Case management software is an essential tool for legal professionals to manage their cases efficiently. Rolling forward a Caseware file from one year to another is a common task that requires accuracy and efficiency. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to roll forward a Caseware file for maximum efficiency and productivity.

Understanding the Roll Forward Process:

The roll forward process involves transferring all data from one case management year to another, ensuring that the new year starts with accurate information. It is necessary to maintain an up-to-date and accurate record of cases, which is essential for effective case management.

Step 1: Create a New Case Management Year:

To roll forward a file, create a new case management year by going to "Settings" on your Caseware dashboard and selecting "Case Management Settings." Then click on "Year Setup" and follow the prompts to set up a new case management year. Ensure you choose the correct start and end dates for the new year.

Step 2: Review and Clean Up Old Data:

Review and clean up old data before rolling it forward by identifying any unnecessary or outdated information in the current case management year and deleting it. Only roll forward accurate and relevant data to maintain an up-to-date record of cases.

Step 3: Roll Forward Data:

Roll forward remaining data to the new case management year by going to the "Cases" tab on your Caseware dashboard and selecting "All Cases." Then click on "Mass Roll Forward" and follow the prompts to roll forward the data. Select the correct case types to roll forward, as rolling forward the wrong case types can lead to errors and inconsistencies in your case management system.

Step 4: Verify Data Accuracy:

Verify the accuracy of rolled-forward data by going to the "Reports" tab on your Caseware dashboard and running a report to ensure that all data has been rolled forward correctly. If you identify any discrepancies or errors, use Caseware’s built-in tools to correct them before they become an issue.

Case Study: Rolling Forward Data in a Law Firm

A law firm specializing in personal injury cases used Caseware for several years and recently completed its cases for the current year. Before rolling forward data to the new year, the firm reviewed all cases and cleaned up any unnecessary or outdated information. Next, the firm used Caseware’s mass rollover feature to transfer all relevant data to the new case management year. The process was straightforward, and the firm completed it in minutes. After rolling forward the data, the firm ran a report to verify its accuracy and found that all data had been transferred correctly.

Conclusion:

Rolling forward a Caseware file may seem daunting, but with the right tools and processes in place, it can be done quickly and efficiently. By following the steps outlined in this article, legal professionals can ensure their case management system remains up-to-date and accurate, which is essential for effective case management.