Law Office Management Flashcards

What is a 'docket' in a law office?

Answer: A calendar system tracking deadlines and court dates for all active cases

A law office docket is a comprehensive case management calendar system that tracks all critical deadlines, hearings, filing dates, and appointments across all active matters.

What is a 'tickler system' in legal office management?

Answer: A reminder system that alerts staff to upcoming deadlines

A tickler system is an office management tool that generates reminders for upcoming deadlines, appointments, and tasks a set number of days before they are due.

What is 'time-keeping' software used for in a law firm?

Answer: Recording billable hours for client billing and attorney productivity tracking

Time-keeping software allows attorneys and legal staff to record billable time spent on client matters, which is used to generate invoices and track firm productivity.

What is a 'matter number' in law office practice?

Answer: A unique identifier assigned to each client case or legal matter

A matter number is an internal law firm identifier assigned to each client matter, used to organize files, track time, and generate bills.

What does 'conflicts of interest check' involve in a new client intake?

Answer: Searching firm records to ensure the new client doesn't conflict with existing clients

A conflicts check involves searching the firm's database to ensure that representing a new client would not create a conflict with current or former clients.

What is 'trust accounting' software used for in a law firm?

Answer: Managing client funds held in IOLTA and other trust accounts separately from firm funds

Trust accounting software helps law firms comply with bar rules by tracking client funds held in trust accounts and ensuring they remain separate from the firm's operating funds.