PCLaw

Forums Closing effective November 30, 2012

Thomas L. Rowe, Esq. (Tom) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 15:55:56 GMT

For the past decade, Time Matters Certified Independent Consultants (CICs) have administered and moderated this forum for providing solutions to Time Matters, Billing Matters, and PCLaw users' problems. It's been a great run, but even good things come to an end. Effective November 30th, we are no longer accepting posts to this community.

LexisNexis is now hosting a Law Firm Practice Management community that will serve the needs of Time Matters, Billing Matters, PCLaw and Juris users. To join, go to pmcommunity.lexisnexis.com. In the new community you can ask questions of the LexisNexis team, get answers from other users and CICs, submit your suggestions, access product help documentation and get the latest updates on product news and releases.

While the old forums will stay active as a "read-only" resource for a time, over 3,000 topics posted to the old forums have been copied to the new community. The old topics are all dated 10/1/2012 and are marked: Historical Forum Content. You can search using a single term or narrow your search using multiple words (not case-sensitive) in quotes, for example: “tm mobility”. There is a wealth of information in these posts.

Anyone can read and search the new Community without signing up, but we encourage you to sign up so that you, too, can post questions, ideas, and answers.

Wells and I want to thank all the CICs who have volunteered so much of their time to assist the end users, especially the CIC moderators. This has been an invaluable resource for many Time Matters, Billing Matters, and PCLaw users, and it would not have worked without their dedication to assisting our community of users.

We look forward to seeing you in the new LexisNexis Law Firm Practice Management Community. (pmcommunity.lexisnexis.com)

Wells Anderson and Tom Rowe
CICs and Forum Administrators

Editing G/L template

Grinestein — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 15:03:09 GMT

Can anyone tell me how to edit a General Ledger template to change where it pulls the explanation from? When I enter a new payable, it uses the top explanation in my current report, even though I may allocate the payable to different G/L accounts and put different explanations for each G/L in the middle section.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Add Lawyer Category in PCLaw

Faisal — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 09:13:19 GMT

Dear All,

As we know that by default PCLaw provide lawyer category like this :

Senior Partner
Partner
Jr Partner
Associate
Paralegal
Time Keeper
Law clerk
Student

And this categorization has implication in sorting of many PCLaw report (Prebill, time summary, etc).

The question : is it possible to add or change/edit these lawyer category ? I want to change the lawyer category like this :

Senior Partner

Partner

Jr Partner

Senior Assosciate

Associate

Jr Associate

Paralegal

Time Keeper

Law clerk

Student

How do I add new lawyer category like above in PCLaw?

FYI I'm using PCLaw 8.2c with peer2peer mode.

Any solution is appreciated.

Best,

Time reduction

Kris L — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 18:08:52 GMT

I need a report (or combination) for time reduction by client, then timekeeper. I do not want the time reduction kept as WIP or to show on the invoice. What is the most efficient way to do this? Thanks -

Kris Losee

New Orleans, LA

Convert to SQL?

SysFailure0x5a — Mon, 23 Jul 2012 01:08:47 GMT

I searched the forums, so excuse me If I missed something. I also read the article on the PCLaw website to convert to SQL. But it does not work.

I have tried on both PCLaw 11 Pro and PCLaw 12 Pro. When I run PLSCNV32.EXE it tells me the books are already in CTREE format!

"THIS SET OF BOOKS IS ALREADY IN THE FORMAT SPECIFIED BY THE PRODUCT KEY (CTREE)"

I was under the impression the new versions supported SQL by default... What do I have to do to get the data into SQL format. Also, will it cost additional money?

Fee Allocation

Gerri Martin — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 21:58:02 GMT

My client wants two different types of fee allocations. One is the Matter Introducing Attorney. That attorney gets 30% of fees. Then we want to allocate the remaining 70% among the working attorneys. The catch is that the percent they receive is not based on their proportionate share of the bill but rather by the classification. For example, if you are a working partner, you get 20% of the 70%, if you are an associate you get 30% of the 70%, and paralegals get 20% of the 70%.

I cannot figure out a way to do this in PC Law. Any suggestions.

Template Spacing

Scott W. — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 13:35:55 GMT

We are using SQL 11.0. Our issue is the spacing between date entries on our invoices. If the description is only one line, there is a space between it and the next entry. However, if the description is more than one line, there is no space between the entries. Any suggestions on how to edit the template to add a space when the description is two or more line? Thanks.

Templates & Token Definitions

MLF — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:36:59 GMT

In response to my request for a list of definitions of the tokens available in Template Editor, I am advised by PCLaw support that

"Unfortunately, no such list exists. We suggest contacting a Certified Independent Consultant for assistance customizing your template(s)."

This is great news for CIC's, but not so much for new users seeking documentation and/or assistance.

I have experience in designing templates in several other software programs and believe I could handle custom billing templates for my small law firm.

Does anyone have such a definition list available? (Mind boggling that it is not available from the software source.)

Billing for a major client

Lisa Elliot — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:38:53 GMT

We have a new client for whom we are billing a flat rate per month for all of their matters (there will eventually be a couple hundred matters). The lawyers want two separate clients for two different types of matters, all to be billed under the one monthly retainer fee. Is there any way to do this, other than to charge a flat rate of $0.00 for one client and the retainer fee for the other? I seem to recall something called "master client" in an older version, but I don't see anything like that now. Using v. 11.0 SP2. Thanks for any suggestions.

PCLaw Problems

Virginia Funderburgh — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 22:12:16 GMT

Has anyone had a problem with billing in PCLaw not applying payments? I have used the program since 1999 and suddenly the network is slow; even though I have purged entries each month. Running xp on desktop and data resides on Server with Windows 2003.

Bill created, payment received... How to a create a new bill to reflect the payment?

Paul Ferreris — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:57:11 GMT

I received a payment on a bill that had already been created and the client is requesting a new bill. How do I create a new bill to reflect the payment and the actual new amount due?

Thank you,

Paul

Refunding Paid Fees

Cheryl Diehl — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:42:01 GMT

How do I refund fees to a client for an invoice that was paid and is in a closed month?

Currently running v11.0 SP1

V10 conversion and Word 2007 template errors

Ralph — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:01:27 GMT

When we converted to V10 many of our templates did not work properly. And when we convert to Word 2007 we get multiple errors. We have tried making adjustments to the templates but still get errors. Do we have to create all new templates? That is not practical, we have about 12 billing templates that took ages to create.

Time listing report does not show explanation

Marek Modzelewski — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 15:56:34 GMT

Our firm upgraded to PCLAW version 11.0 SP1. Since then, the time listing report does not show time entries in explanation line, even though the template is set to show the explanation. Thank you.

Work In Progress Report Entries

Laura Evelle — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 22:29:54 GMT

Using PCLaw 11.0 there were time and disbursement entries on the work in progress report to be billed, that are now to be written off instead. I created bills for these charges (3 different matters and clients) and zeroed out the amounts to bill and charged the costs to bad debts accounts. Zero invoices were generated however I now have entries for the original time and disbursements and matching offsetting credit entries still sitting on the work in progress report. Is there any way to remove these offsetting entries from the report while retaining the trail on PCLaw?

Christine Elliott, Solicitor

Vancouver, BC

Alternate Billing Rates

Hassan Maje — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 17:40:35 GMT

Can a matter that will be billed in phases/stages be assigned rates for each category of lawyer and for each stage?

For instance a matter will progress in stages and it has been agreed that in stage 1 our fees will be capped at a certain value. In stage 2 the partners will bill at a certain rate, associates will bill at a certain rate. In stage 3, the partners rates changes and also the associates rates changes.

How can the above billing arrangement be accomodated in PClaw?

Unable to print to PDF

Kent Umpenhour — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 14:38:49 GMT

New PC Law client, XP or Windows 7 machines, selecting print to PDF or Send as PDF within PC Law results in a "Not Found" with a reference to a pdf file in the users TEMP directory. Users are not restricted to that folder and are in the Local Administrators group. Have removed all Amunyi drivers prior to V 4.0 and still happens.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Mass billing

Lisa Elliot — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 12:51:41 GMT

PC Law v. 10, SP5, HF3

While I am doing my monthly mass run of prebills, I am trying to work in other programs at the same time (usually Word or Outlook). Whenever the program flips to another client worksheet, the computer goes back to the PC Law screen. Is there anything I can do to prevent this?

Select clients list

Lisa Elliot — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:29:33 GMT

When I'm choosing several clients to bill, I go to create bill, then the matter tab, then "selected clients." The list that pops up shows all my closed files along with active ones. Is there a way to get it to show only the open clients? PC Law v. 10.0 SP5, HF3

Copying Security Settings to another PCLaw Database

Hassan Maje — Thu, 12 May 2011 20:36:36 GMT

I need to set up security in PClaw for a particular database and in this regard I would have to set up users, Groups and then assign users to Groups and subject each user to advance security restrictions.

I want to save time without re-keying in a lot of information based on the security set-up of another set of books. I understand that different sets of books would have different variables such as timekeepers, bank accounts, etc but can “Groups” and “Users” be copied from one database to another without corrupting anything? Also, if possible can “Groups” and “Users” be copied from a C-TREE database on to a SQL database (on the same PCLaw Version)?

My idea is to set up Users and Groups on a different set of books (which already has most of the users and Groups – just some few changes to do). If I am able to copy these across then the only thing remaining would be Advanced settings for each user.

I am looking at the STATDATA folder and I can see the following files which I suspect may have a role to play in what I am trying to achieve:

Usergrp – DAT file
Usergrp.idx – IDX file
Pcgroup – DAT file
Pcgroup.idx – IDX file
Pcuser – DAT file
Pcuser.idx – IDX file

Any thoughts would be helpful.

Merge two solo practices both using PCLaw

r_howard@conknet.com — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 15:11:58 GMT

I have used PCLaw for 20 years, solo with three timekeepers. I am forming a partnership with another solo practice who has used PCLaw for two years for her LLC. Assuming the same build on both of our programs, is there a white paper on how our information could be combined into one of our packages, at least active file information. Or any other guidance or tips?

Bank Balances Not Matching

Cheryl Diehl — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:07:59 GMT

General Bank Journal for February has a closing balance of one amount, General Bank Journal for March has a beginning balance of a different amount. If I run a General Bank Journal from February 1st thru March 15, the ending balance is different than if I run a report from March 1st thru March 15.

Does creating entries with multiple allocations cause problems in PClaw?

Hassan Maje — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 08:15:21 GMT

I am just thinking aloud here. We ahve a firm that is a very busy office and they process entries - cheques, T-G Transfres, New Payables, etc that would have multiple allocations - at many times up to 200-250+ allocations.

Can such type of regular data entry be the cuase of imbalances in the accounts figures/corruption?. The firm is on an SQL environment.

Are there firms out there with similar volume and on SQL and if so what sort of issues do they face if any?

Hassan

WARNING - PCLaw and Internet Explorer 9

Loretta — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 22:05:30 GMT

Technical Support Bulletin

PCLaw and Internet Explorer 9

March 11, 2011

Based on our extensive testing of the Microsoft® Windows® Internet Explorer® 9 release candidate, PCLaw® v10 Service Pack 5 (SP5), HotFix 3 (HF3) is compatible with Internet Explorer 9.* We expect Microsoft to make Internet Explorer 9 commercially available starting at 12:00am Eastern Daylight Time on Tuesday, March 15, 2011.

Additionally, PCLaw v11—when released during Q2 2011—will also be compatible with Internet Explorer 9.

CAUTION:

Prior versions of PCLaw are not compatible with Internet Explorer 9. Operating these versions of PCLaw with Internet Explorer 9 on the same computer will render PCLaw inoperable. These versions of PCLaw include:

· PCLaw v10 SP1, SP2, SP3, SP4 and SP5 with HF 1 or HF2

· PCLaw v9

· PCLaw v8

· Currently unsupported versions of PCLaw, e.g. PCLaw v7 and earlier

RECOMMENDED ACTION:

We recommend that you take the following actions to resolve the issue:

· Upgrade to PCLaw v10 SP5 HF3 before upgrading to IE 9. Click here for upgrade instructions.

AND/OR

· Uninstall IE 9, which will automatically re-set the web browser to the previously installed version on the machine. No re-installation of Internet Explorer or PCLaw will be required. We strongly recommend that customers install Internet Explorer 8, if they are not currently using it, after uninstalling version 9. Click here for IE 9 uninstallation instructions from Microsoft.

Note: Customers who choose to “roll back” to a previous version of Internet Explorer need to make sure they are on a version supported by PCLaw. Click here to see the supported browsers for PCLaw. Consistent with our support policy, we are discontinuing support for Internet Explorer 6, effective immediately.

FOR ASSISTANCE:

PCLaw Annual Maintenance Plan Holders

For assistance resolving the issue, please visit the PCLaw Support Center, contact your LexisNexis Certified Independent Consultant or LexisNexis Technical Support at 800 387 9785.

NOT ON A PCLAW ANNUAL MAINTENANCE PLAN?

Click here to see the benefits of being on an Annual Maintenance Plan. Contact LexisNexis at 888 508 2691 to reactivate your plan.

* Assuming no change is made to the release candidate by Microsoft before commercial availability.

duplicate copies of invoices

Lisa Elliot — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:44:41 GMT

My system recently started doing something strange. Whenever I print (or recreate) a bill, it prints two copies: one with the correct template and one with a different template. It only does it for clients/matters I have opened recently (probably within the last month). I am on v. 10.03a. I haven't changed anything and can't find anything in the client/matter settings that is different from any other client or matter. Does anyone know what the problem might be?