This article shows how to add a new Client or Matter within Unity® Accounting

Steps to add a new client or matter

1. Select "Clients & Matters" and click on "New Client"

2. In the "General Information", select if the client is an individual or a company

3. Client Number - Enter the next client number, it will be automatically popping up if under Global settings automatic client numbering is checked.
4. Client Number - The client number can be changed while adding new client. Client number can be 12-digit long.
5. Matter Number - Enter the matter number which can be 6-digit long.
6. Date Opened - Select or Enter the date of opening the client.
7. Client/Matter Name - Enter the Client Name.
8. Client/Matter Name - In case Create Conflict Database in Global Settings is enabled then client/matter name will be checked for a potential conflict.  If there is no conflict, press Enter to continue.
9. Title - Select the Title and enter the name of the "Primary Contact" of the client.
10. Matter Description - Enter the matter description in detail, this description is shown on the bills and reports.
11. Mailing Address - Enter the mailing address which includes the name of the person and the full address including Province and the Postal Code.
12. Type of Law - Enter or Select the Type of Law.
13. Responsible Lawyer - Enter or Select the Responsible Lawyer.
14. Enter or Select the originating and assigned lawyer or assigned assistant. This field is not mandatory.
15. Contact Details - Enter the relevant Contact details.
16. Click on the next tab "Additional Information" of the Client and Matter.

17. Opposing Lawyer - Enter the name of the opposing lawyer and the opposing party name if any.
18. TAX Settings - Select the Province for the tax setting of the client and if GST and PST are levied in that province.
19. Client / Matter Documents Folder - Documents can be attached to the client file using the Client/Matter Document folder.
20. Identification and Verification - In case client is exempt from identification and verification, check the box under Identification and Verification.
21. Click on the next tab "Billings and Statements Settings" where bill rates can be defined for a client. New rates can also be set per lawyer.
22. Billing Address - In case the billing address is same as mailing address, check the checkbox of Same as Mailing address as this address will show on the bill.
23. e-Bill Settings - can be done for sending the bills, receipts and the statement of accounts by email to the client.
24. Distribution of Billed Fees and Receipts - Distribution of statement setting and billed fees and receipts settings can be done.

25. Click on the next tab "Conflict Information" where conflict Information can be added for a client or matter by clicking on Add Conflict Information and filling up the form.

Tips

• For addition of New Lawyers, refer to How to enter new lawyer.
• For Tips on Global Settings, refer to the manual. Remember a client can have the default rate, optional rate, custom rate as per the lawyer or the custom flat rate set up for one client.
• To add a new matter for the same client, select the client from the list in clients and Matters, click on New Client/Matter in Clients and Matters and select New Matter for Selected Clients and follow the same instructions above with the exception that the Client Number cannot be changed here.
• Enter the last name first to search clients/matters alphabetically.