What are the main stages of a civil case?

Broadly: taking instructions and investigating, a demand letter or letter before action, negotiation, starting proceedings, disclosure or discovery, and trial. Most cases settle somewhere along the way, which is why the template splits at the Dispute? step.

Can I keep client documents in the map?

The map works well for tracking which documents exist and where they're kept. Neuron Mapping only saves maps in your browser on your own device, but follow your firm's rules on where confidential client material may be stored.

Legal

Legal Case Workflow Template

By RP Hobbyist · Updated October 2026

Every legal matter follows a path with a few big forks: whether the facts support a claim, whether the other side disputes it, and whether it settles or goes to trial. A workflow map shows that path for one case, so the client, the lawyer handling it and anyone covering for them can see where things stand.

This template is a top-to-bottom flow: Instructions, Background Check, Review Case, Documentation, then a Dispute? decision that splits into Settle (then Close) and Proceeding (then Trial). It's a general outline, not legal advice, so adjust the steps to your jurisdiction and area of practice.

Legal Case Process template as a mind map — The Legal Case Process template as it opens in the editor.

It opens as a new map with 10 topics already filled in. You don't need an account.

Open in the editor

When to use a Legal Case Process

Opening a new matter and agreeing next steps with the client
Handing a file over to a colleague
Explaining to a client how their case is likely to go
Training paralegals or junior staff on the firm's usual process

What goes in each branch

Instructions: What the client wants, the key dates and the agreed scope of work. Put any hard deadline, such as a limitation period, right here at the top.
Background Check and Review Case: Conflict and identity checks, then a first look at the facts and the law. This is where you decide whether the matter is worth taking further.
Documentation: Contracts, correspondence, evidence and witness details. Use node notes to record where each document is kept.
Dispute? then Settle or Proceeding: If the other side accepts the claim or an offer is agreed, the matter settles and closes. If not, it moves to proceedings and possibly a trial.

Example: A small business chasing an unpaid $18,000 invoice

Instructions: recover the debt. The invoice is four months overdue.
Background check: no conflict, and the debtor company is still trading.
Review and documentation: a signed contract, delivery notes and three reminder emails.
Dispute?: the debtor says the work was late and offers $12,000.
Outcome: after some back and forth the client accepts $15,000, and the matter is closed.

Tips

Put the most important deadline in red on the first node so nobody can miss it.
Add a child node under each step with the date it was finished.
Record every settlement offer with its date. In some courts, offers affect who pays costs later.
Save a version of the map as a template for each area you handle, such as employment or debt recovery.

Using this template in Neuron Mapping

Click Open in the editor. The template opens as a new map.
Select a topic and press Tab to add a branch under it, or double-click a topic to change its text.
Select a topic to change its color and shape, or add notes to it in Markdown.
When you're done, export the map as a PDF or PNG, or save it to keep editing later.

Everything runs locally in your browser: your map is saved on your device, works offline, and can be exported as PDF, PNG or an editable .nmm file.