Active Cases KPI

What is Active Cases?
The number of active litigation cases the department is managing.

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Active Cases is a critical KPI that measures the current workload of a business, influencing operational efficiency and resource allocation.

High active case counts can indicate bottlenecks in service delivery, while low counts may suggest underutilization of resources.

This metric serves as a leading indicator of customer satisfaction and financial health.

By tracking active cases, organizations can better align their strategies and improve forecasting accuracy.

Effective management of this KPI can lead to enhanced business outcomes, including improved customer retention and optimized operational costs.

Active Cases Interpretation

High values of active cases often signal inefficiencies in processes or resource constraints. Conversely, low values may indicate effective case management or insufficient demand. Ideal targets typically align with industry standards and operational capacity.

  • 0–50 cases – Optimal operational efficiency
  • 51–100 cases – Monitor for potential strain
  • 101+ cases – Immediate action required to address backlog

Active Cases Benchmarks

We have 3 relevant benchmarks in our benchmarks database.

Source: Subscribers only

Source Excerpt: Subscribers only

Additional Comments: Subscribers only

Value Unit Type Company Size Time Period Population Industry Geography Sample Size
Subscribers only lawsuits per organization average organizations of all sizes 2024 (vs 2023) general counsel and in-house litigation leaders cross-industry (financial services, technology, retail, heal United States and Canada 400+ general counsel / in-house litigation leaders

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Source: Subscribers only

Source Excerpt: Subscribers only
Formula: Subscribers only

Additional Comments: Subscribers only

Value Unit Type Company Size Time Period Population Industry Geography Sample Size
Subscribers only litigation matters per inside lawyer mean and median mixed (single lawyer to 1,000+ staff) calendar year 2018 (or closest fiscal year) corporate legal departments (lawsuits still active at time o cross-industry (71 industries) global (30 countries) 472 legal departments

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Source: Subscribers only

Source Excerpt: Subscribers only
Formula: Subscribers only

Additional Comments: Subscribers only

Value Unit Type Company Size Time Period Population Industry Geography Sample Size
Subscribers only litigation matters mean and median mixed (single lawyer to 1,000+ staff; tens of millions to hu calendar year 2018 (or closest fiscal year) corporate legal departments (lawsuits still active at time o cross-industry (71 industries) global (30 countries) 473 legal departments (508 total participants)

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Common Pitfalls

Many organizations overlook the nuances of active cases, leading to distorted interpretations of workload and performance.

  • Failing to categorize cases properly can skew analysis. Misclassification leads to inaccurate reporting and misguided resource allocation, impacting overall performance indicators.
  • Neglecting to regularly update case management systems results in outdated data. This can create a false sense of security regarding operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
  • Ignoring seasonal trends may lead to unexpected surges in active cases. Without proper forecasting, organizations can find themselves overwhelmed during peak periods, affecting service quality.
  • Overlooking employee workload can lead to burnout. High active case counts without adequate support can diminish staff morale and increase turnover rates.

KPI Depot is trusted by consulting, strategy, finance, and analytics teams at leading organizations worldwide, including those listed below.

AAMC Accenture AXA Bristol Myers Squibb Capgemini DBS Bank Dell Delta Emirates Global Aluminum EY GSK GlaskoSmithKline Honeywell IBM Mitre Northrup Grumman Novo Nordisk NTT Data PepsiCo Samsung Suntory TCS Tata Consultancy Services Vodafone

Improvement Levers

Streamlining case management processes is essential for enhancing operational efficiency and improving customer experiences.

  • Implement automated case routing to ensure timely handling. Automation reduces delays and allows teams to focus on high-priority cases, improving overall response times.
  • Regularly analyze case data to identify patterns and trends. This analytical insight can inform staffing decisions and resource allocation, optimizing performance indicators.
  • Enhance training programs for staff to improve case resolution skills. Well-trained employees can handle cases more efficiently, reducing the overall active case count.
  • Utilize customer feedback to refine case management processes. Understanding customer pain points can lead to targeted improvements, enhancing satisfaction and retention.

Active Cases Case Study Example

A mid-sized technology firm faced increasing active cases, which rose to 150, straining its customer support team. This surge was attributed to a recent product launch that had not been adequately supported by resources. The leadership team initiated a project called "Case Clarity," aimed at improving case management through better training and automation. They implemented a new case tracking system that provided real-time analytics and insights into case resolution times.

Within 6 months, the firm reduced active cases to 75, significantly enhancing customer satisfaction scores. The team also reported a 30% decrease in case resolution time, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively. The success of "Case Clarity" not only improved operational efficiency but also positioned the firm for future growth by enhancing its customer service reputation.

Related KPIs


What is the standard formula?
Total Number of Active Legal Cases


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FAQs about Active Cases

What is considered a high number of active cases?

A high number of active cases typically exceeds 100, indicating potential operational inefficiencies. Organizations should investigate the root causes to prevent service delays and customer dissatisfaction.

How can I track active cases effectively?

Utilizing a robust case management system is essential for tracking active cases. Regular reporting and analytics can provide insights into trends and help in resource allocation.

What role does employee training play in managing active cases?

Employee training is crucial for improving case resolution efficiency. Well-trained staff can handle cases more effectively, reducing the overall active case count and enhancing customer satisfaction.

How often should active cases be reviewed?

Active cases should be reviewed weekly to identify trends and address potential bottlenecks. Frequent reviews enable timely interventions and resource adjustments.

Can automation help reduce active cases?

Yes, automation can significantly reduce active cases by streamlining processes and ensuring timely case routing. This leads to faster resolution times and improved customer experiences.

What are the consequences of high active case counts?

High active case counts can lead to customer dissatisfaction and increased operational costs. Organizations may face challenges in maintaining service quality and meeting customer expectations.



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