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Like contacts, ContactsLaw files (matters) can be represented in XML form. The schema for files encompasses that for contacts, since a file will undoubtedly reference several contacts.
 
An XML document containing a file should be named with the .cl-filx extension. The document may contain only one matter, contained within the <file> element. At minimum, a client must be included within the document.
 
Each file contact may be either expressed in full (in a <contact> element, as outlined in the XML contact format) or by pointing to another fully-specified contact, using the <ref> element. In the latter case, the value of the <ref> element must match the value of the "id" attribute on one of the <contact> elements in the document.
 
The specification also allows an upfront bill and/or debtor receipt to be posted as part of the import process. This makes it possible to import pre-billed files from an online payment system (or similar).

Schema

The XML schema (which provides the structure, constraints and documentation for files represented in XML) can be downloaded from here:
http://download.overtech.com.au/schemas/XMLFile.xsd 

Package format

Building on the specification above, ContactsLaw offers an additional file format which encapsulates a matter and all of its documents into a single archive suitable for offline access. The "Offline matter format" uses the .cl-file extension and can be opened using the included ContactsLaw Viewer application.