Files

The Files module of Amicus Attorney is where you coordinate all activities that are related to your client matter files. Not only does this module provide you with extensive capabilities for managing file information, but it also provides you with powerful tools for working with this information.

Note: Generally, throughout the documentation, Files refers to your client matters, or cases, used in the Files module. When the documentation refers to the computer files you store in folders on your workstation or server, a distinction is clearly made.

This topic covers:

How Amicus Attorney works with File information
About Files and File details
Sharing Files with other Firm Members
Sharing Files with Clients
Setting your preferences

Several benefits arise through using Amicus to work with your files. First, the other modules become much more powerful when they can draw upon file and client information to perform their tasks. Second, your file and client information are always consistent throughout your work. But most of all, you remain in control of your practice by having all of your information readily available.

How Amicus Attorney works with File information

The information in Files is shared with the Calendar, People, Time, Library, Communications, and Notes modules. For example, when you fill in the details of a new Client on a File, an automatic entry is made in your People module, identifying this Person as a Client.

Or when you create a new Time Entry, a list of your files is displayed, and when you pick one, all of the necessary file and client information is entered in the Time Entry.

When you create an Appointment while reviewing a file, the Appointment is automatically scheduled in the Calendar module. (The Calendar does not need to be open on your screen while you do this.)

Amicus reuses information wherever appropriate, so that you do not have to type the same text over and over.

About Files and File details

The Files Index should look and feel familiar, because your information is organized like an expansion folder from a file cabinet, showing a list of the files it contains. Displaying a different set of files is like looking at a different folder.

You likely keep a separate file for each matter or case you are looking after for each client. Amicus works the same way. A File Details window is where you fill in, modify, and look up the information on a particular client matter, including all Business Cards for everyone assigned to the File, and all related To Do's, Appointments, Documents, Communications, Notes, etc. This information can be seen separately or in a combined, chronological list.

Sharing Files with other Firm Members

You may have Files to which other Firm Members have also been assigned. You and these other Firm Members can all work with such Files.

Any changes you make to a shared File will be visible to other Firm Members when they next look up the File.

Sharing Files with Clients

If the Client Portal feature is enabled at your firm, a File may be shared to one or more of its Clients. See Sharing information via the Client Portal.

Setting your preferences

You can use preference settings to customize the Files module to your personal requirements. For more information on setting these preferences, see Files preferences.