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In this issue of Just the Facts we explain how MasterFile lets you add affordable document management, case analysis, litigation support and self-managed e-discovery to practice management systems such as Time Matters, Amicus Attorney, Abacus Law, Practice Master, PC Law, etc..
Here's what we'll cover:
What is MasterFile?
Designed for small practices, MasterFile is the affordable, all-in-one alternative to CaseMap, Summation, Concordance and Worldox. Even if you're not a litigator, document management in MasterFile is reason enough to use it in your practice.
Click the buttons below to learn more about a specific area of MasterFile ...
Integrating MasterFile with your practice management system
How you choose to use MasterFile with your practice management system to organize and manage your documents and evidence depends on the number of documents a particular client and/or matter generates and your own policies. Surveys of MasterFile users have revealed 3 basic approaches:
- Create a new MasterFile database for every new file the firm takes on.
- Create separate MasterFile database for larger matters (over 100 work-product or evidentiary documents, e-mails, pleadings, etc.) along with one "Miscellaneous" database for each client for all their smaller matters as explained in our article "Merging many small case files into one MasterFile database".
- Keep documents for smaller matters in their practice management systems, migrating them to MasterFile as the file grows or if you need MasterFile's features such as case analysis, chronologies, evidence management, off-line mobile use, robust security, etc.
Regardless the approach you choose, connecting MasterFile document databases to your practice management system remains the same.
Each MasterFile database contains a "system document" dated 1 January, 1000. The document profile is visible in the document views under the document type "Database NDL" and author "MasterFile". The document attached to the profile is an NDL (Notes Database Link) file. Each NDL file is a type of short-cut file for the associated database and if "opened" from Windows Explorer, like a word processing or PDF file, the corresponding database is opened.
Practice management systems store client and/or matter documents in a common area on a shared server that all users can access. Some systems, like Abacus Law or Practice Master, actually leave the documents in the original directories where you saved your documents. Other systems copy the documents into the practice management system's own shared storage directory area. Regardless of which method your practice management system uses, we suggest you store all NDL files in a common directory on your shared server.
NDL files are automatically created and stored in a document profile when you create a new MasterFile database. In addition, the NDL file is also stored in a directory you can specify in "Notes Database Link (NDL) directory" option in MasterFile's "User Settings" dialog, shown below.
Set each MasterFile's "User Settings" to point to the shared NDL directory. If you're a standalone MasterFile user, simply designate a directory on your workstation. (NOTE: If an NDL file is deleted by mistake, either from MasterFile or from the NDL directory, the NDL will be recreated when the database is next opened.)
Linking your MasterFile databases to your practice management system is as simple as filing the NDL files as a new document of the relevant client and/or matter in your practice management system. When you need the documents for that client and/or matter, simply display the client/matter's documents tab in your practice management system. Only one "document" will be displayed -- the NDL file. "Open" the NDL document and appropriate MasterFile database with that client and/or matter's documents will be opened.
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 Learn more about MasterFile for litgators
10 reasons why CaseMap users are switching to MasterFile
Regular mail and new paper documents -- why conventional litigation support and document management systems are unsatisfactory.
See a day in the life of a lawyer using MasterFile
Client Intake -- Professional, practice area specific, intake forms for automated loading of case facts, document inventories and players.
Learn more
MasterFile's mobile user support is second to none with full, unrestricted mobile functionality -- even when disconnected.
Bi-directional synchronization keeps everyone, everywhere up to date.
Learn more
Evidence Cruncher -- Your Service Bureau in a Box. Bulk OCR and PDF conversion, Bates stamping, etc.
Learn more
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MasterFile: Single or Multi-user
Run MasterFile's state-of-the-art Case Analysis, Litigation Support and Document Management on your own server -- MasterFile is the best value in the industry.
Personal Edition
Designed and priced for solo practices ... if you don't need database sharing, this edition's for you! Make life easy!
Hosted Services
No server needed! MasterFile, support, upgrades and mobile access -- for only $2/day/user ... that's less than a cup of coffee!
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