Templates/Precedents - Overview

Templates are a key feature of Thread that you can set up to most effectively utilise the application. Templates are used for documents, bills, bundles, or emails, and can be created to be used across all matter categories on Thread.

Setting up templates means that you can instantly send letters to contacts or create documents in matters without having to input information, as Thread automatically does this for you by using matter and contact information.

Document Templates

With Thread, you can easily upload, edit, and use your existing legal templates. Follow the steps to Upload Templates to the Template Desk.

If you are starting a completely new document template, you can just create new Word document from the Template Desk within the matter category that you will need this document in.

After you have uploaded your Templates to Thread, you can populate them with custom and predefined fields by Using the Template Designer add-in.

Configure your templates to use your company header and footer by Uploading Template Headers and Footers.

You might have same or similar documents used across multiple matter categories. You can save time coding templates by adding the template you already coded in one category to all other relevant matter categories at the same time. Find out more on Adding Templates to multiple categories.

If you have a specific sequence for when your documents need to be issued, you can set up a Template Workflow, creating a task for the next template, making it easier to generate the following document on time. Templates can also automatically update your matter stage when generated.

If you have frequently used documents such as ‘terms of service,’ blank forms, or ‘directions to our office’ which do not require any changes or matter / contact specific information, you can add those to the General Documents page. Documents added there can easily be attached to an email on any matter.

Custom Fields

With Thread, you can create custom fields that can be added to a matter or contact. Custom fields allow you to add more information to a matter or contact specific to your needs.

Matter custom fields can be viewed in matter overview and can be used when coding a template. 

Contact custom fields will be visible on the contact details and can also be used when coding a template.

Custom fields must be added to a matter category so you can view them on a matter and in the Template Designer when coding templates for that category. 

Email Templates

Simplify and speed up your email flow by setting up email templates on Thread. Just like documents created on Thread, email templates can be set up to pull in matter and contact information when sending an email; saving you time and effort. Create email templates in the Template Desk by using the Thread Template Designer in Word.

Bill Templates

Creating Bill Template(s) to ensure your bill document contains relevant information about your client and their matter. Bill templates can include the description of all time records included in a bill, time logged, hourly rate and total cost, any expenses included etc. You can also have a different template set up if your matter is charged at a fixed fee to show only the fixed fee amount without any time entries.