PA 321PA 321TIME, BILLING AND RECORDS TIME, BILLING AND RECORDS

MANAGEMENTMANAGEMENT Unit 2 Seminar

Software as a Tool in Cost Tracking

What problems are you

having with AbacusLaw, if any?

Any other problems with the course so far?

What are some of the cost tracking features of AbacusLaw?

AbacusLaw Billing: time and costs Lets you bill hourly, flat,

etc. Breaks down costs:

– Hard costs– Soft costs

Now that you’ve used it, what do you like about it? What do you dislike about it?

What are some of the cost tracking features of Timeslips?http://www.timeslips.com

The Time Sheet Slip Entry method enables timekeepers to track their time for a given week using a familiar spreadsheet format. Timekeepers can use the Time Sheet Slip Entry dialog box to review slip totals or to enter time directly in a cell to create new slips. The detailed slip entry dialog box can be opened from the Time Sheet Slip Entry screen for additional editing.

The Intuitive Bill Design Tool displays a full bill on screen that can be easily customized by dragging and dropping the required fields onto the bill. With one-click access, changes to the bill can be reviewed. Timeslips supports the creation of a unique format for each client that is billed.

The report wizard assists in the selection and generation of Timeslips reports.

What are some of the cost tracking features of

Billing Matters?

(LexisNexis product, combined with TimeMatters): Centralized billing and payables process manager Customize pre-bill layouts to show exactly the

data you need to review and approve invoices Can integrate with Windows Automatically will e-mail invoices

Billing Matters continued …………………

Easily generates a multitude of standard billing and

accounting reports using various filters and sorts,

including a client ledger report; a billing history

report; and productivity and profitability reports.

Simplifies trust account management with features

like matter-to-matter fund transfer and negative trust

balance compliance. Use the receipt allocation

reports to display receipts by originating and billable

staff.

Any questions so far?

Litigation support software (CaseMap, SmartDraw)

Used during trial to display documentary evidence, graphic presentations, and simulations of accident cases

Kitchen

Husband Mac found dead in pool of blood due to knife wounds

bathroom

livingroom

Baby Joe's crib, baby missing

Mac and Judy's bed

Bedroom

Master bath

scaledouble sinks

showertub

Garage

security alarmsystem-not working

sliding glass doorsto patio

Skull found in shallow holein backyard

1. Develop a theory for this case2. List the direct evidence3. List the real evidence4. List the circumstantial evidence

bloodyglove

brokenglass

blood spill

wallet and pearl necklace on floor

coffee cup

Fingerprints

towelon floor

skimask

car seen speeding away

syringe

marijuana growing in backyard

D

CRIME SCENE DO NOT CROSSCRIME SCENE DO NOT CROSS CRIME SCENE DO NOT CROSS

CaseMap (discussion board query this week)

Has anyone used this type of software in their office?

Portions of documents can be displayed as the witness testifies and identifies the document for everyone in the courtroom to see at the same time, without passing paper copies to everyone.

Lawyers can now rapidly search depositions and documents, sometimes in the tens of thousands of pages, on their laptop computer to find pertinent material for examination or cross-examination of witness.

Always have a backup plan or a Plan B – the litigation

team must always be prepared for these situations and be

able to effectively respond to them so that the matter at

issue may proceed as scheduled. What would be some

effective back up plans?    

Electronic courtrooms Has anyone been in one? http://

www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/SuperiorCourt/E-Courtroom/Index.asp

(link is on our Webliography)

Video cameras are activated by sound.

Microphones can detect the slightest whisper.

Flat screen monitors simplify evidence presentation.

Two-way video conferences allow court appearances from other locations around the country.

Touch-screen technology allows witnesses and attorneys to highlight exhibits on any screen image.

Jurors can view exhibits via flat screen

monitors or a projection screen in the E-Courtrooms.

Next Week: Unit 3E-discovery

Ethical issues related to e-discovery  In preparation for our seminar, review:

Zubulake v UBS Warburg LLC, 229  F.R.D. 422 (S.D.N.Y. 2004)

In re Seroquel Prods. Liab. Litig., 2007 WL 219989 (M.D.Fla. Jan 26, 2007)

Key Equipment Finance v. AmeriCap Credit, No. H-05-0585 (April 9, 2005) 

Use LexisNexis to locate these cases  Come prepared to discuss the facts,

issues and holdings of the cases. Be ready to address how these cases impact e-discovery and what these cases mean for paralegals in law offices