- As a classifier and categorisation mechanism for files.
- As a template to describe the semantics and behaviour of a file.
Classification
At the top level, The Practice is divided into a number of departments. Each department may, in turn, have several workgroups. A workgroup typically describes a specific area of law, or a 'product' (an umbrella term for the services and documents delivered during the lifespan of the matter).
Most reports in ContactsLaw can be broken down by department or workgroup.
Semantics and Behaviour
- Billing
Each workgroup controls the default billing scale, interest terms and bill format for files opened within it. For workgroups containing admin files, options can be set to suppress journals/fixed charges or charge time at zero value.
- Roles, Date Types & Fields
Each workgroup owns (or shares) a set of roles and date types. These are used to identify clients and other parties and to store key dates on the file (which can then be referenced in workflows, documents, etc). Additional user-definable fields can also be defined (see workgroup field).
- Document Types & Templates
Workgroups own/share document types and document templates, providing members with a tailored selection of documents and a sensible list of types for the purpose of document cataloguing.
- Permissions
Each workgroup can dictate a specific set of permissions for its files, enforcing privacy/sensitivity and supporting the division of labour within The Practice.