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The Devil's Doorknob BBS Capture (1996-2003)
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1994-04-10
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Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 DISCLAIMER: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.3 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.4 INSTALLING TIME & BILLING TO A HARD DISK: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.5 HARD DISK INSTALLATION: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. STARTING LEGAL TIME & BILLING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.1 INITIALIZE LEGAL TIME & BILLING PROGRAM: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2 CURRENT DATE VERIFICATION: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.4 PRINTER OPTIONS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.5 BILLING STATEMENT OPTIONS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.6 LETTERHEAD OPTIONS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.7 ENVELOPE OPTIONS: (Effective with laser printers only) . . . . . . . 13
2.8 NEW CLIENT DEFAULT: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.9 ADD ATTORNEY (Biller) NAMES: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.10 ADD FIRM ADDRESSES: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.11 INITIALIZE DEFAULT BILLING CODES: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.12 ADD, UPDATE OR DELETE BILLING DEFAULT CODES: . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2.13 ADD, UPDATE OR DELETE HOURLY RATES: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
2.14 ADD, UPDATE OR DELETE BILLING ACTION CODES: . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.15 ACTION CODE CATEGORIES: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.16 ACTION CODE CATEGORY DEFINITIONS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.17 ADD, UPDATE OR DELETE SALES TAX (optional) : . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.18 CHANGE SCREEN COLORS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.19 NORMAL PROGRAM OPERATION: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3. CLIENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3.1 ADD NEW CLIENT BILLING INFORMATION: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3.2 CLIENT STATUS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
3.3 FINANCIAL STATUS BOX: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3.4 FIND AND UPDATE CLIENT BILLING INFORMATION: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
3.5 CLEAR CONTENTS OF A FIELD: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.6 CHANGE CLIENT STATUS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.7 PAYMENT HISTORY: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.8 CLIENT MEMO WINDOW: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
3.9 DELETE A CLIENT FROM THE DATABASE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.10 TELEPHONE A CLIENT WITH AUTO-DIAL FEATURE: (Modem Required) . . . . 27
3.11 ADD, UPDATE, DELETE OR VIEW CLIENT MEMOS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3.12 ADD, UPDATE, DELETE OR VIEW CLIENT MATTERS: . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.13 UPDATE A MATTER: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.14 ADD A MATTER: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.15 DELETE A MATTER: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
3.16 BROWSE THE CLIENT MATTER DATABASE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
3.17 INITIALIZE BEGINNING CLIENT BALANCES: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
3.18 BROWSE THE CLIENT DATABASE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
3.19 PRINT CLIENT DATA SCREEN: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
3.20 CREATE CLIENT LETTER: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
i
Contents ii
3.21 PRINT CLIENT ENVELOPE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
3.22 CLIENT OPTIONS SCREEN: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
4. SLIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
4.1 ADD A BILLING SLIP: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
4.2 ACTIVATE SLIP TIMER: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
4.3 ADD A DEPOSIT TO CLIENT'S TRUST OR ESCROW ACCOUNT: . . . . . . . . . 35
4.4 TRANSFER MONIES FROM CLIENT'S TRUST OR ESCROW ACCOUNT: . . . . . . . 36
4.5 FIND A BILLING SLIP TO UPDATE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
4.6 FIND A BILLING SLIP TO DELETE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
4.7 BROWSE THE SLIP DATABASE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
4.8 PRINT OR DISPLAY A REPORT: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
4.9 PREPARING BILLING STATEMENTS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
4.10 PRINT SINGLE STATEMENT: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
4.11 PRINT ALL STATEMENTS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
4.12 RECONCILIATION OF ACCOUNTS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
5. DATABASE UTILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
5.1 DATABASE RECORD MAINTENANCE: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
5.2 REBUILD INDEXES: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
5.3 PACK DATABASES: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
5.4 FIX DATABASES: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
5.5 BACKUP DATA FILES: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
5.6 RESTORE DATA FILES: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
5.7 STATISTIC SCREEN: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
6. MISCELLANEOUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
6.1 CALCULATOR: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
6.2 ORDER FORM: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
6.3 EXPORT BILL DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
6.4 PRINT CALENDAR: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
6.5 RE-TOTAL BALANCES: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
6.6 APPEND SLIP DATA: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
6.7 APPEND LCM DATA: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
6.8 USING THE TEXT EDITOR: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
6.9 STATUS SCREEN: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
6.10 HELP: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
6.11 EXIT TO DOS: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
7. APPENDIX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
7.1 KNOWN PROGRAM ABNORMALITIES AND FIXES: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Legal Time & Billing was created to provide an easy, low priced alternative
to the process of simultaneously maintaining a time billing system for an
unlimited number of attorneys whether a single practice, professional group
or firm. The benefits include adaptability to any billing service other than
the legal profession, statement customization, reports, fast slip generation,
simple and non-confusing data display screens and menu options. Easy month
end closing and aging of accounts. Fast learning curve without having to
read booksize documentation thus allowing you to begin generating and mailing
statements immediately. New updates with additional features are always
available via telephone modem making our Legal Time & Billing program the
highest value and best supported software on the market today.
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ HOW TO DOWNLOAD FREE REGISTERED UPGRADES FROM THE PC PLUS BBS │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
1 - Use your modem software to call the BBS in Atlanta, Georgia.
(404)762-0923. Supports 1200, 2400, 9600 or 14400 v.32 baud modems.
2 - Once connected, answer the few questions about yourself when asked.
Name, phone numbers, etc.
3 - You are now shown the Main Menu: ===[ FILE COMMANDS ]=== ETC.
4 - From the Main Menu, type DOOR and press [ENTER]
5 - A DOOR MENU will appear. Select the appropriate number 1,2,3,4 etc. for
the LEGAL TIME & BILLING registered upgrade.
6 - A screen will appear, and ask you to type in the registration number
which was printed on your REGISTERED diskette. Enter your REGISTRATION
number at this time.
7 - The screen will show you the password to download the file LTBR.EXE.
8 - Write down the password or remember it. I can't tell you what it is
right now, because it changes from time to time.
9 - Now you are sent back to the Main Menu. Type this: D LTBR.EXE [ENTER]<--
MEANS HIT THE ENTER KEY
1
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION 2
10 - The BBS will now ask you for the password to download LTBR.EXE. Type in
the password that the DOOR gave you a minute ago, then press [ENTER].
11 - The BBS is now ready for you to begin your download. Press the
appropriate keys to start your download in your modem software.
12 - You now have the new LTB REGISTERED UPGRADE. Feel free to look around
the BBS, don't forget to look in FILE AREA 4 for the new releases of
software which are available!
13 - Leave a Comment to SYSOP requesting to be upgraded to FrostByte
customer. By the next day your security level will be changed allowing
you 90 minutes per day and unlimited download privileges of all files in
the BBS for the next year.
14 - Some upgrades require that you also download a conversion program.
Always review file directory #4 for a file named: CONVxx.EXE. The xx
will be replaced with a number denoting the new Time & Billing version.
NOTE: THE VERY LATEST UNREGISTERED VERSION OF LTB AND OTHER LEGAL PROGRAMS
PRODUCED BY FROSTBYTE COMPANY ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOADING BY ANYONE.
If you do not have the necessary modem equipment to download upgrades, users
can call FrostByte Company periodically to inquire of new features and
revisions. To order an upgrade disk send $10 in U.S. funds to cover
shipping and handling. REGISTERED users must include their registration
number that appears on the original diskette. Please request your preference
of either 3.5" or 5 1/4" disk size. To order a printed updated manual
include an additional $5 in U.S. funds.
1.2 DISCLAIMER:
Use of this program acknowledges this disclaimer of warranty: "This program
is supplied AS IS. FrostByte Company disclaims all warranties, expressed or
implied, including, without limitation, the warranties of merchantability and
of fitness of this program for any purpose. FrostByte Company assumes no
liability for damages direct or consequential, which may result from the use
of this program."
1.3 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:
PC or MS-DOS 3.30 or higher, VGA, EGA, or monochrome monitor. 543K bytes of
available Random Access Memory (RAM). A hard disk is required. Dot matrix
or HP LaserJet compatible printers.
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION 3
1.4 INSTALLING TIME & BILLING TO A HARD DISK:
To greatly reduce loading and running times, we recommend that you use Legal
Time & Billing from a hard disk drive.
Legal Time & Billing is not copy-protected. Before you load it, we urge you
to make a backup copy of the distribution disk by following the instructions
in your DOS manual.
1.5 HARD DISK INSTALLATION:
Your (registered) package includes one 3.5 inch disk or 5.25 inch disk or
both if you did not request a size. The program comes stored in compressed
format. You cannot run this program from the distribution disk. You must
run the install program before you use Legal Time & Billing so that it may
uncompress the files.
The program files can be easily transferred from the distribution diskette to
your hard disk. First, boot your computer, then insert the Legal Time &
Billing diskette in drive A. From there type:
A: and press [Enter].
Your computer will respond with the prompt "A>".
Now type: INSTALL and press the [Enter] key.
Answer the prompts when requested.
You will see displayed, the filenames as they are copied to your hard disk.
To print or view recent updates that do not appear in the manual, type: SEE
ADDENDUM.TXT and press the [Enter] key.
Call (404) 761-5029 during business hours (EST) for program assistance.
THIS COMPLETES THE HARD DISK INSTALLATION
Chapter 2
STARTING LEGAL TIME & BILLING
Once you have installed Legal Time & Billing, you may start the program by
logging into the proper drive and/or directory and typing LTB and pressing
[Enter]. In the example below, the user starts the program from the \LTB
directory.
2.1 INITIALIZE LEGAL TIME & BILLING PROGRAM:
Before using Legal Time & Billing for the first time, you must enter certain
information required by the program in the order shown. This will include:
. Program options.
. Printer options.
. Billing Statement options.
. Letterhead options.
. Envelope options.
. Attorney (biller) information and address(es).
The following steps will insure you will properly install Legal Time &
Billing:
1 - If you have not already done so, access the LTB directory by typing:
CD\LTB and press [Enter].
2 - Type: LTB and press [Enter] to load the program into your computer.
3 - The opening title screen will then appear.
4 - Press any key to bypass the opening title screen.
5 - The Current Date verification screen will appear in the format:
4
Chapter 2. STARTING LEGAL TIME & BILLING 5
2.2 CURRENT DATE VERIFICATION:
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ If TODAY'S date is not 01/01/91 please enter it now or press │
│ RETURN to continue...... │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
If the date shown is correct, press [Enter] otherwise type the current date
in the format shown on the screen.
The program will automatically detect that this is a first time installation
and allow you to add various items to customize Time & Billing to your firm
or practice.
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ P R O G R A M O P T I O N S C R E E N │
├───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Professional Title................[Attorney ] │
│ Enable Sound On Messages (Y/N)......................... Y │
│ Communication Port For Phone Dialer (1/2/3/4).......... 1 │
│ Enable Action Code Pick List (Y/N)..................... Y │
│ Select Action Codes By Number Or Description (N/D)..... D │
│ Is This A (F)irm Or (S)ingle Practice.................. S │
│ Auto Correction For Upper/Lower Case Errors (Y/N)...... Y │
│ Solid Background Or Columns Wallpaper (S/C)............ C │
│ Enable 3-D Shadow Screen & Menu Effect (Y/N)........... Y │
│ Set Date Format To (A/B/F/G/I)......................... A │
│ Monetary Symbol ASCII Character Decimal Value........ 036 │
│ Set Confirm On (Y/N)................................... Y │
│ Display Previous Slip Data While Adding (Y/N).......... N │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
The Program Option screen (shown above) allows you to configure certain
features of the program to your system and personal preferences. Most items
have a default 'Y' or 'N' and can be changed at anytime.
Professional Title [Attorney ]
A professional title is any word that most describes you. The default is
"Attorney", but any other label can be substituted such as "Public
Accountant", "Detective", "CPA", "Agent", "Counselor", "Representative", etc.
This label will be used within the program allowing businesses to have a
custom appearance not confined just to the legal profession. Screen headings
and menu options will reflect this title string. If you change the default
then substitute your title for the term "Attorney" elsewhere in this
documentation.
Enable Sound On Messages (Y/N)
The computer will generate an audible beep to alert you of the presence of
certain messages that will appear on the screen. If you prefer not to hear
the beep, answer 'N'.
Chapter 2. STARTING LEGAL TIME & BILLING 6
Communication Port For Phone Dialer (1/2/3/4)
If your system has a telephone Modem installed, you can auto-dial any of your
client telephone numbers. The program needs to know which communication port
the modem is set for. Normally it is 'Com1'.
Enable Action Code pick list (Y/N)
Some practices prefer to assign an Action Code number/description system when
generating slips. Others want to define the slip simply as either a Service,
Expense, Credit, Payment, Debit, Trust, Transfer, Escrow, Disburse or Refund.
If you answer "Y" to enable the Action Code pick list, this list, (see page
29), will appear whenever you add a slip. If you disable this feature, the
pick list will not appear. During slip generation, a small window will
appear in place of the Action Codes to designate this transaction as a
Service, Expense, Credit, Payment, Debit, Trust, Transfer, Escrow, Disburse
or Refund.
Businesses other than the legal profession can create their own respective
codes.
Select Action Codes By Number Or Description (N/D)
Action codes may be selected by action code number or description. Numbers
will listed in chonological order while descriptions will be listed in
alphabetical order.
Is This A (F)irm Or (S)ingle Practice
If this is a Single Practice or a Professional Group comprised of independent
attorneys type the letter "S", otherwise type the letter "F". Businesses
other than the legal profession can be defined as well.
Auto Correction For Upper/Lower Case Errors (Y/N)
The Client data entry screen provides case checking if you answer "Y". This
feature will automatically check that all entries except the Company field
begin with an upper case letter with the remaining characters in lower case.
If you type the following or case combinations of:
"george b. jONES" will be converted to "George B. Jones"
If your preference is to maintain all characters in upper case, answer "N" to
disable case checking.
The Company field is not case checked to preclude:
"The ABC Company" to be converted to "The Abc Company"
(S)olid Background Or (C)olumns Wallpaper (S/C)
Your choice of background 'wallpaper' for all screens. "S" option will clear
screens in solid and "C" will use columns. Looks nice with color when
Chapter 2. STARTING LEGAL TIME & BILLING 7
selecting two-tone blue for Background. Monochrome and laptop screens should
set this option to "S"
Enable 3-D Shadow Screen & Menu Effect (Y/N)
Gives a 3-D effect especially for color monitors. Answer "N" to disable.
Set Date Format To (A/B/F/G/I)
Allow users in other countries to set the date format other than the United
States. The default is America, i.e., '07/20/1993'.
. A - America
. B - British
. F - French
. G - German
. I - Italian
Monetary Symbol ASCII Character Decimal Value
Alow users in other countries to change the monetary symbol other than the
"$" (Dollar). If a symbol does not exist, use the ASCII decimal value of a
letter, i.e., "P" for "Peso".
. Dollar $ = 036
. English Pound £ = 156
. German Mark DM = 068
. Japanese Yen = 157
. Dutch Guilder ƒ = 159
. Mexican Peso P = 080
NOTE: Your ASCII character set values may differ from the values listed.
Consult your printer manual.
Set Confirm On (Y/N)
Answering "Y", the [Enter] key is required to end each and every field.
Otherwise, once a field is filled with the proper number of characters the
cursor automatically advances to the next field.
Display Previous Slip Data While Adding (Y/N)
Answer "Y" to retain the previous slip data. This allows faster data entry
when you create several slips sharing the same data. To change a field, type
over the existing data, or press the [F2] key to first clear the field.
Answer "N" if you want a blank slip to appear each time.
Chapter 2. STARTING LEGAL TIME & BILLING 8
2.4 PRINTER OPTIONS:
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ P R I N T E R O P T I O N S S C R E E N │
├───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Are You Using A Laser Printer (Y/N)............... Y │
│ Do You Need To Pause Between Pages (Y/N).......... N │
│ Envelope Feed Source ............................. 1 │
│ Paper Feed Source................................. 3 │
│ Set Printer Port (LPT1/LPT2/LPT3/COM1/COM2)....... LPT1 │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
The Printer Option screen (shown above) allows you to configure printer
options to your personal preference. All items can be changed at any time.
Are You Using A Laser Printer (Y/N)
If you have any brand of an HP compatible laser printer, answer 'Y' else
answer 'N'.
Do You Need To Pause Between Pages (Y/N)
If your printer can only accept single sheets of paper typical of a standard
typewriter, answer 'Y' so the program will pause during all printing routines
to allow you to change paper.
Envelope Feed Source
. 0 - Feed from current source.
. 1 - Feed envelope from the upper paper tray.
. 3 - Manual envelope feed.
. 6 - Feed envelope from optional envelope feeder.
Paper Feed Source
. 0 - Feed from current source.
. 2 - Manual paper feed.
. 4 - Feed paper from lower paper tray.
. 5 - Feed from optional 500 sheet cassette.
Set Printer Port (LPT1/LPT2/LPT3/COM1/COM2)
Enter the port symbol that your printer is attached to. Default is LPT1.
Chapter 2. STARTING LEGAL TIME & BILLING 9
2.5 BILLING STATEMENT OPTIONS:
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ B I L L I N G S T A T E M E N T O P T I O N S S C R E E N │
├──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Display Client Account No. (Y/N)............................ Y │
│ Include Matter Caption (Y/N)................................ Y │
│ Matter Caption Prefix............................... [ ] │
│ Print Duplicate Copies (Y/N)................................ N │
│ Print Slip Order: (D)ate (C)ategory (A)ttorney............ DCA │
│ Print Slip Date By (Ascending) Or (Descending) Order........ A │
│ Display Slip Times In (D)ecimal or (H)our................... D │
│ Display Slip Date Column (Y/N).............................. Y │
│ Display Biller Initials Performing Matter (Y/N)............. Y │
│ Center Heading Date At Row................................. 09 │
│ Position Client Address At................... Row 13 Column 03 │
│ Page 1 Beginning Slip Body At Row.......................... 25 │
│ Next Pages Beginning Slip Body At Row...................... 05 │
│ Beginning Statement Number (0 = Disable)................... 0 │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
The Billing Statement Option screen (shown above) allows you to configure
certain options to your personal preference. Most items have a default 'Y'
or 'N' and can be changed at any time.
Display Client Account No. (Y/N)
You may elect to display the Client Account Code. If enabled, the format
will appear at the upper right corner of the statement as:
Account: JOHPUB
assuming the client account code for 'John Q. Public' is 'JOHPUB'.
Include Matter Caption (Y/N)
Option to include the Matter Caption associated with the Client data screen.
This caption is used for the main heading of the statement especially when
you bill the same client/company for separate matters and want each statement
to be unique.
Matter Caption Prefix
Enter up to a 9 character matter prefix. Example: 'RE:' would prefix the
statement caption 'Smith vs Jones' and print 'RE: Smith vs Jones'.
Print Duplicate Copies (Y/N)
Answer "Y" if you want to print duplicate copies of every billing statement.
Print Slip Order: (D)ate (C)ategory (A)ttorney
Chapter 2. STARTING LEGAL TIME & BILLING 10
Enter any combination of letters representing Date, Category and Attorney.
Slips will then appear in that alphabetical or numeric order on all
statements.
Print Slip Date By (Ascending) Or (Descending) Order
Enter the letter 'A' or 'D' to sort and print all slips in ascending or
descending date order.
Display Slip Times In (D)ecimal Or (H)our
You have the option to display your slip times in decimal or hour format on
all statements and reports regardless of the method you used when generating
a slip.
Display Slip Date Column (Y/N)
You have the option to display the individual slip dates. If you want to
disable this column, answer "N".
Display Biller Initials Performing Matter (Y/N)
If this is a Firm and you answer "Y", the attorney (representative) initials
performing the matter will be printed.
Center Heading Date At Row [ ]
You can place the statement date heading on a different row than shown. This
allows you to adjust the statement contents to conform to your stationery.
Position Client Address At Row [ ] Column [ ]
You can adjust the client address heading to any row or column to conform to
your stationery and clear window envelopes.
Page 1 Beginning Slip Body At Row [ ]
The slip body can be positioned to suit your own stationery. Enter a row
number value where you want the body of the first (letterhead) page of the
statement to begin printing.
Next Pages Beginning Slip Body At Row [ ]
Enter a row number value where you want the remaining pages of the statement
to begin. Since these pages are assumed not to have a letterhead, it can be
a different value than the first page.
Beginning Statement Number (0 = Disable)
If you want an Invoice Number to be printed, enter the starting number. An
invoice number will not appear if the number remains zero. The number will
automatically increment for each statement printed. No invoice number will
be generated when displaying to the screen.
Chapter 2. STARTING LEGAL TIME & BILLING 11
2.6 LETTERHEAD OPTIONS:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ L E T T E R H E A D O P T I O N S S C R E E N │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Create Letterhead (Y/N).............................. Y │
│ Letterhead Reference (L)eft Margin Or (C)enter (L/C) C │
│ Position Letterhead At Row.......................... 00 │
│ Letterhead Name Column Adjustment Value............. 34 │
│ Letterhead Title Column Adjustment Value............ 38 │
│ Letterhead Firmname Column Adjustment Value......... 34 │
│ Letterhead Address Line 1 Column Adjustment Value... 34 │
│ Letterhead Address Line 2 Column Adjustment Value... 34 │
│ Letterhead Address Line 3 Column Adjustment Value... 34 │
│ Letterhead City, State & Zip Column Adjustment Value 34 │
│ Letterhead Telephone Column Adjustment Value........ 37 │
│ Heading Line 1. [ ] │
│ Heading Line 2. [ ] │
│ Dunning Comment [ ] │
│ Dunning Comment Column Adjustment Value........ .... 20 │
│ Billing Comment [ ] │
│ Billing Comment Column Adjustment Value............. 20 │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Create Letterhead (Y/N)
If you elect to have the program generate your firm/practice letterhead on
all billing statements, answer 'Y. If you wish to use pre-printed
stationery, answer 'N'.
Letterhead Reference (L)eft Margin Or (C)enter (L/C)
If you answered 'Y' to the previous prompt, you now have the option to center
your letterhead on the billing statement or have it located on the left
margin if you intend on using glassine windowed envelopes.
Position Letterhead At Row
Enter the row number to begin your letterhead. The default is [0].
NOTE: The following adjustment values allow you to center each line of your
letterhead separately. These values will change depending upon the font
selection, size and behavior of your printer.
Letterhead Name Column Adjustment Value
Enter a value that properly centers this line. If you want to omit this line
from your letterhead and envelope return address, press the [F2] key to blank
the field.
Letterhead Title Column Adjustment Value
Enter a value that properly centers this line. If you want to omit this line
from your letterhead and envelope return address, press the [F2] key to blank
the field.
Chapter 2. STARTING LEGAL TIME & BILLING 12
Letterhead Firmname Column Adjustment Value
Enter a value that properly centers this line. If you want to omit this line
from your letterhead and envelope return address, press the [F2] key to blank
the field.
Letterhead Address Line 1 Column Adjustment Value
Enter a value that properly centers this line.
Letterhead Address Line 2 Column Adjustment Value
Enter a value that properly centers this line.
Letterhead City, State & Zip Column Adjustment Value
Enter a value that properly centers this line.
Letterhead Telephone Column Adjustment Value
Enter a value that properly centers this line.
Heading Line 1.
Enter up to a 40 character optional header caption. The text will appear
centered directly below the telephone number of the letterhead. Typical text
could include: 'Federal Tax I.D. Number 123-456', 'Social Security I.D.
Number 123-456', etc.
Heading Line 2.
A second header line is available if necessary.
Dunning Comment
Type in a short message you would like printed at the bottom of the statement
for all accounts past due. An example might be, "PLEASE ATTEND TO THIS
MATTER AT ONCE". If this field remains blank, no dunning message will
appear.
Dunning Comment Column Adjustment Value
Enter a value that properly centers this line.
Billing Comment
Type in a short message you would like printed at the bottom of each
statement. An example might be, "THANK YOU FOR YOUR PROMPT PAYMENT". If
this field remains blank, no message will appear.
Billing Comment Column Adjustment Value
Enter a value that properly centers this line.
Chapter 2. STARTING LEGAL TIME & BILLING 13
2.7 ENVELOPE OPTIONS: (Effective with laser printers only)
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ E N V E L O P E O P T I O N S S C R E E N │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Enable Envelope Printing (Y/N) ?................ Y │
│ Print Return Address (Y/N) ?.................... Y │
│ Pause For Single Envelope Feed (Y/N) ?.......... Y │
│ Position Firm Return Address At Row 00 Column 30 │
│ Position Client Address At Row 10 Column 50 │
│ Position Attention Line At Row 21 Column 10 │
│ Position USPS Postnet Barcode At Row 22 Column 70 │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Enable Envelope Printing (Y/N) ?
Answer "Y" if you want to print envelopes.
Print Return Address (Y/N) ?
Answer "Y" to print your firm or practice return address. Answer "N" if you
are using glassine envelopes or pre-printed envelopes.
Pause For Single Envelope Feed (Y/N) ?
Answer "Y" if you need to feed envelopes one at a time.
Position Firm Return Address At Row Column
Enter the row and column where you want your return address to begin on the
envelope.
Position Client Address At Row Column
Enter the row and column where you want the client address to begin on the
envelope.
Position Attention Line At Row Column
Enter the row and column where you want the contact name to appear on the
envelope.
Position USPS Postnet Barcode At Row Column
Enter the row and column where you want the USPS Postnet barcode to appear on
the envelope. The USPS requires that the barcode be within 1/4 inch from the
bottom of the envelope.
Chapter 2. STARTING LEGAL TIME & BILLING 14
2.8 NEW CLIENT DEFAULT:
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ N E W C L I E N T D E F A U L T S C R E E N │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Include This Client In Monthly Billing (Y/N)................ Y │
│ Include All Out Of Pocket Expenses In Quoted Flat Fee (Y/N). Y │
│ Display Only Service, Expense, Both Or No Detail (S/E/B/N).. B │
│ Display Only Time, Dollar Amount, Both Or None (T/D/B/N).... B │
│ Display Total Time At Bottom Of Statement (Y/N)............. Y │
│ Display Total Services At Bottom Of Statement (Y/N)......... Y │
│ Display Enumerated Expenses At Bottom Of Statement (Y/N).... Y │
│ Purge Slip Detail After Each Monthly Closing (Y/N).......... Y │
│ Display Trust/Escrow Action Detail (Y/N).................... Y │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
These master default options will be appended to each new client. Change to
your setup preference. You can also change these settings for individual
clients from the Client Data screen. See page 31 for description of these
options.
2.9 ADD ATTORNEY (Biller) NAMES:
The Attorney edit window will be displayed in the middle of your screen along
with the following message:
┌───────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Database empty. Add records (Y/N) ? [Y] │
└───────────────────────────────────────────┘
a. Press [Enter].
The cursor will be positioned in the ATTORNEY NAME field.
b. Type the attorney's (biller) name in the format "John Q. Public" and
press [Enter].
The cursor will now be positioned in the INIT field.
c. Type the attorney's initials and press [Enter].
NOTE: The attorney initials are also used to identify Archive statement
files. It is important that no two attorneys share the same letters.
The cursor will now be positioned in the RATE field.
d. Type in an amount representing this attorney's normal rate for services.
This default rate will appear on each slip to expedite the slip creation
process by not having to type it in manually each time. As an example,
if this is a firm, it is likely the senior partner demands a higher fee
than a junior partner. When creating slips for a client, the rate of the
attending attorney for this matter will be displayed. If a single
practice, then your standard rate will be displayed. The rate can be
Chapter 2. STARTING LEGAL TIME & BILLING 15
changed at anytime when creating slips. Refer to the ADD A BILLING SLIP
section of this manual.
The cursor will now be positioned in the TITLE field.
e. Type a professional title for this name that you would like printed on
the client statement when pre-printed letterheads are not used. The
title could be, "Attorney At Law", "CPA", "Agent", "Esquire", etc. This
is an optional field and may be left blank. This field allows Legal Time
& Billing to be adaptable to businesses other than the law profession.
The first attorney's information will now be saved.
2.10 ADD FIRM ADDRESSES:
Position the light bar on the attorney name and press the [F7] key.
If you previously answered (F)irm in the Program Options, enter the firm
address to the first attorney. Just be sure to enter only one address. If
you answered (S)ingle Practice then you must enter separate addresses for
each attorney.
NOTE: The Firm address State field has been increased to four (4) characters
to allow users from other countries to abbreviate a province, district,
country, etc.
When printing client statements, you will have the option to use pre-printed
stationery or let the computer generate a letterhead.
NOTE: Any zipcode format for your firm/practice address can be used including
the Canadian alpha-numeric system.
f. Continue adding attorneys by selecting 'Exit' and press F5. Repeat steps
b - f.
g. When you have completed adding all of the attorneys in your firm or
professional group, press the [Esc] key to return to the Default Menu.
2.11 INITIALIZE DEFAULT BILLING CODES:
Before using Legal Time & Billing, you must add your firm's attorney Rates,
Action codes and optional State Sales Tax. The following steps must be
performed:
Chapter 2. STARTING LEGAL TIME & BILLING 16
2.12 ADD, UPDATE OR DELETE BILLING DEFAULT CODES:
a. From the Main Menu, position the light bar over the [Default] option and
press [Enter].
The Default Menu will appear as shown:
┌──────────────────────┐
│ Default Menu │
│ ──────────────────── │
│ Hourly Rates │
│ Action Codes │
│ Sales Tax │
│ Biller Names │
│ Statement Options │
│ Program Options │
│ Printer Options │
│ Envelope Options │
│ Letterhead Options │
│ Color Options │
│ Client Options │
│ Return to Main Menu │
└──────────────────────┘
b. Position the light bar over the 'Hourly Rate' option and press [Enter].
2.13 ADD, UPDATE OR DELETE HOURLY RATES:
The Hourly Rate edit window will appear in the center of the screen with
several default (sample) entries. You may elect to delete these and create
your own rates or modify the existing entries.
c. Press the [F5] key to add a new hourly rate.
d. Type in an hourly rate and press [Enter].
e. Repeat steps c through e until you have added all of the various hourly
rates each attorney charge for services.
(To delete an hourly rate position the light bar over the rate you wish to
delete and press the [F6] key.)
NOTE: The Time and Billing system will allow you to add or delete an hourly
rate of "0.00". However deletion is not recommended since on occasion the
designated attorney may desire to create a slip and not bill for the matter
but wishes to keep an audit record for the services rendered Pro Bono.
g. When completed, press the [Esc] key to return to the Default Menu.
Chapter 2. STARTING LEGAL TIME & BILLING 17
2.14 ADD, UPDATE OR DELETE BILLING ACTION CODES:
Position the light bar over the 'Action Codes' option of the Main Menu and
press [Enter].
The Action Code edit window will appear in the center of the screen with
several default entries as shown on page 52.
NOTE: You may elect to delete these and create your own Action Code verbiage
or modify the existing entries. You may also change the numbering to meet
your requirements. As an example, all 700 numbers might represent services,
500 numbers as expenses, etc.
Legal Time & Billing can be adapted to other professions other than legal by
entering codes unique to that business.
b. Press the [F5] key to add a new action Code number.
c. Type in the Code number for this action and press [Enter].
d. Type in a description for this action and press [Enter].
2.15 ACTION CODE CATEGORIES:
A selection list will appear on the screen with the following action code
categories:
┌──────────┐
│ Service │
│ Expense │
│ Credit │
│ Payment │
│ Debit │
│ Trust │
│ Transfer │
│ Escrow │
│ Disburse │
│ Refund │
└──────────┘
e. Position the light bar over the category for this Action and press
[Enter].
f. Repeat steps b - f until you have added all of the Action codes for your
firm or practice .
(To delete an Action Code, position the light bar over the Code you wish
to delete and press the [F6] key.)
g. When completed, press the [Esc] key to return to the Default Menu.
Chapter 2. STARTING LEGAL TIME & BILLING 18
2.16 ACTION CODE CATEGORY DEFINITIONS:
Standard Definitions
Service - For TIME to be billed to a Clients Matter. Ex: Telephone Time,
Consult Time Etc.
Expenses - For OUT OF POCKET DIRECT EXPENSES billed to a clients Matter. Ex:
Copies, Fax, Filing Fees Etc.
Credit - To CREDIT a Client any amount against their Invoice or closing out
Client minor balances. Ex: Invoice/Fee Dispute.
Payment - For crediting a PAYMENT against a client matter.
Debit - For DEBITING or charging back a client. Ex: Bad check returned from
bank.
Trust Account Definitions
Trust - For keeping track of Trust/Retainer Account Deposits Ex: Client pays
$1000 Retainer for future services and or expenses to be rendered. These
monies are to be deposited into the TRUST Account.
Transfer - For Transfering monies from the TRUST Account to the Operating
Account for Services/Expenses Rendered MUST BE DONE IN A TIMELY MANNER AS
PER STATE BAR REGULATIONS.
Refund - For REFUNDING any Trust Account Balance not used against Matter to
the client.
Escrow Account Definitions
Escrow - For Escrow monies held by Attorney for future disbursal as per
client. Ex: Attorney accepts $10,000.00 for Real Estate Closing to be
Disbursed on day of Closing.
Disbursal - For DISBURSING monies held in ESCROW.
2.17 ADD, UPDATE OR DELETE SALES TAX (optional) :
a. Position the light bar over the 'Sales Tax' option of the Default Menu
and press [Enter].
If applicable to your State, enter the State Sales Tax that must be added to
your client statements for SERVICES rendered. An example would be to enter
"6.00" to represent 6% otherwise leave blank and press [Enter] to return to
the Default Menu.
Chapter 2. STARTING LEGAL TIME & BILLING 19
2.18 CHANGE SCREEN COLORS:
NOTE: If you have a monochrome or composite monitor installed, you will be
able to select monochrome shades but be careful you do not select a shade
that disables reverse video items such as menu light bars and data entry
fields. If this occurs, simply return to this default screen and select the
second box in the second row for each D)isplay, P)ick Box, M)enus and E)dit
Screens item. This will restore the default monochrome settings.
a. Position the light bar over the [Colors] option of the Default Menu
and press [Enter]. You will be presented a screen with several color
combinations. Use the edit arrow keys to place the box over a color,
then press the letter of a screen item:
D)isplay Messages
P)ick Boxes
M)enus
E)dit Screens
B)ackground
Subsequent screens will be in the color combinations you select.
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ YOU HAVE NOW COMPLETED THE INITIAL INSTALLATION OF TIME & BILLING │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
2.19 NORMAL PROGRAM OPERATION:
The Time & Billing Main Menu will appear in the middle of the screen in the
format shown:
┌──────────────┐
│ Main Menu │
│ ──────────── │
│ Clients │
│ Slips │
│ Reports │
│ Billing │
│ Default │
│ Utilities │
│ Text Editor │
│ Status │
│ Help │
│ Quit to DOS │
└──────────────┘
The Main Menu is the heart of Legal Time & Billing and from here you can
select and return from other menus in the program.
Chapter 2. STARTING LEGAL TIME & BILLING 20
(A menu option is selected by pressing either the up or down edit arrow key
to move the "light bar" over the various menu items and pressing [Enter] to
activate that selection.)
If you have an older keyboard, check to see that the [Num Lock] key indicator
is off!
NOTE: The [Enter] key may be labeled [Return] on some keyboards. Either
label refers to the same key.
TIP: Pressing the [Esc] key will abort from any screen or menu situation!
Legal Time & Billing is composed of two (2) major data entry screens:
1 - Client Data screen
2 - Billing Slip Data screen.
These two screens serve as both data entry and retrieval display of
previously added information.
Now that you have added the necessary information concerning your practice,
you are ready to begin adding billing client information.
Chapter 3
CLIENTS
3.1 ADD NEW CLIENT BILLING INFORMATION:
a. Position the light bar over the [Clients] option of the Main Menu and
press [Enter].
┌───────────────────────────────────────┐
│ CLIENT MENU : Add Find Browse Exit │
└───────────────────────────────────────┘
The Client Menu will appear as shown above.
b. The light bar is positioned over the [Add] option. Press [Enter] to
select.
NOTE: If the message:
┌───────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Missing Attorney Name. Press Any Key.... │
└───────────────────────────────────────────┘
appears. It indicates there are no attorney names to select from. At the
Main Menu, select the option "Default", and then select the option "Biller
Name". Refer to ADD ATTORNEY (Biller) NAMES section of this documentation.
The Client Data screen will appear as shown:
21
Chapter 3. CLIENTS 22
╔═══════════════╤═══════════════════════════════════╗
║ │ ║ ┌─────────────────────┐
╠═══════════════╧════════╤══════════════════════════╣ │ Financial Status │
║ Trust Acct. │ Escrow Acct. ║ │ All Matters │
╠════════════════════╤═══╧══════════╤═══════════════╣ ├─────────────────────┤
║ Clinbr │ Interest │ Rate $ ║ │ Current │
╠════════════════════╧══════════════╧═══════════════╣ │ 31 - 60 │
║ Matter ║ │ 61 - 90 │
╠════════════════════════════╤══════════════════════╣ │ Over 90 │
║ Telephone │ Fax ║ │ Reserve │
╟────────────────────────────┴──────────────────────╢ ╞═════════════════════╡
║ Company ║ │ Services │
╟───────────────────────────────────────────────────╢ │ Expenses │
║ Client ║ ├─────────────────────┤
╟───────────────────────────────────────────────────╢ │ Credits │
║ Address ║ │ Payments │
╟───────────────────────────────────────────────────╢ │ Transfers │
║ Address ║ ╞═════════════════════╡
╟───────────────────────────────────────────────────╢ │ Balance │
║ City/St/Zip ║ └─────────────────────┘
╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
3.2 CLIENT STATUS:
The Client Status pick box will then appear with the highlighted "ACTIVE"
default status. Press the [Enter] key to accept or select another status.
ACTIVE - Default.
INACTIVE - Select when you want to maintain the client in the database, but
do not want client to appear on any statements or reports. Any slips for
an inactive client will not be purged when reconciling.
FLAT FEE - Select when you accept matters for a flat fee.
NOTE: If you select 'FLAT FEE', the cursor will be positioned in the
'Services' column of the Financial Status box now changed to the label
'Flat Fee'. Enter the amount of the fee quoted to your client.
The cursor will be positioned in the Client No. field.
c. Type a unique client identification and press [Enter]. You may use any
format you wish including alpha characters. One suggestion. Use the
format "JONFRA" for a client name of "Frank Jones". Simply use the first
three letters of the last name and the first three letters of the first
name. It is much easier to remember "Jones" than a code such as:
"213.0456". The Client pick box is sorted by Client ID code.
NOTE: If you are a professional group comprised of independent attorneys and
have occasion for this client to retain separate services of others within
your group, the client number MUST be unique for each attorney.
Chapter 3. CLIENTS 23
If this is a firm, the client number can remain the same regardless of the
attorney selected.
NOTE: The Trust Acct. and Escrow Acct. fields are for display purposes
only. When slips are created for Trust and Escrow deposits, the totals will
appear here.
The cursor will be positioned in the Interest field.
d. If you add late interest charges when a bill is not paid on time, enter
the monthly value here in percentage form. Notice you can have separate
interest values for each client. Every time you reconcile slips at the
end of the month, this interest value will be added to the remaining
balance.
The cursor will be positioned in the Rate field.
e. Enter a default hourly rate for this matter or leave zero.
The cursor will be positioned in the Matter field.
f. Type in the first matter reference for this client. During the statement
generation, you will have the option to include this reference at the
heading of the bill. This is useful when you wish to bill a client with
multiple matters. The reference at the top of the statement allows the
client to further identify the matter the bill represents. Adding
additional matters for this client will be discussed later.
NOTE: This field has a length of 75 characters. Screen scrolls after 44
characters.
The cursor will be positioned in the Telephone field.
g. Type in the client's telephone number including area code.
The cursor will be positioned in the Fax field.
h. Type in the client's Fax telephone number including area code if known.
The cursor will be positioned in the Company field.
i. If this client is NOT an individual, type in the company or organization
name responsible for payment. It is imperative you leave this field
BLANK if a company or organization is not applicable. Press the [Enter]
key to either bypass this field or to exit from the field.
The cursor will be positioned in the Client/Contact field.
j. If the Company field is other than blank, the Client field becomes the
Contact field. Type in the first, middle initial and last name of the
contact person for this company or organization. This could also be a
department such as "Accounts Receivable". You can use the first and last
name fields for this purpose. Later, during billing and report
generation the two fields will be formatted properly with one space
between the contents. The middle initial field will be ignored.
Chapter 3. CLIENTS 24
If the Company field is left blank, type in the first, middle initial and
last name of this client. Each name field is separate and may require
you to press the [Enter] key to advance to the next field.
The cursor will be positioned in the first Address field.
k. Type in the mailing address of this client and press the [Enter] key.
The cursor will be positioned in the second Address field.
l. If the street address is multiple line, you can type it in. This is
usually for Suite numbers, etc. If not required, press the [Enter] key
to leave this field blank and advance to the City/St/Zip field.
The cursor will be positioned in City/St/Zip field.
m. Type in the city, state and zipcode for this client. Any zipcode format
can be used including the Canadian alpha-numeric system.
NOTE: The Client address State field has been increased to four (4)
characters to allow users from other countries to abbreviate a province,
district, country, etc.
Repeat steps [a - m] if you wish to add more clients at this time, or press
the [Esc] key to return to the Main Menu.
NOTE: A memo window is available to store random notes concerning this
client. To access the memo window, while the cursor is positioned on any
field, press the [F7] key. To save and close the memo window press the [F10]
key or press the Esc key to abort.
If a memo exists for the client, a "√" checkmark symbol will appear in the
Attorney Name field of the Client Data Screen.
3.3 FINANCIAL STATUS BOX:
Chapter 3. CLIENTS 25
┌─────────────────────┐
│ Financial Status │
Total of All Matters For This Client │ All Matters │
├─────────────────────┤
Previous month, less than 31 days ────────> │ Current │
Past due between 31 and 60 days ──────────> │ 31 - 60 │
Past due between 61 and 90 days ──────────> │ 61 - 90 │
Past due over 90 days ────────────────────> │ Over 90 │
Total prior credits available to client ──> │ Reserve │
╞═════════════════════╡
Total slip services this month ───────────> │ Services │
Total slip expenses this month ───────────> │ Expenses │
├─────────────────────┤
Total slip credits this month ────────────> │ Credits │
Total slip payments this month ───────────> │ Payments │
Total slip Trust transfers this month ────> │ Transfers │
╞═════════════════════╡
Current balance of all matters ───────────> │ Balance │
└─────────────────────┘
NOTE: If the client has the status of 'Flat Fee', the 'Services' label will
be changed to 'Flat Fee' with the amount quoted to the client for this
matter.
3.4 FIND AND UPDATE CLIENT BILLING INFORMATION:
a. Position the light bar over the [Find] option of the Client Menu and
press [Enter].
Type in the Client code and press the [Enter] key if known, or press the
[Enter] key at the blank field to display the alphabetized pick box of all
Client codes and associated names. Place the light bar over the Client code
and press the [Enter] key.
When the client is found, the Edit Menu will appear as shown:
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ EDIT MENU : Update Next Back Delete Call Memo Matter Print Default Exit │
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
b. Position the light bar over the [Update] option and press [Enter].
The cursor will be positioned in the attorney field allowing you to change
names if desired. First, press the [F2] key to blank the field and then
press the [Enter] key to display the Attorney pick box.
The cursor will be positioned in the client field allowing you to update or
add any information for this client. Pressing [Enter] or down arrow key
allows you to proceed through the fields and pressing the up arrow key allows
you to reverse upward through the fields.
Chapter 3. CLIENTS 26
At anytime, press the [F10] key to save the new information and return to the
Edit Menu. Otherwise pressing the [Esc] key will abort the client data
screen and will not save any corrections or additions for this client.
NOTE: To jump to the last field, press together the [Ctrl] and [End] keys.
To jump to the beginning field, press together the [Ctrl] and [Home] keys.
This is true for all screens in the program.
Four additional function keys are available:
3.5 CLEAR CONTENTS OF A FIELD:
F2 - Clears the field you are currently residing in.
3.6 CHANGE CLIENT STATUS:
F3 - Toggles client status between "ACTIVE", "INACTIVE" and "FLAT FEE".
The default status is "ACTIVE".
The "INACTIVE" status is used when you wish to keep a client in the database
but not generate statements or appear on reports.
The "FLAT FEE" status is selected when billing a client a flat fee amount.
NOTE: To edit the flat fee amount for those clients with that status, press
the [F3] key to display the Status pick box. Select 'Flat Fee' to highlight
the Flat Fee field. Continue to press the [Enter] key until the cursor is in
the Flat Fee field, or press the [Ctrl][End] keys together to quickly enter
this field.
3.7 PAYMENT HISTORY:
F6 - A window will appear over the client data screen listing dates and
payments made by this client. This is useful when accepting monthly
payments to settle an account.
3.8 CLIENT MEMO WINDOW:
F7 - A memo window will appear to store random notes concernng this client.
To access the memo window, while the cursor is positioned on any field,
press the [F7] key. To save and close the memo window, press [F10]. To
close the memo window without saving, press the [Esc] key.
If a memo exists for the client, a "√" checkmark symbol will appear in the
Attorney Name field of the Client Data Screen.
Position the light bar over the [Next] or [Back] option of the Edit Menu and
press [Enter].
Chapter 3. CLIENTS 27
The next or previous client data will appear in chronological Client code
order. Continuing to select [Next] or [Back] will step thru all of the
clients.
NOTE: The 'Trust Acct.', 'Escrow Acct.' fields and the Financial Status Box
display the totals of all matters for this client.
If more than one matter exists for this client, the Matter field will show
the number of matters in lieu of a single matter description.
The steps to view each individual matter will be described later.
3.9 DELETE A CLIENT FROM THE DATABASE:
Position the light bar over the [Delete] option of the Edit Menu and press
[Enter].
This option allows you to delete this Client from the database. Select [Yes]
to delete. If this Client has a balance remaining, a warning message will
appear asking if you still want to delete this Client.
3.10 TELEPHONE A CLIENT WITH AUTO-DIAL FEATURE: (Modem Required)
Position the light bar over the [Call] option of the Edit Menu and press
[Enter].
If you have a Modem installed, you can optionally auto-dial any client. The
telephone number displayed in the client screen will be dialed. Then pick up
the telephone and wait for an answer. Hang up the phone as normal to
disconnect. If you wish to abort the dialing process before picking up the
phone, just press any key.
NOTE: With this version, the auto dialer will not dial long distance numbers.
The area code is ignored.
3.11 ADD, UPDATE, DELETE OR VIEW CLIENT MEMOS:
Position the light bar over the [Memo] option of the Edit Menu and press
[Enter].
A memo window will appear to store random notes concernng this client. To
save and close the memo window, press [F10]. To close the memo window
without saving, press the [Esc] key.
If a memo exists for the client, a checkmark symbol will appear in the
Attorney Name field of the Client Data Screen.
Position the light bar over the [Exit] option of the Edit Menu and press
[Enter] to return to the Client Menu.
Chapter 3. CLIENTS 28
3.12 ADD, UPDATE, DELETE OR VIEW CLIENT MATTERS:
Position the light bar over the [Matter] option of the Edit Menu and press
[Enter].
The Matter Menu will appear as shown:
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ MATTER MENU : Update Next Back Browse Initialize Exit │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
a. Position the light bar over the [Update] option of the Edit Menu and
press [Enter].
The MATTER DESCRIPTION SCREEN will appear listing all matters for this
client.
3.13 UPDATE A MATTER:
Position the light bar over the matter to update and press the [Enter] key.
A flashing cursor will appear allowing you to edit the existing text. Press
[Enter] when finished to save.
NOTE: If only one matter exists for this client, the description can be
changed from either the Client Data screen or here. When more than one
matter exists, the Matter field of the Client Data screen is for display
purposes only.
3.14 ADD A MATTER:
Press the [F5] key. A blank field will appear. Type in a matter reference
string and press [Enter] to complete.
3.15 DELETE A MATTER:
Position the light bar over the matter to delete and press the [F6] key. A
warning message will appear if this matter has an outstanding balance or
credit.
Press the [Esc] key to return to the Matter Menu.
Position the light bar over the [Next] or [Back] option of the Matter Menu
and press [Enter].
The next or previous client matter will appear. Continuing to select [Next]
or [Back] will step thru all of the client matters.
NOTE: Notice that the 'Matter', 'Trust Acct.', 'Escrow Acct.' fields and the
Financial Status box display the individual description and amounts for this
matter.
Chapter 3. CLIENTS 29
3.16 BROWSE THE CLIENT MATTER DATABASE:
Position the light bar over the [Browse] option of the Matter Menu and press
[Enter].
The client matter database window will appear displaying the first few fields
and contents listed alphabetically by client code. Use the following keys to
move around the database:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Ctrl-Home - Jump to the first field column. │
│ Ctrl-End - Jump to the last field column. │
│ Ctrl-PgUp - Beginning of the file. │
│ Ctrl-PgDn - End of the file. │
│ Ctrl-Right arrow - Move to right one field. │
│ Ctrl-Left arrow - Move left one field. │
│ Right arrow - Move right one character. │
│ Left arrow - Move left one character. │
│ Up arrow - Move up one line. │
│ Down arrow - Move down one line. │
│ Ctrl-W - Clear contents of field. │
│ PgUp - Display next page up. │
│ PgDn - Display next page down. │
│ Esc - Exit browse mode and return to menu. │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
WARNING: The contents of each field can be cleared or edited so use the
browse mode with care or you can disrupt accounting balances! The browse
feature is used mainly to view the overall contents of the client database.
If you do wish to change an item:
Place the light bar over the field contents you wish to alter and press the
[Enter] key. A flashing cursor will appear in the field. Using the normal
edit keys [Ins], [Del], etc., make the new change and press [Enter] when
complete. To abort the change, press the [Esc] key. The previous contents
will re-appear.
Press the [Esc] key to return to the Matter Menu.
3.17 INITIALIZE BEGINNING CLIENT BALANCES:
Position the light bar over [Initialize] of the Matter Menu and press
[Enter].
The "Initialize" option allows you to add beginning balances for all client
matters. This option is normally used only once when Legal Time & Billing is
replacing your previous method of time accounting. After current balances
have been entered, this option normally should not be used again. If
adjustments need to be made use the "Add Slip" option.
a. The cursor is placed in the "31 - 60" field. Continue to add any
additional previous balances due within the delinquency fields as noted:
Chapter 3. CLIENTS 30
31 - 60
61 - 90
Over 90
b. The "Reserves" field allow you to manually add the total of all previous
credits for this client.
Press the [Esc] key to return to the Matter Menu.
Position the light bar over the [Exit] option of the Matter Menu and press
[Enter] to return to the Client Edit Menu.
3.18 BROWSE THE CLIENT DATABASE:
Position the light bar over the [Browse] option of the Client Menu and press
[Enter]. The client database window will appear displaying the first few
fields and contents listed alphabetically by client code. Use the keys shown
on page 29 to move around the database.
WARNING: The contents of each field can be cleared or edited so use the
browse mode with care or you can disrupt accounting balances! The browse
feature is used mainly to view the overall contents of the client database.
If you do wish to change an item:
Place the light bar over the field contents you wish to alter and press the
[Enter] key. A flashing cursor will appear in the field. Using the normal
edit keys [Ins], [Del], etc., make the new change and press [Enter] when
complete. To abort the change, press the [Esc] key. The previous contents
will re-appear.
PRINT MENU:
Position the light bar over the [Print] option of the Edit Menu and press
[Enter].
The 'Print Menu' will appear as shown:
┌────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ PRINT MENU: Screen Letter Envelope Exit │
└────────────────────────────────────────────┘
3.19 PRINT CLIENT DATA SCREEN:
To print the Client Data Screen, position the light bar over the [Screen]
option of the Print Menu and press [Enter] or simply press the 'S' key.
Chapter 3. CLIENTS 31
3.20 CREATE CLIENT LETTER:
Position the light bar over the [Letter] option and press [Enter] or simply
press the 'L' key.
The Text Editor screen will appear with your letterhead, current date and
client header address. The cursor is ready to begin typing a letter to this
client. When complete, press the [F7] key to print. See USING THE TEXT
EDITOR for other options.
3.21 PRINT CLIENT ENVELOPE:
Position the light bar over the [Envelope] option and press [Enter] or simply
press the 'E' key.
If you have a laser printer, a prompt will appear reminding you to insert an
envelope into the appropiate feeder. Before the printer prints, you should
see a message on the printer that says something like: "FEED LETTER" or "FEED
ME ENVELOPE", and the printer lights look funny compared to normal. This is
just fine, it's supposed to do that. Usually pressing the 'On Line' button
will commence printing. Check your printer manual.
3.22 CLIENT OPTIONS SCREEN:
Position the light bar over the [Default] option of the Edit Menu and press
[Enter].
The 'Client Options Screen' will appear as shown:
┌────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ C L I E N T O P T I O N S S C R E E N │
├────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ Active/Inactive/Flat Fee (A/I/F)............................ A │
│ Include This Client In Monthly Billing (Y/N)................ Y │
│ Include All Out Of Pocket Expenses In Quoted Flat Fee (Y/N). N │
│ Display Only Service, Expense, Both Or No Detail (S/E/B/N).. Y │
│ Display Only Time, Dollar Amount, Both Or None (T/D/B/N).... B │
│ Display Total Time At Bottom Of Statement (Y/N)............. Y │
│ Display Total Services At Bottom Of Statement (Y/N)......... Y │
│ Display Enumerated Expenses At Bottom Of Statement (Y/N).... Y │
│ Purge Slip Detail After Each Monthly Closing (Y/N).......... Y │
│ Display Trust/Escrow Action Detail (Y/N).................... Y │
└────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Active/Inactive/Flat Fee (A/I/F)
(See page 22)
Include This Client In Monthly Billing (Y/N)
Chapter 3. CLIENTS 32
Usually you want to send monthly statements. Answering "N" will not generate
a statement for this client during batch printing. Individual statements can
be printed or displayed at anytime regardless of this response.
This option is generally used for flat fee, contingency and clients with an
on-going matter when you would not normally generate a monthly statement.
Include All Out Of Pocket Expenses In Quoted Flat Fee (Y/N)
If you bill expenses in addition to a quoted flat fee, answer 'N'. Otherwise
answer 'Y' so bill total will only equal the flat fee quoted to the client
regardless of your out-of-pocket costs.
Display Slip Detail (Y/N)
If you do not want to display slip detail for this client, answer "N".
Display Only Time, Dollar Amount, Both Or None (T/D/B/N)
You can elect to display only time, only the dollar amount, both or none on
the statement column adjacent to the action description. The default is
Both.
Display Total Time At Bottom Of Statement (Y/N)
You may elect to display or omit the Total time reference at the bottom of
the statement.
Display Total Services At Bottom Of Statement (Y/N)
You may elect to display or omit the Total services reference at the bottom
of the statement.
Display Enumerated Expenses At Bottom Of Statement (Y/N)
You may elect to display or omit enumerated expenses reference at the bottom
of the statement.
Purge Slip Detail After Each Monthly Closing (Y/N)
If you do not want to purge slip detail records for this client during month
end reconciliation, answer "N". An example would be for an on-going matter
where you do not want slip detail to be deleted until the final bill is
prepared.
Display Trust/Escrow Action Detail (Y/N)
Normally all Trust and Escrow transactions are enumerated at the bottom of
the statement and not detailed in the statement body. If you want to include
Trust and Escrow action detail answer "Y".
Chapter 4
SLIPS
4.1 ADD A BILLING SLIP:
a. Position the light bar over the [Slips] option of the Main Menu and press
[Enter] to toggle to the Slip display screen menu.
The Slip Menu will appear as shown below:
┌────────────────────────────────────┐
│ SLIP MENU: Add Find Browse Exit │
└────────────────────────────────────┘
b. Position the light bar over the [Add] option and press [Enter].
The Slip Data screen will appear as shown with the cursor on the Code field:
╔═══════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ Client ║ ┌─────────────────────┐
╟────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────╢ │ Bill Date │
║ Matter # │ Rate/Matter ║ ├─────────────────────┤
╠════════════════════════╧══════════════════════════╣ │ Hours Spent │
║ ║ ╞═════════════════════╡
╠═══════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ │ Amount │
║ Code - ║ └─────────────────────┘
╟───────────────────────────────────────────────────╢
║ Invoice Narrative ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
║ ║
╚═══════════════════════════════════════════════════╝
Type in the Client code and press the [Enter] key if known, or press the
[Enter] key at the blank field to display a pick box of all Client codes and
associated descriptions. Position the light bar over the Action that
represents the transaction for this slip and press [Enter].
NOTE: You can quickly locate a particular Action by pressing the first letter
of the action description. The light bar will be positioned on the first
action alphabetically that begins with that letter (or number).
33
Chapter 4. SLIPS 34
If you prefer to select actions by code number instead of description, the
default section of the program allows you to switch between the two or
disable the pick box all together. If you choose the later, a pick box of
just the action type will appear.
c. If more than one matter exists for this client, a matter pick box will
appear. Place the light bar over the matter this slip represents and
press [Enter].
If you selected a Service action, the cursor will be positioned in the Hourly
Rate $ field, otherwise it is assumed the Action is not time related such as
Expense, Credit, Payment, etc. and the Hourly Rate will be bypassed.
NOTE: If the default hourly rate for this attorney appears in the Rate field
and is acceptable, just press the [Enter] key to continue and bypass step e.
The Rate field is locate in the far top right corner of the screen.
If you wish to change this rate, press the [F2] key to first clear the field
and then press [Enter] to display the Hourly Rate pick box.
d. Position the light bar over the hourly rate desired and press [Enter].
The cursor will be positioned in the Bill Date field.
e. Press [Enter] to accept the current date as the billing date for this
slip, otherwise type in another date.
The cursor will be positioned in the Hours Spent field.
4.2 ACTIVATE SLIP TIMER:
NOTE: At this time, you can elect to use the Timer to allow the computer to
track the time to charge for this matter during such events as telephone
consultation, office visits or research. Press the [F6] key to activate the
time. Notice the Amount and Hours Spent fields are automatically updated
using the Hourly Rate you selected.
If you wish not to display the Amount field, press the 'S' key. This key
acts as a toggle and will turn the Amount field on and off but the dollar
amount is constantly being updated.
When you wish to stop the timer, press any key other then the 'S' key. You
will now be given the opportunity to accept the time and dollar value shown
or type in a new value.
The dollar value is updated every second while the Hours Spent field is
updated every minute.
NOTE: If you are using the Timer option, bypass step f.
f. Type in the hours spent for this service action and press [Enter].
Use either decimal or time format to enter the time for this matter. If you
spent three (3) hours and thirty (30) minutes for this service, you could
Chapter 4. SLIPS 35
type in 3.5 or 3:30. When entering just minutes, MAKE SURE you precede the
value with a decimal "." or colon ":" symbol. Doing so will insure the
correct dollar amount is calculated.
Correct Incorrect Result
:02 02 two minutes become two hours
:02 2 two minutes become two hours
:20 :2 twenty minutes become two minutes
NOTE: You must enter an Hours Spent value or press the [Esc] key to abort
this slip and return to the Slip Menu.
The Amount field will show the total amount for this billing slip and the
cursor will be positioned in the Memo field.
NOTE: This program does not support entering a negative value to adjust a
previously entered slip. Although some accounting programs allow this, it is
more logical to delete the incorrect slip and create a new one with the
proper amount.
g. Type in an optional memorandum (Narrative) in the window provided.
Twenty lines are available. Typical edit keys include:
[Ins] - Insert key
[Del] - Delete key
[PgUp] - Scroll up
[PgDn] - Scroll down
[F2] - Clear text
[F10] - Save slip with narrative contents
[Esc] - Abort without saving slip
NOTE: Custom bills can be generated and printed with the Text Editor.
h. A prompt will then ask if you wish to add another slip for this client
and matter. The default is 'Yes' allowing you to continue adding slips
without having to re-select the same client name and matter. Repeat
steps c. through h. or answer 'No' to return to the Slip Menu to select
another client, matter or exit to the Main Menu.
NOTE: If this is a firm, the Attorney Pick Box will appear for each slip
generated so the working attorney can be noted on the billing statement for
this matter.
4.3 ADD A DEPOSIT TO CLIENT'S TRUST OR ESCROW ACCOUNT:
Create a slip with the Action Code category of 'TRUST' or 'ESCROW' with the
amount of the deposit. Trust and Escrow balances will now be displayed on
the Client Data screen.
Chapter 4. SLIPS 36
4.4 TRANSFER MONIES FROM CLIENT'S TRUST OR ESCROW ACCOUNT:
Create a slip with the Action Code category of 'TRANSFER' (Trust) or
'DISBURSE' (Escrow) and amount.
The amount of transfer or disbursal will be deducted from the Trust Account
or Escrow balance and be available to reduce any services or expenses. The
transfer or disbursal amount is displayed in the Financial Status box of the
Client Data screen.
NOTE: When the Trust or Escrow Accounts are active, each client statement
will show a detailed audit trail of these transactions that should conform to
your State BAR requirements.
4.5 FIND A BILLING SLIP TO UPDATE:
a. Position the light bar over the [Find] option of the Slip Menu and press
[Enter].
Type in the Client code and press the [Enter] key if known, or press the
[Enter] key at the blank field to display the alphabetized pick box of
all Client codes and associated names. Place the light bar over the
appropriate client code and press the [Enter] key.
NOTE: You can quickly locate a particular Client by pressing the first
letter of the Client Code. The light bar will be positioned on the first
Client alphabetically that begins with that letter.
If slips are found for this client, the first one found will be displayed
and the Edit Menu will appear.
c. If this is not the slip you wish to update, position the light bar over
the [Next] option and press [Enter].
If other current slips for this client exist, the next slip will appear.
d. Continue selecting the [Next] option until the correct slip is found.
e. Position the light bar over the [Update] option of the Edit Menu and
press [Enter].
The cursor will be positioned in the attorney field allowing you to change
names if desired. First, press the [F2] key to blank the field and then
press the [Enter] key to display the Attorney pick box.
The cursor will be positioned in the Action Code field. You can change any
portion of the slip. All balances and credits will be adjusted if the action
code is different than the original.
NOTE: To change the Action Code of an existing slip, you MUST use the [F2]
key to first clear the old code, then press the [Enter] key to display the
Action Code Pick Box and make a new selection. Press the [F10] key to save
the new slip contents or press the [Esc] key to abort.
Chapter 4. SLIPS 37
4.6 FIND A BILLING SLIP TO DELETE:
a. Position the light bar over the [Find] option as of the Slip Menu and
press [Enter].
b. Press the [Enter] key to display the Client pick box or type in the
Client number for the billing slip you wish to find for deletion, then
press [Enter].
If slips are found for this client, the first one found will be displayed and
the Edit Menu will appear as shown below:
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ EDIT MENU : Update Next Back Delete Exit │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────┘
c. If this is not the slip you wish to edit or delete, position the light
bar over the [Next] option and press [Enter].
If other slips for this client exist the next one will appear.
d. Continue selecting the [Next] option until the correct slip is found.
e. Position the light bar over the [Delete] option of the Edit Menu and
press [Enter].
The following message will appear:
┌───────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Are You Sure You Want To Delete This Slip (Y/N) ? [N] │
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
f. Type the letter "Y" if you want to delete this slip otherwise press [Esc]
to abort and return to the Edit Menu.
Position the light bar over the [Exit] option of the Edit Menu and press
[Enter] to return to the Slip Menu.
4.7 BROWSE THE SLIP DATABASE:
Position the light bar over the [Browse] option of the Slip Menu and press
[Enter]. The slips database window will appear displaying the first few
fields and contents listed alphabetically by client code. Use the keys shown
on page 29 to move around the database.
WARNING: The contents of each field can be cleared or edited so use the
browse mode with care or you can disrupt accounting balances! The browse
feature is used mainly to view the overall contents of a particular client's
slips or the entire database.
If you do wish to change an item:
Chapter 4. SLIPS 38
Place the light bar over the field contents you wish to alter and press the
[Enter] key. A flashing cursor will appear in the field. Using the normal
edit keys [Ins], [Del], etc., make the new change and press [Enter] when
complete. To abort the change, press the [Esc] key. The previous contents
will re-appear.
4.8 PRINT OR DISPLAY A REPORT:
a. Position the light bar over the [Reports] option of the Main Menu and
press [Enter].
A Report Selection window will appear in the center of the screen with the
following report options:
┌───────────────────────┐
│ Report Menu │
│ ───────────────────── │
│ Aging │
│ Biller Time │
│ Client Time │
│ Review Client Slips │
│ Master Client List │
│ Action Code List │
│ Main Menu │
└───────────────────────┘
b. Position the light bar over the report you require and press [Enter].
The attorney name list will appear if this is a professional group with more
than one attorney.
c. Position the light bar over the attorney who is requesting this report
and press [Enter].
You will now have an option to either print the report or display it on the
screen.
After the selected report has been printed or displayed, the Main Menu will
reappear in the center of the screen.
4.9 PREPARING BILLING STATEMENTS:
a. Position the light bar over the [Billing] option of the Main Menu and
press [Enter].
A Billing Menu will appear in the center of the screen with the following
options:
Chapter 4. SLIPS 39
┌─────────────────────────┐
│ Billing Menu │
│ ─────────────────────── │
│ Print Single Statement │
│ Print All Statements │
│ Reconcile Accounts │
│ Main Menu │
└─────────────────────────┘
4.10 PRINT SINGLE STATEMENT:
Select this option to print a single statement.
4.11 PRINT ALL STATEMENTS:
a. Select this option when you are ready to batch print all statements for
the firm or a particular attorney. This is normally performed once a
month but may be used at anytime for preview purposes.
When generating a single statement, the Client pick box will appear. Select
a Client and press the [Enter] key.
If more than one matter exists for this client, the Matter pick box will
appear. Select the appropriate matter and press [Enter].
The message 'Send To Print, File Or Display On Screen (P/F/D) now appears at
the bottom of the screen. The default is D)isplay. To preview the statement
press the [Enter] key. If you elect to print this statement, type the letter
'P'.
If you want to capture this statement to a file to print at a later date, or
import to a word processor, type the letter 'F'. A window will appear for
you to enter a file name. The extension .PRN will be appended to this
filename. When importing this file to your word processor, be sure to
include the full filename, such as: FOOBAR.PRN.
4.12 RECONCILIATION OF ACCOUNTS:
When this option is selected, the following message will be displayed:
"Have All Statements Been Printed For The Previous Month (YES/NO) ?"
This is to remind you that all statements should be printed for the attorney
and checked before reconciling. If you are satisfied that all statements
have been previously completed then answer YES to continue.
The following actions will then be performed in the order shown:
1 - BACKS UP ALL DATA DATAFILES:
Chapter 4. SLIPS 40
Asks you to insert a diskette in the appropriate disk drive. A prompt with
the default "A" drive appears. Press [Enter] to accept or type "B" if you
prefer.
2 - CREATE ARCHIVE STATEMENT FILE:
Then, automatically makes an archive file of all statements that have been
prepared during the previous month for the selected attorney or firm. The
filename will be in the form "mmmyyxxx.PRN". Where 'mmm' is the month
abbreviation, 'yy' represent the current year and 'xxx' are the attorney's
initials.
month year attorney's initials
\\ \\ ///
\\ \\ ///
JUN 93 xxx.PRN
If this is a single practice or professional group, the last three characters
will contain the initials of the posting attorney.
Archive statement files allow you to keep an electronic 'copy' of each
statement that can be loaded into any text editor such as WordPerfect (tm)
and edited or re-printed at a later date.
These two file steps insure redundancy protection of your slip and statement
history. Further record keeping action would be to maintain a paper copy of
each statement either by copy machine or enabling the "Print Duplicate Copy"
flag in the Default section of the program.
3 - AGING OF ACCOUNTS:
Aging is performed on each account for the selected attorney. This reconcile
action takes a few seconds and if necessary, will add optional interest to
any past due account and then position balances into their prospective
Current, 31-60, 61-90 and Over 90 day delinquency.
4 - PURGE SLIPS:
All slips created to date for the selected attorney are purged. This process
will insure a manageable slip file and prevents it from ballooning into a
storehouse mixed with now outdated information causing unnecessary loss of
data storage space on your hard disk and slowing down normal processes on
current data.
The design of this program recommends that you close each month in an
expedient manner. It is expected that you preview, edit and prepare all
statements at the end of the current month after the last slip has been
entered for that month. Once you are assured the statements are correct and
ready for mailing, then on the FIRST day of the new month answer "YES" to the
prompt message:
"Have All Statements Been Printed For The Previous Month (YES/NO) ?"
If you have not completed the previous month's statements or do not wish to
reconcile your accounts and archive at this time, answer NO.
Chapter 4. SLIPS 41
NOTE: If you performed this option by mistake or wish to return to the
current state before reconciling, select 'Restore Bill Data' from the Utility
Menu and use the newly created archive disk.
Chapter 5
DATABASE UTILITIES
5.1 DATABASE RECORD MAINTENANCE:
Legal Time & Billing provides various utilities and record maintenance
options to insure the size and integrity of your data.
Position the light bar over the 'Utilities' option of the Main Menu and press
[Enter] to display the Utility Menu.
┌──────────────────────┐
│ Utility Menu │
│ ──────────────────── │
│ Rebuild Indexes │
│ Pack Databases │
│ Fix Databases │
│ Backup Bill Data │
│ Restore Bill Data │
│ Stats │
│ Export Bill Data │
│ Print Calendar │
│ Re-Total Balances │
│ Append Slip Data │
│ Append LCM Data │
│ Main Menu │
└──────────────────────┘
5.2 REBUILD INDEXES:
Position the light bar over the 'Rebuild Indexes' option and press [Enter].
All the database files of Legal Time & Billing will be re-indexed. This
option is selected whenever any of these indexes become corrupted due to a
power failure or any other system failure that could cause a failure for the
program to properly find a selected record.
42
Chapter 5. DATABASE UTILITIES 43
5.3 PACK DATABASES:
Position the light bar over the 'Pack Databases' option and press [Enter].
This option will pack (remove) all records from the database you have
previously selected for deletion.
5.4 FIX DATABASES:
Position the light bar over the 'Fix Databases' option and press [Enter].
This option will usually fix a corrupted DBF file.
5.5 BACKUP DATA FILES:
Position the light bar over the 'Backup' option and press [Enter].
This option allows you to backup all of the Legal Time & Billing database
files to a floppy disk. It is recommended you perform this task on a regular
basis. This function is automatically used during reconciliation.
5.6 RESTORE DATA FILES:
The 'Restore' option allows you to restore your backup disks in the event it
becomes necessary.
5.7 STATISTIC SCREEN:
Position the light bar over the 'Stats' option and press [Enter]. A screen
will appear showing all of the Legal Time & Billing data files with total
number of records in each plus remaining disk space. Press the [Esc] key to
return to the Utility Menu.
Chapter 6
MISCELLANEOUS
6.1 CALCULATOR:
A calculator is available at anytime by pressing the [F9] key. When
activated, a calculator typical of the one you have on your desk will appear.
Operate it as you would any other. You can add, subtract, multiply and
divide. Pressing the [Esc] or [X] key will hide it from view. The
calculator may be used concurrently with other client or slip operations.
. Add - [+]
. Subtract - [-]
. Multiply - [*]
. Divide - [/]
. Number Keys - [0] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]
. Total - [Enter]
ACTIVE KEYS
. Exit - [X] or [Esc]
Move calculator left or right on the screen - [Left arrow] or [Right arrow]
Move calculator up or down on the screen - [Up arrow] or [Down arrow]
6.2 ORDER FORM:
a. Position the light bar over the 'Order' option of the Main Menu and press
[Enter].
If this is the unregistered version of Legal Time & Billing, an order form is
displayed for your convenience. To obtain a printed copy, make sure your
printer is on-line and press the [Shift] [PrtSc] keys simultaneously.
NOTE: On later keyboards only the [PrtSc] key need be pressed.
44
Chapter 6. MISCELLANEOUS 45
6.3 EXPORT BILL DATA
Enter filenames for client and slip export data files when requested. Any
program able to import dBASE compatible delimited files can use Legal Time &
Billing data.
6.4 PRINT CALENDAR:
If you have a laser printer installed, select this option to print a calendar
of the current month. This may be used to carry on your person as an
organizer to jot down appointments, etc.
Position the light bar over the 'Return To Main Menu' option as shown above
and press [Enter] to return to the Time & Billing Main Menu.
6.5 RE-TOTAL BALANCES:
When selected, the current slip data file will be re-calculated and all
client totals updated. This may become necessary if you changed data in
error while browsing the client or slip files or anytime totals become
corrupted.
6.6 APPEND SLIP DATA:
Some situations require several separate computers (non-network) entering
slip data wish to maintain a master database on one computer. Select this
option to append slip data from backup diskettes.
6.7 APPEND LCM DATA:
If you have the companion program Legal Case Management and wish to transfer
client data to the Legal Time & Billing database select this option.
6.8 USING THE TEXT EDITOR:
a. Position the light bar over the 'Text Editor' option of the Main Menu and
press [Enter].
A text editor screen will appear allowing you the basic features of word
processing to create, store, print and edit text such as letters, documents,
custom billing statements and memos.
The Editor Menu will appear as shown:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ EDITOR MENU : Get Save Delete Text Exit │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘
Chapter 6. MISCELLANEOUS 46
Get - Displays a list of files to edit.
Save - Save current document to disk.
Delete - Displays a list of files to delete.
Text - Return to the editor screen.
Exit - Return to the Main Menu
When the editor screen is active the following option keys are available:
F1 - Help
Esc - Display the Editor Menu
When the [F1] key is pressed, all of the edit commands will be displayed.
Pressing the [Esc] key will display the Editor Menu. The text editor was
added not to replace your standard word processor but to allow you to create
documents on the fly for those times when you need a quick and easy method to
write without having to leave this program.
6.9 STATUS SCREEN:
Position the light bar over the 'Status' option of the Main Menu and press
[Enter].
After a few seconds of calculation, a window will appear displaying the
current financial health of the selected attorney or firm.
6.10 HELP:
Position the light bar over the 'Help' option of the Main Menu and press
[Enter].
The message, "Send Reference Manual To Print Or Display On Screen (P/D)" will
appear. Press the [Enter] key to accept the default option "D" to display.
Else press the "P" key to print.
If you elect to print the Reference Manual, the message:
"Make sure printer is On with paper. Press Any Key or [Esc] to Abort..."
will appear. Press any key to commence printing, or press the [Esc] key to
abort and return to the Main Menu.
Chapter 6. MISCELLANEOUS 47
6.11 EXIT TO DOS:
a. Position the light bar over the 'Quit to DOS' option and press [Enter] to
exit the program.
Chapter 7
APPENDIX
7.1 KNOWN PROGRAM ABNORMALITIES AND FIXES:
CONFIG.SYS File:
Before you can use Legal Time & Billing you must check for a CONFIG.SYS file
in the root directory of the start-up disk or your hard drive. This file
must contain a line that reads "FILES=30" or an equivalent line with a higher
number. It's easy to check for this file. At any DOS prompt type the
following:
TYPE C:\CONFIG.SYS [Enter]
If you receive a "file not found" message, you don't have this file and will
have to create one according to the directions below. If you do have one,
check for the "FILES=" line. If the number is 10 or higher, continue on to
the installation of Legal Time & Billing. If DOS replies with a "file not
found" message, if you do not have a FILES line, or if your "FILES=" number
is too small, please refer below, to Creating And Editing your CONFIG.SYS
file. Do not start the program until you have done so.
Creating And Editing Your CONFIG.SYS File:
The CONFIG.SYS file resides in the root directory of the disk you start your
computer from. Your computer reads this file every time you turn it on. In
order for Legal Time & Billing to function correctly, we must be sure that
the necessary parameters exist in this file. If you use MS or PC-DOS 5.0 or
higher (type VER and press [Enter] at the DOS prompt to be sure), simply type
EDIT and the file name at the DOS prompt (example:EDIT \CONFIG.SYS). This
will run the DOS editor to edit the file. If you have a previous version of
DOS, use the COPY CON commands listed below.
If you received a "file not found" message, you may not have such a file and
will have to create one according to the directions below. If you have do
one, check for the "FILES=" line. If the number is 30 or higher, that is
alright. If not, copy all the lines except the "FILES=" line from that file,
type the following carefully at the DOS prompt:
COPY CON C:\\CONFIG.SYS [Enter]
FILES=10 [Enter]
After pressing the first [Enter], the cursor will simply drop to the left
most column in the next line. Users who wrote down any additional lines from
48
Chapter 7. APPENDIX 49
the existing CONFIG.SYS file should now type in those lines very carefully.
If you make a mistake, please proceed immediately to the directions below,
and start over from the beginning.
After typing in the lines as instructed above, press Function key F6. A ^Z
will appear on the screen. Next press [Enter]. DOS will respond with a "1
file copied" message and return you to the DOS prompt. To make the changes
take effect, reboot your system by pressing CTRL-ALT-DEL (all three keys at
the same time). You're now ready to use the program, or begin installation.
Failure to have a CONFIG.SYS file with the proper FILES will produce a
typical error message shown below when attempting to run the Legal Time &
Billing program:
"Proc DA_USE line 717, open error ltb-slip.DBF (4) Retry? (Y/N)"
Premature Page Ejection:
Some laser printers have a factory default setting of 60 lines per page. If
any of your statements or reports prematurely eject and print the last one or
two lines on a separate sheet, try following these steps:
If you have an HP DeskJet series printer, you can hardware select 66 lines as
default. Turn the printer off. Facing the front of the printer, tilt it
slightly upward and look below the paper storage bin. You will see two sets
of 8 dip switches. They should be factory set with all switches facing down.
With a sharp object such as a pen or toothpick, flip the two middle switches
up.
┌────────┐ ┌────────┐ u = switch up
│dddddddu│ │uddddddd│ d = switch down
└────────┘ └────────┘
Turn the printer on and use normally.
Most Laser series printers can also be set via a built in menu control
system. Consult your printer manual on how to default from 60 to 66 lines
per page or call your local printer dealer for support.
Printer Stops Before Printing All Statements:
HINT: Adding the line:
MODE LPT1:,,B (DOS 5.0 or greater)
or
MODE LPT1:,,P (DOS 4.0 or earlier)
to your AUTOEXEC.BAT file will eliminate printer hangups for those printers
that time-out during long printing sessions. Make sure the file MODE.COM is
in your path or root directory and the printer is on-line before turning on
the computer. If your printer is attached to parallel port 2, substitute
LPT2 for LPT1. Consult your DOS manual for more information.
When adding slips, the Action Code pick box never appears:
Chapter 7. APPENDIX 50
There is an Action Code number with a blank description. Select 'Default'
from the Main Menu, then 'Action Codes'. Find blank description and delete.
FROSTBYTE COMPANY LICENSE STATEMENT:
This software is protected by both United States Copyright Law and
International Treaty provisions. FrostByte Company grants you this license
and your continued use confirms your agreement. Therefore, you must treat
the software "just like a book," with the following single exception:
FrostByte Company authorizes you to make archival copies of the software for
the sole purpose of backing up your software and protecting your investment
from loss.
By saying 'just like a book', FrostByte Company means, for example, that the
software may be used by any number of people and may be freely moved from one
computer to another, so long as there is no possibility of being used at one
location while it's being used in another. This is just like a book that
cannot be read by two different people in two different places at the same
time; neither can this software be used by two different people in two
different places at the same time. The only exception is this program may be
used in one closed network site.
This agreement shall be construed, interpreted, and governed by the laws of
the state of Georgia and shall inure to the benefit of FrostByte Company its
successors, administrators, heirs, and assigns.
LIMITED WARRANTY:
Limited warranty on product disks. To the original buyer, FrostByte Company
warrants the disk or disks on which this product is recorded to be free of
defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of 90 days
from the purchase date. Any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness
for a particular purpose are limited in duration to the period of 90 days
from the date of purchase. Your sole and exclusive remedy in the event of a
defect in material or workmanship under normal use is expressly limited to
replacement of the defective item.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you might also have rights
that vary from state to state.
No warranty on product software or User Guide. Even though FrostByte Company
has tested the software and User Guide and reviewed their contents, FrostByte
Company and its distributors and dealers make no warranties, either expressed
or implied, with respect to the fitness for a particular purpose. The
software and User Guide are distributed solely on an as is basis. The entire
risk as to their quality and performance is with you. Should either the
software or User Guide or both prove defective, you (and not FrostByte
Company and its distributors and dealers) assume the entire cost of all
necessary servicing, repair, or correction. FrostByte Company and its
distributors and dealers will not be liable for direct, indirect, incidental,
or consequential damages resulting from any defects in the software or User
Guide, even if they have been advised of the possibility of such damages.
Chapter 7. APPENDIX 51
Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or
the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitations or exclusions might not apply to you.
COPYRIGHTS:
The manual and the software described in it are copyrighted with all rights
reserved. The manual or registered software may not be copied in whole or in
part, without written consent of FrostByte Company. You may not sell, rent,
lease nor transfer copies of the manual or registered software in any other
way without the prior written consent of FrostByte Company. The only
exception is software with the statement "UNREGISTERED - FEEL FREE TO
DISTRIBUTE THIS PROGRAM" in its title screen and accompanying documentation
file may be copied and distributed by any means, but can not be sold.
TRADEMARKS:
FrostByte Company and Legal Time & Billing are trademarks of FrostByte
Company. IBM is a trademark of International Business Machines Corp.
Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. All other trademarks
are acknowledged.
IN CASE OF DEFECTIVE DISKS:
If the disk or disks should fail within 90 days of purchase, please return
the original disk with proof of purchase for FREE replacement. After 90 days
from date of purchase, include $10 in U.S. funds for replacement.
You can obtain a replacement disk of the program by returning the defective
copy, with your proof of purchase to FrostByte Company, 3398 Sir Henry
Street, East Point, GA 30344.
Chapter 7. APPENDIX 52
DEFAULT ACTION CODES
NO. DESCRIPTION CATEGORY
=====================================================
. 500 Retainer on account Payment
. 501 Payment Payment
. 502 Credit Credit
. 504 Payment for Expenses Payment
. 506 Escrow Account Deposit Escrow
. 507 Escrow Account Disbursement Disburse
. 510 Trust Account Deposit Trust
. 511 Trust Account Transfer Transfer
. 512 Trust Account Refund to Client Refund
. 550 Court filing fees Expense
. 551 Document recording fees Expense
. 552 Title search fees Expense
. 553 Photocopies and reproductions Expense
. 554 Long distance telephone charges Expense
. 555 Fascimile charges Expense
. 556 Computer support service charges Expense
. 557 Bank service charges Expense
. 558 Messenger/delivery charges Expense
. 559 Travel charges Expense
. 560 Tolls Expense
. 561 Accomodations Expense
. 562 Express/overnight mail Expense
. 569 Miscellaneous charges Expense
. 600 Conference Service
. 601 Conference with client Service
Chapter 7. APPENDIX 53
. 602 Conference with adversary Service
. 605 Conference preparation Service
. 606 Conference review Service
. 610 Telephone conference Service
. 611 Telephone conference with client Service
. 612 Telephone conference with adversary Service
. 613 Telephone conference with court Service
. 615 Telephone conference preparation Service
. 616 Telephone conference review Service
. 620 Correspondence Service
. 621 Correspondence with client Service
. 622 Correspondence with adversary Service
. 623 Correspondence with court Service
. 625 Correspondence preparation Service
. 626 Correspondence review Service
. 628 Correspondence research Service
. 630 Court appearance Service
. 631 Court appearance Show Cause Service
. 632 Court appearance motion Service
. 633 Court appearance Status Conference Service
. 634 Court appearance Pretrial Conference Service
. 635 Court appearance preparation Service
. 636 Court appearance review Service
. 637 Court appearance Settlement Conf. Service
. 638 Court appearance municipal hearing Service
. 639 Court appearance trial Service
. 640 Pleadings Service
Chapter 7. APPENDIX 54
. 645 Pleadings preparation Service
. 646 Pleadings review Service
. 647 Pleadings planning Service
. 648 Pleadings research Service
. 650 Interrogatories Service
. 655 Interrogatories preparation Service
. 656 Interrogatories review Service
. 657 Interrogatories planning Service
. 658 Interrogatories research Service
. 660 Admissions Service
. 665 Admissions preparation Service
. 666 Admissions review Service
. 667 Admissions planning Service
. 668 Admissions research Service
. 680 Deposition Service
. 685 Deposition preparation Service
. 686 Deposition review Service
. 687 Deposition planning Service
. 688 Deposition research Service
. 690 Brief/Memorandum Service
. 695 Brief/Memorandum preparation Service
. 696 Brief/Memorandum review Service
. 697 Brief/Memorandum planning Service
. 698 Brief/Memorandum research Service
. 699 Miscellaneous Service
. 700 Real estate form Service
. 705 Real estate form preparation Service
Chapter 7. APPENDIX 55
. 706 Real estate form review Service
. 707 Real estate form planning Service
. 708 Real estate form research Service
. 710 Wills Service
. 715 Will preparation Service
. 716 Will review Service
. 717 Will planning Service
. 718 Will research Service
. 720 Trusts Service
. 725 Trust preparation Service
. 726 Trust review Service
. 727 Trust planning Service
. 728 Trust research Service
. 730 Taxation Service
. 735 Tax preparation Service
. 736 Tax review Service
. 737 Tax planning Service
. 738 Tax research Service
. 740 Corporate forms Service
. 745 Corporate form preparation Service
. 746 Corporate form review Service
. 747 Corporate form planning Service
. 748 Corporate form research Service
. 750 Partnership forms Service
. 755 Partnership form preparation Service
. 756 Partnership form review Service
. 757 Partnership form planning Service
Chapter 7. APPENDIX 56
. 758 Partnership form research Service
. 760 Business agreements Service
. 765 Business agreement preparation Service
. 766 Business agreement review Service
. 767 Business agreement planning Service
. 768 Business agreement research Service
. 800 Foreclosure Service
. 811 Returned Payment Check Debit
. 812 Returned Retainer Check Debit
. 840 Bankruptcy Service
. 880 Workers Compensation Service
Index 57
Abnormalities, 48 change status, 26
Action Codes Client No., 22
add, 17 company name, 23
categories, 17 contact name, 23
create, 17 create letter, 30
default list, 52 data screen, 21
definitions, 17 Default option screen, 31
delete, 17 default rate, 23
escrow account, 18 default status, 26
other professions, 17 delete, 27
trust account, 18 delete matter, 28
Aging Of Accounts, 40 escrow acct., 23
Append LCM Data, 45 FAX number, 23
Append Slip Data, 45 financial status, 24
Archive Statement File, 40 find, 25
Attorney FLAT FEE, 22
add name, 14 identification, 22
address, 15 INACTIVE, 22
rates, 14 initialize balances, 29
title, 15 initialize credits, 30
Backup Data Files, 43 interest value, 23
Balances matter, 23
re-total, 45 matter menu, 28
Browse matters, 27
alter field contents, 29, 30, memo, 24, 26
38 memo exist symbol, 26
slips, 37 menu, 21
Calculator, 44 multiple matters, 27
activate, 44 payment history, 26
active keys, 44 print data screen, 30
hide, 44 print envelope, 31
move, 44 print menu, 30
Calendar status pick box, 22
print, 45 telephone number, 23
Clear Field key, 26 trust acct., 23
Client update, 25
Client Options update matter, 28
client status, 31 CONFIG.SYS, 48
display options, 32 Date
display trust/escrow detail, 32 verification, 4
enumerate expenses, 32 Envelope Options
flat fee expenses, 32 attention line, 13
purge slip detail, 32 client address position, 13
slip detail, 32 enable, 13
statement, 31 feed pause, 13
total services, 32 return address, 13
total time, 32 return address position, 13
ACTIVE, 22 USPS Postnet Barcode, 13
add matter, 28 Export Bill Data, 44
address, 24 Financial Status Box, 24
auto-dial, 27 Fix Databases, 43
browse, 30 Help, 46
browse keys, 29 Hourly Rate
browse matters, 29 add, 16
change attorney, 25 delete, 16
Index 58
Letterhead Options wallpaper background, 6
centering, 11 Purge Slips, 40
comment message, 12 Re-Total Balances, 45
dunning message, 12 Rebuild Indexes, 42
enable, 11 Reconciliation Of Accounts, 39
header caption, 12 Reference Manual
position adjustment, 11 display, 46
row position, 11 print, 46
Main Menu, 19 Reports
Matter, 27 display, 38
add, 28 menu, 38
browse, 29 print, 38
browse keys, 29 Restore Data Files, 43
delete, 28 Sales Tax
description, 28 add, update, delete, 18
menu, 28 Screen
update, 28 Screen Colors
Memo Window, 24, 27 change, 18
abort, 27 monochrome, 18
checkmark symbol, 27 client data, 20
save, 27 slip data, 20
Menus Slips
billing, 38 action code, 33
client, 21 activate timer, 34
client edit, 25 add, 33
default, 16 add escrow deposit, 35
editor, 45 attorney pick box, 35
main, 19 bill date, 34
matter, 28 browse, 37
print, 30 change, 36
report, 38 change attorney, 36
slip, 33 client code, 33
slip edit, 37 create escrow disburse, 36
utility, 42 create trust transfer, 36
New Client Default, 14 data screen, 33
Pack Databases, 42 delete, 37
Printer Options disburse from escrow, 35
feed source, 8 edit menu, 37
printer, 8 find, 36
printer port, 8 hourly rate, 34
single sheet printer, 8 matter, 34
Program Options menu, 33
action codes, 6 narrative, 35
auto correction, 6 purge, 40
background color, 6 transfer from trust, 35
date format, 7 update, 36
display previous slip data, 7 Statement Options
enable action code pick list, 6 biller initials, 10
enable confirm, 7 center heading, 10
enable shadow effect, 7 client account no., 9
enable sound, 5 duplicate copies, 9
firm or single practice, 6 enable invoice no., 10
monetary symbol, 7 matter caption, 9
phone dialer, 6 matter prefix, 9
professional title, 5 position client address, 10
Index 59
slip body row, 10
slip date column, 10
slip date order, 10
slip order by D/C/A, 9
time format, 10
Statements
billing menu, 38
client pick box, 39
display, print, file, 39
filename, 40
multiple matters, 39
prepare, 38
print all, 39
print single, 39
reconsiliation, 39
Statistic Screen, 43
Status Screen, 46
System Requirements, 2
Telephone, 27
Text Editor, 31, 45
custom bills, 35
function keys, 46
menu, 45
Timer
activate, 34
display amount, 34
hide amount, 34
stop, 34
update display, 34
Utilities
backup data files, 43
database, 41
export bill data, 44
fix databases, 43
menu, 42
pack databases, 42
rebuild indexes, 42
restore data files, 43
statistic screen, 43