AlphaLAW-Vantage Time Recording
Time Recording is a fully integrated component of AlphaLAW-vantage. It is possibly the most flexible and complete legal time recording system currently available. It will handle both private and Legal Aid work (Civil and Criminal).
Please note that the following list and descriptions are only a very brief overview of the main features and functions contained within AlphaLAW-Time Recording. Only by viewing and using the system can its full functionality and benefit be fully appreciated.
FEE EARNERS
- Up to one thousand fee earners may use the system.
- Each fee earner may have, together with name, status etc, their own cost rate. This is usually arrived at by use of the Law Society recommended 'Expense of Time' calculation.
- The 'units per hour' rate is also defined for each fee earner and may differ from one fee earner to another.
- Time budgets may be applied to each accounting period and to the year.
WORK TYPES
- Up to 200 work type descriptions may be specified.
- These may be chargeable, non-chargeable to client or non-chargeable to office, such as holidays, training, administration etc.
- A work type can also be identified as time or items. For example, letters can be set as items with a fixed charge against them.
CHARGE TABLES
- The time recording is based around multiple charge tables.
- Up to 100 separate charge tables may be defined.
- Multiple charge tables may be defined for private and legal aid work.
- In addition to the above, each fee earner can have their own unique private charge table.
RECORDING TIME
- Time may be recorded either in units or in minutes.
- Time records may be entered from a number of places within AlphaLAW-vantage.
- The first, and most basic, is via a batched time sheet. This is used when fee earners are recording their time on a time sheet and for subsequent entry into the system.
- If the fee earner Desk is being used, the fee earner has the option of dynamically recording time as they work. This is automatically posted to the time ledger.
- If Attendance Notes are being recorded, the fee earner is given the option to automatically record time taken for that activity.
- The AlphaLAW-vantage Case Manager has a number of automatic time entry functions. As well as being able to select and dynamically record time certain operations, such as producing a letter, it will automatically generate a time entry.
- If the e-mail function is used an automatically time entry can be generated
- A further option available is the use of hand held or PDA devices. These enable you to record time while away from your desk or office. Time entered into these devices can subsequently be down loaded into the time system.
- When entering time AlphaLAW-vantage will automatically select the required charge table. This can, of course, be overridden if required and another charge table selected.
REPORTING
- There is a very wide selection of standard reports available relating to time, work performance and profitability.
- These are based upon fee earner, department, branches and firm.
- Should you require a report that is not contained within this list you can use the Select Report Generatoror the Report Writer to produce your own unique report.