The following types of contacts may be associated with a file:
- Parties
- Primary client
Every file must have a primary client, which determines the file number, scope and visibility of the file. Changing the primary client results in a different file number. Clients can (optionally) be assigned roles.
- Other client
A file can have as many other client contacts as necessary. These do not influence the classification of the file, but they do cause the file to appear at other scopes, as well as facilitiating document production. Other clients can (optionally) be assigned roles.
- Other party
An other party is any other contact (excluding judicial/member contacts) to whom a role is attached. Other parties are used heavily in document production. A party may have multiple roles, however they can only be represented in one capacity.
- Other party's representative
Each other party may be represented by another contact. A reference number may be included with the contact.
- File liaison
The liaison contact for a file applies when the primary client is an entity; this contact is an individual and is the first point-of-contact for correspondence relating to the matter. A liaison can also be added when the primary client is an individual (in cases where there is a different contact person). In the absence of a liaison, ContactsLaw will (in most cases) use the primary client.
- Bill-to
The bill-to contact is the contact to whom bills are issued. The bill-to contact's address is effectively the file's billing address.
- Court contacts
- Court/tribunal
For matters where a court is relevant, this contact represents the court.
- Judiciary
Represents a judiciary contact in a particular role on the file.
- Member
Represents a member in a particular role on the file (e.g. document manager).
- Third party
All other contacts relating to the file are termed third parties; they are mainly used to provide quick and easy access to communications.
The roles which can be assigned to contacts on the file are determined by the workgroup. If a role is removed from the workgroup, it will continue to appear on the file, but no new contacts may be added in that role.