I was just beginning. Soon, no matter where I went, my office went with me. Each time I met with, or called a client, co-counsel, or witnesses, I used the opportunity to ask for home telephone numbers. I need to be able to reach these people at all times, and my Phone Book now has a large group of home numbers not always available through directory assistance.
PHONE held not only personal and business numbers, but my case billing codes as well. I put my cases in a separate Phone Book, alphabetized by the client name. I inserted the client's name (or a shorthand reference) and a reference name for particular cases on the first line (Name:). I put in the billing number for the client and a brief description of the subject on the second (Number:) line. I now had computerized access to my billing numbers, which has proven a time saver in itself. I used the Address portion of the card to store case data; court numbers; names and telephone numbers of opposing counsel; dates of accidents; and client contacts. Now I use Find (F7) in PHONE to determine what cases I have in particular courts. I store similar data in APPT, and analyze trial dates for the next year.
With case information stored on my 95LX, I can make better use of time at the courthouse. Whenever I am in court, I can double my efficiency by checking up on cases in other courts. The key to the legal kingdom--the case number--is always at hand. I can look it up on the 95LX, give it to the court clerk, and have access to the official court file on any of my cases.
I now have a mini-office in my coat pocket. From home or anywhere, I can call anyone connected with a case and discuss details without having to drag around a lot of paper. I can go to the library, log onto Westlaw (a popular legal database service) and never have to search for the appropriate billing number. I can even switch to another case without having to stop and find a new billing number.