A matter needs a clear name, client context, responsible team, practice or matter classification where the firm uses it, and the applicable fee arrangement. Add optional fields only when they drive work, access, billing, or reporting.
Matter templates can prebuild repeatable structure. They should reduce entry, not force irrelevant questions onto every lawyer.
- Confirm the client or contact and conflict status.
- Create the matter and choose the fee arrangement.
- Assign the responsible lawyer and working team.
- Add a workstream or apply a matter template when the work is repeatable.
- Record the first key date or next action.
Tasks and child tasks, documents and notes, conversations, calendar events, docket deadlines, expenses, time entries, fee milestones, and invoices should be created from or linked to the matter. This produces a defensible history without a separate daily status form.
The matter workspace and its Overview are the fastest place to understand what is active, late, complete, billed, or waiting.
Stages communicate operational state. Use them consistently and treat a stage change as a decision, not decoration. Workflow and permission settings may limit who can move or close a matter.
Before closure, review unfinished work, unbilled entries, open expenses, client money, unpaid invoices, documents, retention, and the final report.