The By Lawyers matter plan includes links to all the necessary letters, precedents, and forms, with integrated links to relevant commentary. Matter plans offer firm wide consistent matter management, problem solving, and risk management.

This means:

• Practitioners will never have to spend time searching for a precedent again – the precedent is right there where they need it when they need it.

• Precise answers can be found quickly and easily as commentaries and reference materials are presented in a logical order within the matter itself.

• Users can access as much or as little research as needed, with the ability to easily navigate to the commentary and precedents required.

• Nothing is missed – every detail is laid out clearly, concisely, and sequentially.

The matter plan system is designed to increase a team's productivity by organising the information in an intuitive and easy to use format.

It is also designed to minimise risk by ensuring every step of every matter is considered and that every team member is following best practice and has ready access to the resources they need to complete a matter meticulously.

All areas of law are broken down into relevant matter plans. So, for example, for family law there are four matter plans:

1. Dissolution

2. Relationship Property Division

3. Parenting

4. Relationship Property Agreements

Each matter plan typically starts with the folder ‘Getting the matter underway’. It contains everything required to get a matter started, along with precedents such as a File Cover Sheet, Retainer Instructions, a To Do List and initial letters, conflict of interest, client details, verification and source of funds check. It then proceeds through the logical sequence of the matter.

For example, the Family law publication Parenting might then address Initial Considerations for Parenting Orders, Settling it Early, Child Support, Relocation and Travel and so on through to Going to Court. Each matter plan concludes with a ‘Finalisation’ folder containing precedents such as finalisation letters, example invoices and a file closing checklist.

The matter plan is designed to assist every member of the team, Senior staff can easily access the research information within the commentaries and also quickly and easily use the letters and precedents provided. Work is also easily delegated to support staff secure in the knowledge that clear instructions are provided and can be followed.

This clear structure is a very useful risk management tool and essential to the efficient operation of daily practice.