Matter Management: Comprehensive Matter Details

In CaseCentral, the Comprehensive Matter Details feature allows law firms to capture and manage specific information essential for effective case management.

Here’s how it handles key aspects

1. Company as Law Associates

   • Definition: Identifies the law firm or legal entity handling the matter.
   • Function: Ensures clear attribution of legal representation and accountability.

2. Branch

   • Definition: Specifies the geographic or departmental division within the law firm managing the matter.
   • Function: Facilitates localized management and reporting based on branch-specific criteria.

3. Matter Type

   • Definition: Classifies matters into different categories based on their nature.

   • Types:

     • Court (C): Matters that involve court proceedings.
     • Non-Court (NC): Matters that do not involve court proceedings.
   • Function: Enables efficient sorting and filtering of matters based on their legal procedures.
   • Customization: Users can add new types as needed to accommodate specific legal classifications.

4. Service Type

   • Definition: Specifies the specific legal service or procedure associated with the matter.

   • Types:

     • Cases: General legal cases handled by the firm.
     • Caveats: Legal warnings or notices filed to prevent actions on a property or estate.
     • Court Certified Documents: Documents certified by a court as authentic or accurate.
   • Function: Clarifies the type of legal action or document preparation required.
   • Customization: Additional service types can be defined to reflect specialized legal procedures.

5. Services

   • Definition: Indicates additional legal services provided for the matter.

   • Types:

     • Arbitration: Dispute resolution outside of the court system.
     • Cooperation: Collaboration between parties to achieve a legal objective.
   • Function: Specifies specialized legal actions or negotiations required.
   • Customization: Users can define new services to accommodate unique legal requirements or client needs.

6. File Type

   • Definition: Specifies the format or category of files associated with the matter.

   • Types:

     • Court File: Documents and files related to court proceedings.
     • Office File: Internal documents and files used within the law firm.
     • Folder (F): Physical or digital folders containing organized matter-related documents.
   • Function: Organizes and categorizes files to ensure easy retrieval and management.
   • Customization: Users can create new file types as necessary to meet specific organizational needs.
7. Status

Definition: Indicates the current state or progress of the matter.

Types:

* **Open**: Matter has been initiated and is currently active.
* **Working**: Matter is actively being worked on.
* **Pending**: Matter is awaiting action or decision.
* **Completed**: Matter has been concluded successfully.
* **Cancelled**: Matter has been terminated or discontinued.
* **Function**: Provides a clear indication of the matter's current progress and next steps.
* **Customization**: Users can link the status of the matter to other predefined matters for comprehensive tracking.

8. Expected Start and End Dates

* **Definition**: Specifies the planned timeline for the matter.
* **Function**: Helps in scheduling and tracking the progress of the matter according to expected dates.
* **Customization**: Users can set and adjust expected start and end dates based on the matter’s requirements.

9. Posting Date

* **Definition**: Records the present date when the matter details are entered or updated.
* **Function**: Ensures accurate and up-to-date record-keeping of all matters.

10. Matter Description or Notes

* **Definition**: Allows for detailed descriptions or notes related to the matter.
* **Function**: Provides a space for entering comprehensive details, notes, or comments about the matter.
* **Customization**: Users can update and maintain detailed descriptions or notes to ensure all relevant information is captured.

Implementation in CaseCentral

• Usage: Users input these details when creating or updating matter profiles within the CaseCentral platform.
• Integration: These fields are integrated into search, reporting, and analysis functionalities to streamline matter management.

This structured approach ensures that CaseCentral effectively manages and categorizes legal matters, enhancing organizational efficiency and clarity in legal operations. Users have the flexibility to customize and expand these classifications as their firm's practice evolves and new legal challenges arise.