Overtech Wiki

Information for users Main Help Topics An alphabetical list of the main help topics in ContactsLaw.   Frequently Asked Questions We maintain a list of frequently asked questions (also known as an FAQ) for the product.   Tips and Tricks Contains useful advice for working efficiently and effectively using ContactsLaw.   Known Issues Describes the current known issues with the product.

ContactsLaw is a client/server system that utilises current technologies such as Microsoft Windows, SharePoint and SQL Server and integrates tightly with other desktop applications such as Outlook, Word and Excel. The latest version of the product is fully compatible (and tested) with both Windows XP and Windows Vista and current versions of Microsoft Office.

Database driven

At the heart of ContactsLaw is its sophisticated relational database. Everything is stored in a single SQL database where all of the Practice's information is secure, complete and backed up. All users have access to up-to-the-minute data, and nothing is hidden away on individual PCs.

Information that ContactsLaw stores includes:

• Details of every contact (individual and entity) with whom the Practice interacts.
• Every document (including e-mails and attachments) that it receives or create.
• Files including practice administration files (paper-based and electronic).
• Time spent on file-related matters including telephone calls, research, drafting, conferences and court appearances.
• Fixed-charge activities (eg searches, photocopying and ordering bank cheques).
• Contacts' bank account details.
• All trust and general ledger transactions.
• Departments and workgroups.
• Document templates (precedents) – both for general use and those for specific workgroups.
• Cases and other research materials.
• User-defined tasks and workflows.
• Your practice’s management policies and permission levels.
• BSB, account and BPay numbers.

Key features

• Time recording
• Telephone integration
• Document registration
• Activities and workflows
• Task list
• Trust accounting system (2009-compliant)
• General accounting system (customised for law firms)
• Billing and cost recovery

ContactsLaw also comes with a number of optional plug-in modules and provides a platform for third-party plug-ins.

ContactsLaw philosophy

To really get the most from ContactsLaw, you need to be prepared to take the time to customise the system to suit your practice. You must always enter data as accurately, consistently and completely as possible and take the time to learn to use the software correctly. Users should avoid 'workarounds' and shortcuts when more useful constructs are available.

Technical information

ContactsLaw is developed using cutting-edge software technologies. Built on Microsoft's .NET Framework, ContactsLaw's development following RAD principles, making it is easy to maintain, highly configurable and designed to work the same way on a variety of different hardware and software environments (including Windows XP and Vista). Overtech is able to respond quickly to error reports and change requests, and we are committed to the ongoing development of the product, utilising feedback from users at every step of the way.

The client-side application is deployed via Overtech's own DDM system, while the server-side compontents include an SQL database and a SharePoint document library.

Application features

• Search window including ABR and transaction searches
• Support for managing multiple business (sudsidiary companies)
• Recently used contacts, files and documents
• Tabbed navigation to help you multi-task
• Clickable links to help you navigate
• Extremely configurable workflows
• Consistent appearance and modern user interface design
• Integration with Microsoft Outlook
• Interoperability with other software systems; e.g. Softlog