Matters are the software’s building blocks, allowing you to create timecards, expense cards, invoices, trust transactions, and use the software’s practice management tools.
Your matter options include:
- Add
- Edit
- Copy
- Delete
- Archive
Watch a Video
Add a Matter
To add a matter:
- From the left navigation panel, click Matters.
- From the toolbar atop the Matters screen, click Add.
- On the Add Matter screen, in the Matter File # field, enter an internal tracking number, if desired. The system can also auto-generate this field.
- In the Date Opened field, the system defaults to today’s date. You can use the drop-down to click a different date.
- In the Client field, take the appropriate action:
- Client Already Exists in System
- Enter the first few characters of the client’s name.
A drop-down displays potential matches. - Click the appropriate client.
The client name populates the field.
- Enter the first few characters of the client’s name.
- New Client
- To the right of the field, click Add Client.
The Add Client screen opens. - Complete the fields as needed. You can enter only the name and click Save if desired.
- To the right of the field, click Add Client.
- Client Already Exists in System
- From the Matter Name field’s drop-down, click the matter name. You can also enter a new name or customize the list.
- From the Billing Method field’s drop-down, click the billing method. If you choose Fixed or Contingency, additional fields will display for fee entry.
- From the Matter Owner field’s drop-down, click the matter owner.
- In the Custom Labels field, add a custom label if desired.
- From the Area of Law field’s drop-down, click the area of law. This is a required field for Canadian firms.
- From the Trust Bank section’s Default Trust Bank field, use the drop-down to click your trust bank. You can also click Add New Bank to add a new trust bank.
- Click Advanced Settings.
- Complete the Advanced Settings fields as needed.
- In the upper right corner, click Save.
The system saves your matter.
Edit a Matter
To edit a matter:
- From the left navigation panel, click Matters.
- On the Matters screen, single-click the matter, and then from the toolbar, click Edit.
- On the Edit Matter screen, edit the fields as needed.
- In the upper right corner, click Save.
The system saves your updates.
Copy a Matter
You can copy a matter’s information and settings into a new matter.
To copy a matter:
- From the left navigation panel, click Matters.
- On the Matters screen, single-click the matter to highlight it.
- From the toolbar, click Copy.
- On the Copy from Source Matter screen, click Edit Client to select a different client or to edit client information, if needed.
- From the Matter Name field’s drop-down, click the matter name or enter a new name.
- From the Open Date field’s drop-down, click the open date or leave the default to today’s date.
- Click Save.
Delete a Matter
To delete a matter:
- From the left navigation panel, click Matters.
- On the Matters screen, single-click the matter, and then from the toolbar, click Delete.
The Delete Matter message box reads: Are you sure you want to delete selected Matter? - Click Yes.
The system deletes the matter.
Archive a Matter
To archive a matter:
- Confirm you are not retaining funds for the matter. If the matter shows a trust balance, you must disburse all funds prior to archiving the matter.
- Accrual-based accounting clients must write-off accounts receivable/unpaid balances prior to archiving the matter.
- Single-click the matter to highlight it, and then from the toolbar, click Edit.
- On the Edit Matter screen, beneath the Advanced Settings section, uncheck the box beside Active.
- In the upper right corner, click Save.
The system moves the matter to Inactive status.