Computer systems designed specifically for legal applications are used with increasing frequency by the legal profession. This work explains the information technologies which can be helpful to lawyers, with an emphasis on new developments. The principles underlying the systems are discussed, and their current use in legal practice is described. The authors' approach is pragmatic and background material helps professionals to see how they can benefit from judicious use of the computer systems most appropriate to their needs. Law students following courses in information technology or information systems, as well as software developers working on systems for legal applications should find the work of use.