Activity Codes

Activity Codes in Juris enable you to specify detailed client activities on time entries. They can be used on their own or alongside Task Codes—where Task Codes identify the overall job and Activity Codes define the specific functions performed. Governed by Firm Options, Activity Codes can be required for certain clients or matters and included in both pre-bill and final bill designs for flexible billing presentation. Users can easily search, edit, delete, or create Activity Codes, ensuring accurate tracking and billing of activities.

This article covers the following:

• Overview of Activity Codes
• Find an Activity Code
• Edit an Existing Activity Code
• Deleting an Existing Activity Code
• Create an Activity Code

Overview of Activity Codes

Activity Codes can be applied to time entries to specify the particular types of activities performed for a client. They can be used by themselves or alongside Task Codes. In scenarios where both codes are used, the Task Code identifies the overall job that must be completed, while the Activity Codes detail the specific functions performed to accomplish the task.

Activity Codes consist of a four-character code and a short description. An optional narrative field is also available. When an Activity Code is selected on a time entry, its narrative—if provided—can be automatically inserted into the Time Entry narrative. If no narrative is assigned, or if automatic population is not desired, the field may be left blank.

The use of Activity Codes on time entries is governed by the Firm Options settings on the Trans. tab. Once enabled, Activity Codes can be made a required field for certain clients or matters by selecting the "Require Activity Codes on all time entries" option on the Int./Disc tab at the Client or Matter level.

Additionally, the Activity Code and its Description can be included in the bill design and printed on prebills, final bills, or both, providing flexibility in how billing information is presented.

Back to top

Find an Activity Code

The Finder in Juris comes pre-populated with the defaults for searching only in Activity Codes when the following steps are used:

1. Navigate to Activity Codes by selecting Juris > Tables > Activity Codes.
   
2. Open the Finder Form by clicking Find in the Tools menu. The "Look In" field displays the path: Juris\Tables\Activity Codes. The Search Subfolders option is automatically checked.
3. Optional: Refine your search by checking the Case Sensitive option to narrow the search results to match the case exactly.
4. Enter search criteria. In the Named text box, type all or a portion of the code or description. Activity Code narratives are not searchable.
5. Initiate the search by clicking the Find Now button or press Enter. The search results display at the bottom of the form.
   
6. Double-click any item to open it. Click the New Search button to clear the current search criteria and results before performing a new search.

Back to top

Edit an Activity Code

To edit an existing Activity Code, follow these steps:

1. Access the Table by selecting Tables > Activity Codes.
2. Find the activity code and double-click the icon or description to open it.
3. Modify the code as required. The Activity 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.

Back to top

Delete an Activity Code

To delete an existing Activity Code, follow these steps:

1. Access the Table by selecting Tables > Activity Codes.
2. Find the activity code and double-clicking the icon or description to open it.

3. Click the Delete icon on the toolbar.

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

4. At the "Are you sure you want to delete this code?" prompt, click Yes or press Enter to confirm the action. The activity code is deleted.

Back to top

Create an Activity Code

To create a new Activity Code, follow these steps:

1. Access the Table by selecting Tables > Activity Codes.
2. Click the New icon on the toolbar. This opens the Activity Codes – New window.
   
3. Enter the activity code information:
   1. Enter a 1–4 character Activity Code (digits, alpha characters, or a combination).
   2. Enter a 1–99 character Description for the Activity Code.

   3. Enter a default Narrative (1–7500 characters).

      Use the Enter and Tab keys to navigate between text boxes. Use Ctrl + Enter or Ctrl + Tab to insert carriage returns or tabs within the Narrative text box.

4. Optional: Perform a spell check by clicking the Spell Check icon on the toolbar.
5. Click the Save icon on the toolbar. The Activity Code is added.

Back to top