Using Matters or Sub-files attaches two numbers to a file: a Client Number and a Matter Number. One Client Number can then be followed but subsequent increasing Matter Numbers. These two numbers are then concatenated on the Clients & Matters summary screen to create the Client/Matter Number. Whenever a new matter file added, the client's information is automatically populated to new matter file.
E.g. Client Number: 1000
Client/Matter Numbers:
1000100 – 1st matter with client
1000101 – 2nd matter with client
1000102 – 3rd matter with client
Not using Matters or Sub-files results in matters only containing a Client Number and no Matter Number, with only one number showing on the Clients & Matters summary screen.
While Unity® Accounting has two modes depending upon whether the firm would like to use Matters or Sub-files, this option in Global Settings is greyed out as it cannot be toggled while data is present in the account. This option is only available when creating a new Unity® Accounting account that will have new data added manually.
Currently only data using Matters and Sub-files is migrated, using the Client number and Matter Number fields present in PCLaw (or any third party programs). If the firm has determined that it does not need Matter Numbers and only needs Client Numbers, it is possible to re-format the firm's data to reflect this, but this is a billable service performed by Unity® Accounting Support that can only happen after the launch migration. Please bring this to the attention of your Implementation Consultant, who will put in a request with Unity® Accounting Support for the firm.