Skip to main content
View our latest release notes here

Search

Set Up and Manage Precedent Libraries Using Local Drives

Daniel Martin
  • Updated

Overview

You can configure Precedent Libraries to use a Local Drive folder as their source location.

This allows precedent documents stored on your firm’s network or local file system to be available in OneLaw.

This article explains how to:

  • Add a Local Drive Precedent Library
  • Configure Document and Email library settings
  • Control library visibility using Fee Types and Party Types

Who can do this

  • System Administrators.

Before you start

Before configuring a Local Drive Precedent Library:

  • The required local drive folder structure must already be configured.
  • Folder configuration may be handled by your firm’s IT specialist.
  • Alternatively, file locations can be managed in OneLaw using the Edit File Set process.
  • You must know the full folder path for the location you want to map.

Steps

  1. Open Precedent Libraries

    • In OneLaw, go to the Administration tab on the navigation ribbon.

    • Select Manage Libraries.

      Administration tab on the OneLaw navigation ribbon with Manage Libraries highlighted under the Templates section.

    To add a new Local Drive Precedent Library:

    • From the Precedent Libraries section, select the green Add Precedent Library (+) icon.

    To manage an existing Local Drive Precedent Library:

    • Double-click the library you want to edit.

    Result: The Precedent Library window displays.

    Precedent Library window displaying fields for Name, Library Location, Library Type (Document or Email), Word File options, Excel and PDF options, and visibility settings for Fee Types and Party Types, with Save & Close and Cancel buttons.

  2. Configure the Library Location

    If you are adding a new library, complete the fields below.

    If you are managing an existing library, update the required fields as needed.

    • Enter the Name of the library.
    • Under Library Location, leave Folder selected.
    • In the Folder field, browse to and select the required local drive folder path.
    • Select the Library Type:
      • Document
      • Email

    The selected folder becomes the source location for the Precedent Library.

  3. Configure Document File Types (Document libraries only)

    If Document is selected, specify the file types the library will include.

    Administration_Manage libraries_Add New Precedent Library_File types.png

    Word Files

    Select one of the following options to include Word files:

    • All Word Files (.docx, .docm, .dotx, .dotm)

      Allows both Word documents and Word templates to be included in the library.

    • Only Word Templates (.dotx, .dotm)

      Restricts the library to Word templates only.

    By default, All Word Files is selected.

    Optional:

    • Auto-execute Word documents (.docx, .docm)

      When enabled, Word documents open and display the Edit Document window, allowing users to enter Party and Matter details and apply stationery.

      When not enabled, Word documents open directly in Word without triggering the Edit Document window.

    Excel Files

    • Select Include Excel workbooks (.xlsx, .xlsm) to allow Excel files in the library.

    • Select Auto-execute Excel workbooks (.xlsx, .xlsm) to open Excel workbooks and display the Edit Document window.

      When not enabled, Excel workbooks open directly in Excel without displaying the Edit Document window.

    PDF Files

    • Select Include PDF documents to allow PDF files in the library.

  4. Configure Library Visibility

    For both Document and Email libraries:

    • From the dropdown, select one or more Fee Types, or choose Any.

      This controls which Matters the library is available in.

    • From the dropdown, select one or more Party Types, or choose Any.

      This controls which Parties the library is available for.

    • Optional: Select Clients only to restrict the library to Client parties.
  5. Save the Library
    • Select Save & Close.

Result

The Local Drive Precedent Library is available in OneLaw based on the Fee Types and Party Types configured.

Users can:

  • access documents stored in the linked local drive folder
  • search within the library using full-text search
  • run Document or Email precedents based on the library configuration

Recommended articles

Related to