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Opening a New Case File
Case files in MtaaLex are central hubs where all court pleadings, hearing diaries, internal advocate discussions, and billing records come together.
Step 1: Start a New Case File
- Navigate to Cases in the left sidebar.
- Click the + New Case button.
Step 2: Select Matter Category & Legal Forum
MtaaLex supports diverse areas of legal practice:
- Matter Classification:
- Civil Litigation (High Court, Subordinate Courts, Environment & Land Court, ELRC)
- Commercial & Corporate Advisory
- Conveyancing & Real Estate Transactions
- Family & Probate / Succession
- Constitutional Petitions & Judicial Review
- Arbitration & Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Court / Registry Station: Select the relevant court registry (e.g., Milimani Commercial Courts, High Court at Mombasa, Nakuru Chief Magistrate's Court).
- Official Court Case Number: e.g., HCCC No. E123 of 2024. If the matter is at the pre-filing or demand letter stage, you can leave this blank or input your firm's internal matter reference number.
- Presiding Judge / Magistrate: Optional, useful for tracking bench preferences and cause lists.
Step 3: Parties & Client Representation
- Select Client: Choose an existing client from your directory or click Add New Client.
- Client Role: Indicate whether your client is the Plaintiff / Claimant, Defendant / Respondent, Petitioner, or Interested Party.
- Opposing Party: Full name of the opposing individual or corporate adversary.
- Opposing Counsel: Name of the adverse law firm handling the opposing side (helpful for service and correspondence).
Step 4: Assigned Lead Practitioner
Assign the Lead Advocate responsible for handling this matter. The creator of the case and the designated Lead Advocate automatically receive full collaborator ownership over the file.
Click Create Case File. The file opens immediately with its complete digital workspace.