Add a Precedent created in Microsoft Word

Word Precedents can be automated and you will have greater flexibility over the style and formatting of Word Precedents. In addition to Word, you can also create precedents from PDF and Excel formats.

Table of Contents

• How to create a precedent
• Creating a precedent from a new document
• Creating a precedent from an existing document
• Additional tips

How to create a precedent

1.    Create or open an existing 'Test' matter in the triConvey Desktop App.

Tip:  Use a test matter to prevent unexpected changes in an existing matter.

2.    Select Precedent from the Matter Action Bar to open the Precedent Library.

3.    Navigate to the folder where you would like to add the Precedent to.

4.    Select Add a precedent.

5.    Select either:

• Create from a blank document - to create a precedent from scratch; or
• Browse for an existing document - to add an existing Word, PDF, or Excel document.

6.    Add a name for your precedent.

7.    From the Container drop-down menu, select the type of precedent.

Tip:  Letter, No Footer is used for documents where there is no sign-off at the end of the Precedent.

8.    If applicable, select the Addressee from the drop-down menu.

• If the type of Addressee is not available, add them to the Matter using Matter Settings and then return to the 'Add a Precedent' screen.
• The addressee drop-down menu will not show up for None and Ask containers.

9.    Select Create.

10.  Your Precedent will now open in Microsoft Word.

Creating a precedent from a new document

1.    In a blank Word document, type and format your precedent. 

Tip:  If your precedent is a letter, ensure that you only include the body of the letter (everything below the Re: Line and above the Sign Off).

2.    Add any triConvey Automation Fields, Asks or If/Then/Else statements to the document. Learn more about automating documents.

3.    Select Save & Close in the top left-hand corner of the ribbon bar.

4.    Test out the precedent by double-clicking on it from the Precedent Library screen.

Creating a precedent from an existing document

1.    Open your existing document in Microsoft Word.

2.    Highlight the body of the document (everything below the Re: Line and above the sign-off) and copy it.

3.    Paste the body of the document into the new Precedent.

4.    If the document's body contains automation fields from other document automation systems, remove them from the precedent. 

Tip:  Use the keyboard shortcut ALT + F9 to view the fields and remove them.

5.    Add any triConvey Automation Fields, Asks or If/Then/Else statements.

6.    Click Save & Close in the top left-hand corner of the ribbon bar.

7.    Try generating your Precedent by double-clicking on it from the Precedent Library.

Additional tips

• To amend a precedent, right-click on it from the Precedent Library and select Modify.
• Select the None Container if the type of Precedent you are adding does not require your letterhead.
• Try to remember to use a 'Test' matter when creating precedents.
• To change the Document Container, open the precedent in Modify mode and expand the Details section.