In the navigation pane, select the Records tab.

Double-click a client to display the list of matters within it. Alternatively, select the client and press the Enter key.

On the File menu, point to New, and select Matter. Alternatively, right-click anywhere in the List pane, and select New Matter.

In the New Matter dialog, enter the search criteria in any of the available fields:

• Select  and then select:

  • Membership policy: The appropriate membership policy for the matter.
    To create a custom policy that applies only to this matter, select the Assign Custom Membership Policy check box. This policy can't be seen or applied to any other matter in the system.
    To configure the custom policy, select Edit.

  • Retention schedule: An available retention schedule for the matter.

  • Practice area: The practice area for the matter.

  • Office/Department: The location or group most responsible for the file parts in the matter.

  • Responsible attorney: The user that has control over the matter. You can also enter the user's name in the field, and press Ctrl+K to check whether you've entered a valid user. 

  • Vital record: If the matter contains file parts that require periodic review, select this check box. You need to specify a review cycle, which is effective from the Last Reviewed Date of the item.
    Select  and then select from the following:

    • Weekly: The items are reviewed every week.

    • Monthly: The items are reviewed every month.

    • Quarterly: The items are reviewed every calendar quarter.

    • Semi-Annually: The items are reviewed twice in a calendar year.

    • Annually: The items are reviewed once in a calendar year.
      File parts added to the matter retain the same record review cycle.

  • ID: Enter a unique code to identify the matter.

  • Permanent: To mark the matter as permanent, select this check box. Items added to the matter can't be destroyed as part of a destruction event.

  • Name: Enter a name for the matter.

  • Description: Enter a short description of the matter.

  • Retention start date: Select the date to start the retention schedule.

  • Open date: Select a date when the matter is opened. This date is used for calculating retention events.

  • Close date: Select a date when the matter is closed. This date is used for calculating retention events.

  • Comments: Enter any notes or comments about the matter.

Select OK.