In addition to
file creation, files can be imported into
ContactsLaw using the
File Import Wizard. The data required to create files may come from:
- A previous practice management system
- Another installation of ContactsLaw
- Information collected by another system (e.g. online payment system)
The supported formats/sources will vary, depending on the
plug-ins installed in your environment. Some plug-ins may allow you to browse for file(s) or drag-and-drop into the wizard, others may provide a special screen for selecting the matter(s) you want to import. You can import multiple files simultaneously, across several different sources.
Since a
file contains references to
contacts, the import process for a file will invariably include the creation of one or more contacts. The File Import Wizard will determine which contacts are required and start the
Contact Import Wizard accordingly. If any of the referenced contacts already exist in ContactsLaw, they can be used instead of creating duplicate contacts.
All of the fields available during ordinary file creation are available to imported files, however not all formats/sources will be able to populate the complete set. If any data must be manually provided, the importer will prompt for it. Some fields, such as the file manager or the
workgroup, must be matched to a corresponding item in ContactsLaw. If this lookup process fails, the importer will prompt for the correct value.
Prior to the completion of the import process, a summary of the files to be imported will be shown. This will include a link to the
client contact, the likely
file number (subject to change upon import) and the matter description.