Case Study: How a 30-User Los Angeles Law Firm Uses Dropbox to Manage Client Files, Discovery Data, and Case Archives

Running a mid-sized law firm in Los Angeles comes with unique challenges—especially when it comes to managing sensitive client files, collaborating across attorneys, and storing large volumes of discovery data. One of our clients, a 30-user Los Angeles-based law firm, faced exactly these challenges before turning to Dropbox as their cloud solution.

The Challenge: File Chaos and Heavy Discovery Data

The firm was handling dozens of active matters at any given time. Attorneys needed fast access to client files while moving between the courtroom, the office, and remote locations. The paralegal team often collaborated on discovery, case notes, and filings, which created versioning issues when using a traditional server.

Adding to the challenge, other firms frequently sent discovery on physical hard drives (sometimes ranging from 200GB to 500GB per case). These drives piled up quickly, creating security risks and making it difficult to back up and share the data. The existing on-premises file server could not scale to meet these demands.

The firm needed:

• Centralized, secure access to all client files.

• Real-time collaboration on active case documents.

• Reliable archiving of closed cases to meet compliance and retention policies.

• Scalable storage for terabytes of discovery data without overwhelming internal IT.

The Dropbox Business Solution

After reviewing options, the law firm implemented Dropbox Business, which transformed how their attorneys and staff worked.

1. Anytime, Anywhere File Access

   Dropbox allowed attorneys and staff to securely log in from the courtroom, at home, or the office. No more VPN delays or server outages. The files they needed were always accessible.

   
   

2. Real-Time Collaboration on Legal Documents

   Attorneys and paralegals could edit briefs, share deposition transcripts, and annotate evidence directly within Dropbox. Version conflicts became a thing of the past, as Dropbox automatically managed file history and changes.

   
   

3. Archiving and Retention for Closed Cases

   Once a matter closed, files were moved into designated archive folders. This kept active client workspaces clean while ensuring compliance with state bar retention rules. Files remained accessible if attorneys needed to reference them later.

   
   

4. Managing Large Discovery Files Securely

   Instead of juggling physical drives, the firm uploaded massive discovery sets directly into Dropbox. These files were automatically backed up in the cloud, secured with role-based access, and available for team members to review without passing around fragile hard drives.

The Results: Efficiency and Peace of Mind

By migrating to Dropbox, this Los Angeles law firm experienced significant improvements:

• Improved productivity: Attorneys collaborated faster, reducing turnaround on filings and motions.

• Reduced IT overhead: Eliminated costly file server maintenance and storage limitations.

• Secure compliance: Archived client files are safely stored and accessible for audits or client inquiries.

• Scalable discovery storage: Multi-hundred-gigabyte drives are now backed up, searchable, and accessible in the cloud.

Why Dropbox Works for Los Angeles Law Firms

Law firms in Los Angeles face high caseloads, tight deadlines, and strict compliance requirements. Dropbox provides the scalability, collaboration tools, and secure storage needed to manage client files at every stage of the case.

For this 30-user law firm, Dropbox didn’t just solve storage problems. It helped attorneys spend more time practicing law and less time worrying about IT.

Ready to simplify file management at your law firm?

At SFV Cloud, we help Los Angeles law firms modernize their IT systems with cloud solutions like Dropbox, Microsoft 365, and secure discovery management. Whether you’re handling active litigation, archiving closed cases, or managing terabytes of discovery data, our team ensures your files are secure, accessible, and compliant.

Schedule a free IT assessment today to see how Dropbox and cloud solutions can transform the way your firm manages client data.