Task Codes

Task Codes in Juris assign specific codes to groups of time and expense entries, automatically inserting default narratives when selected and linking to Fee Schedules and Cross Reference Lists. The system allows users to find Task Codes, edit details, delete codes (with safeguards if referenced elsewhere), and create new Task Codes. This comprehensive functionality streamlines billing and budgeting workflows throughout the firm.

This article covers the following:

• Overview of Task Codes
• Find a Task Code
• Edit a Task Code
• Delete a Task Code
• Create a Task Code

Overview of Task Codes

Task Codes enable the coding of Time and Expense Entries using specific codes that represent groups of tasks. For example, you might use B100 for “Administration,” B110 for “Case Administration,” or B230 for “Financing/Cash Collections.” A default narrative can be assigned to each Task Code, which is then automatically inserted into the Time Entry narrative when the code is selected. Additionally, Task Codes can be linked to Fee Schedules and Task Code Cross Reference Lists.

The use of Task Codes is optional and determined in the Firm Options under the Trans. Panel. They can be set as required for Time and Expense Entries at the Client or Matter level through the Client/Matter Int./Disc. panels. Furthermore, Task Codes can be included when budgeting for Fees and Expenses on Matter/Budget panels.

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Find a Task Code

You can search for task codes using the Finder in Juris, which is pre-configured to search only in Task Codes when you follow these steps:

1. Navigate to Task Codes by selecting Tables > Task Codes.
   
2. Open the Finder Form by selecting Tools > Find from the menu.
3. Review the default settings. The Look In field displays the path: Juris\Tables\Task Codes. The Search Subfolders option is enabled by default.
4. Optional: Refine the search by checking the Case Sensitive box if you want the search to match the exact case.
5. In the Named text box, enter all or part of the task code name or description. Details of the Task Code Xref (cross reference) spreadsheet are not included in the search.
6. Initiate the search by clicking the Find Now button or press Enter. The search results display at the bottom of the form.
   
7. Double-click an item to open it. Click the New Search button to clear the current search criteria and results before performing a new search.

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Edit a Task Code

To edit an existing task code, follow these steps:

1. Access the Table by selecting Tables > Task Codes.
2. Find the task code and double-click the icon or description to open it.
3. Modify the details as required. The Task Code itself cannot be changed.
4. Optional: Spell check the form by clicking the Spell Check icon on the toolbar.
5. Save the modifications by clicking the Save icon on the toolbar.

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Delete a Task Code

To delete an existing task code, follow these steps:

1. Access the Table by selecting Tables > Task Codes.
2. Find the task code and double-click the icon or description to open it.

3. Click the Delete icon on the toolbar.

   If the task code is referenced elsewhere in Juris, a message will indicate that it cannot be deleted.

4. At the confirmation prompt, click Yes or press Enter. The task code is deleted.

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Create a Task Code

To create a new task code, follow these steps:

1. Access the Table by selecting Tables > Task Codes.
2. Click the New icon on the toolbar. This opens the Task Codes – New window.
   
3. Enter the task code information:
   1. Task Code: Enter a 1–4 character code (digits, alpha characters, or a combination).
   2. Description: Enter up to 30 characters.

   3. Place a checkmark beside one or more of the following options as needed:

      •  
        • Use Hours from this task code on time entries: Inserts hours from the Fee Schedule into the Time Entry.
        • Use Rate from this task code on time entries: Inserts the rate from the Fee Schedule into the Time Entry.
        • Use Fee from this task code on time entries: Inserts fees from the Fee Schedule into the Time Entry.

      For these options to take effect, the task code must be assigned to applicable Fee Schedules. When those Fee Schedules are applied to a Matter, the selected options determine the values used on Time Entries for that Matter.

   4. Narrative: Type the narrative for the task code. This narrative will appear in the Time or Expense Entry whenever the task code is used.
      
4. Optional: Perform a spell check by clicking the Spell Check icon on the toolbar.
5. Click the Save icon on the toolbar. The task code is added. Once saved, additional icons for Fee Schedules and Task Code Xref (cross reference) appear.
6. Review the Additional Options:
   1. Click the Fee Schedules icon to open and review the Fee Schedule form. The code may be added to fee schedules, if desired.
   2. Click the Task Code Xref icon to open and review the Task Code Cross Reference form.
      
7. Click Save once more if needed to confirm the creation of the new task code.

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