Helpful Hints

1. You need a broadband / DSL connection (dial up is too slow). Download it when you have some extra time. It may take awhile to download the application and database, even with a broadband / DSL connection, so just hang in there. Don’t assume your computer has locked up and then reboot. Just wait for everything to download and install.

2. Not everyone will be able to use the software. Right now only about 90% of those who want to download and use the software will be able to do so. We think in about 10% of the downloads, the database component we use(from another software vendor) may not install properly due, we think (but don't know for sure) to issues it may have with registry or other files on the user’s computer. The only way to find out if you are in the 90% group is to download and see if it properly installs. Until we substitute a different database that’s the way things are. If you find you’re in the unfortunate 10% group, maybe your computer tech can get the database to properly install – or you can try installing it on a different computer – the savings in time and money are well worth it.

3. If you have a local area network for you and your staff, install the application on each computer, then point all computers to the database on the computer you want to use as the hub. That way any information entered by any staff or attorney on the network is saved to your particular case and won’t usually have to be re-entered again later by anyone.

4. Once installed, BEFORE YOU USE THE APPLICATION, spend a little time to GET ORIENTED and see what you really have and how to use it.  This is VERY IMPORTANT and will greatly speed up your learing curve.

5. Make sure your computer is connected to the internet when you open the application. You don’t have to be connected to use it, but it is a good idea.

6. FIRST, get yourself a little organized and ready to best use the application.  Enter this basic information (see video clips on how):

• On "Office and Attorneys" screen, add information for "My Office" and office "Attorneys" (usually you check the box to use your office address for each attorney).
• On "Opposing Offices" screen, add the same type of information for opposing offices and attorneys you usually deal with.
• On "Courts" screen, add information regarding your court, county, clerks and judges (see video clips on how)

 7. Most information on a new case comes in clumps, so you need to enter the information you have as it comes in. Here’s a good way to handle it all most efficiently:

• On the types of cases you usually take, print out (and make a bunch of copies) the General Client Questionnaire, and the more detailed, case specific questionnaires, for those case types. Keep them handy to hand out to new clients when they come into your office.
• When the prospective client comes in, hand out the appropriate questionnaire to complete while in the reception area, before you talk to the client. When you talk to the client, use the questionnaire to make notes. If possible, have your staff make a copy of the completed questionnaire before the client gets to your office, then, while you are meeting with the client, the staff can enter some initial data: office file number, client name and address, and case description.
• If you decide to take the case, after the new case has been set up with the basic information (hopefully by your staff; otherwise by you), then open the appropriate engagement form, complete any additional information required, print two copies, sign both, keep one for your file and give the other to the client. If you decide not to take the case, make sure you open and complete the non-engagement form, and either mail or give it to the prospective client.

 8. Now your ready to start working on the new case. Enter additional information you may have as you receive it; then just prepare any pleadings, motions, etc. you need for your case.

9. Make the forms and alternate clauses your own. As you proceed on this or other cases, when you find a form or clause you want to tweak, go ahead and edit it (remember to use the video tutorial library), then add it to the form library as your own. Keep supplementing the library with your favorite forms and clauses as you and your staff work on cases. The more options you have, the more productive you will be.

10. If you find a glitch, or notice something is not quite right, let us know by email, so we can fix it and post the fix as an online update. This keeps things running smoothly and allows the software to continually be improved.