. This ensures that every sync aligns with the firm’s chart of accounts and naming conventions.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Field Mapping Configuration
Given the user navigates to the field mapping interface, When the system retrieves all incoming bank transaction fields (date, description, amount, type), Then each field is listed with a dropdown of CaseFlow ledger fields and a default "Unmapped" option; Given the user selects a ledger field for each incoming field, When the user clicks “Save Mappings”, Then the configuration is persisted and a success message is displayed
Applying Mappings During AutoSync
Given a saved field mapping configuration, When an automatic bank sync runs, Then each incoming transaction’s date, description, amount, and type are posted to the ledger fields specified in the mapping; And the transaction entries match the user’s chart of accounts and naming conventions
Editing Existing Field Mappings
Given a previously saved mapping configuration exists, When the user opens the mapping interface, Then the current mappings are prepopulated; Given the user updates one or more field mappings, When the user saves changes, Then the new mapping overwrites the old configuration and subsequent syncs use the updated mappings
Validating Mapping with Sample Transactions
Given the user has configured field mappings, When the user clicks “Preview with Sample Transactions”, Then the system displays at least five sample transactions processed through the mapping, showing each incoming field correctly aligned to the selected ledger fields
Error Handling for Unmapped Fields
Given one or more incoming fields remain unmapped, When the user attempts to save the mapping configuration, Then the system prevents saving, highlights the unmapped fields, and displays an error message prompting the user to complete all mappings
Error Handling & Reconciliation Alerts
"As an accountant, I want to be notified of any transaction discrepancies so that I can review and resolve them before finalizing the ledger."
Description

Implement automated detection of mismatches, duplicates, or missing transactions during syncing. Generate real-time alerts and provide tools for quick reconciliation, ensuring ledger accuracy and trust-account integrity.

Acceptance Criteria
Detect and Alert on Transaction Mismatches
Given a transaction sync operation, when the transaction amount or date in the ledger does not match the source system, then the system must generate a real-time alert displaying the transaction ID, expected value, and actual value within 2 seconds.
Identify and Alert on Duplicate Transactions
Given a new transaction that matches amount, date, and reference ID of an existing ledger entry, when the duplicate is detected during syncing, then the system must prevent posting and generate an alert listing both transaction records.
Flag and Alert on Missing Transactions
Given daily ledger synchronization, when a transaction present in the source system is not posted within 24 hours, then the system must generate an email and dashboard alert identifying each missing transaction by ID and date.
Trigger Manual Reconciliation for Discrepancies
Given any generated reconciliation alert, when the user clicks the “Reconcile” action, then the system must open a reconciliation tool pre-populated with discrepancy details and allow the user to approve, adjust, or ignore the transaction.
Log All Reconciliation Actions
Given a user resolves a discrepancy in the reconciliation tool, when the resolution is submitted, then the system must log the action with timestamp, user ID, transaction details, and resolution outcome, viewable in the audit log.
Audit Trail & Activity Logging
"As a compliance officer, I want an audit trail of all AutoLedger Sync events so that I can review changes and maintain regulatory compliance."
Description

Maintain a detailed audit log of all AutoLedger Sync operations, capturing timestamps, API responses, user interventions, and corrections. This log supports compliance audits and simplifies post-sync reviews.

Acceptance Criteria
Successful AutoLedger Sync Operation
Given a transaction is recorded in the trust-account system, When AutoLedger Sync executes, Then the transaction must be posted to the case management ledger with correct timestamp, transaction ID, amount, and user ID.
User Correction Logged
Given a user edits a previously synced transaction, When the edit is saved, Then the audit log must capture the original and updated values, timestamp of change, and editing user’s ID.
API Error Logging
Given an API error occurs during sync, When the error is returned, Then the system must log the error code, error message, API endpoint, and timestamp.
Manual Intervention Recorded
Given a user intervenes in the sync process through the UI, When the intervention is confirmed, Then the system must record the intervention reason, steps taken, timestamp, and user ID in the audit log.
Compliance Audit Report Generation
Given a compliance officer requests an audit report for a date range, When the report is generated, Then all relevant log entries must be exported in CSV format including timestamps, API responses, user interventions, and corrections.

ClientPay Portal

Offer clients a dedicated, mobile-friendly portal during onboarding to securely store payment methods, view invoices, and initiate transactions. This self-service interface streamlines payment processing and reduces administrative overhead.

Requirements

Secure Payment Method Storage
"As a client, I want to securely save my payment information so that I can complete future transactions quickly without re-entering details."
Description

The portal must securely encrypt and store clients’ payment methods, including credit card and bank account details, using industry-standard encryption algorithms (e.g., AES-256) and secure tokenization. Stored data must be PCI-DSS compliant, with strict access controls and audit logs. Integration with our authentication system ensures only verified users can access their stored methods. This requirement reduces friction for repeat payments, enhances user trust, and minimizes administrative overhead by automating secure data handling.

Acceptance Criteria
Adding a New Payment Method
Given a verified user on the ClientPay Portal, When the user submits valid payment information (credit card or bank account) via the secure form, Then the system tokenizes the details using PCI-DSS compliant tokenization, encrypts the tokens with AES-256, stores only the token in the database, and returns a confirmation message.
Retrieving Stored Payment Methods
Given a verified user requests their saved payment methods, When the user views the Payment Methods page, Then the system retrieves only tokenized records, displays the payment type and last four digits, and ensures full card or account numbers are never exposed.
Deleting a Stored Payment Method
Given a verified user chooses to remove a stored payment method, When the user confirms deletion, Then the system deletes the associated token from storage, logs the deletion event in the audit log, and no longer lists the method in the user’s portal.
Preventing Unauthorized Access
Given an unauthenticated or unauthorized user, When they attempt to access any payment method endpoint (add, retrieve, delete), Then the system denies access with HTTP 403 Forbidden and logs the unauthorized attempt.
Audit Log Entry Verification
Given any create, retrieve, or delete action on payment methods, When the action completes, Then the system records an audit log entry containing the timestamp, user ID, action type, masked payment identifier, and IP address.
Responsive Mobile Portal Interface
"As a client, I want to access and use the payment portal on my mobile device so that I can manage invoices and payments on the go."
Description

Develop a mobile-responsive client portal interface that adapts seamlessly to various screen sizes and devices. Use a responsive design framework to ensure intuitive navigation, legible text, and touch-friendly controls. The interface should maintain brand consistency, load quickly over mobile networks, and provide offline fallback messages. This enhances accessibility for clients who prefer managing invoices and payments on smartphones or tablets, reducing support calls and increasing self-service adoption.

Acceptance Criteria
Screen Size Adaptation
Given a client accesses the portal on a device with screen width between 320px and 1920px, when the page loads, then the layout adapts fluidly without horizontal scrollbars and all elements remain fully visible and usable.
Touch Interaction
Given a client uses touch input on a mobile device, when interacting with buttons, menus, and form fields, then touch targets are at least 44x44 pixels and respond within 100ms to ensure usability.
Offline Access Notification
Given the client loses network connectivity, when attempting to load portal pages, then a custom offline message is displayed with guidance to retry or save work locally.
Branding and Theming Consistency
Given any page of the portal on mobile, when loaded, then the color palette, typography, and logo align with the brand style guide across all breakpoints.
Mobile Network Load Performance
Given a mobile user on 3G/4G network, when loading the portal homepage, then the time to interactive is under 3 seconds and total page weight does not exceed 1MB.
Invoice Generation & Delivery
"As a client, I want to receive clear, itemized invoices so that I can review billing charges and make timely payments."
Description

Implement automated invoice generation that compiles billable items, fees, and taxes into a clear, itemized format. Invoices should be delivered to clients via the portal dashboard and triggered email notifications, with PDF download capability. Templates must be customizable to match firm branding. Integration with the billing module ensures real-time accuracy. This requirement streamlines billing communication, reduces manual invoice assembly, and accelerates payment cycles.

Acceptance Criteria
Automated Invoice Itemization
Invoice displays all billable items with descriptions, quantities, rates, fees, and taxes as separate line items, and the total amount is calculated correctly.
Invoice Delivery via Portal and Email
After generation, the invoice appears in the client’s portal dashboard within 5 minutes and an email notification with a link to view the invoice is sent automatically.
PDF Download Capability
Clients can download the invoice as a PDF from both the portal and the email link, and the PDF renders correctly without errors.
Customizable Invoice Templates
Administrators can update invoice templates (header, footer, logo, colors) in settings, and new invoices use the updated template immediately upon generation.
Real-Time Billing Integration
Any changes to billing items in the billing module (additions, edits, deletions) are reflected in real-time on draft invoices before final generation.
One-Click Payment
"As a client, I want to pay my invoice with one click so that I can quickly settle my account without going through multiple steps."
Description

Enable clients to initiate and authorize payments with a single click using their stored payment methods. Upon clicking ‘Pay Now,’ the system processes the transaction, updates invoice status, and sends real-time confirmation via email and dashboard notification. Implement safeguards such as amount verification and confirmation prompts. This reduces payment friction, minimizes drop-off rates, and accelerates revenue collection.

Acceptance Criteria
Successful One-Click Payment Initiation
Given a client is logged into the ClientPay portal with a valid stored payment method When the client clicks 'Pay Now' on an unpaid invoice Then the system processes the payment using the stored payment method And the invoice status is updated to 'Paid' within 5 seconds
Payment Amount Verification Prompt
Given a client clicks 'Pay Now' When the total payment amount exceeds $0 Then the system displays a confirmation prompt showing the invoice amount and payment method And the client must confirm the amount before proceeding
Real-time Confirmation Notification
Given a payment is successfully processed When the transaction completes Then an email confirmation is sent to the client's registered email And a notification appears on the client dashboard within 1 minute
Error Handling for Payment Failure
Given a payment attempt fails due to insufficient funds or network error When the failure occurs Then the system displays an error message explaining the reason And the invoice remains 'Unpaid' And no email confirmation is sent
Payment Method Management
"As a client, I want to manage my stored payment methods so that I can ensure my preferred credit card or bank account is always up to date."
Description

Provide clients with the ability to add, update, or remove their payment methods within the portal. Include form validation, two-factor authentication for critical changes, and real-time synchronization with the billing system. Display method status (e.g., active, expired) and prompt clients to update outdated information. This empowers clients to maintain accurate billing credentials, reduces failed transactions, and lowers support inquiries.

Acceptance Criteria
Adding a New Payment Method
Given an authenticated client on the payment methods page When the client enters valid payment method details and completes the form Then the system triggers two-factor authentication, saves the new payment method as active, and synchronizes it with the billing system in real time
Handling Invalid Payment Method Input
Given a client on the add payment method form When the client submits incomplete or invalid payment details Then the system displays specific inline validation errors and prevents submission
Updating an Existing Payment Method
Given a client selects an existing payment method to update When the client modifies the details and completes two-factor authentication Then the system saves the updated information, marks the method as active, and updates the billing system immediately
Removing a Payment Method
Given a client chooses to remove a payment method When the client confirms the removal with two-factor authentication Then the system deletes the method from the portal and the billing system, and displays a confirmation message
Prompting for Expired Payment Methods
Given a client has a payment method expiring within seven days or already expired When the client accesses the payment methods page Then the system highlights those methods, displays expiration warnings, and prompts the client to update their information
Transaction History & Receipts
"As a client, I want to view and download my past payment receipts so that I can keep accurate records for my personal or business finances."
Description

Implement a transaction history dashboard where clients can view all past payments, including date, amount, payment method, and status. Provide downloadable PDF receipts and the ability to filter and search by date range or invoice number. Ensure data privacy by displaying history only to authenticated users. This feature enhances transparency, supports clients’ record-keeping, and reduces accounting support requests.

Acceptance Criteria
View Complete Transaction History
Given an authenticated client with past payments When they navigate to the Transaction History dashboard Then all past transactions are listed in reverse chronological order And each entry displays the correct date, amount, payment method, and status
Filter Transactions by Date Range
Given the client is viewing their Transaction History with multiple entries When they apply a valid start and end date filter Then only transactions within that range are displayed And the count of displayed transactions matches the filter criteria
Search Transactions by Invoice Number
Given the client is on the Transaction History page When they enter a valid invoice number into the search field and submit Then the list displays only the matching transaction(s) And invalid or nonexistent invoice numbers yield a “No results found” message
Download PDF Receipt for a Transaction
Given the client views their transaction list When they click the "Download Receipt" button for any transaction Then a PDF receipt downloads within 5 seconds containing transaction date, amount, invoice number, payment method, status, and client details
Access Control for Transaction Data
Given a non-authenticated user When they attempt to access the Transaction History dashboard or API endpoint Then the system redirects them to the login page And API calls return a 401 Unauthorized response

TrustVault Security

Protect client funds with bank-grade encryption, multi-factor authentication, and audit-ready trust-account logs. Ensure full compliance with ABA and state bar regulations while safeguarding against unauthorized access.

Requirements

End-to-End Encryption
"As a compliance officer, I want all trust account data to be encrypted at rest and in transit so that client funds and sensitive information remain confidential and protected from unauthorized access."
Description

Implement bank-grade encryption protocols to protect client funds and sensitive data both at rest and in transit within CaseFlow’s TrustVault Security feature. This includes AES-256 encryption for storage, TLS 1.3 for transmission, and secure key management with hardware security modules (HSMs). The requirement ensures that unauthorized parties cannot access or intercept data, safeguarding confidentiality and integrity, and meets industry standards for data protection. Integration with CaseFlow’s document drafting and intake workflows ensures seamless encryption without impacting user experience or performance.

Acceptance Criteria
Storage of Client Documents with AES-256 Encryption
Given a user uploads a document to CaseFlow, when the document is persisted to storage, then the system must encrypt the file using AES-256 and verify that decryption fails with any key other than the correct one.
Transmission of Sensitive Data via TLS 1.3
Given a client submits sensitive information through the intake wizard, when data is sent between the client and server, then the connection must negotiate TLS 1.3 only, rejecting any lower protocol versions and confirming the cipher suite is among approved strong ciphers.
Key Rotation and HSM-Based Management
Given the encryption key rotation schedule is triggered, when the system rotates keys, then the HSM must generate a new AES-256 key, re-encrypt all active data seamlessly, retire the old key securely, and log the rotation event in the audit log.
Document Drafting Workflow Encryption Transparency
Given an attorney is drafting a document, when the system saves draft versions, then encryption must occur in under 200ms per save operation without user intervention, with success or failure notifications logged but not displayed to the user.
Performance Benchmark under Load
Given a stress test of 100 concurrent encryption/decryption operations, when the load is applied, then average latency increase must not exceed 10% of baseline and CPU utilization must remain below 75%.
Multi-Factor Authentication
"As a solo attorney, I want to secure my login with a second authentication factor so that even if my password is compromised, my account and client funds remain secure."
Description

Add multi-factor authentication (MFA) to all user login processes for TrustVault Security, requiring a second verification step (e.g., SMS code, authenticator app, or biometric verification) in addition to passwords. This requirement reduces the risk of unauthorized access by ensuring that only verified users can manage client trust accounts. Integration with existing user management in CaseFlow ensures administrators can enforce MFA policies, track enrollment, and reset MFA methods within the platform.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial MFA Enrollment
Given a user without MFA enabled When the user navigates to Account Settings and selects "Enable MFA" Then the system prompts the user to choose an MFA method (SMS, authenticator app, or biometric) When the user provides the required information for the chosen method Then the system sends a verification challenge When the user successfully completes the challenge Then the system records the MFA method as active and displays a confirmation message
MFA Verification During Login
Given a registered user with MFA enabled When the user submits valid username and password credentials Then the system prompts for a second verification factor according to the enrolled method When the user provides the correct second factor Then the system grants access to the dashboard within two seconds
Administrative MFA Reset
Given an administrator accesses a user’s profile in the Admin Console When the administrator selects "Reset MFA" Then the system invalidates all existing MFA methods for that user And prompts the administrator to confirm the reset action When the administrator confirms Then the system resets the MFA enrollment status to "Not Enrolled" and logs the action in the audit trail
MFA Method Change
Given a user with MFA enabled using one method When the user navigates to Account Settings and selects "Change MFA Method" Then the system lists available MFA options When the user selects a new method and completes its verification challenge Then the system replaces the old method with the new one and displays a success notification
Compliance Audit Logging
Given any MFA-related event (enrollment, verification success/failure, reset) When the event occurs Then the system records a timestamp, user ID, event type, IP address, and outcome And stores the log entry in the trust-account audit log When an auditor requests an export Then the system provides a CSV file containing all MFA events for the specified date range
Audit-Ready Trust Account Logs
"As a state bar auditor, I want detailed, immutable logs of all trust account transactions and access events so that I can verify compliance and detect any irregularities or unauthorized activities."
Description

Capture and store detailed, immutable logs of all trust account transactions, access events, and administrative actions within TrustVault Security. Logs must include timestamps, user IDs, transaction details, and source IP addresses. The requirement supports compliance with ABA and state bar regulations by providing a tamper-evident audit trail. Integration with CaseFlow’s reporting tools allows auditors and administrators to query and export logs for internal reviews and regulatory audits.

Acceptance Criteria
Trust Account Transaction Logging
Given a user performs a trust account transaction; When the transaction is processed by TrustVault Security; Then the system logs an entry containing a unique transaction ID, timestamp, user ID, transaction type, amount, and source IP address; And the entry is stored immutably in the audit log.
Access Event Recording
Given any user authentication or access to the trust account module; When the user logs in or requests data; Then the system creates a log entry capturing the user ID, timestamp, access action (view, edit, download), and source IP address; And the entry is recorded in a tamper-evident audit trail.
Administrative Action Audit Trail
Given an administrator performs configuration changes or overrides on trust accounts; When the action is completed; Then the system logs the administrator’s user ID, action performed, affected account, timestamp, and source IP address; And ensures the log entry cannot be altered.
Log Query and Export Functionality
Given an auditor or administrator initiates a log query; When filters such as date range, user ID, or transaction type are applied; Then the system returns matching log entries; And allows export in CSV or PDF format with all required fields intact.
Tamper-Evident Log Storage
Given the audit log store containing entries; When any record is accessed or compared; Then the system validates a cryptographic hash for each entry to detect modifications; And generates an alert if any tampering is detected.
Role-Based Access Control
"As a small-firm manager, I want to assign specific access levels to paralegals and staff so that only authorized users can initiate trust account transactions."
Description

Define and enforce role-based access control (RBAC) policies for TrustVault Security, allowing administrators to assign granular permissions (e.g., view-only, transaction initiation, admin) to different user roles within a firm. This limits exposure of sensitive operations to authorized personnel and supports compliance with ABA guidelines. Integration ensures that roles and permissions are managed via CaseFlow’s admin console and that any changes are captured in the audit logs.

Acceptance Criteria
Assigning View-Only Permissions
Given an administrator logged into the CaseFlow admin console with ‘admin’ privileges When the administrator assigns the ‘view-only’ permission to a user role for TrustVault Security Then users with that role can access transaction logs and account balances but cannot initiate transactions or modify settings.
Initiating Transactions by Authorized Role
Given a user assigned the ‘transaction initiator’ role When the user navigates to the TrustVault transaction interface and submits a transaction request Then the system allows the user to initiate transactions and processes them according to defined limits.
Preventing Unauthorized Transaction Initiation
Given a user without the ‘transaction initiator’ permission When the user attempts to initiate a transaction in TrustVault Then the system denies the transaction request and displays an ‘access denied’ message.
Recording Role and Permission Changes in Audit Logs
Given any change to user roles or permissions in the admin console When the change is saved Then the system logs the change with timestamp, administrator ID, target user ID, and details of the permission change.
Assigning Admin Role Requires Multi-Factor Authentication
Given a request to assign ‘admin’ privileges to a user When the administrator attempts to save the assignment Then the system prompts for and validates multi-factor authentication before applying the role change.
Compliance Monitoring and Reporting
"As a firm administrator, I want automated alerts and compliance reports so that I can address potential violations promptly and maintain regulatory compliance with minimal manual effort."
Description

Implement automated compliance monitoring tools that continuously evaluate trust account activities against ABA and state bar regulations, generating real-time alerts for anomalies such as unbalanced ledgers or unauthorized withdrawals. The system should also compile periodic compliance reports, provide customizable report templates, and support export in standard audit-friendly formats. This proactive approach ensures timely detection of compliance issues and simplifies regulatory reporting.

Acceptance Criteria
Unbalanced Ledger Real-Time Alert
Given the trust account ledger records are being updated continuously When an entry causes total debits and credits to be unequal Then the system generates a real-time alert to the compliance officer within 5 seconds and logs the event ID
Unauthorized Withdrawal Detection Scenario
Given a withdrawal transaction request exists When the request is not authorized per user roles or exceeds pre-set approval limits Then the system blocks the transaction, sends an alert to the admin, and records the attempted breach in the audit log
Periodic Compliance Report Generation Scenario
Given the system schedule is set to weekly When midnight on Sunday arrives Then the system automatically compiles a compliance report with all trust account activities from the past week and stores it in the reports module
Customizable Report Template Creation Scenario
Given a user accesses the report templates interface When the user customizes fields such as date range, transaction types, or compliance metrics Then the system saves the template and makes it available for generating future reports
Audit-Format Export Scenario
Given a compiled compliance report is available When the user selects to export in audit-friendly format (CSV, PDF, or XML) Then the system generates the file within 10 seconds and validates its structure against the audit format schema

Smart Reminders

Automate customizable email and SMS reminders for upcoming or overdue retainer payments. By proactively prompting clients, firms can improve cash flow, reduce late payments, and maintain strong client relationships.

Requirements

Customizable Reminder Templates
"As a solo attorney, I want to create and customize reminder message templates so that my communications reflect my firm’s brand and address each client’s unique situation."
Description

Allows attorneys to create and edit email and SMS reminder templates with dynamic placeholders (e.g., client name, due date, payment link), firm branding elements, and custom messaging to ensure consistency and personalization. Integrates seamlessly with CaseFlow’s intake and payment modules to auto-populate data and supports rich-text formatting for clear, professional communication.

Acceptance Criteria
Creating a New Email Reminder Template
Given an attorney is on the New Email Reminder Template page When they enter a template name, select email channel, insert at least one dynamic placeholder, and input email body with rich-text formatting Then they should be able to save the template successfully and see it listed in the templates library.
Editing an Existing SMS Reminder Template
Given an existing SMS reminder template When an attorney modifies the message text, adds or removes dynamic placeholders, and clicks Save Then the system updates the template and reflects changes immediately in the templates list.
Previewing Reminder Template with Dynamic Placeholders
Given an attorney has created a template with dynamic placeholders When they click Preview for a specific client record Then the preview displays the placeholder values replaced by the client's actual data in the correct format.
Applying Firm Branding to Reminder Template
Given an attorney is configuring a template When they add firm branding elements such as logo and color scheme in the header or footer Then the saved template displays the branding correctly in both email and SMS renderings.
Auto-Populating Data from Intake Module
Given a client with a scheduled payment due date in the intake module When an attorney selects this client for a reminder Then the template editor auto-populates the due date, client name, and payment link placeholders with the correct data.
Multi-Channel Delivery
"As a small-firm lawyer, I want reminders delivered through both email and SMS so that clients reliably receive payment prompts regardless of their communication preference."
Description

Enables automatic sending of reminders via email and SMS based on client preferences, ensuring messages reach clients through their preferred channel. Includes fallback logic to send via alternate channel if the primary channel fails (e.g., undeliverable email triggers SMS).

Acceptance Criteria
Primary Email Delivery Success
Given a client with email as primary channel When a reminder is due Then the system sends an email reminder to the client's email address And logs the reminder status as 'Sent via Email'
Email Failure Fallback to SMS
Given a client with email as primary channel and an undeliverable email event When the system exhausts the retry attempts for email Then the system sends an SMS reminder to the client's phone number And logs the reminder status as 'Sent via SMS'
Primary SMS Delivery Success
Given a client with SMS as primary channel When a reminder is due Then the system sends an SMS reminder to the client's phone number And logs the reminder status as 'Sent via SMS'
Respect Client Communication Preference
Given a client with a specified primary channel preference When reminders are scheduled Then the system uses only the client's selected primary channel And does not send via alternate channel unless primary fails
Exhausted Fallback Channels
Given a client with both email and SMS channels failing delivery When primary and fallback deliveries both fail Then the system logs the failure and notifies the firm administrator And logs the reminder status as 'Delivery Failed'
Flexible Scheduling Engine
"As an attorney, I want to configure when and how often reminders are sent so that clients receive timely prompts without being overwhelmed."
Description

Provides a scheduling interface for attorneys to define reminder cadence (e.g., days before due date, on due date, after due date) and set blackout dates or blackout windows. Supports one-time, recurring, and escalating reminders with configurable intervals and limits.

Acceptance Criteria
Define one-time reminder before due date
Given an attorney specifies a one-time reminder 5 days before the retainer payment due date, when the reminder is saved, then the system schedules and displays a single email/SMS reminder exactly 5 days before the due date.
Configure recurring reminders after due date
Given an attorney configures a recurring reminder starting on the due date with an interval of 7 days and a total of 3 occurrences, when saved, then the system schedules reminders on the due date, and 7 and 14 days after the due date without additional occurrences.
Set escalating reminders with interval limits
Given an attorney defines an escalation sequence of reminders 1, 3, and 5 days after the due date with a maximum of 3 sends, when the sequence is activated, then the system sends reminders at 1, 3, and 5 days post–due date and ceases further sends.
Apply blackout dates to reminder scheduling
Given an attorney marks December 25th as a blackout date, when a reminder is scheduled for that date, then the system automatically defers the reminder to the next available business day and updates the schedule accordingly.
Verify reminder triggers on due date
Given a reminder is set for the exact due date, when the system clock reaches 00:00 UTC on that date, then the reminder is triggered and delivered via the client’s preferred channel (email or SMS) without delay.
Payment Status Integration
"As a firm manager, I want reminders to stop once payment is received so that clients aren’t bothered unnecessarily and our communication remains accurate."
Description

Automatically checks retainer payment status via integration with the billing system or third-party payment processors. Triggers or suppresses reminders based on real-time payment confirmations to avoid redundant notifications and maintain accuracy.

Acceptance Criteria
Suppress Reminder When Payment Confirmed
Given a retainer payment is confirmed by the billing system before the scheduled reminder time, When the system checks the payment status, Then no payment reminder email or SMS is queued or sent to the client.
Send Reminder When Payment Overdue
Given a client’s retainer payment due date has passed and no confirmation is received, When the daily scheduler runs, Then the system sends an email and SMS reminder to the client indicating the overdue status and payment instructions.
Retry Failed Integration Check
Given an initial API call to the payment processor fails, When the system encounters a transient integration error, Then it retries the status check up to three times within five minutes before logging an error and queuing a manual alert.
Suppress Duplicate Reminders Within Grace Period
Given a reminder has been sent for an overdue payment, When subsequent payment status checks occur within a 24-hour grace period, Then the system does not send additional reminders until the grace period expires or payment is confirmed.
Alert Admin on Persistent Integration Failure
Given the system experiences repeated failures to retrieve payment status over a configurable threshold (e.g., five consecutive errors), When the threshold is reached, Then the system sends an alert to the administrator and suspends automated reminders until the integration is restored.
Reminder Tracking Dashboard
"As a practice owner, I want to track the performance and status of all reminders so that I can monitor client engagement and payment follow-ups in one place."
Description

Offers a centralized dashboard displaying scheduled, sent, delivered, opened, and failed reminders for all clients. Includes filters by date range, client, status, and channel, plus export capabilities for reporting and auditing.

Acceptance Criteria
Viewing Reminder Status Overview
- The dashboard displays separate tiles for scheduled, sent, delivered, opened, and failed reminders; - Each tile shows accurate counts based on current reminder data; - Counts refresh within 5 seconds of data changes
Filtering Reminders by Date Range
- Users can select a start and end date via the date picker; - Dashboard updates to show only reminders within the selected range; - If no reminders exist in range, display a “No reminders found” message
Applying Client and Channel Filters
- Users can filter reminders by client name and by channel (Email or SMS); - Dashboard combines filters to narrow results accordingly; - Selected filters persist until manually cleared or session ends
Exporting Reminder Data
- Clicking “Export” downloads a CSV containing fields: client name, reminder date/time, channel, status; - CSV filename includes export date and time in YYYYMMDD_HHMM format; - Export completes and file is available for download within 5 seconds
Identifying and Handling Failed Deliveries
- Failed reminders are visually highlighted (e.g., red row or icon); - Each failed reminder row includes a “Resend” action button; - Clicking “Resend” creates a new reminder entry with current timestamp and identical content
Client Opt-Out Management
"As a compliance officer, I want clients to be able to opt out of SMS or email reminders so that we adhere to communication regulations and maintain client trust."
Description

Allows clients to opt out of reminders via an unsubscribe link or keyword reply. Automatically updates client communication preferences to respect Do Not Disturb regulations and ensures compliance with industry standards.

Acceptance Criteria
Email Unsubscribe Link Workflow
Given a reminder email contains an unsubscribe link; When the client clicks the unsubscribe link; Then the system marks the client as opted-out from all future email and SMS reminders within one hour; And the client receives a confirmation message acknowledging the opt-out.
SMS Keyword Opt-Out
Given a client receives an SMS reminder; When the client replies with the keyword 'STOP' or 'UNSUBSCRIBE'; Then the system marks the client as opted-out from all future SMS and email reminders within one hour; And the client receives an SMS confirmation acknowledging the opt-out.
Do Not Disturb Hours Enforcement
Given a client’s communication preferences include defined Do Not Disturb hours; When the system attempts to send a reminder during DND hours; Then the system delays sending the reminder until after the DND window ends; And logs the delay event with timestamp and reason.
Opt-Out Audit Logging
Given a client opts out via any channel; When the opt-out request is processed; Then the system records the client ID, channel used, timestamp, and request details in the audit log; And the audit entry is retrievable in the administrative interface.

Reconciliation Dashboard

Provide attorneys and finance teams with a unified dashboard that visually matches deposits to invoices, tracks payment statuses, and generates reconciliation reports. Simplify month-end closing and ensure trust-account accuracy with one click.

Requirements

Real-Time Payment Matching
"As a finance manager, I want the system to automatically match deposit entries to invoices so that I can reduce manual reconciliation work and prevent discrepancies."
Description

Automatically pair incoming deposit records with corresponding client invoices using intelligent algorithms, highlighting any unmatched transactions for manual review to minimize errors and save time.

Acceptance Criteria
Exact Amount Matching
Given a deposit record with an invoice number and amount that exactly match an unpaid invoice When the system processes the deposit Then the deposit is auto-paired to the corresponding invoice and the invoice status is updated to 'Paid'
Flagging Unmatched Transactions
Given a deposit record that does not match any existing invoice number or amount When the reconciliation process runs Then the system flags the transaction as 'Unmatched' and lists it in the manual review section of the dashboard
Partial Payment Detection
Given a deposit amount that is less than the total amount of an unpaid invoice When the system processes the deposit Then the system links the deposit as a partial payment, updates the invoice's 'Balance Due', and marks the invoice as 'Partially Paid'
Multiple Invoice Batch Matching
Given a deposit intended to cover multiple invoices whose combined amounts equal the deposit amount When processed Then the system allocates the payment across the relevant invoices and marks each as 'Paid'
Real-Time Dashboard Update
Given an incoming deposit record and its match status When the record is processed Then the reconciliation dashboard reflects the matched or flagged status within 30 seconds without requiring a manual page refresh
Payment Status Tracking
"As an attorney, I want to see payment statuses at a glance so that I can quickly follow up on pending or failed transactions."
Description

Display the current state of each invoice (e.g., pending, cleared, failed) in a clear, color-coded format, enabling users to identify and act upon outstanding or problematic payments at a glance.

Acceptance Criteria
Viewing Pending Invoices
Given an attorney navigates to the Reconciliation Dashboard When there are invoices with "Pending" status Then each pending invoice row is highlighted in yellow and displays the label "Pending"
Verifying Cleared Payments
Given cleared payments exist When the attorney filters by "Cleared" Then only invoices with status "Cleared" are displayed in green with the label "Cleared"
Identifying Failed Payments
Given failed transactions are present When the attorney views the dashboard Then failed invoices are highlighted in red and include a tooltip explaining the failure reason
Bulk Status Update Accuracy
Given the system receives a batch of payment updates When the reconciliation runs Then all invoice statuses are updated correctly based on the latest payment data within 5 minutes
Legend and Accessibility
Given the dashboard is loaded When the attorney views the status legend Then the legend displays all status labels with corresponding colors and includes text descriptions for screen readers
Customizable Reconciliation Reports
"As an accountant, I want to generate reconciliation reports with custom filters so that I can streamline the month-end closing process and deliver accurate summaries."
Description

Allow users to generate detailed reconciliation reports based on selectable criteria such as date ranges, client matters, and trust accounts, and export results to PDF or CSV for audit and record-keeping purposes.

Acceptance Criteria
Date Range Filtering Scenario
Given the user specifies a start and end date, When the user generates the reconciliation report, Then only transactions dated within the selected range are included in the report.
Client Matter Filter Scenario
Given the user selects one or more client matters from the filter list, When the report is generated, Then the report displays only transactions associated with the chosen client matters.
Trust Account Selection Scenario
Given the user selects one or more trust accounts, When the reconciliation report is created, Then only deposits and invoices linked to the selected trust accounts appear in the report.
Export to PDF Scenario
Given a filtered report is displayed, When the user clicks the Export to PDF button, Then a PDF file is downloaded containing the report with correct formatting and all filtered data.
Export to CSV Scenario
Given a filtered report is displayed, When the user clicks the Export to CSV button, Then a CSV file is downloaded containing all filtered report columns and records in comma-separated format.
Trust Account Discrepancy Alerts
"As a trust account auditor, I want alerts for account balance discrepancies so that I can address issues immediately and maintain regulatory compliance."
Description

Monitor trust-account balances and transaction summaries, issuing real-time alerts when inconsistencies or threshold breaches occur, to ensure compliance and prevent financial reporting errors.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Discrepancy Detection
Given the reconciliation dashboard is open and trust-account data is loaded When a transaction summary is updated with a deposit that does not match any invoice record Then the system sends an alert notification within 5 seconds indicating the transaction ID and suggesting review actions
Threshold Breach Alert
Given a user-defined threshold of $5,000 for trust-account balance variance When the account balance variance exceeds $5,000 Then the system displays a prominent alert banner on the dashboard and emails the finance team with variance details
Monthly Reconciliation Completion Alert
Given it is the last day of the month and all deposits and invoices are processed When the reconciliation process completes with zero discrepancies Then the system shows a “Reconciliation Complete” confirmation message and logs the status as “Successful Reconciliation”
Historical Data Comparison Alert
Given the dashboard has loaded previous month’s closing balance and the current closing balance When the difference between these balances exceeds 10% Then the system generates an alert with historical comparison details and recommended review steps
Duplicate Transaction Warning
Given a new transaction entry matches the amount, date, and payee of an existing record When the system detects the duplicate pattern Then an alert is displayed prompting the user to confirm or remove the duplicate entry
Audit Trail and Activity Log
"As a compliance officer, I want an audit trail of all reconciliation activities so that I can verify actions taken and support internal and external audits."
Description

Maintain a comprehensive log of all reconciliation actions, including system matches, manual adjustments, and report generations, with timestamps and user identification for accountability and regulatory review.

Acceptance Criteria
Viewing Complete Audit Log for Reconciliation Report
Given an attorney has generated a reconciliation report When they navigate to the Audit Trail page and select the report Then the system displays all actions related to that report, including timestamps, user IDs, and action types in chronological order
Recording Manual Match Adjustment
Given a finance user makes a manual adjustment to a deposit match When they save the adjustment Then the system records an audit entry with the user ID, timestamp, original and updated values, and reason for adjustment
Filtering Activity Log by Date and User
Given an attorney wants to review actions within a specific period When they apply date and user filters on the activity log Then only entries matching the selected date range and user are displayed
Exporting Audit Trail for Regulatory Review
Given a compliance officer needs the audit trail for an audit When they click export and select a file format Then the system generates a downloadable file containing all log entries with complete metadata
Alerting on Unauthorized Access Attempts
Given a user without reconciliation permissions attempts to access the activity log When the access attempt is blocked Then the system logs the attempt with timestamp and user details and sends an alert to administrators

PortalBridge

Seamlessly connect CaseFlow to multiple court e-filing portals with automated credential management and secure API integration. Users can configure all jurisdictions once and e-file across courts without manual logins or repeated setups, drastically reducing administrative overhead.

Requirements

Centralized Credential Vault
"As a solo attorney, I want my court portal credentials securely stored and retrieved automatically so that I can file without re-entering my login details each time."
Description

The system securely stores and manages court portal credentials in an encrypted vault, enabling automatic retrieval and reducing manual entry. It supports multiple credential sets per jurisdiction, integrates with the user profile for seamless access control, and enforces encryption at rest and in transit to maintain data confidentiality and integrity.

Acceptance Criteria
Add Credential to Vault
Given a user is on the credential management page and inputs valid portal credentials and selects a jurisdiction, when the user clicks save, then the system stores the credential in the vault and it appears in the user's credential list encrypted.
Retrieve Stored Credential
Given a user initiates an e-filing process for a jurisdiction with stored credentials, when the system retrieves credentials, then it populates the login form with the correct credentials without exposing plain text.
Manage Multiple Credentials per Jurisdiction
Given a user has stored more than one credential set for the same jurisdiction, when the user views the vault, then all credential sets are listed separately with their creation date and allow selection for e-filing.
Encryption at Rest Enforcement
Given credentials are stored in the vault, when inspected at the storage layer, then they remain encrypted and cannot be accessed or read without the user’s decryption key.
Encryption in Transit Enforcement
Given credentials are transmitted between client and server or between server components, when in transit, then the data is encrypted using TLS 1.2 or higher and verified by valid certificates.
Multi-Jurisdiction Configuration Manager
"As a firm administrator, I want to configure all court e-filing settings in a single interface so that we can quickly onboard new jurisdictions and maintain consistency across portals."
Description

Provides a unified interface to configure case filing settings across multiple court jurisdictions in one location. Administrators can add, edit, or remove jurisdictions, specify portal URLs, credential types, and custom parameters. This ensures consistency, simplifies onboarding of new courts, and allows centralized management of e-filing configurations.

Acceptance Criteria
Administrator Adds New Jurisdiction Configuration
Given the administrator is on the Multi-Jurisdiction Configuration Manager page When they click 'Add Jurisdiction' and enter a unique jurisdiction name, valid portal URL, select a credential type, and define any required custom parameters Then the new jurisdiction configuration is saved successfully and appears in the jurisdiction list without errors
Administrator Edits Existing Jurisdiction Configuration
Given an existing jurisdiction configuration in the list When the administrator selects 'Edit', updates the portal URL, credential type, or custom parameters, and clicks 'Save' Then the changes are persisted, and the updated configuration displays correctly in the list and after page reload
Administrator Removes Jurisdiction Configuration
Given an existing jurisdiction configuration in the list When the administrator clicks 'Remove' and confirms the deletion Then the jurisdiction configuration is deleted permanently and no longer appears in the list
Administrator Specifies Credential Types for a Jurisdiction
Given the administrator is configuring a jurisdiction When they select a credential type from the supported list Then only valid credential types are selectable, the selection is saved, and displayed correctly in both the configuration list and details view
Administrator Configures Custom Parameters for e-Filing Portal
Given the administrator is adding or editing a jurisdiction When they add, modify, or remove custom parameter key-value pairs and click 'Save' Then the custom parameters are validated, stored, and made available for the e-filing API calls as specified, passing integration tests with mock API responses
Secure API Integration Layer
"As a developer, I want a unified API layer to handle authentication and data exchange with different court portals so that I can integrate new courts without rewriting core logic."
Description

Develops a modular, secure API middleware that interacts with various court e-filing portals using standardized authentication flows. It supports OAuth, API keys, and certificate-based authentication, handles encryption in transit, and abstracts portal-specific protocols. This layer ensures consistent communication, simplifies the integration of new courts, and centralizes error handling.

Acceptance Criteria
OAuth Authentication Flow
Given valid OAuth client credentials and redirect URI when the middleware initiates the OAuth 2.0 authorization code flow then it successfully obtains an access token, refresh token, and stores them securely; and the token refresh process occurs automatically at least 5 minutes before expiration without manual intervention.
API Key-Based Authentication
Given a valid API key configured in the system when making a request to the court e-filing portal then the middleware includes the API key in the request header and receives a 200 OK response with expected payload data.
Certificate-Based Authentication
Given a valid client certificate and private key installed in the middleware when establishing a connection to the court portal then a mutual TLS handshake completes successfully and the connection is encrypted with TLS 1.2 or higher.
Encryption In Transit Verification
All HTTP requests and responses between the middleware and court portals must use TLS 1.2 or above; no calls occur over HTTP or deprecated TLS versions; and certificate pinning is enforced, resulting in failure if the server certificate does not match the pinned certificate.
Error Handling and Logging
When the court portal returns an error or timeout then the middleware logs an error entry containing a timestamp, error code, request details, and response message, retries the request up to three times with exponential backoff, and returns a standardized error object to the caller if all retries fail.
One-Click E-Filing Submission
"As an attorney, I want to submit prepared documents to any configured court with one click so that I can streamline filings and minimize administrative steps."
Description

Enables users to select a completed document and court jurisdiction, then submit the filing to the appropriate portal with a single click. The feature automates document packaging, metadata entry, and submission workflows, provides real-time progress feedback, and reduces manual steps and errors in the e-filing process.

Acceptance Criteria
Document and Jurisdiction Selection
Given the user has selected a completed document and chosen a valid court jurisdiction, when the user clicks the 'Submit' button, then the system packages the document with required metadata and initiates the submission process.
Credential Validation
Given the user’s saved e-filing credentials are expired or invalid, when the user attempts to submit, then the system prompts the user to re-authenticate before proceeding.
Automated Submission Packaging
Given the user clicks 'Submit', when the system begins submission, then all required attachments and metadata are automatically compiled into the court’s required format without manual input.
Real-Time Progress Feedback
Given the submission process is underway, when each submission step completes or fails, then the system updates the progress indicator with the current step status and percentage complete.
Submission Confirmation and Receipt
Given the submission is successfully accepted by the court portal, when the process completes, then the system displays a confirmation message with case number, portal transaction ID, and timestamp, and emails a receipt to the user.
Real-Time Filing Status Updates
"As a user, I want to see real-time updates on my e-filing submissions so that I know immediately whether my documents were accepted or if I need to address errors."
Description

Implements a polling or webhook-based mechanism to retrieve filing status updates (accepted, rejected, pending) from court portals and display them in real time within CaseFlow. The system sends notifications for status changes, logs detailed status history, and allows users to filter and review past filing outcomes.

Acceptance Criteria
Polling for Status Updates
Given CaseFlow has valid court portal credentials and a filing has been submitted, When the polling mechanism runs every 5 minutes, Then the filing status in CaseFlow is updated to match the court portal's status within 1 minute of detection.
Webhook Subscription for Instant Updates
Given a court portal supports webhooks and CaseFlow has registered a webhook endpoint, When the portal sends a status change event, Then CaseFlow receives and processes the event, updating the filing status within 30 seconds.
In-App Status Notification
Given a filing status changes from pending to accepted or rejected, When the status update is recorded, Then the user receives an in-app notification with the new status and timestamp.
Email Notification for Status Changes
Given a user has enabled email notifications, When a filing status update occurs, Then the system sends an email to the user's registered address containing the case number, new status, and timestamp within 2 minutes.
Detailed Status History Logging
Given multiple status changes have occurred for a single filing, When a user views the filing history, Then the system displays a chronological list of all status updates with timestamps and source (polling or webhook).
Filtering Past Filing Outcomes
Given a user is on the Filings page, When the user applies filters by status (accepted, rejected, pending) and date range, Then only filings matching the selected statuses and dates are displayed.
Comprehensive Audit Logging
"As a compliance officer, I want detailed logs of all e-filing transactions so that I can audit activity and ensure accountability."
Description

Tracks and logs all e-filing activities, including credential usage, submission timestamps, portal responses, and user actions. The logs are stored securely, support search and filtering, and can be exported for compliance reporting. This ensures accountability, aids forensic analysis, and meets legal and regulatory audit requirements.

Acceptance Criteria
Credential Usage Logging
Given a user initiates an e-filing using stored credentials, When the filing is submitted, Then the system logs the user ID, credential set used, timestamp, and action type in the audit log.
Submission Activity Tracking
Given a court document submission is processed, When the system receives a portal response, Then it records the submission ID, timestamp, response status code, and response message in the log.
User Action Logging
Given a user performs configuration or navigation actions within PortalBridge, When each action is executed, Then the system records the action type, user ID, timestamp, and affected entity in the audit log.
Secure Log Storage and Access Control
Given audit logs are stored, When a user attempts to access or query them, Then the system enforces role-based access control, encrypts logs at rest, and logs any unauthorized access attempts.
Search and Filter Capability
Given an authorized auditor uses the audit search interface, When they provide search parameters (e.g., date range, user ID, action type), Then the system returns only matching log entries within 3 seconds.
Audit Log Export
Given an authorized user requests an export, When export parameters are specified, Then the system generates a CSV or JSON file containing the filtered log entries and provides a downloadable link within 5 seconds.
Regulatory Compliance Reporting
Given a compliance report is generated, When a report period is selected, Then the system compiles all relevant log entries, formats them per regulatory template, and produces a downloadable report.

BatchFile Commander

Enable attorneys to select and submit multiple finalized documents or cases in a single operation. With guided grouping and status previews, users can execute high-volume filings at once, saving time and ensuring consistency across all submissions.

Requirements

Multi-Document Selection
"As an attorney, I want to select multiple documents or cases in a single action so that I can prepare bulk filings without having to process each file individually."
Description

Provide a dynamic interface that allows attorneys to select multiple finalized documents or entire cases at once for batch filing. The feature should support filtering by case, document type, or date, provide ‘select all’ and individual checkboxes, and display real-time counts of selected items. This capability streamlines the preparation process by reducing repetitive clicks and ensuring users can efficiently assemble large filing groups.

Acceptance Criteria
Filtering by Case, Document Type, and Date
Given the user has a list of finalized documents, when the user applies filters for a specific case, document type, and date range, then only documents matching those filters are displayed and the displayed count equals the number of matching documents.
Individual Document Selection
Given the user views a list of documents, when the user selects an individual document checkbox, then that document is marked as selected and the selected items counter increments by one.
Select All Functionality
Given a filtered list containing N documents, when the user clicks "Select All", then all N documents are selected, their checkboxes are checked, and the selected items counter updates to N.
Deselect All After Partial Selection
Given the user has selected multiple documents, when the user clicks "Deselect All", then all document checkboxes are unchecked and the selected items counter resets to zero.
Real-Time Selected Items Counter
Given any selection or deselection action, when the user selects or deselects documents, then the real-time counter in the UI updates instantly to reflect the current number of selected documents.
Guided Bulk Filing Workflow
"As an attorney, I want a guided workflow for batch submissions so that I can confidently complete all required steps for filing without missing critical information."
Description

Implement a step-by-step wizard that guides users through grouping selected items, configuring filing parameters (e.g., court, filing type), reviewing batch details, and confirming submission. Each step should include progress indicators, contextual help tips, and validation checks to ensure completeness before proceeding. This workflow ensures consistency and reduces errors in high-volume submissions.

Acceptance Criteria
Bulk Filing Wizard Launch
Given the user has selected two or more finalized documents, when the user clicks "Start BatchFile Commander", then the Bulk Filing Wizard launches showing the first of four steps with a visible progress indicator and contextual help tip.
Document Grouping Step
Given the wizard is on the grouping step, when the user groups documents by dragging or selecting them into a batch, then the system saves the grouping and the "Next" button is enabled only if at least one document is grouped.
Filing Parameters Configuration
Given the wizard is on the configuration step, when the user selects required filing parameters (court, filing type) and enters all mandatory fields, then each field displays contextual help and the "Next" button becomes enabled only if all validations pass.
Batch Details Review
Given the wizard is on the review step, when the user reviews the batch summary, then the system displays all grouped items with their metadata, chosen filing parameters, and highlights any missing or inconsistent information.
Batch Submission Confirmation
Given the user is on the confirmation step, when the user clicks "Submit", then the system performs final validation checks, displays a confirmation dialog, submits all documents in a single operation, and shows a success message with a generated batch submission ID.
Submission Status Dashboard
"As an attorney, I want to see the current status of every item in my bulk filing so that I can quickly identify and address any rejections or pending actions."
Description

Create a dashboard that displays the status of each document or case in the batch both before and after submission. The dashboard should show real-time updates (e.g., Ready, Submitted, Accepted, Rejected) and allow sorting or filtering by status. Users should receive desktop or email notifications for key status changes to stay informed about filing progress.

Acceptance Criteria
Pre-Submission Status Overview
Given a user has selected multiple documents and opened the Submission Status Dashboard, then the dashboard displays the initial status 'Ready' for all selected items within 2 seconds.
Real-time Status Update Post-Submission
Given a batch is submitted, when the server updates the status of each document, then the dashboard reflects each status change to 'Submitted', 'Accepted', or 'Rejected' within 5 seconds without requiring a page refresh.
Status Sorting and Filtering
Given the dashboard displays multiple items with various statuses, then the user can sort the list by status in ascending or descending order and apply a filter to show only items matching a selected status.
Notification Delivery on Status Change
Given a document’s status changes to 'Accepted' or 'Rejected', then the system sends both a desktop notification and an email notification to the user within 1 minute of the status change.
Bulk Submission Error Handling
Given one or more documents fail during submission, then the dashboard marks those items as 'Rejected', displays an error icon next to each failed item with a tooltip showing the error code, and provides a 'Retry' action for each failed document.
Automated Validation & Error Handling
"As an attorney, I want the system to automatically validate my batch submission and point out any errors so that I can resolve issues before filing and avoid court rejections."
Description

Build automated checks that validate required fields, document formats, and court-specific rules before submission. If validation fails, the system should highlight errors inline, provide clear error messages, and allow users to correct issues or retry individual documents. This reduces the risk of batch submission failures and minimizes manual review time.

Acceptance Criteria
Required Field Missing in Batch Submission
Given a batch of documents where at least one required field is empty When the user submits the batch Then the system prevents submission, highlights the missing fields inline for each affected document, and displays an error message specifying which fields are missing
Invalid Document Format Detected in Batch
Given a batch containing documents in unsupported formats When the user attempts batch submission Then the system identifies invalid formats, rejects only those documents, displays clear error messages indicating the required format for each, and allows submission of valid documents
Court-Specific Rule Violation in Batch Submission
Given batch documents that violate jurisdictional rules When validation runs Then the system flags each rule violation inline, presents court-specific guidance messages, and blocks only the non-compliant documents from submission
Inline Error Highlighting and Messaging
Given validation errors detected in batch documents When errors are present Then the system highlights each error inline in the document preview, displays concise, user-friendly messages next to the error, and provides a button to navigate directly to the field in question
Retry Submission for Corrected Document
Given a document has been corrected after a validation failure When the user retries submission for that document Then the system revalidates only the modified document, updates its status without affecting other documents, and includes it in a resubmission batch if validation passes
Bulk Submission History & Audit Trail
"As an attorney, I want to review and export my past batch filings and their outcomes so that I can keep accurate records and demonstrate filing compliance."
Description

Maintain a comprehensive history of all batch filings, including submission timestamps, document lists, statuses, and court receipt data. Provide a searchable and filterable interface where users can view past batches, download confirmation receipts, and export audit logs. This feature supports compliance, reporting, and internal review requirements.

Acceptance Criteria
Viewing Batch Submission History
Given the user accesses the Batch Submission History interface, When the page loads, Then each batch record is displayed with submission timestamp, document count, current status, and court receipt availability.
Filtering and Searching Batches
Given the user enters filter criteria (date range, status, document type) or search keywords, When the user applies the filter or search, Then the history list updates to show only matching batch records.
Downloading Confirmation Receipts
Given the user selects a batch with available court receipts, When the user clicks the download icon for the selected batch, Then the system generates and downloads a PDF confirmation receipt containing submission details and court acknowledgment.
Exporting Audit Log Reports
Given the user opts to export audit logs, When the user selects export to CSV or Excel and confirms, Then the system generates a file listing batch ID, timestamps, document names, statuses, and user actions for the specified date range.
Viewing Detailed Court Receipt Data
Given the user expands a batch entry with court receipt data, When the expansion icon is clicked, Then detailed court receipt information (receipt number, court date, clerk notes) is displayed inline.

AutoCheck Validator

Perform a pre-submission audit of documents against each court’s specific technical and formatting requirements. This feature flags errors or omissions—like missing attachments or unsupported file types—in real time, preventing rejections and saving follow-up corrections.

Requirements

Court Rules Repository Sync
"As a solo attorney, I want the validator to reference an up-to-date database of court rules so that my documents always comply with each court’s latest technical requirements."
Description

Integrate with a centralized, up-to-date repository of court-specific technical and formatting rules, enabling AutoCheck Validator to reference accurate requirements for each jurisdiction. The integration should support automated updates, flexible rule queries, and version tracking to ensure validations reflect the latest court standards.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Repository Connection and Sync
Given the AutoCheck Validator is configured with repository API credentials, When an administrator initiates the sync process, Then the system successfully connects to the court rules repository and downloads the latest rule set without errors.
Automated Daily Rule Updates
Given the repository sync schedule is set to daily at 2 AM, When the scheduled time arrives, Then the system automatically fetches and applies any rule updates, confirms completion in the log, and alerts the admin of success or failure.
Jurisdiction-Specific Rule Retrieval
Given the user selects 'California Northern District' in the AutoCheck Validator, When the system queries the repository, Then it retrieves only the latest rules and formatting requirements specific to that jurisdiction within 5 seconds.
Version Conflict Detection
Given a local rule version differs from the repository, When a new sync is performed, Then the system identifies and flags version discrepancies, displaying the local and remote version numbers for review.
Audit Log Generation
Given the repository sync process completes, When rules are downloaded or updated, Then the system records a timestamped audit log entry including repository version, number of rules updated, and sync duration.
Real-Time Document Validation Engine
"As a small-firm lawyer, I want real-time feedback on my document formatting and attachments so that I can correct errors before submission, avoiding court rejections."
Description

Implement a validation engine that analyzes uploaded documents in real time against the court rules database, flagging missing elements (e.g., attachments), formatting errors (e.g., margins, fonts), and unsupported file types. This engine should process documents instantly and provide feedback within seconds.

Acceptance Criteria
Missing Attachment Detection
Given a user uploads a document package missing a required attachment, when the validation engine runs, then the system flags the missing attachment with a specific error code and suggests the required file.
Formatting Rule Compliance
Given a user submits a document with non-compliant formatting (e.g., font size outside range), when validation is performed, then the user is notified of each formatting violation with details for correction.
Unsupported File Type Identification
Given a user attempts to upload a file with an unsupported extension, when the file is processed, then the validation engine rejects the file upload and displays an unsupported file type error.
Real-Time Feedback Response Time
Given a document is submitted for validation, when the process starts, then feedback is delivered to the user within 3 seconds.
Bulk Document Processing
Given a batch of up to 50 documents is uploaded simultaneously, when validation is triggered, then all documents are processed with individual feedback generated for each within 10 seconds total.
Error Reporting Dashboard
"As a paralegal, I want a consolidated view of validation errors organized by type so that I can quickly address and fix all issues in one place."
Description

Design a dashboard that aggregates all validation errors and warnings, categorizing them by severity and type. The dashboard should allow users to filter by document, court, and error category, and display actionable messages to guide corrections.

Acceptance Criteria
Aggregated Error Overview
Given a user navigates to the Error Reporting Dashboard, when validation errors exist, then the dashboard displays all errors grouped by severity and type in a summary view.
Filter Errors by Document
Given multiple documents have validation errors, when the user selects a specific document from the document filter, then only errors related to the selected document are displayed.
Filter Errors by Court
Given errors across different courts, when the user selects a court from the court filter, then the dashboard shows only errors for filings destined to that court.
Filter Errors by Severity
Given errors with varying severity levels, when the user applies a severity filter (e.g., critical, warning, info), then the dashboard updates to show errors matching the selected severity.
Actionable Correction Guidance
Given an error is selected from the dashboard, when the user views its details, then a clear, actionable message is displayed explaining how to correct the error, including links to relevant sections of the document or attachments.
Automated File Format Conversion
"As an attorney, I want unsupported document formats to be automatically converted so that I don't have to manually regenerate compliant files."
Description

Provide automatic conversion of unsupported file formats into accepted types (e.g., converting .docx to PDF/A), ensuring that all submissions meet court file type requirements. This feature should preserve document fidelity and metadata during conversion.

Acceptance Criteria
Automatic .docx to PDF/A Conversion
Given a .docx file is uploaded, when the conversion process is initiated, then the system generates a PDF/A file with identical content and layout.
Unsupported File Type Handling
Given an unsupported file format is uploaded, when the user attempts conversion, then the system displays an error message and suggests allowed formats.
Metadata Preservation Post-Conversion
Given a document with embedded metadata (author, creation date), when conversion completes, then the PDF/A retains all original metadata fields.
Batch Document Conversion
Given multiple unsupported files are selected, when batch conversion is initiated, then each file is converted to PDF/A with success confirmation for all files.
Conversion Progress Notification
Given a large document conversion is in progress, when conversion reaches completion, then the user receives a real-time notification indicating success or failure.
Batch Validation and Bulk Submission
"As a firm administrator, I want to validate and submit multiple case documents at once so that I can process large filings efficiently."
Description

Enable users to select multiple documents for simultaneous validation and bulk submission. The system should display validation results per document and allow batch corrections or approvals, streamlining workflows for large filing packages.

Acceptance Criteria
Bulk Document Selection Initiated
Given the user has uploaded multiple documents When the user selects one or more document checkboxes Then the “Validate All” button becomes enabled and displays the count of selected documents
Per-Document Validation Results Displayed
Given the user clicks “Validate All” When validation completes for each document Then the system displays each document’s name, a pass/fail icon, and the number of errors or warnings detected
Batch Correction of Missing Attachments
Given one or more selected documents have missing attachments When the user clicks on the missing attachments alert for a document Then the system lists required attachments and allows the user to upload or link them directly in the batch view
Bulk Submission Post-Validation
Given all selected documents have passed validation When the user clicks the “Submit All” button Then the system submits each document in sequence and shows a submission status (success or failure) next to each document
Retry Failed Validations After Correction
Given one or more documents failed validation When the user corrects errors and clicks “Re-Validate Selected” Then the system re-validates only the corrected documents and updates their pass/fail status accordingly

E-Sign & Send

Integrate secure e-signature capture directly into the e-filing workflow. Attorneys and clients sign briefs or supporting affidavits within CaseFlow, then instantly transmit all signed documents to the court portal in one seamless step.

Requirements

Secure Signature Collection
"As an attorney, I want to capture legally binding electronic signatures directly within CaseFlow so that I can streamline client onboarding and ensure compliance without relying on external tools."
Description

Integrate a secure e-signature capture interface within the CaseFlow platform that complies with legal and industry standards (e.g., ESIGN Act, UETA). The interface must support multiple signature methods (typed, drawn, uploaded), enforce user identity verification, encrypt signatures in transit and at rest, and provide an intuitive UX to minimize client friction. It should seamlessly integrate with the guided intake wizard and AI-powered document templates, ensuring signatures are applied correctly to the intended document sections.

Acceptance Criteria
Signature Method Selection During Guided Intake
Given a client is on the guided intake wizard and prompted to sign a document When the client selects a signature method (typed, drawn, or uploaded) Then the selected method loads within 2 seconds and the interface reflects the chosen method accurately.
Identity Verification Before Signature Capture
Given a client chooses a signature method When they proceed to sign the document Then the system prompts for identity verification via email OTP or ID upload and allows proceeding only after successful verification.
Encryption of Signatures In Transit and At Rest
Given a client submits their signature When the signature data is transmitted or stored Then the data is encrypted using AES-256 encryption and verified by a security scan to ensure compliance with industry standards.
Automatic Signature Placement on AI-Generated Templates
Given an attorney completes drafting a document using AI templates When the client signs the document Then the system automatically applies the signature to the designated signature field without requiring manual adjustment.
End-to-End E-Sign & Send Integration to Court Portal
Given all required documents are signed When the attorney clicks “Send to Court” Then the system bundles the signed documents and submits them to the court portal, displaying a confirmation message within 5 seconds.
Signature Validation & Audit Trail
"As a compliance officer, I want a detailed audit trail of each electronic signature so that I can demonstrate signature authenticity and timeline in case of disputes or regulatory audits."
Description

Automatically validate captured signatures by cross-referencing signer identity and timestamp, and generate a tamper-evident audit trail for each signed document. The audit trail should include signer email, IP address, timestamp, and version history. It must be stored securely and be easily retrievable to support compliance reviews and legal challenges.

Acceptance Criteria
Signature Capture Verification
Given a user signs a document via CaseFlow, when the signature is submitted, then the system records the signer’s email, IP address, and timestamp in the audit trail.
Audit Trail Security Storage
The audit trail data is encrypted at rest and stored in a tamper-evident manner, preventing any unauthorized modifications.
Version History Tracking
When a document is updated after signing, the system logs a new version with a unique version identifier and timestamp while preserving previous versions unaltered.
Audit Trail Retrieval
A user with appropriate permissions can retrieve and export the complete audit trail for a signed document within two clicks, and the export is provided as a PDF containing all required fields.
Tamper-Evidence Alert
If any alteration to the signed document or its audit trail is detected outside the system, an alert is generated and recorded with details of the attempted tampering.
Document Formatting & Compatibility
"As a paralegal, I want the signed documents to be formatted according to court specifications so that they are accepted without manual adjustments or rejections."
Description

Ensure that all signed documents are generated and output in court-required formats (e.g., PDF/A). The system must automatically apply court-specific metadata and formatting rules after signature capture. It should also validate document structure and file size before transmission, and offer a preview feature for attorneys to verify compliance with court standards.

Acceptance Criteria
Court-Required PDF/A Document Generation
Given a captured and signed document, when the attorney finalizes the signature process, then the system shall generate the output file in PDF/A-1b format and pass a PDF/A compliance check tool.
Automatic Metadata Application
Given a signed document ready for filing, when the document is processed for output, then the system shall embed court-specific metadata fields (case number, court name, filing date) into the document header and XMP metadata section.
Document Structure and File Size Validation
Given a generated document, when the system runs pre-transmission checks, then it shall verify the document’s page order, embedded fonts, and ensure the file size does not exceed 10MB.
Preview Compliance Verification
Given a completed document is available for review, when the attorney accesses the preview feature, then the preview must display final page formatting, metadata, and signatures exactly as they will appear in the filed copy.
Seamless Transmission to Court Portal
Given a document passes all formatting and validation checks, when the attorney initiates transmission, then the system shall upload the document to the designated court portal within 10 seconds and display a confirmation message upon success.
Court Portal Transmission Integration
"As an attorney, I want to send all signed documents directly to the court portal from within CaseFlow so that I can complete e-filing in one seamless step without switching between platforms."
Description

Implement direct API connections to major court e-filing portals. After signature capture, the system should bundle all necessary documents, authenticate with the selected court portal, and transmit files in a single request. It must handle authentication tokens, retries on failure, and error reporting, providing real-time feedback within the CaseFlow interface.

Acceptance Criteria
Successful Transmission to Court Portal
Given a valid court portal selection and authenticated session, when the user initiates transmission, then the system sends a single API request containing all signed documents and receives a 200 OK response.
Failed Authentication Retry Mechanism
Given an expired or invalid authentication token, when the transmission is attempted, then the system automatically refreshes the token and retries the request up to three times before notifying the user of failure.
Error Reporting on Document Submission
Given an error occurs during API submission, when the portal returns an error code, then the system displays a descriptive error message with code and resolution steps and logs the error details.
Bundling Signed Documents into Single Payload
Given multiple signed files, when preparing for transmission, then the system bundles all files into a single payload that preserves original filenames and order.
Real-Time Feedback Display in User Interface
Given the transmission process is in progress, when each document is transmitted, then the UI displays a progress indicator updating in real time until completion.
Notification & Tracking
"As an attorney, I want to be notified when clients sign documents and when those documents are successfully filed so that I can monitor progress and follow up promptly if action is needed."
Description

Provide real-time notifications and a tracking dashboard for signature and transmission status. The system should email or SMS alerts to attorneys and clients when a signature is requested, completed, or when e-filing is successful or fails. A central dashboard must display progress for each document package, including timestamps and status indicators.

Acceptance Criteria
Client Receives Signature Request Notification
Given an attorney requests a client's signature on a document within CaseFlow, When the request is generated, Then the client receives an email or SMS notification containing a link to the document within 2 minutes of the request and the notification includes the document name, purpose, and expiration date.
Attorney Receives Signature Completion Alert
Given a client successfully signs and submits the document via e-signature within CaseFlow, When the final signature is captured, Then the attorney receives an email or SMS within 1 minute confirming completion and the notification includes the timestamp, client's name, and document details.
CaseFlow Dashboard Displays Document Package Progress
Given multiple document packages are in various signature states, When the attorney views the tracking dashboard, Then each package displays a progress bar or status indicator (Requested, Signed, Filed) and each status has a timestamp of the last action.
Attorney Receives E-Filing Success Notification
Given the signed document package is successfully transmitted to the court portal, When CaseFlow receives confirmation from the court, Then an email or SMS notification is sent to the attorney confirming successful e-filing and the notification includes the court docket number and timestamp.
Attorney Receives E-Filing Failure Alert
Given the transmission to the court portal fails due to an error, When CaseFlow detects the failure, Then an email or SMS notification is sent to the attorney within 2 minutes detailing the error and suggested actions and the failed status and error code are updated on the tracking dashboard.

LiveStatus Monitor

Provide real-time tracking of e-filed submissions with detailed status updates—Accepted, Pending, Rejected—with timestamps and portal receipts. Users receive push notifications and can view a consolidated dashboard of all filing activities and outcomes.

Requirements

Real-time Filing Status Retrieval
"As a small-firm attorney, I want continuous, automatic retrieval of my e-filed documents’ statuses so that I can immediately know if a filing is accepted or requires corrections without manual checks."
Description

Implement an automated API integration with court e-filing portals to fetch the current status of each submission—Accepted, Pending, or Rejected—in real time, complete with timestamps and portal receipt identifiers. This functionality ensures that CaseFlow continuously polls and retrieves the latest filing data without manual intervention, providing attorneys with up-to-the-minute visibility on their case filings. The integration should handle authentication, rate limits, and data normalization to present consistent and accurate status updates within the CaseFlow ecosystem.

Acceptance Criteria
Authentication with E-Filing Portal
Given valid court portal credentials are stored in CaseFlow When the system initiates a polling request Then an authenticated API session is established and a valid session token is returned
Successful Status Retrieval for Submission
Given a recently e-filed submission exists When CaseFlow polls the court portal API Then it receives a status of Accepted, Pending, or Rejected along with a timestamp and portal receipt identifier
Handling Rejected Submissions
Given a submission has been rejected by the court portal When CaseFlow retrieves the filing status Then it displays the status as Rejected and includes the rejection reason and timestamp
Rate Limit Compliance
Given the court portal API enforces rate limits When CaseFlow polls statuses in rapid succession Then it automatically throttles requests to remain within allowed limits and queues additional requests
Data Normalization for Portal Responses
Given varied response formats across different court portals When raw status data is received Then CaseFlow maps all fields to a standardized status model for display in the dashboard
Real-Time Dashboard Update
Given new status data is fetched When the API response is processed Then the dashboard reflects the updated statuses within 5 seconds for all open filings
Push Notification Alerts
"As a solo attorney on the go, I want to receive instant notification when my court filing status changes so that I can promptly take action or inform my client."
Description

Develop a push notification system that delivers instant alerts to users’ desktop and mobile devices whenever the status of an e-filed submission changes. Notifications must include the document name, new status, timestamp, and a link to the portal receipt. This requirement enhances user engagement by providing timely updates, reducing the need for manual portal monitoring, and ensuring attorneys can respond quickly to rejected filings.

Acceptance Criteria
Notification on Status Change
Given an e-filed submission status changes to Accepted, Pending, or Rejected, When the update occurs on the server, Then a push notification is delivered to the user’s desktop and mobile within 5 seconds and includes the document name, new status, timestamp, and a link to the portal receipt.
Actionable Link Navigation
Given the user receives a push notification, When the user clicks or taps the link in the notification, Then the system opens the default browser or in-app portal view directly to the corresponding submission receipt page.
Offline Device Delivery Retry
Given the user’s device is offline when a status change occurs, When the system attempts to send the notification, Then it queues the notification and retries delivery every minute for up to 10 attempts until successful.
Respect User Notification Preferences
Given a user has disabled push notifications in their settings, When a status change event occurs, Then no push notification is sent to that user.
Selective Notification for Rejections
Given a user opts in to receive only Rejected status notifications, When a submission status changes to Rejected, Then the user receives a push notification, and no notifications are sent for Accepted or Pending statuses.
Consolidated Filing Dashboard
"As a small-firm managing multiple cases, I want a consolidated view of all my filing activities so that I can quickly assess performance and prioritize follow-up tasks."
Description

Create a centralized dashboard within CaseFlow that displays all e-filing activities, sortable and filterable by date range, case type, status, and court. The dashboard should present key metrics like total filings, acceptance rate, average processing time, and outstanding rejections. This requirement empowers attorneys with a holistic view of their filing operations, aiding in workload management and performance analysis.

Acceptance Criteria
Filtering Filings by Date Range
Given the user is on the consolidated filing dashboard, when they select a start date and end date and apply the filter, then only filings within that date range are displayed and the total filings metric updates accordingly.
Sorting Filings by Case Type and Court
Given the user is viewing the filing table, when they choose a case type or court and select ascending or descending, then the table reorders entries correctly and the UI indicates the selected sort column and direction.
Viewing Key Metrics Overview
Given the user navigates to the dashboard, when the page loads or filters change, then total filings, acceptance rate, average processing time, and outstanding rejections are displayed accurately and reflect any active filters.
Receiving Push Notifications on Status Change
Given a filing’s status changes to Accepted, Pending, or Rejected, when the update occurs, then a push notification is delivered within 30 seconds containing the case ID, new status, timestamp, and a link to the receipt, and tapping it navigates to the filing details.
Ensuring Dashboard Performance with Large Data Sets
Given the system has up to 10,000 filings loaded, when the user loads the dashboard or applies filters/sorts, then the dashboard loads within 3 seconds and filters/sorts respond within 1 second without UI freezing or errors.
Filtering and Search Functionality
"As a busy legal administrator, I want to search and filter my filing records so that I can efficiently find specific submissions without scrolling through entire lists."
Description

Implement advanced filtering and search capabilities within the LiveStatus Dashboard, allowing users to quickly locate specific filings by case number, client name, status, or date. The search engine must support partial matches and real-time result updates as users type. This feature reduces the time spent sifting through records and improves overall user efficiency when handling high volumes of e-filed documents.

Acceptance Criteria
Searching by Case Number
Given the user enters a complete case number in the search input, when they press Enter or pause typing, then the dashboard displays only filings whose case number exactly matches the input.
Filtering by Client Name
Given the user types one or more characters of a client’s name, when results update in real time, then the dashboard shows all filings for clients whose names contain the entered substring and highlights matched text.
Combined Filters and Partial Matches
Given the user selects a status filter and enters a partial match for a client name or case number, when filters are applied, then only filings meeting all selected status and partial match criteria appear in the results.
Real-time Result Updates During Typing
Given the user types into any search or filter field, when each character is entered, then the results refresh within 200ms to reflect the updated filter and search terms without requiring a manual submit.
Clearing and Resetting Filters
Given the user has applied multiple filters and search terms, when they click ‘Clear All’ or remove all search input, then the dashboard resets to show the full unfiltered list of filings and all filter selections are cleared.
Error Handling and Automated Retry
"As an attorney relying on accurate filing statuses, I want the system to automatically handle errors and retry failed status checks so that I can trust the information displayed without manual refreshes."
Description

Design a robust error detection and retry mechanism for the LiveStatus Monitor integration. When an API call fails or returns incomplete data, the system should log the error, notify the user of temporary unavailability, and automatically retry at exponential backoff intervals. This ensures high reliability of status updates and minimizes data gaps caused by transient network or portal issues.

Acceptance Criteria
API Call Failure Logging
Given the LiveStatus Monitor sends an API request and receives an HTTP 5xx or network error, the system logs an error entry containing the endpoint URL, HTTP status code or error code, response body (if any), and a timestamp in the centralized log store.
User Notification on Service Unavailability
Given an API call failure or incomplete data response is detected, when the first retry is initiated, the system sends a push notification to the user indicating that status updates are temporarily unavailable and that retries are in progress.
Automated Retry with Exponential Backoff
Given an API request failure, when retrying the request, the system schedules subsequent retry attempts at exponential backoff intervals (e.g., 1s, 2s, 4s, 8s, 16s) up to a maximum of five attempts.
Data Integrity Verification Post-Retry
Given a retry attempt succeeds after initial failures, when the successful response is received, the system validates that all required fields are present and correctly formatted before updating the LiveStatus dashboard.
Retry Exhaustion Handling
Given that all configured retry attempts have been exhausted without success, the system logs a final failure event, stops further retries, and sends a persistent error notification to the user with guidance for manual resolution.

AuditTrail Vault

Automatically log every e-filing transaction—user, time, portal response, and delivery confirmations—into a tamper-proof audit trail. This feature ensures compliance and offers ready-made reports for internal review or regulatory inquiries.

Requirements

Immutable Ledger Storage
"As a compliance officer, I want a tamper-proof storage for all e-filing logs so that I can verify the integrity of records during audits."
Description

Implement a tamper-proof storage mechanism that records every e-filing transaction in an append-only ledger. Each entry should include user identity, timestamp, portal response, and delivery confirmation. The ledger must be cryptographically signed to prevent alterations, ensuring data integrity for audits and compliance reviews.

Acceptance Criteria
Recording a Successful E-Filing Transaction
Given a successful e-filing submission, when the system receives a portal response with delivery confirmation, then a new ledger entry is appended with the user identity, timestamp, portal response, and delivery confirmation, and the entry’s cryptographic signature validates correctly
Handling a Failed E-Filing Response
Given a failed e-filing submission, when the system receives an error response from the portal, then a new ledger entry is appended with the user identity, timestamp, and error details, and the entry is cryptographically signed
Verifying Ledger Entry Integrity
Given an existing ledger entry, when an auditor requests integrity verification, then the system verifies that the cryptographic signature matches the entry’s data and returns a confirmation of integrity
Generating Tamper-Proof Audit Reports
Given a request for an audit report, when the system compiles ledger entries for a specified date range, then the exported report includes each entry with its cryptographic signature and is generated in a read-only format
Preventing Ledger Entry Modification
Given an attempt to modify an existing ledger entry, when the system detects the modification request, then it rejects the request, logs the attempt with user identity and timestamp, and ensures the original entry remains unchanged
Real-time Transaction Logging
"As a solo attorney, I want each e-filing transaction logged instantly so that I can track submissions and identify issues without delay."
Description

Capture and log each e-filing transaction immediately upon initiation and upon receiving portal acknowledgments. The system should push updates to the audit trail in real time to enable live monitoring and rapid error detection without manual intervention.

Acceptance Criteria
Transaction Initiation Logging
Given a user initiates an e-filing transaction, when the system receives the initiation request, then the system logs the transaction with user ID, timestamp, and document metadata in the audit trail within 1 second.
Portal Acknowledgment Logging
Given the system receives an acknowledgment from the external filing portal, when parsing the response, then the log entry includes portal response code, status message, and timestamp, and is stored in the audit trail within 1 second.
Real-time Monitoring Update
Given an admin monitors the real-time dashboard, when a new transaction log entry is created, then the dashboard displays the entry in under 2 seconds with user, transaction ID, and status.
Error Capture Logging
Given a transaction fails due to validation or portal error, when the error occurs, then the audit trail logs the error code, error message, and timestamp, and triggers an alert notification to the admin.
Integrity Hash Verification
Given any log retrieval request, when verifying the cryptographic hash stored with each log entry, then the system confirms the entry’s integrity or flags it as tampered if the hash does not match.
Audit Report Generation
"As a firm administrator, I want to generate compliance reports on-demand so that I can quickly share detailed records with regulators or stakeholders."
Description

Provide a feature to generate comprehensive audit reports summarizing transaction logs over configurable time periods. Reports should be exportable in PDF and CSV formats, include filters by user, date range, and portal, and be formatted for regulatory submissions and internal review.

Acceptance Criteria
Generate audit report for custom date range
Given the user selects a start and end date for the report When the user clicks 'Generate Report' Then the system retrieves and displays only transactions logged between those dates
Filter audit report by user
Given the user enters or selects a specific username filter When the user applies the filter and generates the report Then the report includes only transactions performed by the specified user
Filter audit report by portal
Given the user selects one or more e-filing portals from the portal filter When the user applies the portal filter and generates the report Then the report displays only transactions routed through the selected portals
Export audit report in PDF format
Given a report is generated and visible on screen When the user clicks the 'Export as PDF' button Then the system downloads a PDF file containing the full report with headers, footers, and formatting compliant with regulatory requirements
Export audit report in CSV format
Given a report is generated and visible on screen When the user clicks the 'Export as CSV' button Then the system downloads a CSV file where each row represents a transaction and columns match the report fields
Access Control Management
"As a system administrator, I want to manage user permissions for audit logs so that only authorized staff can view or export sensitive data."
Description

Define role-based access controls for the audit trail, allowing administrators to assign view, export, and management permissions at user or group levels. Audit log access must be restricted to authorized personnel to protect sensitive client and transaction data.

Acceptance Criteria
Administrator assigns view permissions to a user group
Given an administrator is on the Access Control Management page; When the administrator assigns the 'view' permission to the 'Paralegals' group; Then users in the 'Paralegals' group can view audit logs but cannot export or manage them.
Unauthorized user attempts to access audit log
Given a user without assigned permissions is logged in; When the user navigates to the audit log; Then the system displays an 'Access Denied' message and logs the attempt.
User with export permission downloads audit log report
Given a user with 'export' permission is authenticated; When the user opens the audit log interface and requests an export for a defined date range; Then the system generates and downloads a CSV report containing the audit entries within the range.
Group-level permission inheritance check
Given a parent group has 'view' permission and a child subgroup exists; When a user is added to the child subgroup; Then the user inherits the 'view' permission and can access the audit logs accordingly.
Permission revocation prevents access immediately
Given a user currently has 'view' and 'export' permissions; When an administrator revokes both permissions; Then the user is immediately unable to view or export any audit logs and receives an 'Access Denied' notification upon attempt.
Data Encryption and Security
"As a data security officer, I want all audit logs encrypted at rest and in transit so that client information remains confidential and compliant with security standards."
Description

Ensure all audit trail data is encrypted both at rest and in transit. Use industry-standard encryption protocols (e.g., AES-256 for storage, TLS 1.2+ for transmission) and secure key management practices to safeguard confidential client and transaction information.

Acceptance Criteria
Encryption of Audit Trail Data at Rest
Given audit trail data is stored in the database, when data is at rest, then it must be encrypted using AES-256 with keys stored in a secure key management service.
Secure Data Transmission during E-Filing
Given audit trail data is transmitted between client and server, when transmission occurs, then all data must use TLS 1.2 or higher with certificate validation passed.
Key Rotation and Management
Given encryption keys reach their rotation period, when rotation time arrives, then the system must generate a new AES-256 key, rotate it without downtime, and update key references for encryption and decryption.
Access Control to Encryption Keys
Given users request access to encryption keys, when user roles are validated, then only authorized roles can retrieve or use keys, with all key access requests logged.
Tamper-Proof Audit Trail Verification
Given audit trail records are stored, when verifying integrity, then any unauthorized modifications must be detected by verifying HMAC-SHA256 signatures or ledger checksums, with discrepancies flagged.
Third-Party Portal Integration
"As a software administrator, I want the system to integrate with common e-filing portals so that portal responses and confirmations are captured automatically without manual entry."
Description

Develop connectors for major e-filing portals’ APIs to automatically capture transaction responses and delivery confirmations. Handle various portal authentication methods, map response codes, and reconcile errors to ensure the audit trail is accurate across different jurisdictions.

Acceptance Criteria
Valid Portal Authentication
Given valid portal API credentials are provided When the connector attempts authentication Then the system successfully establishes a session and stores the token in the audit trail
Invalid Portal Credentials Handling
Given invalid or expired portal credentials When the connector attempts authentication Then the system logs the failure event with timestamp and error details and notifies the user
Transaction Response Captured
Given a user submits a document for e-filing When the portal returns a response Then the system records user ID, time stamp, portal response code, reference number, and status in the audit trail
Delivery Confirmation Logging
Given the portal confirms delivery of an e-file When the confirmation is received Then the system logs the delivery confirmation with time stamp and stores it tamper-proof in the audit trail
Error Code Mapping and Reconciliation
Given the portal returns an error code When the system receives the code Then it maps the portal-specific code to a standard error category, updates the record, and flags unresolved errors for review

ClauseCraft

Provides on-the-fly suggestions for rewriting or refining contract clauses, ensuring clarity, completeness, and alignment with best practices. ClauseCraft helps attorneys craft precise language, reducing revision cycles and improving document quality.

Requirements

Real-time Clause Suggestion
"As an attorney drafting a contract, I want to receive live suggestions for refining clauses so that I can produce high-quality language quickly and reduce revision rounds."
Description

Implement a live suggestion engine that analyzes the clause a user is drafting and provides alternative phrasings, clarifications, or completions instantly. This engine should process user input character-by-character, leveraging AI models trained on legal corpora and best practices to ensure suggestions are contextually relevant and legally sound. Integration with the existing document editor ensures seamless user experience, reducing drafting time and iteration cycles while maintaining document accuracy and compliance.

Acceptance Criteria
Live Suggestion Trigger
Given a user pauses typing for 300 milliseconds when drafting a clause in the editor, then at least one suggestion appears in the suggestion panel.
Contextual Relevance of Suggestions
Given a clause about a confidentiality provision, when suggestions are generated, then at least 80% of the suggestions are semantically aligned with confidentiality clause best practices.
Suggestion Formatting Compliance
Given suggestions are displayed, when inserted into the document, then each suggestion preserves the document’s font, indentation, and numbering schema.
Performance Under Load
Given a 30-page document and active user input, when the user types at 200 characters per minute, then suggestions are returned within 500ms in 95% of keystrokes.
Seamless Editor Integration
Given a displayed suggestion, when the user clicks the suggestion, then the editor replaces or inserts the text at the cursor position and updates the undo/redo history appropriately.
Contract-specific Language Adaptation
"As a lawyer working on different contract types, I want clause suggestions tailored to the specific agreement type so that my documents adhere to the relevant standards and reduce manual revisions."
Description

Enable the suggestion engine to recognize the type of contract being drafted (e.g., NDA, service agreement, lease) and adjust clause recommendations accordingly. This requires categorizing templates by contract type, tagging clauses with relevant metadata, and dynamically filtering suggestions to match the document’s purpose. By tailoring language to the contract context, users receive more precise, industry-standard phrasing that aligns with legal requirements for that document category.

Acceptance Criteria
Drafting an NDA with Contract Type Recognition
Given the user selects 'NDA' as the contract type, When they request clause suggestions, Then only clauses tagged with 'NDA' metadata are displayed in the suggestion list.
Creating a Service Agreement with Tailored Clauses
Given the user selects 'Service Agreement' as the contract type, When they invoke the clause suggestion engine, Then only clauses tagged with 'Service Agreement' metadata appear, and metadata fields such as service scope are correctly suggested.
Switching Contract Types Mid-Draft
Given the user changes the contract type from 'NDA' to 'Lease Agreement' after drafting has begun, When they refresh clause suggestions, Then the suggestion list updates to display only clauses tagged for 'Lease Agreement'.
Handling Templates with Multiple Applicable Contract Types
Given a clause template is tagged for both 'NDA' and 'Service Agreement', When the user drafts either contract type, Then the clause appears in suggestions filtered by the active contract type and shows both metadata tags.
Fallback to Generic Clauses for Unknown Contract Types
Given the user selects a contract type with no matching tagged clauses, When they request suggestions, Then the system displays a set of generic, industry-standard clauses and shows a notification about the fallback.
Tone and Formality Adjustment
"As a small-firm attorney, I want to control the tone of clause suggestions so that the final contract reflects my client’s branding and communication style."
Description

Provide users with controls to adjust the tone and formality level of suggested clauses, ranging from highly formal legal language to more concise and business-friendly phrasing. This feature integrates UI options into the editor toolbar, allowing quick selection of tone presets. The AI suggestion engine then modulates vocabulary, sentence structure, and legal terminology to match the selected style, enhancing flexibility and user control over document voice.

Acceptance Criteria
Select Formal Tone Preset
Given the user selects the “Highly Formal” tone preset from the toolbar, when the user requests a clause rewrite, then the AI suggestion is generated using formal legal terminology, complete sentence structures, and no colloquial expressions.
Select Business-Friendly Tone Preset
Given the user selects the “Business-Friendly” tone preset, when a clause is drafted or rewritten, then the AI suggestion uses concise language, simplified structure, and omits overly technical legal jargon.
Switch Between Tone Presets Without Losing Edits
Given the user has applied a tone preset and manually edited the clause, when the user changes to a different tone preset, then the clause is re-generated according to the new style while preserving user-inserted edits and annotations.
Preview Tone Changes Before Insertion
Given the user hovers over a tone preset option, when a preview pane appears, then the pane displays a live example of how a sample clause would be modified under the selected style.
Persist User Tone Preferences Across Sessions
Given the user selects a default tone preset in the application settings, when the user logs out and logs back in, then the previously chosen default tone is automatically applied to all new clause suggestions.
Suggestion Feedback Loop
"As a frequent user of clause suggestions, I want to provide feedback on recommendations so that the system improves and delivers more relevant suggestions in future sessions."
Description

Implement a mechanism for users to accept, reject, or quickly rate clause suggestions, feeding real-time feedback into the AI model. This feedback loop should capture user selections and ratings, anonymize and aggregate data, then retrain or fine-tune the suggestion engine periodically to improve relevance. By learning from user preferences, the system continually refines its recommendations, resulting in higher accuracy and user satisfaction over time.

Acceptance Criteria
User Accepts Suggested Clause
Given a user is editing a contract and a clause suggestion appears, When the user clicks "Accept" on the suggestion prompt, Then the suggested clause is inserted at the current cursor position and an acceptance event is logged for feedback aggregation.
User Rejects Suggested Clause
Given a user views a clause suggestion during editing, When the user clicks "Reject" on the suggestion prompt, Then the suggestion is removed from view and a rejection event is logged with the suggestion ID and timestamp.
User Rates Suggestion Quality
Given a user has interacted with a suggestion, When the user selects a rating of 1–5 stars within the feedback widget, Then the rating is recorded, associated with the suggestion metadata, and stored in the anonymized feedback database.
Aggregated Feedback Processing
Given collected user feedback entries are available, When the weekly aggregation job runs, Then all feedback is anonymized, aggregated by suggestion type and rating distribution, and stored in the analytics database.
Model Retraining Trigger
Given aggregated feedback data has been updated, When the retraining scheduler detects sufficient new data, Then the system triggers the AI model fine-tuning process and generates a retraining report on success or failure.
Compliance Reference Linking
"As an attorney concerned with regulatory compliance, I want to see the legal references behind clause suggestions so that I can validate them and maintain accuracy in my documents."
Description

Link suggested clauses to relevant legal references and compliance guidelines (e.g., GDPR, California Consumer Privacy Act) so users can verify and contextualize recommendations. The system should display footnotes or side panel links to statutes, regulations, or precedent cases that support the suggested text. This integration promotes transparency, helps attorneys understand the rationale behind suggestions, and ensures clauses adhere to current legal standards.

Acceptance Criteria
Clause Suggestion with GDPR Footnotes Display
Given a clause suggestion that pertains to GDPR compliance When the ClauseCraft feature renders the suggestion Then an inline footnote icon is displayed adjacent to the clause text And hovering over the icon reveals the GDPR article number and title And clicking the icon opens the full text of the GDPR article in a side panel
Side Panel Links to CCPA Provisions
Given a clause addressing consumer data under CCPA When the user clicks the side panel link icon next to the suggestion Then the side panel displays the relevant section of the California Consumer Privacy Act, including section number and text And the panel includes a hyperlink to the official legislative source And the panel content updates within 2 seconds of the click
Precedent Case Reference Integration
Given a clause suggestion backed by a precedent case When the clause is displayed Then a clickable reference link to the case appears below the suggestion And clicking the link fetches and displays the case summary and citation in the side panel And the case summary includes date, jurisdiction, and key holdings
Multiple Compliance References in Single Clause
Given a suggested clause relevant to both GDPR and CCPA When the suggestion is rendered Then the clause displays separate inline footnote icons for each regulation And each icon, when clicked, opens the corresponding regulatory text in the side panel without replacing other opened references
External Reference Accessibility and Navigation
Given a compliance reference link in a clause When the user opens the reference in the side panel Then the side panel includes a 'View Original Source' button that opens the external regulation page in a new browser tab And the link opens the correct URL and preserves the user's current document position

RiskRadar

Continuously scans draft documents for atypical or high-risk provisions, flagging potential legal vulnerabilities and compliance issues. RiskRadar enables attorneys to address concerns proactively, minimizing oversight and safeguarding client interests.

Requirements

Real-time Provision Scanning
"As a solo attorney, I want the system to scan my document in real-time for risky provisions so that I can catch and correct vulnerabilities immediately and maintain compliance."
Description

The system continuously analyzes document drafts in real-time to detect atypical or high-risk legal provisions. It leverages pattern matching, legal ontology, and machine learning to identify non-standard clauses, potential compliance breaches, and risky phrasing. Upon detection, it highlights the text and provides contextual risk explanations directly within the editor interface, enabling attorneys to review and remediate issues instantly. This integration improves document accuracy and reduces legal exposure by proactively catching vulnerabilities during drafting.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Provision Highlighting
Given an attorney edits a document in the editor, when a clause matches high-risk provision patterns, then RiskRadar highlights the clause within 2 seconds and displays a brief risk label.
Batch Scanning of Imported Documents
Given a user imports multiple existing draft documents, when the import completes, then RiskRadar scans each document automatically and provides a consolidated report of all flagged provisions within 1 minute.
Custom Risk Rule Enforcement
Given an attorney defines a custom risk rule with specific keywords or patterns, when the rule is saved, then RiskRadar applies the rule in real-time to flag matching text during subsequent edits.
Performance Stability with Large Documents
Given a 200-page document is open in the editor, when RiskRadar runs continuous scanning, then the editor latency does not exceed 200ms per keystroke and scanning feedback remains uninterrupted.
Contextual Risk Explanation Visibility
Given RiskRadar flags a provision, when an attorney clicks the highlighted text, then a side panel opens displaying the provision’s risk explanation, severity level, and reference to relevant legal guidelines.
Risk Scoring Dashboard
"As a firm manager, I want a dashboard showing risk scores for my documents so that I can prioritize review efforts and manage compliance effectively."
Description

A dedicated dashboard that aggregates and presents risk metrics for all active documents. The dashboard provides a risk score for each document based on the number and severity of flagged provisions, visualized through charts and heatmaps. Users can filter by client, case type, or date range to prioritize high-risk drafts. The dashboard integrates with the main workflow, offering quick navigation to flagged sections for efficient risk management and oversight.

Acceptance Criteria
Filter by Client
Given the dashboard is populated with active documents, when the user filters by a specific client, then only documents for that client are displayed with accurate risk scores.
Filter by Case Type
Given active documents span multiple case types, when the user selects a specific case type filter, then only documents of that case type appear with correct risk scores.
Filter by Date Range
Given documents have varying creation dates, when the user applies a date range filter, then only documents created within that range are shown, each with its risk score.
Visualize Risk Metrics
Given risk scores are calculated for all active documents, when the dashboard loads, then charts and heatmaps accurately reflect the distribution and severity of those risk scores.
Navigate to Flagged Sections
Given a document has flagged provisions, when the user clicks its risk score on the dashboard, then the system navigates to the first flagged section in the document editor.
Dashboard Performance
Given there are over 1,000 active documents, when the user opens the risk scoring dashboard, then the page fully loads within 3 seconds.
Custom Risk Rules Configuration
"As a small-firm lawyer, I want to configure custom risk rules so that the system reflects my firm's unique compliance standards and client requirements."
Description

Attorneys can define and manage custom risk rules tailored to their practice areas, clients, or jurisdictions. The feature provides an interface to create rules based on keywords, phrase patterns, or clause structures, assign severity levels, and set rule activation contexts. Custom rules are stored and applied alongside default rules, allowing firms to align risk detection with specific regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Acceptance Criteria
New Custom Rule Creation
Given the attorney is on the Custom Risk Rules Configuration page, When they enter a unique rule name, specify keyword patterns or clause structures, assign a severity level, select activation contexts, and click 'Save', Then the new custom rule is displayed in the rule list, persisted in the database, and remains after page reload.
Existing Rule Editing
Given an existing custom rule in the rule list, When the attorney updates the rule's name, patterns, severity, or activation contexts and clicks 'Save', Then the changes are reflected immediately in the rule list, stored in the database, and verified by reloading the page.
Custom Rule Application During Document Scan
Given a draft document containing text that matches a custom rule's keyword or pattern, When the document is scanned with RiskRadar, Then the system flags each match with the correct custom rule name, displays the assigned severity level, and includes the rule in the scan report.
Activation Context Enforcement
Given multiple custom rules with distinct activation contexts, When a document is scanned for a specified practice area or jurisdiction, Then only the custom rules whose contexts match the document’s metadata are applied, and non-matching rules are ignored.
Severity Level Update
Given a custom rule with an existing severity level, When the attorney changes the severity level and saves the rule, Then subsequent document scans report the rule with its updated severity and the change is visible in the rule details.
Automated Risk Alerts and Notifications
"As a paralegal, I want to receive notifications when high-risk clauses appear so that I can inform the attorney promptly and assist with revisions."
Description

The system automatically sends alerts and notifications when new high-risk provisions are detected in document drafts. Alerts can be configured for different channels including in-app notifications, email, or Slack. Each alert contains a summary of the risk, the document name, section reference, and a link to review. Notifications ensure timely awareness and enable prompt action by attorneys or support staff.

Acceptance Criteria
High-Risk Provision Detection Triggers Alert
Given a draft document containing a high-risk provision, when RiskRadar completes its scan, then the system generates an in-app notification with a summary of the risk, the document name, section reference, and a review link within 30 seconds of detection.
Email Notification Delivery
Given email notifications are enabled and configured for an attorney, when a high-risk provision is detected, then an email is sent to the attorney’s address within one minute, including the risk summary, document name, section reference, and a review link.
Slack Notification Delivery
Given Slack notifications are enabled with valid channel settings, when a high-risk provision is detected, then a message is posted to the configured Slack channel within one minute, containing the risk summary, document name, section reference, and a review link.
Notification Preference Configuration
Given the user opens the notification settings page, when they select or deselect notification channels (in-app, email, Slack), then the system saves their preferences and applies them to all subsequent alerts, confirmed by a success message.
Accuracy of Alert Content
Given a high-risk provision is detected, when the alert is generated, then the content accurately reflects the section reference with page and paragraph numbers, includes the correct document name, and provides a working link that directs the user to the exact location in the document.
Audit Trail & Reporting
"As a compliance officer, I want an audit trail of all flagged risks and resolutions so that I can produce reports for audits and ensure accountability."
Description

RiskRadar keeps a detailed audit trail of all detected risks and user actions taken to address them. The feature logs timestamps, user IDs, original flagged text, remediation actions, and comments. It generates compliance reports that summarize risk trends over time and demonstrate due diligence during external audits. This ensures transparency, supports regulatory compliance, and aids in continuous improvement.

Acceptance Criteria
Risk Radar Audit Trail Logging
Given a document scan triggers RiskRadar When a high-risk provision is detected Then the system creates an audit record including timestamp, user ID, original flagged text, detected risk type, and unique record ID
User Remediation Action Logging
Given a flagged risk entry When a user marks it as resolved or adds a comment Then the system appends the remediation action and comment to the audit trail entry and updates its status to ‘Addressed’
Audit Trail Integrity
Given existing audit trail entries When an unauthorized user attempts to modify or delete an entry Then the system denies the request, preserves the original entry, and logs the attempt as a security incident
Compliance Report Generation
Given a user selects a date range When the user requests a compliance report Then the system generates a downloadable report in PDF and CSV formats summarizing risk occurrences, user actions, and trends for that period
Report Data Accuracy
Given recorded audit entries for risks and remediation actions When generating the compliance report Then every entry in the report matches the audit trail data with no missing or duplicated records

ToneTuner

Analyzes document tone and offers real-time adjustments to match the desired style—be it formal, persuasive, or client-friendly. ToneTuner ensures consistency and appropriateness, enhancing readability and courtroom or client communications.

Requirements

Real-time Tone Analysis
"As an attorney, I want the system to analyze my document's tone in real-time so that I can adjust wording on the fly and ensure my communication matches the intended style."
Description

The system must analyze the tone of a document as the user types or uploads content, identifying tone attributes such as formality, persuasiveness, and friendliness. It highlights tone deviations inline and provides an overall tone score, enabling attorneys to understand the current tonal profile of their documents instantly.

Acceptance Criteria
Inline Tone Attribute Detection
Given a user types or edits text, when the content is entered or modified, then the system highlights tone attributes (formality, persuasiveness, friendliness) inline within 500ms of the change.
Uploaded Document Tone Summary
Given a user uploads a document, when the upload completes, then the system analyzes the entire document and displays an overall tone score and breakdown of tone attributes within 5 seconds.
Tone Deviation Suggestions
Given a detected deviation from the selected tone profile, when a tone inconsistency is identified, then the system provides at least three inline alternative phrasings to correct the deviation.
Real-time Tone Score Update
Given ongoing user edits, when text is added, deleted, or modified, then the overall tone score updates live within 1 second to reflect the current document tone.
Custom Tone Profile Alignment
Given a user selects or customizes a tone profile before drafting, when the user types or uploads content, then the system aligns analysis to the custom profile and highlights any deviations accordingly.
Tone Adjustment Suggestions
"As an attorney, I want actionable tone-adjustment suggestions so that I can quickly refine my document's style without manually rewriting sections."
Description

The feature should generate context-aware suggestions to adjust document tone toward the desired style. Suggestions include rephrasing sentences, replacing words, and modifying sentence structure to achieve formality, persuasion, or client-friendly delivery, all integrated seamlessly into the editor.

Acceptance Criteria
User adjusts tone to formal style during document editing
Given the user selects 'Formal' tone in the ToneTuner panel, When the user highlights a sentence, Then the system displays at least three context-aware rephrasing suggestions that use formal vocabulary and structure.
User applies persuasive tone suggestions to a draft
Given the user chooses 'Persuasive' tone and clicks 'Suggest', When the document contains passive or weak phrasing, Then the system identifies those passages and offers at least two persuasive alternatives per passage that include strong verbs and persuasive language.
User switches document to client-friendly tone on the fly
Given the user toggles from 'Formal' to 'Client-Friendly' tone, When the document loads the new tone setting, Then all previous suggestions refresh to reflect simple language, conversational phrasing, and an empathetic style within two seconds.
Suggestions update in real-time as user types
Given the user is typing in the editor, When the user pauses for more than one second, Then the ToneTuner analyzes the last sentence and pushes at least one suggestion in the sidebar without disrupting cursor focus.
System handles ambiguous tone selection with clarification prompt
Given the user selects an unsupported or ambiguous tone name, When the tone cannot be mapped to existing styles, Then the system prompts the user with a clarification dialog offering the closest style options and does not apply any suggestions until the user confirms a supported tone.
Tone Presets & Profiles
"As a user, I want to save and apply tone presets so that I can maintain consistent document styles across different case types and team members."
Description

Provide customizable tone presets and user-defined profiles allowing attorneys to save and apply preferred style settings (e.g., court briefs, client letters). Presets should include adjustable sliders for tone dimensions and be shareable across team members to ensure consistency.

Acceptance Criteria
Creating a New Tone Preset
Given an attorney is on the ToneTuner presets page When they enter a unique name, select initial tone dimensions via sliders, and click save Then a new preset is created, listed in the presets library, and persists after page reload
Applying a Saved Tone Preset to a Document
Given an attorney has an existing preset When they open a document in ToneTuner and select the preset from the library Then the tone sliders update to the preset values and the document text suggestions adjust accordingly
Adjusting Tone Dimensions via Sliders
Given an attorney is editing a preset When they move any tone dimension slider Then the slider reflects the new value instantly and a real-time preview updates to show adjusted tone
Sharing Tone Presets with Team Members
Given an attorney has team access and a shared preset When they select share on a preset and choose team members Then the preset appears in the selected members’ libraries and permissions mirror the owner’s
Handling Duplicate Preset Names
Given an attorney attempts to save a new preset with a name matching an existing one When they click save Then the system prevents saving and displays an error message prompting for a unique name
Contextual Legal Style Guidance
"As a solo attorney, I want tone suggestions that respect legal writing standards so that my documents are both persuasive and compliant with court rules."
Description

Incorporate legal-specific style guidelines into ToneTuner, offering recommendations that adhere to jurisdictional standards and court formatting rules. The system should detect relevant legal context and suggest tone-appropriate phrasing aligned with legal conventions.

Acceptance Criteria
Court Formatting Compliance Verification
Given a user selects a jurisdiction and court when drafting a document, when ToneTuner analyzes the document, then it highlights any deviations from the court’s required margins (1 inch), font type (Times New Roman 12pt), line spacing, and heading styles, and provides correction suggestions.
Legal Jargon Appropriateness Assessment
Given a user requests formal legal tone, when the document contains non-standard legal phrases or colloquialisms, then ToneTuner flags and suggests jurisdiction-approved legal terminology equivalents.
Jurisdictional Citation Style Enforcement
Given a document is set to a specific jurisdiction’s citation rules, when citations are detected, then ToneTuner validates each citation against the Bluebook or local rules and indicates corrections for page numbers, abbreviations, and punctuation.
Tone Adjustment for Persuasive Pleading
Given a user picks 'Persuasive' as the desired tone, when the document includes statements of fact or argument, then ToneTuner recommends phrasing adjustments (e.g., replacing passive voice with active voice, strengthening modal verbs) to enhance persuasive impact.
Client-Friendly Summary Tone Guidance
Given a user requests 'Client-Friendly' tone, when summarizing case outcomes or legal advice, then ToneTuner suggests simplified language, bullet formatting, and ensures the text reads at an eighth-grade reading level.
Preview & Comparison View
"As a lawyer, I want to preview suggested tone changes alongside my original text so that I can quickly evaluate and apply revisions that improve document consistency."
Description

Enable a side-by-side comparison view that shows original vs. suggested revisions, highlighting tonal changes. Users should be able to accept or reject individual suggestions and see the impact on overall tone metrics.

Acceptance Criteria
View Original vs Revised Document
Given a document with tone suggestions available, When the user selects 'Preview & Comparison View', Then the interface displays the original text on the left and the revised text on the right with all tonal changes highlighted and synchronized scrolling.
Accept Suggested Revision
Given a displayed suggested revision in the comparison view, When the user clicks 'Accept' on a specific change, Then the revised text updates to include the accepted change and the suggestion highlight is removed.
Reject Suggested Revision
Given a displayed suggested revision in the comparison view, When the user clicks 'Reject' on a specific change, Then the original text remains unchanged and the suggestion is removed from the revised view.
Bulk Accept All Suggestions
Given multiple suggestions in the comparison view, When the user selects 'Accept All', Then all suggested revisions are applied to the document and highlighted areas are cleared in the revised view.
Compare Tone Metrics After Changes
Given the user has applied or rejected revisions, When the comparison view closes, Then the overall document tone metrics are updated to reflect the current state of the revised document and displayed to the user.
Feedback & Learning Loop
"As a user, I want to provide feedback on tone suggestions so that the system learns my style preferences and improves future recommendations."
Description

Implement a feedback mechanism where users can rate the usefulness of tone suggestions. Use this data to refine the AI models and provide personalized improvements over time, ensuring suggestions evolve with user preferences.

Acceptance Criteria
User Rates Tone Suggestion
Given a generated tone suggestion, When the user submits a rating between 1 and 5 stars, Then the system records and associates the rating with the suggestion and user identifiers.
Feedback Data Stored in Database
Given a rating submission, When the system processes the feedback, Then the feedback entry is saved in the database with correct timestamp, suggestion ID, user ID, and rating value.
Model Retrains Using Aggregated Feedback
Given at least 100 new feedback records, When scheduled model retraining runs, Then the AI model updates using the aggregated feedback and achieves at least a 5% improvement in tone alignment accuracy.
Personalized Tone Recommendations Update
Given a user has provided at least 10 feedback ratings, When the user invokes ToneTuner next, Then the system adjusts suggestions based on the user’s past ratings to reflect personalized style preferences.
User Views Feedback Impact Report
Given the user requests a feedback impact report, When the report is generated, Then it displays summary statistics of feedback ratings, model improvement trends, and personalized suggestion success rates.

PrecedentPulse

Recommends relevant case law, statutes, or model clauses based on the content under review, with brief summaries and citations. PrecedentPulse accelerates research, enriches arguments, and reinforces legal positions with authoritative support.

Requirements

Contextual Document Analysis
"As an attorney reviewing a client’s brief, I want the system to understand the main issues and facts in my document so that I receive highly relevant case law and statutes tailored to my context."
Description

The system must analyze the content under review in real-time, parsing legal arguments, fact patterns, and legal issues to identify key topics and context. This functionality ensures that recommendations are precise and relevant by understanding the user’s document structure and content nuances, seamlessly integrating with the intake wizard to highlight critical legal points for precedent matching.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Content Parsing during Intake
Given a user uploads a client document into the intake wizard, when the system parses it in real-time, then it identifies and labels legal arguments, fact patterns, and issues with ≥95% accuracy. Given parsed segments, when the user reviews annotations, then each label corresponds to the correct text span in the document.
Dynamic Document Structure Recognition
Given a multi-section legal document, when the system analyzes its structure, then it correctly detects and tag headers, subheaders, and sections in 100% of cases. When a user navigates between sections, then the system maintains context tags and updates analysis without lag under 200ms.
High-Precision Context Matching for Precedent Suggestions
Given parsed context labels, when the system queries the precedent database, then it returns at least 3 relevant case law, statutes, or model clauses per key label with precision ≥90%. Each suggestion must include a summary of ≤50 words and a valid citation.
Seamless Integration with the Intake Wizard Workflow
Given the user advances through intake steps, when new content is added or edited, then the system re-analyzes context within 1 second and updates recommendations accordingly. No previously provided suggestion should be duplicated unless reaffirmed by the updated content.
Continuous Contextual Refresh on Document Edits
Given a user edits or adds text to the document, when the edit is complete, then the system re-parses the affected section and refreshes context tags with no more than 2% degradation in accuracy. When multiple edits occur in sequence, system re-analysis should queue and process updates in the order made, completing within 5 seconds.
AI-Driven Precedent Retrieval Engine
"As a solo attorney, I want to receive a ranked list of cases and statutes relevant to my document’s content so that I can efficiently incorporate authoritative support into my arguments."
Description

Implement an AI-driven search engine that leverages the parsed context to query integrated legal databases for relevant case law, statutes, and model clauses. The engine should rank results by relevance and jurisdiction, delivering authoritative sources quickly and efficiently, thus accelerating research and enhancing the quality of legal arguments within CaseFlow.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Query Parsing
Given a user inputs a legal matter description, When the AI engine processes the input, Then it extracts and structures key entities (facts, dates, parties) into a query payload.
Relevance-Based Ranking
Given a parsed search query, When search results are returned, Then the engine ranks results by descending relevance score and displays the top 20 items.
Jurisdiction Filtering
Given the user selects a specific jurisdiction filter, When the engine executes the search, Then only results matching the selected jurisdiction are returned and nonmatching results are excluded.
Result Summaries with Citations
Given retrieved case law, statutes, or model clauses, When results are presented to the user, Then each result includes a two-sentence summary and full citation (case name, court, date, and citation string).
Response Time Performance
When a user submits a search query under normal system load, Then the engine returns ranked results with summaries within 2 seconds 95% of the time.
Error Handling for No Results
Given a query yields no matches, When the search completes, Then the engine displays a friendly 'No results found' message with suggestions for refining the query.
Summary and Citation Generator
"As a lawyer drafting a motion, I want concise summaries with correct citations so that I can quickly evaluate and insert references without manual formatting."
Description

Provide concise AI-generated summaries of each recommended case law, statute, or clause, accompanied by properly formatted legal citations. This feature ensures attorneys can quickly grasp the essence of recommendations without manual summarization and supports seamless insertion of citations into drafted documents, maintaining professional standards and reducing errors.

Acceptance Criteria
Case Law Summary Request
Given the user selects a recommended case law When the user clicks "Generate Summary" Then the system returns an AI-generated summary of the case law under 200 words and a citation that includes case name, reporter volume, reporter abbreviation, page number, court, and year, formatted in Bluebook style
Statute Summary Request
Given the user selects a recommended statute When the user requests a summary Then the system provides an AI-generated summary under 150 words and a citation including statute title, section number, code designation, and date in proper legal format
Model Clause Summary Request
Given the user chooses a model clause recommendation When the user initiates summary generation Then the system outputs a concise summary under 100 words and a citation referencing the source treatise or model clauses collection, formatted correctly
Embedded Citation Insertion
Given the user is drafting a document and places the cursor When the user selects "Insert Summary & Citation" Then the system inserts the summary and citation at the cursor location, preserving paragraph formatting and ensuring the citation adheres to legal styling rules
Batch Summary and Citation Generation
Given the user selects multiple recommendations at once When the user triggers batch generation Then the system generates a distinct summary and citation for each item, presents them in the order selected, and ensures no entry is missing or duplicated
User Review and Filtering Interface
"As a small-firm attorney, I want to filter and save the most relevant precedents so that I can streamline my research and focus on the strongest legal authorities."
Description

Design an interactive interface allowing users to review, filter, and bookmark recommended precedents based on relevance, jurisdiction, or date. This user-centric dashboard integrates with CaseFlow’s document editor, enabling attorneys to customize their research, manage selected sources efficiently, and easily navigate between recommendations and the drafting canvas.

Acceptance Criteria
Filtering by Jurisdiction
Given a list of recommended precedents displayed in the dashboard; When a user selects a jurisdiction filter dropdown and chooses one or more jurisdictions; Then only precedents from the selected jurisdictions are visible in the recommendations list; And the total count of displayed precedents updates accordingly.
Applying Date Range Filter
Given the recommendations list with varied publication dates; When the user sets a start and end date in the date range filter; Then the list refreshes to show only precedents published within the specified date range; And an alert displays if no results match the criteria.
Keyword Search within Recommendations
Given an active recommendations list; When a user enters a keyword in the search field and presses Enter; Then the list dynamically updates to include only precedents containing the keyword in their title or summary; And the search term is highlighted in the results.
Bookmarking Recommended Precedents
Given a displayed precedent in the recommendations list; When the user clicks the bookmark icon next to a precedent; Then the precedent is added to the user’s bookmarks collection; And the icon changes to indicate a successful bookmark action.
Navigating Between Recommendations and Editor
Given a user reviewing precedents while editing a document; When the user selects a precedent from the list; Then the content of the chosen precedent is previewed in a pane adjacent to the editor; And the user can insert selected clauses directly into the document with a single click.
Adaptive Learning Feedback Loop
"As a regular CaseFlow user, I want the system to learn from my feedback so that future recommendations better match my practice style and case types."
Description

Establish a feedback mechanism where user actions (such as selecting or rejecting recommendations) are captured to refine the AI model’s future suggestions. This continuous learning loop enhances recommendation accuracy over time, tailoring PrecedentPulse to each attorney’s preferences and practice areas, ultimately improving efficiency and user satisfaction.

Acceptance Criteria
UserProvidesPositiveFeedback
Given a recommended case law is displayed, When the user clicks 'Accept', Then the system records the acceptance event in the feedback log with timestamp and user ID.
UserRejectsRecommendation
Given a recommended clause appears, When the user selects 'Reject', Then the system captures the rejection along with any user-provided reason and stores it for model training.
PersonalizedRecommendationsAfterFeedback
Given prior feedback exists for a user's practice area, When the user opens PrecedentPulse next, Then the system reorders recommendations to surface items similar to previously accepted suggestions.
AutomatedModelRetraining
Given feedback data is collected, When the daily retraining job runs at scheduled time, Then the AI model updates its weights and logs success metrics without errors.
SecureFeedbackStorage
Given user feedback is transmitted, When stored, Then data is encrypted in transit and at rest, and only accessible by authorized AI training services.

ConsistencyGuard

Monitors terminology, formatting, and defined terms throughout a document, suggesting uniform usage and flagging deviations. ConsistencyGuard streamlines collaboration, reduces confusion, and upholds firm-wide drafting standards.

Requirements

Real-Time Deviation Alerts
"As an attorney, I want to receive real-time alerts when I deviate from standardized terms or formatting so that I can correct issues on the fly."
Description

Monitors document edits in real time, flagging any deviations from approved terminology, formatting rules, and defined terms as users type. The system underlines inconsistencies directly in the drafting interface and displays contextual suggestions via a side panel. This reduces manual review effort, ensures immediate corrective action, and seamlessly integrates with CaseFlow’s guided wizard for continuous quality enforcement.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Deviation Underlining
Given a user types text that deviates from the approved terminology or formatting rules, When the deviation occurs, Then the system underlines the inconsistent text in red within 500 milliseconds.
Contextual Suggestions in Side Panel
Given a deviation is underlined in the document, When the user clicks the underlined text, Then a side panel displays at least three contextually relevant correction suggestions.
Suggestion Application Workflow
Given the side panel displays correction suggestions, When the user selects a suggestion, Then the system replaces the deviation with the approved term or format and removes the underline automatically.
Integration with Guided Intake Wizard
Given the document is being drafted through the guided intake wizard, When a deviation is detected, Then the wizard pauses progression and prompts the user with the deviation alert and suggested fix.
Performance Under High Editing Frequency
Given a user is rapidly typing or pasting large text blocks, When deviations occur, Then the system underlines deviations and displays suggestions without causing text entry lag exceeding 200 milliseconds.
Term Glossary Management
"As an attorney, I want the system to reference a centralized glossary of defined terms so that my documents use consistent terminology across cases."
Description

Provides a centralized glossary module where administrators can define, edit, and categorize firm-specific legal terms and their approved definitions. The glossary is linked to the drafting engine, automatically scanning documents to highlight undefined or inconsistent term usage and offering one-click replacements. This functionality standardizes terminology across all documents, reducing errors and aligning with firm guidelines.

Acceptance Criteria
Adding a New Term to the Glossary
Given an administrator accesses the glossary module, When they submit a new term with its name, definition, and category, Then the term is created, displayed in the glossary list with correct details, and a success message is shown.
Editing an Existing Glossary Term
Given an administrator selects an existing glossary term, When they modify the term’s definition or name and save changes, Then the glossary entry updates in real time, the updated definition appears in the list, and the system records the change in the audit log.
Categorizing Terms within the Glossary
Given multiple glossary terms exist without categories, When an administrator assigns or reassigns a category to a term, Then the term appears under the selected category filter and can be retrieved using that category in the filter view.
Auto-Detecting Undefined Terms in a Document
Given a draft document is loaded into the drafting engine, When the scanning process completes, Then all terms not defined in the glossary are highlighted in the document sidebar and flagged inline for administrator review.
One-Click Replacement of Inconsistent Terms
Given inconsistent or undefined terms are flagged in a document, When the user selects 'Replace with glossary term' for a flagged item, Then every instance of the term updates to the approved glossary definition, and no unresolved flags remain.
Format Style Enforcement
"As a legal assistant, I want the system to automatically identify and correct formatting deviations so that all documents adhere to our firm's style guide."
Description

Implements automated checks for firm-wide formatting standards, including font styles, heading hierarchies, spacing, indentation, and bullet list appearance. The consistency engine scans the document for non-conforming elements and provides inline suggestions or a consolidated report for batch corrections. This ensures every document adheres to the firm’s visual style guide and maintains a professional, uniform appearance.

Acceptance Criteria
Automated Font Style Check on Document Import
Given a user uploads a document into CaseFlow, when the ConsistencyGuard engine executes the Format Style Enforcement rule set, then the system identifies all text elements using fonts not in the firm style guide and displays inline suggestions to replace them with approved fonts.
Heading Hierarchy Enforcement During Document Editing
Given a document contains headings, when the consistency engine scans for heading styles, then any heading with incorrect font size, weight, or hierarchy level is flagged with inline guidance to adjust to the firm's style guide.
Spacing and Indentation Validation in Drafts
Given paragraphs in the document, when the engine analyzes spacing and indentation, then paragraphs with line spacing, paragraph spacing, or indent values outside the firm's standards are highlighted and suggestions are provided.
Bullet List Appearance Standardization on Save
Given bullet lists are present, when the document is saved, then bullet list symbols, indentation levels, and spacing match the firm's approved list style, and deviations are auto-corrected or flagged.
Consolidated Formatting Report Generation
Given a user initiates a formatting audit, when the system generates the report, then it includes all non-conforming formatting elements grouped by type with suggested corrections and is downloadable as a PDF or HTML file.
Custom Rule Configuration
"As a firm administrator, I want to configure custom consistency rules so that the system enforces our unique drafting standards."
Description

Allows firm administrators to create, modify, and organize custom consistency rules covering terminology variations, forbidden synonyms, punctuation preferences, and formatting specifics. An intuitive GUI supports importing and exporting rule sets, prioritizing rule application order, and setting rule-specific severity levels. This flexibility tailors the consistency engine to each firm’s unique drafting standards.

Acceptance Criteria
Creating a New Custom Rule
Given a firm administrator is on the Custom Rule Configuration page, When they enter valid rule details (terminology variation, forbidden synonyms, punctuation preferences, severity level, and priority) and click 'Save', Then the custom rule is persisted in the rule set, displayed in the rule list, and a confirmation message appears.
Modifying an Existing Custom Rule
Given a firm administrator has an existing custom rule, When they select the rule’s 'Edit' option, update one or more parameters (e.g., synonyms, severity level), and click 'Save', Then the system updates the rule in the rule set, reflects changes in the list, and logs the modification timestamp.
Reordering Rule Application Priority
Given multiple custom rules exist with assigned priority numbers, When a firm administrator drags and drops a rule to a new position in the priority list, Then the system reassigns priority values accordingly, persists the new order, and displays the updated sequence.
Importing Rule Sets
Given a firm administrator has a valid rule set file in a supported format, When they click 'Import', select the file, and confirm the operation, Then the system validates the file structure, imports all rules without errors, displays a summary of imported rules, and integrates them into the existing rule list.
Exporting Rule Sets
Given a firm administrator wants to export current custom rules, When they click 'Export', choose the export format, and confirm, Then the system generates a downloadable file containing all active rules and prompts the user to save it.
Bulk Consistency Review
"As a paralegal, I want to perform a bulk consistency review on multiple documents so that I can efficiently standardize terminology and format across all files."
Description

Enables users to execute a comprehensive consistency scan on a single document or batch of documents in one operation. Generates a detailed report listing all detected terminology inconsistencies, formatting deviations, and suggested corrections, with options for automated bulk replacement. This feature streamlines large-scale quality reviews and accelerates standardization across multiple files.

Acceptance Criteria
Single Document Bulk Scan Initiation
Given a user selects a single document and clicks the "Start Bulk Consistency Review" button, When the review process completes, Then the system displays the document in the review queue with detected inconsistencies.
Multiple Documents Bulk Scan Initiation
Given a user selects multiple documents and clicks the "Start Bulk Consistency Review" button, When the review process completes, Then the system displays each document in the review queue with detected inconsistencies.
Detailed Report Generation
Given a bulk consistency review has finished, When the user clicks "Download Detailed Report", Then the system generates and downloads a report containing all terminology inconsistencies, formatting deviations, and suggested corrections for each document.
Automated Bulk Replacement Execution
Given a detailed report is available, When the user selects "Apply All Suggested Corrections" and confirms, Then the system performs automated bulk replacements across the selected documents and updates the status to "Corrections Applied".
Performance under Large Batch
Given a batch of at least 100 documents is submitted for review, When the bulk consistency review is completed, Then the system finishes processing within 5 minutes and reports the total time taken.

ContextLearner

Adapts to an attorney’s unique drafting preferences and firm templates over time, delivering increasingly personalized clause tweaks and layout recommendations. ContextLearner boosts efficiency by learning style patterns and accelerating future reviews.

Requirements

Preference Profile Initialization
"As a solo attorney, I want to initialize my drafting preferences so that ContextLearner can personalize clause suggestions and formatting right from the start."
Description

Provide attorneys a guided setup wizard where they can input initial style preferences and firm-specific templates. This requirement ensures the ContextLearner system captures baseline drafting preferences, including tone, clause structure, formatting rules, and template hierarchies. By integrating seamlessly with existing document repositories, it quickly imports previous documents to build an initial user profile, reducing manual configuration and laying a foundation for personalized suggestions.

Acceptance Criteria
Wizard Initiation
Given the attorney logs into CaseFlow for the first time, when they access ContextLearner, then the Preference Profile Initialization wizard launches automatically within 5 seconds.
Style Preferences Capture
Given the wizard is active, when the attorney selects tone, clause structure, and formatting options, then each selection is saved to the initial preference profile and visible in the summary.
Template Repository Import
Given the attorney links an existing document repository, when the repository connection is authorized, then all firm-specific templates are imported and mapped to template hierarchies within 2 minutes.
Profile Generation and Confirmation
Given preferences and templates are collected, when the attorney confirms setup, then the system generates an initial drafting profile and displays a confirmation message with a summary of saved preferences.
Import Error Handling
Given the repository import fails, when the system cannot retrieve documents, then an error message is displayed with options to retry or upload documents manually.
Adaptive Clause Suggestion Engine
"As a small-firm lawyer, I want the system to learn from my edits so that the clause recommendations become more aligned with my drafting style over time."
Description

Develop a machine-learning model that monitors attorney edits in real time and adjusts clause recommendation algorithms accordingly. It continuously learns from user interactions, capturing patterns in word choice, sentence structure, and clause ordering. This adaptive engine ensures every subsequent suggestion aligns more closely with the attorney’s unique style, leading to faster reviews and fewer manual edits.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Clause Suggestion Alignment
Given a new document draft when the attorney selects a clause suggestion then the engine presents a clause matching the attorney’s most frequent word choice and structure 80% of the time
Mid-Draft Clause Adjustment
Given the attorney edits a suggested clause when more than three edits are made then the engine updates the next suggestion within 10 seconds to reflect the observed edits in word choice or sentence length
Post-Edit Learning Feedback Loop
Given the attorney accepts or rejects a clause suggestion when the draft session ends then the system logs acceptance rates and rejected clause patterns and retrains the model within the next 24 hours
Cross-Document Pattern Consistency
Given multiple documents of the same type when the attorney edits similar clauses then the engine applies the same edits automatically to subsequent suggestions in new documents 90% of the time
Template Variation Handling
Given the attorney switches to a firm template with different formatting when suggesting clauses then the engine adapts clause layout and numbering to match the template 100% of the time
Template Style Recognition
"As an attorney, I want the system to auto-detect and categorize my firm’s templates so that ContextLearner applies the correct formatting and structural rules automatically."
Description

Implement a recognition module that categorizes uploaded templates by practice area, layout style, and jurisdictional requirements. The module analyzes template metadata and content structure to classify documents automatically. By mapping these classifications to user profiles, ContextLearner can deliver context-aware formatting suggestions and ensure compliance with firm and court standards.

Acceptance Criteria
Practice Area Classification on Template Upload
Given an attorney uploads a template, when the module analyzes its content and metadata, then the document is categorized into the correct practice area with at least 90% confidence.
Layout Style Detection for Imported Templates
Given a template document, when the module inspects layout elements (headers, footers, section breaks, font styles), then the correct layout style is identified and labeled with zero false positives.
Jurisdiction Identification in Templates
Given a template containing jurisdiction-specific language or metadata, when the module analyzes the document, then it correctly tags the jurisdiction (e.g., state or federal) according to the pre-defined taxonomy 100% of the time.
Metadata Extraction and Classification Mapping
Given a template with embedded metadata fields, when the module reads the metadata, then it populates classification properties (practice area, layout style, jurisdiction) based on metadata values with no discrepancies.
Profile-Driven Formatting Suggestion Prioritization
Given classified templates and the attorney’s profile, when new templates are uploaded, then the module prioritizes classifications and formatting suggestions aligned with the user’s firm templates at least 80% of the time.
Inline Layout Recommendation
"As a lawyer reviewing my documents, I want inline layout suggestions so that I can apply consistent formatting quickly without leaving the editor."
Description

Create an interface element within the document editor that highlights layout and formatting recommendations in real time. This includes margin settings, header/footer placements, numbering styles, and section headings. The recommendations should be non-intrusive, providing one-click apply options and preview functionality to maintain workflow continuity.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-time Margin Recommendation Highlight
Given a document’s margin settings deviate from the selected firm template, when the attorney is editing the document, then within 2 seconds a non-intrusive highlight appears on the ruler offering the correct margin recommendation with a one-click apply option that updates the margins to the template values.
Header/Footer Placement Suggestion
Given the document’s headers or footers are missing or misaligned, when the attorney scrolls to the top or bottom of any page, then a subtle suggestion banner appears in the editor UI indicating the recommended header/footer placement and allows one-click insertion of the correct elements.
Numbering Style Recommendation Trigger
Given an enumerated list uses a numbering style different from the firm standard, when the attorney selects or positions the cursor within the list, then the system displays a non-intrusive icon with the firm’s numbering style recommendation and upon one-click it updates all list levels to match the template.
Section Heading Consistency Prompt
Given a section heading’s font, size, or indentation deviates from the firm template, when the attorney hovers over or clicks the heading, then a discreet prompt appears suggesting the correct formatting and a one-click option that applies the template’s heading style.
Inline Preview for Layout Recommendations
Given any highlighted layout recommendation, when the attorney clicks the preview icon, then within 1 second the editor displays an inline preview of the proposed change, and the attorney can choose to apply or dismiss the recommendation.
Feedback Loop Dashboard
"As a firm administrator, I want a dashboard displaying suggestion performance metrics so that I can track ContextLearner’s accuracy and guide further training."
Description

Design a dashboard that aggregates user feedback on recommendations, showing acceptance rates, edit frequency, and suggestion quality metrics. Users can rate individual suggestions and flag incorrect ones. This dashboard informs both the user and the development team about model performance, facilitating continuous improvement of ContextLearner’s accuracy and relevance.

Acceptance Criteria
Accessing the Feedback Overview Dashboard
Given the user navigates to the Feedback Loop Dashboard, when the page loads, then the dashboard displays acceptance rates, edit frequencies, and quality metrics for all suggestions within the past 7 days.
User Rates Individual Suggestions
Given a list of generated suggestions, when a user selects a star rating (1-5) next to a suggestion and submits, then the system records the rating and updates the aggregate rating for that suggestion type in real time.
User Flags Incorrect Recommendations
Given a suggestion displayed on the dashboard, when the user clicks the 'Flag as Incorrect' button, then the system logs the flag with the suggestion ID and user ID and excludes flagged items from acceptance rate calculations until reviewed.
Filtering Feedback by Date Range and Suggestion Type
Given the dashboard filter panel, when the user selects a custom date range and one or more suggestion types, then the dashboard refreshes to show metrics only for feedback within the selected range and types.
Exporting Performance Reports
Given the user clicks the 'Export Report' button, when the report generation completes, then a downloadable CSV file is provided containing detailed records of suggestions, ratings, flags, and calculated metrics for the selected period.

Mood Alerts

Instantly notifies attorneys when a client’s message sentiment shifts—such as rising frustration or confusion—enabling prompt follow-up and preventing issues from escalating.

Requirements

Real-time Sentiment Analysis
"As an attorney, I want real-time sentiment analysis on client messages so that I can be immediately aware of negative sentiment shifts and respond promptly."
Description

The system evaluates incoming client messages in real time, using natural language processing to determine sentiment shifts such as frustration, confusion, or urgency. It integrates with the messaging module to analyze text instantly and trigger alerts when sentiment crosses predefined thresholds.

Acceptance Criteria
Frustration Threshold Breach
Given a defined frustration threshold, When a client message is received and analyzed with a sentiment score indicating frustration above the threshold, Then the system generates a mood alert notification to the attorney within 5 seconds.
Real-time Detection of Urgent Keywords
Given an urgency lexicon configured in the system, When a client message contains one or more urgent keywords and the sentiment score indicates urgency, Then the system flags the message and triggers an 'Urgent' alert in the messaging dashboard immediately.
No Alert for Neutral Sentiment
Given a neutral sentiment score range is defined, When a client message is received and analyzed with a sentiment score within the neutral range, Then no mood alert is triggered, and the message appears normally in the attorney’s inbox.
Continuous Conversation Monitoring
Given an ongoing conversation thread between attorney and client, When multiple client messages are exchanged over time, Then the system continuously evaluates each message’s sentiment and updates or generates alerts in real-time for any shift from neutral to negative sentiment.
System Performance Under Load
Given the system is processing at least 100 concurrent client messages, When new messages are submitted for sentiment analysis, Then analysis and alert generation complete within 5 seconds for 99% of messages without degrading overall system performance.
Configurable Alert Thresholds
"As an attorney, I want to configure sensitivity levels for sentiment alerts so that I receive notifications that match my preferred level of urgency."
Description

Attorneys can define custom sentiment threshold levels for alerts, choosing sensitivity settings (e.g., low, medium, high) and specifying which emotional states (frustration, confusion, etc.) should trigger notifications. This allows personalized alerting to match each attorney's workflow.

Acceptance Criteria
Attorney Configures Custom Sensitivity Levels
Given the attorney is on the Alert Thresholds settings page When they select 'Medium' sensitivity and choose 'Frustration' and 'Confusion' emotions Then the system saves these settings and displays a confirmation message showing the chosen levels and emotions.
Alert Triggered at Defined Sentiment Threshold
Given a client's message sentiment score exceeds the attorney's custom 'High' threshold for frustration When the message is received Then the system sends an immediate notification to the attorney via email and in-app alert.
Attorney Updates Threshold Settings for Specific Emotions
Given the attorney has existing alert thresholds configured When they modify the threshold levels for 'Confusion' from 'Low' to 'High' and save changes Then the system updates the settings and the next incoming message uses the new thresholds.
Attorney Resets Alert Thresholds to Default
Given the attorney is viewing customized alert thresholds When they click the 'Reset to Default' button and confirm Then all thresholds revert to system default values and a reset confirmation message is displayed.
Invalid Threshold Input Handling
Given the attorney tries to enter a non-numeric value or out-of-range sentiment level When they attempt to save Then the system prevents saving, highlights the invalid fields, and displays an error message specifying valid input ranges.
Multi-channel Notification Delivery
"As an attorney, I want to receive sentiment shift alerts through email, SMS, or in-app notifications so that I never miss an important client message."
Description

Alerts are delivered via multiple channels including email, SMS, and in-app notifications. Attorneys can select preferred channels and fallback options to ensure critical alerts reach them wherever they are.

Acceptance Criteria
Preferred Channel Selection
Given an attorney logs into CaseFlow and navigates to Notification Settings, when they select one or more preferred channels (email, SMS, in-app) and click Save, then the system persists these preferences and displays a confirmation message.
Fallback Channel Activation
Given an attorney has set email as primary and SMS as fallback, when an alert is generated and the email delivery fails, then the system automatically sends the alert via SMS within 1 minute of failure detection.
Channel Preference Persistence
Given an attorney updates their preferred channels, when they log out and log back in, then their selected channels are still active in Notification Settings.
Notification Content Consistency
Given an alert is triggered, when delivered through email, SMS, and in-app channels, then the content of the notification (client name, sentiment score change, timestamp, and link to message) is identical across all channels.
High Volume Notification Handling
Given 10 alerts are generated in quick succession, when delivery is processed, then all alerts are sent via each selected channel within 2 minutes, without loss or duplication.
Alert Acknowledgement and Tracking
"As an attorney, I want to acknowledge and track sentiment alerts so that I can manage my responses and review the history of client interactions."
Description

Attorneys can acknowledge alerts and track their status within CaseFlow. The system logs acknowledgment timestamps and resolution notes, providing an audit trail for client communication follow-ups.

Acceptance Criteria
Acknowledgment of New Mood Alert
Given an attorney views a client’s new mood alert, when the attorney clicks the “Acknowledge” button, then the system logs the acknowledgment timestamp, updates the alert status to “Acknowledged,” and displays a confirmation message.
Addition of Resolution Notes
Given an attorney has acknowledged an alert, when the attorney enters resolution notes and clicks “Save Notes,” then the system associates the notes with the alert, stores them in the audit trail, and confirms successful save.
Viewing Alert Acknowledgment Audit Trail
Given an attorney selects an alert from the alert dashboard, when the attorney opens the “Audit Trail” tab, then the system displays a chronological list of all acknowledgment timestamps and resolution notes for that alert.
Alert Status Tracking
Given an alert undergoes status changes, when the attorney acknowledges or resolves the alert, then the system updates the status field to “Acknowledged” or “Resolved” accordingly and reflects the change in both the alert list and details view.
Unauthorized Alert Acknowledgment
Given a user who is not assigned to an alert attempts to acknowledge it, when the user clicks “Acknowledge,” then the system prevents the action and displays an error message stating insufficient permissions.
Dashboard for Sentiment Trends
"As an attorney, I want to see a dashboard of client sentiment trends so that I can proactively identify cases that may need more attention."
Description

A visual dashboard displays sentiment trends over time for each client or case, highlighting spikes in negative sentiment and sentiment trajectories. It integrates with existing reporting modules to offer insights into client communication health.

Acceptance Criteria
View Client Sentiment Overview
Given an attorney accesses the Sentiment Trends dashboard and selects a client, when the dashboard loads, then a line chart displaying daily sentiment scores for the last 30 days is rendered within 2 seconds, markers highlight days with negative sentiment (score < 40%), and hovering over a marker shows the date, score, and sentiment label.
Filter Sentiment by Date Range
Given the attorney views the dashboard, when they apply a custom start and end date filter, then the chart and data table update to reflect only the selected date range, and the legend indicates the applied filter.
Highlight Negative Sentiment Spikes
Given sentiment data exists for a client, when a day's average sentiment score falls below the predefined negative threshold, then the dashboard automatically flags that data point in red and lists the date and score in the 'Negative Spikes' section.
Compare Sentiment Across Cases
Given the attorney selects multiple cases using checkboxes, when the selection is confirmed, then the dashboard overlays separate colored line series for each case's sentiment trend, includes a legend mapping colors to case names, and displays data within 3 seconds.
Export Sentiment Report
Given the attorney views the sentiment dashboard, when they click the 'Export Report' button and choose format (PDF/CSV), then a downloadable file is generated containing the chart snapshot and underlying data for the current view, with column headers and sentiment metrics.
Automated Response Suggestions
"As an attorney, I want AI-generated response suggestions for negative sentiment messages so that I can respond quickly and appropriately."
Description

When a negative sentiment is detected, the system presents AI-generated response templates tailored to the identified sentiment (e.g., apologies for frustration, clarifications for confusion) to help attorneys craft timely, empathetic messages.

Acceptance Criteria
Client Expresses Frustration Over Delay
Given a client message flagged with frustration sentiment over case delays, when the attorney opens the conversation thread, then the system presents at least two apology-focused response templates tailored to express empathy and propose next steps within 2 seconds.
Client Seeks Clarification on Document Requirements
Given a message detected with confusion sentiment about document requirements, when the attorney views the message, then the system offers at least two clarification-oriented response templates that reference specific required documents and instructions within 2 seconds.
Client Expresses Dissatisfaction with Draft
Given a client response identified with negative sentiment regarding a draft document, when the attorney accesses the feedback, then the system displays at least two templates acknowledging the concern and offering revisions or further discussion options within 2 seconds.
Client Uses Urgent or Anxious Language
Given a client message detected with anxiety or urgency sentiment, when the attorney reviews the message, then the system provides at least two reassurance-centered response templates that offer support and next steps within 2 seconds.
Client Provides Negative Feedback on Fee Details
Given a message flagged with negative sentiment about fees, when the attorney inspects the communication, then the system delivers at least two explanation-based response templates that apologize for confusion and clarify billing details within 2 seconds.

Trend Tracker

Visualizes each client’s sentiment over time with easy-to-read charts, helping attorneys spot patterns in satisfaction or frustration and adjust communication strategies proactively.

Requirements

Real-time Sentiment Aggregation
"As an attorney, I want real-time sentiment aggregation so that I can monitor changes in client satisfaction immediately and respond proactively."
Description

The system must automatically capture and process client feedback from all relevant touchpoints (e.g., intake forms, emails, chat logs) continuously, normalizing and storing sentiment data in real time to ensure trend charts reflect the most up-to-date information.

Acceptance Criteria
Continuous Feedback Ingestion
System captures incoming feedback from intake forms, emails, and chat logs within 5 seconds of receipt and stores the raw data in the ingestion queue.
Real-time Sentiment Analysis
Upon ingestion, system processes each feedback item and assigns a sentiment score within 2 seconds, achieving at least 95% classification accuracy against the test dataset.
Sentiment Data Normalization
All sentiment scores are normalized to a consistent scale ranging from -1.0 (very negative) to +1.0 (very positive) with no null or undefined values stored.
Trend Chart Update
When new sentiment data is stored, the client’s trend chart updates automatically within 10 seconds to reflect the latest sentiment point plotted at the correct timestamp.
High Volume Feedback Handling
System processes up to 100 feedback items per minute concurrently without queue build-up or data loss, maintaining ingestion latency under 5 seconds per item.
Sentiment Score Normalization
"As an attorney, I want each feedback instance assigned a standardized sentiment score so that I can easily compare satisfaction levels over time and across clients."
Description

Implement an NLP-backed algorithm to analyze textual client feedback, assign a standardized sentiment score on a fixed scale (e.g., -1 to 1 or 0 to 100), and normalize scores across different data sources for consistent trend visualization.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Feedback Processing
Given textual client feedback submitted via the intake form, when processed by the sentiment algorithm, then the system assigns a sentiment score between -1.00 and 1.00 with two-decimal precision.
Cross-Source Score Aggregation
Given feedback collected from email, portal, and survey inputs, when normalized, then all sentiment scores are converted to a unified 0–100 scale and maintain relative ordering across sources.
Real-Time Sentiment Update
Given a new piece of client feedback is received, when processed, then the updated sentiment score appears in the trend visualization within 30 seconds.
Error Handling for Unprocessable Text
Given non-textual or blank feedback entries, when processed by the algorithm, then the system returns a null sentiment score, logs an error entry, and does not interrupt service.
Historical Trend Re-Normalization
Given existing sentiment scores and an updated normalization parameter set, when re-normalized, then all historical scores are recalculated correctly and visual trends remain continuous.
Interactive Sentiment Timeline
"As an attorney, I want an interactive chart displaying my clients’ sentiment trends over time so that I can spot patterns, identify issues early, and adjust my communication strategies."
Description

Develop an interactive line chart component that displays each client’s sentiment scores over selectable timeframes, with zoom, pan, filter (by date range, case type), and hover tooltips to reveal score details for specific dates.

Acceptance Criteria
Default Sentiment Timeline Load
Given the user navigates to a client’s sentiment timeline without selecting any filters, When the component loads, Then the chart displays the full range of sentiment scores over the past 12 months with correct axes and labels.
Zoom and Pan Timeline
Given the timeline is visible, When the user uses the zoom controls or drags the timeline horizontally, Then the chart zooms in/out and pans smoothly without data rendering errors.
Date Range Filter Application
Given the timeline is loaded, When the user selects a custom start and end date, Then the chart updates to display only sentiment scores within the chosen date range.
Case Type Filter
Given multiple case types exist for a client, When the user selects one or more case types from the filter menu, Then the timeline displays sentiment scores only for the selected case types.
Hover Tooltip Details
Given the timeline displays data points, When the user hovers over a data point, Then a tooltip appears showing the exact date, sentiment score, and related case ID.
Threshold Alert Notifications
"As an attorney, I want to receive alerts when a client’s sentiment deteriorates or improves significantly so that I can intervene promptly or reinforce positive interactions."
Description

Provide a configurable alert system that triggers notifications (in-app, email) when a client’s sentiment score drops below or rises above user-defined thresholds, including options for summary digests and real-time alerts.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time In-App Alert for Sentiment Drop
Given a user-defined lower sentiment threshold is set to 40; When a client's sentiment score updates to 38; Then the system displays an in-app notification within 5 seconds including the client's name, new score, and threshold breach time.
Email Notification for Sentiment Rise
Given a user-defined upper sentiment threshold is set to 80; When a client's sentiment score updates to 85; Then the system sends an email notification within 1 minute containing the client's name, updated score, threshold details, and timestamp.
Threshold Configuration Update Application
Given a user modifies lower or upper sentiment threshold values in the alert settings; When the user saves the settings; Then the system applies the new thresholds immediately to all subsequent sentiment score evaluations.
Daily Summary Digest Dispatch
Given the daily summary digest option is enabled; When the system reaches 6 PM local time; Then the system generates and sends a summary email listing all threshold alert events from the past 24 hours, including client names, scores, breach types, and timestamps.
Duplicate Alert Suppression
Given multiple sentiment threshold breaches for the same client within a 10-minute window; When an initial notification has been sent; Then the system suppresses duplicate alerts and sends one aggregated notification after the 10-minute window summarizing all breaches.
Exportable Sentiment Reports
"As an attorney, I want to export sentiment trend reports so that I can share insights with colleagues, file them in case records, or review them offline."
Description

Enable users to export customized sentiment trend reports for individual clients or client groups in PDF and CSV formats, including charts, raw score data, date annotations, and summary statistics for sharing or archiving.

Acceptance Criteria
Export Individual Client Report in PDF
Given I am viewing an individual client's sentiment report When I choose to export the report and select 'PDF' format Then the system generates a PDF containing the sentiment chart, raw score data, date annotations, and summary statistics And the download is initiated within 5 seconds And the filename follows 'ClientName_SentimentReport_YYYYMMDD.pdf'
Export Client Group Report in CSV
Given I have selected a group of clients When I choose to export and select 'CSV' format Then the system generates a CSV file where each row corresponds to a client-date sentiment score entry including date, client ID, score, and annotated comments And the CSV download starts within 5 seconds And the filename follows 'ClientGroup_SentimentReport_YYYYMMDD.csv'
Customize Report Content
Given I am on the export settings modal When I select or deselect report sections (charts, raw data, summary statistics) Then the exported file includes only the selected sections And excludes the unchecked sections
Verify Chart Rendering in Exports
Given I export a report in PDF format When the PDF is opened Then the sentiment trend chart is rendered with correct axis labels, data points plotted accurately, and matches the on-screen chart
Ensure Data Accuracy in Exports
Given I compare the exported raw data and summary statistics with the on-screen report When I tally scores and compute averages Then the exported data values and computed statistics match exactly those displayed in the application

Emotion Dashboard

Provides a centralized overview of all clients’ emotional states, summarizing sentiment scores, recent spikes, and overall mood distribution to prioritize outreach and allocate resources effectively.

Requirements

Sentiment Analysis Engine
"As a solo practitioner, I want the system to automatically analyze my clients’ messages for sentiment so that I can quickly identify those who need immediate attention."
Description

Implement an automated analysis engine that evaluates client communications and uploaded documents to generate accurate sentiment scores. This engine should integrate natural language processing models to identify emotional cues, calculate real-time sentiment metrics for each client interaction, and feed results into the Emotion Dashboard. By automating sentiment assessment, attorneys gain data-driven insights into client mood shifts, enabling proactive outreach, reducing miscommunication, and enhancing client satisfaction.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Client Message Analysis
Given a new client message is submitted via the portal, when the sentiment engine processes the message, then it returns a sentiment score between -1.0 and +1.0 within 5 seconds and updates the Emotion Dashboard without requiring a page refresh.
Uploaded Document Sentiment Scoring
Given a PDF or DOCX document is uploaded by the user, when the sentiment engine completes NLP analysis within 2 minutes, then it generates an overall sentiment score and sentence-level breakdown in JSON format and associates them with the client’s record.
Batch Processing of Historical Communications
Given an attorney selects a date range for past client communications, when the batch process runs, then all messages within the range are analyzed and sentiment scores are backfilled into the database with zero unprocessed records.
Dashboard Sentiment Spike Alert
Given continuous ingestion of sentiment data, when a client’s sentiment score drops by more than 0.5 within a 24-hour period, then the system triggers a spike alert on the Emotion Dashboard and sends an email notification to the assigned attorney.
Sentiment Metrics Data Integrity
All sentiment scores must be stored with a timestamp, client ID, sentiment value, and confidence level, and records older than one year must be purged according to the data retention policy.
Mood Insights Visualization
"As a small-firm attorney, I want a clear visual representation of my clients’ emotional trends so that I can prioritize outreach based on need."
Description

Design and develop interactive visual components that display sentiment trends, spikes, and overall mood distribution across the client base. Components should include line graphs for sentiment over time, heatmaps for mood intensity, and pie charts for distribution of emotional states. This visualization layer will allow attorneys to quickly scan and understand collective and individual client emotions, facilitating data-driven prioritization and workload allocation.

Acceptance Criteria
Aggregate Sentiment Trend Over Time
Given an attorney selects a date range on the dashboard, when the date range is applied, then the line graph displays sentiment scores for all clients over the selected period with daily data points accurately plotted.
Individual Client Mood Spike Highlight
Given a client sentiment spike exceeding the predefined threshold, when the dashboard loads, then the heatmap highlights the time period with a distinct color intensity and shows a tooltip with spike details on hover.
Overall Mood Distribution Overview
Given the current client emotional state dataset, when the dashboard renders the pie chart, then it displays percentage slices for each emotional category summing to 100% with labels matching underlying sentiment classifications.
Interactive Data Filtering by Client Segment
Given an attorney applies a client segment filter, when filters are applied, then all visual components update within 2 seconds to reflect only data from the selected segment without requiring a page reload.
Responsive Visualization on Mobile Devices
Given the application is accessed on a mobile device, when the dashboard page loads, then visualization components resize appropriately, maintain readability, and enable touch interactions for tooltips and filters.
Alert & Notification System
"As a busy lawyer, I want to receive alerts when a client's sentiment drops drastically so that I can intervene promptly."
Description

Create a configurable alert system that notifies attorneys of significant sentiment changes or negative sentiment spikes. Alerts should be delivered via email, in-app notifications, or SMS, depending on attorney preferences. This system will include threshold settings, escalation rules, and a notification log, ensuring timely awareness of high-priority emotional concerns without overwhelming the attorney with low-risk updates.

Acceptance Criteria
Attorney Configures Sentiment Thresholds
Given the attorney opens the Alert Settings panel, when they set low, medium, and high sentiment change thresholds and click Save, then the system validates the inputs (0–100 range) and persists the settings successfully.
Notification Delivery Channel Selection
Given the attorney is on Notification Preferences, when they select one or more channels (email, in-app, SMS) and save, then the system sends test notifications via each selected channel to confirm delivery.
Notification Escalation Rule Trigger
Given a sentiment spike exceeds the high-risk threshold and no acknowledgment is received within the allotted time, when escalation rules are evaluated, then the system escalates the alert to the next channel or user as configured.
Notification Logging and Audit
Given any alert is generated, when the alert is dispatched, then an entry is created in the notification log including timestamp, user, channel, sentiment score, and status.
Prevent Notification Overload
Given multiple sentiment events within a short period (configurable cooldown window), when events occur, then the system aggregates or suppresses lower-priority alerts to ensure no more than one notification per severity level within the cooldown period.
Client Profile Integration
"As an attorney, I want sentiment insights embedded in each client's profile so that I have all relevant information in one place."
Description

Integrate sentiment data and historical mood trends into individual client profiles within CaseFlow. Each profile should display the latest sentiment score, key emotional incidents, and a compact mood timeline. Seamless integration ensures attorneys have a holistic view of client history and emotional context alongside case details, improving personalized communication and case strategy.

Acceptance Criteria
Viewing Latest Sentiment Score on Profile Page
Given an attorney opens a client's profile, the system displays the most recent sentiment score with a timestamp. Given the sentiment score is updated within the past 24 hours, it reflects the latest data. Given no sentiment data exists, a 'Data unavailable' indicator is shown.
Accessing Historical Mood Timeline
Given an attorney selects the mood timeline tab, the system renders a chronological chart of sentiment scores over time. Given more than 30 data points, pagination or zoom controls are available. Then the timeline clearly visualizes mood trends for at least the past 6 months.
Highlighting Key Emotional Incidents
Given significant sentiment spikes or drops, the system flags these incidents on the client's profile. When clicking an incident marker, the system displays details including date, sentiment change magnitude, and relevant notes. Then the attorney can drill down into incident context.
Real-Time Sentiment Data Integration
Given new client communication is processed, the system updates the profile's sentiment score within 5 minutes. Then any page refresh reflects the updated score. Given API downtime, the system retries data retrieval and logs errors.
Ensuring Data Consistency Across Client Views
Given an attorney views the client in both case summary and profile pages, the displayed sentiment score and mood timeline must match exactly. Given any discrepancy, the system logs an alert for data inconsistency. Then the data remains synchronized across all interfaces.
Dashboard Customization & Filtering
"As a law firm partner, I want to configure and save dashboard views specific to my practice area so that I see only the most pertinent client sentiment data."
Description

Enable attorneys to customize the Emotion Dashboard by selecting which sentiment metrics to display, configuring date ranges, filtering by case type or client segment, and saving dashboard presets. Customization empowers attorneys to tailor the dashboard to their workflow, focusing on metrics most relevant to their practice and improving efficiency in monitoring client well-being.

Acceptance Criteria
Selecting Sentiment Metrics to Display
Given the attorney is on the Emotion Dashboard When they select or deselect one or more sentiment metrics Then only the chosen metrics appear on the dashboard and all unselected metrics are hidden within 2 seconds
Configuring Date Range for Dashboard Data
Given the attorney opens the date range picker When they specify a valid start date and end date Then the dashboard updates to display sentiment data only within the selected date range and shows an error if the start date is after the end date
Filtering Dashboard by Case Type
Given the attorney chooses one or multiple case types from the filter menu When they apply the filter Then the dashboard displays sentiment metrics exclusively for clients with the selected case types and refreshes results within 3 seconds
Filtering Dashboard by Client Segment
Given the attorney selects one or more client segments When they apply the segment filter Then the dashboard updates to show sentiment data only for clients in the chosen segments and the filter state persists until changed
Saving and Loading Dashboard Presets
Given the attorney has configured metrics, date range, and filters When they save the configuration as a preset Then the preset is added to the presets list, can be applied later, and loading a preset restores all saved settings

Response Coach

Offers AI-powered, empathy-driven reply suggestions tailored to the client’s detected emotional tone, helping attorneys craft thoughtful messages that build trust and defuse tension.

Requirements

Tone Detection Engine Integration
"As a solo attorney, I want the system to automatically detect my client’s emotional tone from their messages so that I can immediately understand their mindset and tailor my response appropriately."
Description

Integrate a sentiment analysis engine capable of accurately detecting the client’s emotional tone from incoming messages. This engine should process text in real time, classify emotions such as frustration, anxiety, or relief, and expose an API for the Response Coach module. The integration must ensure high accuracy, low latency, and compliance with data privacy standards to seamlessly feed tone data into the AI suggestion pipeline, enabling personalized, emotionally aware reply generation.

Acceptance Criteria
Detecting Frustration in Client's Follow-Up Message
Given an incoming client message expressing frustration When the sentiment analysis engine processes the text Then the engine classifies the tone as 'frustration' with at least 90% confidence within 500ms
Identifying Anxiety in Initial Consultation Request
Given a client's initial intake message containing anxious language When the sentiment analysis engine analyzes the message Then it returns 'anxiety' emotion tag with confidence ≥85% and provides sentiment score in the API response
Real-Time Emotional Tone API Response Time
Given any client message of up to 500 words When the engine processes the message Then it returns emotional classification and metadata via API in under 300ms 95% of the time
Privacy Compliance for Tone Data Transmission
Given the sentiment analysis request contains client PII When transmitted to the engine's API Then data is encrypted in transit using TLS 1.2+ and personally identifiable data fields are masked or anonymized
Handling Neutral or Mixed Emotional Tones
Given an incoming message with neutral or mixed sentiment When processed by the engine Then it returns 'neutral' or multiple emotion tags with confidence scores summing to 100%
Empathy Tone Library
"As an attorney, I want access to a library of empathetic response templates so that I can quickly select a tone-appropriate message that resonates with my client’s emotional state."
Description

Develop a comprehensive library of empathy-driven response templates and tone profiles that cover a wide range of emotional scenarios (e.g., anxious, upset, relieved). Each template should be labeled by tone and designed according to best practices in client communications. The library must be easily extendable to allow future additions and customizable by attorneys for firm-specific language, ensuring consistent, trust-building responses.

Acceptance Criteria
Empathy Template Coverage for Anxious Clients
Given the empathy tone library includes an 'anxious' profile, when an attorney selects the 'anxious' tone, then at least three distinct templates labeled 'anxious' are displayed and each template contains an empathy statement, acknowledgment of the client’s feelings, and a suggested next step.
Tone Customization by Attorney
Given an attorney views a response template, when they edit the template’s content and save changes, then the customized version is stored under a firm-specific section and becomes available in the attorney’s template list.
Library Extendability for New Emotional Tones
Given an admin user accesses the library management interface, when they add a new tone label and upload at least one template for that tone, then the new tone appears in the library with its template(s) immediately available for selection.
Template Labeling Accuracy
All templates in the empathy tone library must include a tone label, author, creation date, and scenario tag; any template missing required metadata must be rejected during the upload process and an error message displayed.
User Interface Display of Tone Profiles
Given a user browses the empathy tone library UI, each tone profile must display a title, icon, and brief description; when hovering over a profile, a tooltip with the full description and example phrase must appear.
Suggestion Customization Interface
"As an attorney, I want a clear interface to review and adjust AI-suggested replies so that I can ensure the final message reflects my personal style and the precise needs of my client."
Description

Design and implement a user interface within CaseFlow where attorneys can review, edit, and select AI-generated reply suggestions. The interface should display the original client message, detected tone, and multiple suggested replies ranked by relevance. It must allow live editing, tone adjustment sliders, and saving of customized responses, ensuring attorneys maintain full control and can personalize messages before sending.

Acceptance Criteria
Loading the Suggestion Customization Interface
Given the attorney navigates to a client message reply screen, When the Response Coach panel loads, Then the original client message, detected emotional tone, and at least three AI-generated reply suggestions ranked by relevance must be displayed within two seconds.
Selecting and Editing a Suggested Reply
Given multiple suggestions are displayed, When the attorney selects a suggestion and edits the text in the live-edit field, Then all edits must be saved in real time and reflected in the preview without loss of formatting.
Adjusting Reply Tone via Slider
Given a selected or edited reply draft, When the attorney moves the tone adjustment slider, Then the draft text must update dynamically to reflect the new tone intensity and display a confirmation notification.
Saving Customized Responses
Given the attorney has finalized a reply, When the attorney clicks ‘Save as Draft’ or ‘Save to Templates’, Then the customized response must be stored in the user’s template library with the chosen tone metadata within five seconds.
Sending a Customized Reply
Given a saved or newly customized reply, When the attorney clicks ‘Send’, Then the system must send the message to the client, log the sent reply in the case history with timestamp and tone, and display a success confirmation.
Client Context Awareness
"As a practicing attorney, I want response suggestions that consider my client’s case details and previous messages so that my replies are accurate, relevant, and informed by the full context."
Description

Enhance the Response Coach system to incorporate client-specific context, including case history, prior communications, and key facts. The feature should fetch relevant data points and include them in the AI prompt to generate contextually accurate suggestions. This ensures that responses align with the client’s legal situation, past interactions, and any pending deadlines or actions.

Acceptance Criteria
Retrieve Relevant Case History
Given the attorney opens Response Coach for a client, when the system fetches case history, then the last five case history entries related to the client’s open cases are included in the AI prompt within 2 seconds.
Incorporate Prior Communications
Given the client has previous communications stored, when Response Coach generates a reply suggestion, then it includes the last three messages exchanged with the client to maintain conversational context.
Highlight Pending Deadlines
Given the client has upcoming deadlines in their case schedule, when generating response suggestions, then the AI prompt includes all deadlines occurring within the next 14 days.
Fetch Key Case Facts
Given the case file contains key facts, when preparing the AI prompt, then the system extracts and includes all critical facts (e.g., filing date, case type) in a structured summary.
Contextual Response Validation
Given the AI-generated suggestion is presented to the attorney, when reviewed, then at least 90% of suggestions reference relevant case context (history, communications, deadlines) accurately.
Feedback and Learning Loop
"As an attorney, I want the system to learn from my edits and preferences so that future suggestions better match my communication style and reduce my need for manual adjustments."
Description

Implement a feedback mechanism to capture attorney edits and selections of AI-suggested replies. The system should log modifications, preferences, and accepted suggestions to retrain the AI model periodically. This continuous learning loop will improve future suggestion accuracy, align outputs with individual attorney styles, and adapt to evolving client communication patterns over time.

Acceptance Criteria
Attorney Edits Logged After Reply Modification
Given an attorney modifies an AI-suggested reply, when they save the edited message, then the system logs the original suggestion text, the modifications made, the timestamp, and the attorney’s user ID into the feedback database within one second and with 100% accuracy.
Accepted AI Suggestion Captured
Given an attorney selects an AI-suggested reply without further edits, when they send the message, then the system records the suggestion ID, selection timestamp, and user ID in the feedback database with no errors.
Attorney Preference Profile Updated
Given multiple reply interactions over a one-week period, when the system detects consistent selection of suggestions with specific tone and style attributes, then it aggregates those preferences and updates the attorney’s preference profile within 24 hours.
Feedback Data Prepared for Model Retraining
Given the feedback database accumulates 1,000 logged entries or seven days elapse since the last training, when the threshold is met, then the system automatically packages and timestamps the feedback data set and triggers the AI model retraining pipeline.
Error-Free Feedback Logging
Given any feedback logging operation, when the system writes to the feedback database, then it must complete the transaction without data loss or corruption and maintain a daily backup ensuring no more than 0.1% of entries require reprocessing.

Urgency Tags

Automatically labels incoming messages with urgency levels—high, medium, or low—based on sentiment and keyword analysis, ensuring critical concerns receive immediate attention.

Requirements

Keyword Parsing Algorithm
"As a receptionist, I want the system to automatically scan message content for critical legal keywords so that urgent client requests are flagged immediately."
Description

Implement a parsing module that scans incoming message text for predefined legal keywords and patterns indicative of urgency (e.g., “deadline,” “urgent,” “emergency”). The module will maintain a configurable keyword list and use pattern matching to assign an initial urgency score. This integration occurs in the message ingestion pipeline, ensuring timely and accurate detection of potentially critical client communications.

Acceptance Criteria
Automatic detection of high-urgency keywords
Given an incoming message containing any keyword from the high-urgency list (e.g., "urgent", "deadline", "emergency"), When the parsing module processes the message, Then the system assigns an urgency score in the high range and tags the message as "High" urgency.
Configurable keyword list management
Given an administrator updates the keyword list through the settings interface, When a new keyword is added or removed and saved, Then the parsing module immediately uses the updated list for subsequent message processing without restart or manual deployment.
Scoring multiple keyword occurrences
Given an incoming message contains multiple urgency keywords across different levels (e.g., one high-level and two medium-level keywords), When the parsing module evaluates the message, Then it assigns the highest applicable urgency score and tags the message accordingly (e.g., "High" urgency).
Default low urgency assignment
Given an incoming message contains no keywords from the configured lists, When the parsing module processes the message, Then it assigns a default urgency score in the low range and tags the message as "Low" urgency.
Pattern matching for keyword variations and typos
Given an incoming message includes common misspellings or morphological variants of urgency keywords (e.g., "emergncy", "urgentt"), When the parsing module applies pattern matching, Then it correctly identifies the intended keywords and tags the message with the appropriate urgency level.
Sentiment Analysis Integration
"As an attorney, I want sentiment analysis to detect worried or frustrated tone so that I am alerted to high-anxiety clients."
Description

Integrate a sentiment analysis engine to evaluate the tone of incoming messages, detecting anxiety, frustration, or distress beyond explicit keywords. The component will assign sentiment-based scores that feed into the overall urgency classification, enhancing detection accuracy by considering emotional context.

Acceptance Criteria
High Anxiety Message Evaluation
Given an incoming message containing explicit anxious language, When the sentiment analysis engine processes the message, Then it returns a sentiment score ≥ 0.8 and the urgency tag is assigned as 'high'.
Negative Sentiment Differentiation
Given a message with negative or frustrated tone but no explicit urgency keywords, When processed by the sentiment engine, Then it returns a sentiment score between 0.5 and 0.8 and the urgency tag is assigned as 'medium'.
Sentiment Score Integration in Urgency Algorithm
Given sentiment scores and keyword-based urgency scores for an incoming message, When the system calculates the overall urgency, Then it correctly applies a 30% weight to sentiment and 70% to keyword scores and assigns the final urgency tag accordingly.
Real-Time Live Chat Sentiment Processing
Given a live chat message from a client, When the sentiment engine analyzes the message, Then the system returns the sentiment score and updates the urgency tag in the UI within 2 seconds.
Fallback Handling for Unprocessable Inputs
Given a message containing unprocessable text elements (e.g., unsupported emojis or corrupted characters), When the sentiment engine fails to parse the content, Then the system logs the error, assigns a default sentiment score of 0.5, and applies the 'medium' urgency tag.
Tagging UI Indicator
"As a solo attorney, I want to see color-coded urgency labels next to messages so I can prioritize my responses."
Description

Design and implement a user interface element that displays color-coded urgency tags (high, medium, low) alongside each message in the inbox. Tags will update in real time as new messages arrive or classifications change, providing clear visual cues for prioritization.

Acceptance Criteria
Urgency Tag Display on Message Arrival
Given a new message arrives in the inbox and an urgency classification is assigned When the inbox refreshes Then a tag displaying the correct urgency level ('High', 'Medium', or 'Low') should appear next to the message within 2 seconds
Real-Time Tag Updates on Classification Change
Given an existing message with an urgency tag When its classification is updated on the backend Then the displayed tag next to that message should automatically update to reflect the new level within 1 second without a page reload
Correct Color-Coding Based on Urgency Level
For each message in the inbox, the urgency tag must display: red background for High, orange for Medium, green for Low, and white text, matching the design specification pixel-to-pixel
Consistency Across Inbox Views
Given the user switches between list and threaded inbox views When messages are displayed Then each urgency tag must be present and correctly positioned next to the corresponding message in both views
Accessibility Compliance for Urgency Tags
All urgency tags must have appropriate ARIA labels (e.g., aria-label='High urgency') and contrast ratios of at least 4.5:1 to ensure visibility for users with visual impairments
Configurable Urgency Rules
"As a firm administrator, I want to define custom urgency keywords and sentiment thresholds so that the system aligns with our practice’s needs."
Description

Provide an administrative settings interface that allows users to customize urgency classification rules, including adding or removing keywords, adjusting sentiment score thresholds, and defining category weights. Changes will apply immediately to the parsing and analysis modules, ensuring the system aligns with specific practice needs.

Acceptance Criteria
Adding a New Keyword for High Urgency
Given an administrator adds the keyword 'ASAP' to the high urgency list and saves settings, when a new message containing 'ASAP' arrives, then the message is classified as high urgency.
Removing an Existing Medium-Urgency Keyword
Given an administrator removes 'reminder' from the medium urgency list and saves settings, when a new message containing 'reminder' arrives, then the message is not classified as medium urgency.
Adjusting Sentiment Score Thresholds
Given an administrator sets the high urgency sentiment threshold to 0.8 and saves settings, when a new message with a sentiment score of 0.85 arrives, then the message is classified as high urgency and messages with a sentiment score below 0.8 are not.
Defining Custom Category Weights
Given an administrator assigns weights of 2 to 'deadline' and 1 to 'follow-up' under high urgency and saves, when a new message containing both keywords arrives, then the system calculates a combined weight of 3 and classifies the message as high urgency.
Immediate Application of Rule Changes in Message Analysis
Given an administrator updates any urgency rule and saves settings, when a new message arrives immediately after, then the updated rule is applied in real-time without requiring a system restart.
Urgency Tag Notifications
"As an attorney on the go, I want the system to send push notifications for high urgency messages so that I can respond promptly."
Description

Implement a notification subsystem that sends push or email alerts for messages classified as high urgency. Notifications will include message snippets and urgency level, ensuring attorneys receive immediate alerts even when away from the main application.

Acceptance Criteria
Mobile App Receives High Urgency Push Notification
Given a newly classified high urgency message and a registered mobile device When the message is received by the system Then a push notification is delivered to the mobile app within 5 seconds
Attorney Receives High Urgency Email Alert
Given a newly classified high urgency message and a configured email address When the message classification is high urgency Then an email alert with the subject "High Urgency Message" is sent to the attorney’s inbox within 5 seconds
Notification Contains Snippet and Urgency Level
Given a high urgency notification is sent When the notification is constructed Then it includes the first 100 characters of the message or up to the nearest sentence boundary without truncating words and displays the label "High Urgency"
Rate Limiting for Multiple High Urgency Alerts
Given more than three high urgency messages arrive within a rolling one-minute window for the same user When a fourth (or subsequent) message is classified high urgency Then the system batches notifications and sends a single summary notification after the one-minute window ends
User Acknowledgment of Received Notification
Given a push or email notification was delivered When the attorney taps or clicks the notification Then the system marks the notification as read, removes it from the device’s notification center, and opens the corresponding message in the application

Check-In Planner

Schedules automated follow-up reminders or client check-in tasks when sentiment dips below defined thresholds, guaranteeing no distressed client falls through the cracks.

Requirements

Sentiment Analysis Integration
"As an attorney, I want the system to automatically analyze the sentiment of client communications so that I can quickly identify clients who may need urgent follow-up."
Description

Integrate an AI-driven sentiment analysis engine to evaluate client communications in real time. The system will parse incoming messages, calls, and form responses to assign a sentiment score. This engine will be directly connected to the CaseFlow data layer, ensuring sentiment data is stored alongside client records. By continuously analyzing sentiment, the platform can detect shifts in client mood and support proactive engagement. Expected outcomes include improved client satisfaction, earlier identification of at-risk clients, and seamless data flow between communication channels and the Check-In Planner feature.

Acceptance Criteria
Email Sentiment Analysis
Given a client email is received, when the AI-driven sentiment analysis engine processes the message, then the system assigns a sentiment score between -1 (negative) and +1 (positive) and stores it in the client’s record.
Phone Call Transcription Sentiment Analysis
Given a client phone call is transcribed, when the transcript is submitted to the sentiment analysis engine, then a sentiment score is generated and linked with the corresponding call record in the data layer.
Form Response Sentiment Analysis
Given a client completes a form on the platform, when the form response is analyzed, then the system calculates a sentiment score and saves it alongside the rest of the form data in the client’s profile.
Sentiment Threshold Alert Trigger
Given a client’s latest sentiment score falls below the predefined threshold, when the system detects the low score, then it automatically creates a follow-up reminder task in the Check-In Planner within 1 hour.
Data Layer Persistence
Given any sentiment score is generated, when the score is received, then the system persists the sentiment value, timestamp, and source channel in the CaseFlow data layer without data loss or corruption.
Threshold-Based Alert Trigger
"As a firm manager, I want to set sentiment thresholds so that the system triggers alerts when a client's sentiment indicates potential dissatisfaction or distress."
Description

Enable administrators to define customizable sentiment thresholds that, when crossed, automatically generate alerts. The requirement covers a UI for threshold configuration (e.g., positive, neutral, negative boundaries), backend logic to compare live sentiment scores against these thresholds, and alert dispatch mechanisms via email, dashboard notifications, or SMS. Integration with user roles ensures alerts reach the appropriate team members. This feature will reduce manual oversight, ensure timely responses to distressed clients, and maintain consistent client care standards.

Acceptance Criteria
Configure Sentiment Thresholds
Given the administrator accesses the Threshold Configuration UI When they enter valid numeric values for positive, neutral, and negative thresholds and click 'Save' Then the new thresholds are stored in the database and reflected in the UI after page reload And an on-screen confirmation message 'Thresholds saved successfully' is displayed.
Alert Generation on Sentiment Breach
Given a client sentiment score is recorded below the defined negative threshold When the new sentiment score is saved Then an alert of type 'Sentiment Breach' is generated in the system And the alert entry includes client ID, sentiment score, timestamp, and threshold crossed.
Alert Dispatch via Email and SMS
Given an alert is generated for a breached threshold When the dispatch job runs Then an email and SMS are sent to the configured recipients containing client details and sentiment information And the alert status is updated to 'Dispatched' in the dashboard.
Role-Based Alert Routing
Given different user roles have assigned alert routing rules When an alert is generated Then the system sends the alert only to users whose roles match the routing configuration And users without the appropriate role do not receive notifications.
Threshold Update Propagation
Given existing alerts are pending dispatch When an administrator updates threshold values Then the system reevaluates any pending sentiment scores against the new thresholds And triggers new alerts for scores now breaching updated thresholds.
Automated Task Scheduling
"As an intake specialist, I want follow-up tasks to be automatically scheduled when a sentiment alert occurs so that no client concern is overlooked."
Description

Provide a scheduling engine that automatically creates and assigns follow-up tasks when sentiment alerts are triggered. Tasks will be generated with pre-populated fields (client name, case ID, alert reason) and assigned based on workload balancing rules. The scheduler will integrate with the firm's calendar system (Google Calendar, Outlook) and CaseFlow’s task management module. Expected results include consistent follow-up, reduced administrative burden on attorneys, and clear task ownership tracking.

Acceptance Criteria
Triggering Follow-Up Task on Sentiment Alert
Given a client sentiment score drops below the defined threshold When the system receives the sentiment alert Then a follow-up task is automatically created within 5 minutes
Task Assignment Based on Workload Balancing
Given multiple attorneys available When a follow-up task is created Then the system assigns it to the attorney with the lowest current task load according to the defined workload balancing rules
Task Creation with Pre-Populated Fields
Given a sentiment alert triggers task creation When the task is generated Then the task record includes the correct client name, case ID, and alert reason
Integration with Google Calendar
Given Google Calendar integration is enabled When a follow-up task is created Then an event is added to the assigned attorney’s Google Calendar with the task title, due date, and a link to the CaseFlow task
Integration with Outlook Calendar
Given Outlook Calendar integration is enabled When a follow-up task is created Then an event is added to the assigned attorney’s Outlook Calendar with the task title, due date, and a link to the CaseFlow task
Customizable Reminder Templates
"As a solo attorney, I want to customize reminder messages so that they reflect my firm’s voice and address each client by name automatically."
Description

Allow users to design and manage templates for follow-up reminders and check-in messages. The feature will include a rich-text editor supporting variable placeholders (e.g., {{ClientName}}, {{CaseType}}), scheduling options (immediate, delayed, recurring), and channel selection (email, SMS, in-app notification). Templates will be versioned, and usage analytics will track open rates and response times. This customization capability ensures messages remain personalized and on-brand, improving client engagement and response rates.

Acceptance Criteria
Template Creation with Variable Placeholders
Given the user opens the Template Editor and adds text, When the user selects a variable from the placeholder menu, Then the placeholder {{ClientName}} or {{CaseType}} is inserted at the cursor position and rendered correctly in preview.
Scheduling Immediate Reminder via Email
Given the user selects 'Immediate' schedule and 'Email' channel in the template settings, When the template is saved, Then a follow-up reminder email is created and queued for immediate delivery to the client's email address.
Scheduling Delayed and Recurring Reminders
Given the user configures a template with a delay of X days and a recurring frequency (daily, weekly, or monthly), When the template is saved, Then reminders are scheduled at the correct delayed start date and recur at the specified interval.
Template Versioning and Rollback
Given the user edits an existing reminder template, When the user saves changes, Then a new version number is generated, the previous version is retained in version history, and the user can select any prior version to restore.
Usage Analytics for Open Rates and Response Times
Given reminders have been sent using the template, When the user views the Template Analytics dashboard, Then open rates and average client response times are displayed with accurate data for the selected date range.
Escalation Workflow for High-Risk Clients
"As a managing partner, I want critical alerts to escalate automatically if not addressed within a set timeframe so that high-risk clients receive immediate attention."
Description

Design an escalation workflow that routes critical alerts (e.g., sentiment score below emergency threshold) to senior staff or partners. This includes multi-tiered escalation paths, auto-escalation triggers based on time-to-response metrics, and audit logs to track action history. Integration points will include email, SMS, and in-app alerts, ensuring high visibility. The workflow will minimize response times for clients in crisis and provide accountability through transparent escalation trails.

Acceptance Criteria
Emergency Sentiment Threshold Breach
Given a client’s sentiment score drops below the emergency threshold When the system detects this drop Then it must auto-escalate an alert to senior staff via email, SMS, and in-app notifications within 5 minutes
Auto-Escalation After No Response
Given an escalation alert is sent to the first-tier recipient When no acknowledgment is received within 30 minutes Then the system must automatically escalate the alert to the next-tier partner
Multi-Channel Alert Delivery
Given a high-risk client escalation event When the system triggers an alert Then email, SMS, and in-app notifications must be dispatched and confirmed delivered for each channel
Escalation Audit Log Tracking
Given any escalation action occurs When the alert is sent or escalated Then an audit log entry with timestamp, user ID, notification channel, and action status must be recorded within 1 minute
Response Time Reporting Dashboard
Given high-risk client escalations When reviewing the dashboard Then average and individual response times for each escalation event must be displayed and updated in real time
Check-In Analytics Dashboard
"As an office manager, I want a dashboard showing sentiment and follow-up metrics so that I can assess our client outreach effectiveness and adjust our processes accordingly."
Description

Build a dashboard displaying key metrics on sentiment trends, alert frequency, task completion rates, and response times. The dashboard will feature filtering options by date range, case type, and attorney, plus visualizations like line charts, bar graphs, and heat maps. Data will be updated in real time, leveraging CaseFlow’s analytics engine. This requirement will empower attorneys and administrators to monitor client health, measure feature effectiveness, and optimize follow-up strategies based on actionable insights.

Acceptance Criteria
Display Real-Time Sentiment Trend Line Chart
Given an authenticated attorney on the analytics dashboard, When the sentiment engine records a new score, Then the line chart updates within 5 seconds to reflect the latest score for the past 30 days, and hovering over any data point displays the date and sentiment value.
Filter Dashboard by Case Type and Date Range
Given an attorney has cases in multiple practice areas, When the attorney selects a specific case type and date range using the filter controls, Then only the metrics and visualizations for the chosen case type and date range are displayed across all charts and graphs.
Heat Map Visualization of Client Check-In Frequency
Given an attorney wants to view check-in frequency by week and client location, When the attorney selects the heat map visualization and applies the desired filters, Then the heat map correctly displays color intensity representing the number of check-ins per client per week, with a legend explaining color scales.
Bar Graph of Alert Frequency and Task Completion Rates
Given an administrator needs to assess feature usage, When the administrator views the bar graph for alerts and task completions, Then the graph displays separate bars for alert count and completed tasks per week, with accurate values matching database records for the selected period.
Data Access Control for Administrators and Attorneys
Given different user roles exist, When an attorney accesses the dashboard, Then the attorney sees only their own cases and metrics; and When an administrator accesses the dashboard, Then the administrator sees data for all attorneys and cases.

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – 2025-06-22 – CaseFlow, the leading automation platform for solo attorneys and small-firm lawyers, today unveiled its LocalRule Mapper, a groundbreaking feature that automatically detects jurisdiction-specific formatting requirements and applies them to all court-bound documents. As courts across the United States continuously update local rules and standards, attorneys face mounting burdens to stay current and avoid costly rejections. LocalRule Mapper relieves this pain point by embedding expert court rules directly into the document drafting process, ensuring every brief, motion, and exhibit adheres to local margins, citations, fonts, and filing conventions. LocalRule Mapper integrates seamlessly with CaseFlow’s AI-powered templates. Upon document creation, the feature scans the intended court, retrieves the latest local rule set from CaseFlow’s proprietary rule database, and dynamically formats the document in real time. Whether preparing a federal district court motion in New York, a family court petition in California, or a business litigation brief in Illinois, attorneys can trust that their filings will meet each court’s unique requirements without manual research or reformatting. By automating jurisdictional compliance, LocalRule Mapper reduces formatting errors by more than 95% and cuts pre-filing preparation time by up to 40%. CaseFlow’s internal beta testing revealed that small firms using LocalRule Mapper eliminated all document rejections due to margin misalignments, incorrect fonts, and citation style errors during their first month of use. Attorneys recaptured an average of five billable hours per week, which they reallocated to client strategy, case analysis, and business development. CEO and co-founder Maria Chen emphasized the strategic importance of LocalRule Mapper for modern legal practices: “Attorneys should focus on legal analysis and client advocacy, not wrestling with formatting minutiae. With LocalRule Mapper, CaseFlow empowers lawyers to produce flawless, court-ready documents in minutes. This innovation solidifies our commitment to reducing administrative overhead across every stage of legal work.” “LocalRule Mapper has transformed our filing workflow,” said Taylor Brooks, Managing Partner at Horizon Law Group, a mid-size litigation firm in Chicago. “Before, our paralegals spent hours verifying local rules for each jurisdiction. Now, we simply select the court, and CaseFlow handles the rest. We’ve seen a 50% reduction in filing preparation time and haven’t had a single rejection.” LocalRule Mapper is available immediately to all CaseFlow subscribers in the Professional and Enterprise plans, with no additional setup required. Administrators can configure default court preferences for individual users or firm-wide teams. CaseFlow’s rule database is updated continuously by a dedicated research team and automated monitoring system, ensuring attorneys always work with the latest standards. In addition to addressing formatting compliance, LocalRule Mapper supports cross-jurisdictional practices by allowing users to save custom rule sets for niche courts, such as tribal, bankruptcy, and specialized administrative tribunals. Firms handling multi-jurisdictional caseloads can leverage the feature to maintain consistency and quality across every pleading. About CaseFlow CaseFlow is the market-leading automation solution for solo attorneys and small-firm lawyers drowning in paperwork. With a guided intake wizard, AI-powered document templates, and comprehensive e-filing integration, CaseFlow slashes setup time by up to 80%, eliminates errors, and helps legal professionals reclaim over 10 hours per week to focus on higher-value work. Trusted by hundreds of law firms nationwide, CaseFlow continually innovates to streamline client onboarding, document drafting, payment processing, and court filings. For more information about LocalRule Mapper and other CaseFlow features, visit www.caseflow.com or contact: Media Contact: Jane Roberts Vice President, Marketing & Communications, CaseFlow Email: jane.roberts@caseflow.com Phone: (415) 555-0198

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – 2025-06-22 – CaseFlow today announced the launch of its One-Click E-Filing capability powered by BatchFile Commander, a new feature set that allows attorneys to select, group, and submit multiple court documents in a single operation. As e-filing portals proliferate and demand increases for high-volume submissions, the manual choreography of logging into diverse platforms, uploading individual files, and tracking each status has become a time-consuming obstacle. BatchFile Commander eliminates these inefficiencies by orchestrating multi-document e-filings with guided grouping, pre-submission validation, and consolidated status monitoring. With One-Click E-Filing, users can build custom batches of pleadings, motions, exhibits, and attachments, then submit them to any configured court e-filing portal. CaseFlow’s PortalBridge connector maintains secure API integrations with a broad range of jurisdictions and automatically manages credential rotations. Before submission, AutoCheck Validator runs a real-time audit against each portal’s technical requirements—such as file type restrictions, size limits, and required attachments—and flags any issues for correction. Once validated, a single click initiates the batch submission. LiveStatus Monitor then tracks each filing’s acceptance status, providing users with real-time updates, timestamps, and consolidated receipts in a unified dashboard. “BatchFile Commander represents a quantum leap for firms facing high-volume e-filing demands,” said Chief Product Officer Ravi Patel. “By unifying submission, validation, and status tracking into one intuitive workflow, we’re saving attorneys hours of admin time each week and eliminating the frustration of manual portal interactions.” Patel added, “Our clients can now focus on winning cases rather than wrestling with multiple logins and inconsistent portal behaviors.” Early adopters report dramatic efficiency gains. According to data collected from beta participants, firms using BatchFile Commander reduced their average filing cycle time by 70% and saw a 90% drop in failed submissions due to missing attachments or formatting mismatches. Transactional practices, family law boutiques, and civil litigation firms all noted the feature’s capacity to streamline high-volume filings without introducing new points of failure. “We used to batch-file dozens of documents by hand late into the night,” said Morgan Lee, Operations Manager at Concord Law Partners. “BatchFile Commander let us group 30-plus filings and submit them with a single click. The instant error checks and consolidated reporting are game-changers—our team feels more confident, and our turnaround is faster than ever.” One-Click E-Filing with BatchFile Commander is available now to Enterprise-tier subscribers at no extra cost. Professional-tier users can add the feature as an optional module. Firms can configure portal connections once and reuse them across batches, with credentials managed securely in CaseFlow’s AuditTrail Vault. Real-time monitoring notifications can be delivered via email, SMS, or in-app alerts, ensuring no submission goes unnoticed. About CaseFlow CaseFlow is the premier legal automation platform that empowers solo attorneys and small-firm lawyers to streamline client intake, document drafting, payment processing, and court filings. By leveraging AI-driven templates, guided workflows, and deep e-filing integrations, CaseFlow reduces administrative tasks by up to 80% and helps legal professionals reclaim more than 10 hours per week for high-value work. For more information, visit www.caseflow.com or contact: Media Contact: Jane Roberts Vice President, Marketing & Communications, CaseFlow Email: jane.roberts@caseflow.com Phone: (415) 555-0198

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – 2025-06-22 – CaseFlow today launches its most ambitious international expansion yet, introducing Polyglot Transcriber and enhanced multilingual support in its guided intake wizard. As the legal industry becomes increasingly global and client bases more diverse, language barriers present significant challenges to efficient intake and accurate documentation. Polyglot Transcriber automatically detects, translates, and transcribes client voicemails in over 50 languages, seamlessly integrating with CaseFlow’s intake forms and AI templates to deliver court-ready documents in the client’s preferred language. This expansion builds on CaseFlow’s existing Intent Extractor and Sentiment Snapshot features. Now, when a client leaves a voicemail in Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, or any supported language, Polyglot Transcriber first identifies the language, transcribes the message with 98% accuracy, and presents both original and translated text side by side. Intent Extractor then parses key details—matter type, urgency, dates—and pre-fills the intake wizard accordingly. Sentiment Snapshot analyzes tone and flags stressed or frustrated speakers, enabling attorneys to prioritize high-need clients and tailor follow-up communications with cultural and linguistic sensitivity. “Global clients deserve the same seamless onboarding experience regardless of language,” said Chief Technology Officer Elena García. “With Polyglot Transcriber, we’re breaking down language barriers and ensuring that every client’s voice is heard accurately. This is a major step forward for inclusivity and operational efficiency in legal practices worldwide.” García added that the system leverages advanced neural translation models validated by human reviewers for high-stakes contexts, guaranteeing both precision and confidentiality. CaseFlow pilot firms in Canada, the UK, and California’s diverse metro areas report a 60% reduction in intake time for non-English-speaking clients and a 40% boost in client satisfaction scores. “Our community practice serves many Spanish-speaking clients who struggled with the onboarding process,” said Pro Bono Piper, Director of Community Legal Aid in Los Angeles. “Polyglot Transcriber and the multilingual wizard have transformed our operations. We now complete intake interviews in half the time, and our clients appreciate receiving documentation in their language immediately.” The new features also support right-to-left languages, complex scripts, and dialect variations. Firms can customize the intake wizard’s language preferences on a per-user or case basis, ensuring accurate templates and follow-up communication. CaseFlow’s ContextLearner adapts to firm-specific terminology and phrasing in each language over time, refining translations to reflect nuanced legal vocabulary and local idioms. In tandem with this launch, CaseFlow is rolling out a series of training webinars and localized support resources. Attorneys and staff can attend live sessions on best practices for multilingual client engagement, compliance considerations, and optimizing the intake flow for global matters. All training materials, including video tutorials and quick-reference guides, are available in English, Spanish, French, and Mandarin. About CaseFlow CaseFlow is the industry-leading automation platform that empowers solo attorneys and small-firm lawyers to automate client intake, document drafting, payment processing, and court filings. With AI-driven templates, guided workflows, and deep integrations, CaseFlow reduces administrative burdens by up to 80% and helps legal professionals reclaim more than 10 hours per week for strategic work. Trusted by firms across North America, Europe, and Asia, CaseFlow continually innovates to serve diverse, global legal markets. For more information about Polyglot Transcriber and multilingual intake, visit www.caseflow.com or contact: Media Contact: Jane Roberts Vice President, Marketing & Communications, CaseFlow Email: jane.roberts@caseflow.com Phone: (415) 555-0198

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