Before creating a time entry or expense, you'll need a client and a matter on file in your LeanLaw.
How to create a client
1. Open the Clients page
Click the Client button on LeanLaw's navigation bar at the top of your page. This takes you to the Clients page.
2. Click Create Client
On the Clients page, click the green Create Client button in the upper left corner. This will open a client creation form.
3. Input the client's information
Fill out the relevant fields in the Create Client form with your client's information. If you enter an email address, LeanLaw can send your client invoices via email. On printed invoices, physical address information will be included. Other information, like the Client ID and phone numbers, will only be visible within LeanLaw.
4. Click Create Client
When you've entered your client's information, click the green Create Client button at the bottom of the window.
You now have a client to which you can assign matters.
How to create a matter
When you create a new client, LeanLaw automatically opens a matter creation form as well, bringing you instantly to step 3 below. This guide will show you how to add new matters to an existing client.
1. Open the Matters page
Click the button labeled Matters on LeanLaw's navigation bar at the top of your page. This will bring you to the Matters page.
2. Click Create Matter
On the Matters page, click the green Create Matter button in the upper left corner. This will open a matter creation form.
3. Input the matter's information
In the Create Matter window, enter the information for this matter by clicking each dropdown and assigning the relevant information. Be sure to hover your cursor over any blue and white question marks for helpful tips! Even more tips:
Responsible refers to the attorney overseeing the matter, sometimes also called the billing attorney.
Originating refers to the attorney(s) who brought the matter into the firm--LeanLaw can assign a percentage of the matter's compensation to originating attorney(s) based on the origination value you designate in your Reports Settings. Originating is an optional setting that many firms don't use.
Practice areas, such as family law, corporate law, etc., can be created in your firm's Practice Area Settings.
4. Click Create
To save your work, click the green Create button at the bottom of the window.
You now have a matter assigned to a client, which you can use to create time entries, expenses, fixed fees, and more!