Streamlining the summarization of depositions and analysis
In this column, I have focused a lot on the use of artificial intelligence for legal professionals. Since 2017, I have written about different types of software, and have covered AI tools. After the general release of ChatGPT in November 2022, one of my top priorities has been to include generative AI products designed for legal professionals.
Some of those articles have included coverage of AI tools for litigation practices, including AI software for creating pleadings and managing discovery, legal research and brief writing and analysis. There’s no shortage of AI-powered software that promises to streamline litigation, reduce tedium and increase overall productivity.
I haven’t yet discussed one essential litigation task where AI functionality can save significant time, and as we near the final quarter of the year, several programs and products are or will be available to help with what has long been one of the most labor-intensive tasks for trial attorneys out there: deposition summarization and analysis.
The benefits of AI-powered deposition review software
Using AI-driven algorithms, this technology reduces the time required to review deposition transcripts and extract essential insights. Automating these processes streamlines transcription review, allowing attorneys to focus more on strategic trial preparation tasks. In addition to speeding up the process, AI deposition tools can flag important sections, allowing lawyers to dive deeper into relevant issues and improve the overall accuracy of their litigation strategy.
These tools save time by enhancing the speed and precision of deposition analysis, enabling litigation teams to focus more on case preparation and ultimately deliver better outcomes. To achieve this goal, you need to choose the right software to suit your firm. Perform a tech audit to identify any gaps in your firm’s IT stack. Make sure to obtain feedback from everyone who will be using the software to ensure that you fully understand their needs and preferences.
The next step before researching AI deposition summary and analysis tools is to examine the tools that your firm is already using and ascertain whether the companies have indicated that they plan to incorporate deposition review features into their software in the near future, either through partnerships with other software companies or the addition of these features into their software. Why invest time and money in researching and purchasing new software when a trusted vendor can solve your problem? Start with the solutions listed below. Use demos, free trial software, and other opportunities to test the software once you have narrowed down your choices. Because AI tools are usually cloud-based, your firm’s client data will be given to a third-party. You must determine how your firm’s data will be handled, where the servers on which it will be stored are located, who will have access to it, and how often and when it is backed up. You must identify how your firm’s data will be handled; where the servers on which the data will be stored are located; who will have access to it; and how often and when it will be backed up, among other things.
Additionally, as with all AI software, you’ll want to explore accuracy rates; determine how the company protects your data; and whether your team’s data inputs are used to train AI models to improve responses, among other issues.
Now, let’s explore AI-powered deposition review software. Below are only publicly available options; this list is not exhaustive. If available, pricing will be provided.
AI products for deposition review and analysis
First, let’s focus on single-purpose AI tools with document workflows that include deposition summarization and analysis features.
We’ll start with LegalMation, which provides a suite of products that automate litigation tasks. Its Deposition Assistant allows for the summarization of multiple depositions, as well as the comparison between them. You can also query against uploaded documents in order to find key facts, contradictions, and more. Pricing is not available on the website.
Next, Lexlink AI utilizes AI algorithms to streamline the review of documents by automatically identifying, categorizing and extracting information from uploaded legal documents, including deposition transcripts. It helps in analyzing and identifying deposition summaries and timelines, as well as inconsistencies within testimony. Pricing is not available on the website.
Another option is Depo IQ, which analyzes individual or multiple deposition videos and transcripts for sentiment, contradictions and inconsistencies. Summaries can also be created and the document can be questioned. Pricing is not available on the website.
Automatise’s Cicero touts the security of its private platform designed for legal professionals, which can be used with many types of documents, including deposition transcripts. It automates document summary, chronology preparation and investigation research. Pricing is not available on the website.
Clearbrief is tool that operates as a Word add-on and, among other features, can summarize and analyze documents, including depositions. Multiple deposition transcripts and timelines can also be compared. Pricing starts at $142 per user per month if paid annually.
CaseMark provides AI capabilities that support several different types of documents, including depositions, with a particular focus on summarization. The product includes multiple output formats for summary and the ability to search the transcript in order to locate specific facts or testimony. Pricing starts at $25 per summary.
Finally, the major legal research companies also offer AI tools that provide deposition review functionality, along with many other legal workflow tools. The major legal research companies also offer AI tools that provide deposition review functionality, along with many other legal workflow tools. These include vLex’s Vincent AI, Lexis+ AI, and CoCounsel – a Thomson Reuters Company. You can make the best decision for your firm by thoroughly vetting tools, ensuring compliance to ethical obligations, and using free trials or demonstrations. Now, it’s time to explore your options to see how these advancements can benefit your practice.
Nicole Black is a Rochester, New York-based attorney, author and journalist, and she is the principal legal insight strategist at MyCase, a company that offers legal practice management software for small firms. She is a nationally recognized author and co-author, both published by American Bar Association. She has written hundreds of articles and regular columns for ABAJournal.com, Above the Law and other publications. She also speaks at conferences about the intersection of law with emerging technologies. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) @nikiblack, or she can be reached at
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This column reflects the opinions of the author and not necessarily the views of the ABA Journal–or the American Bar Association.
