Offline AI for legal teams
Client confidentiality demands offline tools. PortableMind lets legal teams summarize, outline, and check documents without cloud exposure or accounts.
Local drafting for NDAs, briefs, and discovery notes.
No client data leaves the machine—runs on localhost.
Portable across firm-issued laptops without installs.
Who this is for / not for
For firms and in-house counsel who need AI speed while keeping client data local. Not for teams that already route everything through cloud DMS AI add-ons and are fine with that exposure.
- Good for litigators, contract teams, and investigations.
- Skip if policy mandates only hosted AI with vendor BAA already in place.
Specs that actually matter
Most firm laptops meet the bar: 16 GB RAM, modern CPU, USB 3.0 port. GPU optional. Ensure disk encryption is on and synced folders are paused during offline sessions.
- Keep 5 GB free for temp caches.
- Use a direct port; avoid thin hubs in conference rooms.
- Test on battery and AC for court days.
Matter-safe workflow
Move documents to the USB or encrypted local folder. Run in airplane mode. Use prompts that request bullet summaries, issue spotting, and clause comparisons. Save outputs to the case folder on the USB.
- Redact client names in prompts if reviewing generic patterns.
- Export via encrypted archives when sharing internally.
- Keep a log of which documents were processed offline.
Common pitfalls
Letting synced folders upload drafts. Forgetting to wipe caches on shared conference machines. Updating models during trial week.
- Pause OneDrive/iCloud during sessions.
- Clear browser cache and temp files after use.
- Freeze updates during critical matters.
PortableMind vs DIY
DIY stacks require IT time for installs and ongoing patching. PortableMind ships preloaded with vetted models and runs without new software on firm devices.
- No client data passes through vendor APIs.
- Consistency across associate and partner laptops.
Keeping it compliant
Align with your confidentiality playbook: log offline proof, store outputs on encrypted media, and restrict custody of the USB. Pair with an approval memo for SmartScreen/Gatekeeper so IT is comfortable.
- Assign a custodian for each drive.
- Back up to an encrypted secondary drive after each matter.
- Delete temp files and browser history after sessions.
Quick cross-links
Hop to related guidance while you keep this page open.
FAQ
Does this keep client data off the cloud?
Yes. Prompts and outputs stay local; no API calls or accounts are used.
Can associates share one USB?
They can, but track custody and clear outputs between matters.
Is a GPU required?
No. CPU presets handle drafting and summaries on standard firm laptops.
How do we show compliance?
Document offline proof, custody logs, and cleanup steps; store them on the USB.
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