Our Latest Release is Now Available

Innovation comes "standard" in LawMaster Newest Software Release.
LawMaster, in accordance with our commitment to our customer base and our policy of keeping our software on the cutting edge of practice management technology, has released Version 10.4.3606.

This latest version of LawMaster contains more than 155 enhancements to our current system as well as the development of several new features including:

• Microsoft's new Windows 7 operation system is supported under this release of LawMaster.
  
• The Business Intelligence Module has been further refined to enable bench mark data to be migrated between LawMaster databases.
  
• The Litigation Support Module has been reinvigorated with a number of enhancements to improve overall functionality.
  
• Payroll and Personnel has been updated with a number of significant features which include: enhancements to superannuation reporting requirements, accrued leave based on actual hours worked, loadable tax scales & tax scales table; and back pay processing.
  
• Workflow Processing has been enhanced with a number of new statements and functions to improve your firm's automation capabilities.

A comprehensive list and explanation of all new features and enhancements can be found by either accessing the release notes through LawMaster / Help / LawMaster Release Notes or by request.

To obtain our new release lodge a request through the support system. New clients are encouraged to contact LawMaster on 1300 135 214 to speak about your requirements with a sales representative.

Legal Matter Management

Legal Matter Management can be defined as the comprehensive project management of legal matters within a law firm or corporate legal department. Matter management software systems serve a variety of functions including

• Storing all electronic and hardcopy documents to a single file,
• Searching capabilities across all documents electronic and hardcopy,
• Comprehensive matter information in one screen,
• Easy single click intelligent document and correspondence merges,
• Easy single click access to contact details,
• Elimination of the need for timesheets via automatic time recording; and
• All daily functions available from main screen.

Time is so valuable in a legal firm; it is what you sell to your clients, so a more effective production method can give you an enormous advantage. LawMaster offers a comprehensive range of Legal Practice Management functions integrated into a single software program. The benefits of this are infinite; one database of information, reporting facilities across a wide variety of variables and the ability to produce all of your matter work from one program, one source of information, making you more effective and more profitable.

LawMaster allows you to perform any matter work such as merging a fax, creating a document or calling your client whilst automatically saving this to the file. Storing all case/matter information on LawMaster allows users to easily search and retrieve any electronic or hard copy records stored on the file. This storage method saves time and is extremely effective to ensure important documents are never lost and that the file is never “misplaced”. The system uses a predetermined set of tasks which will automatically action each task in succession. It is a fast systematic approach to routine work, such as conveyancing, however it is most effective in more complex files.

Legal Software suitable for Windows 7

Lawmaster legal software has recently released the latest version of its highly regarded practice management software for law firms. Keeping up to speed with technology, Version 10.2.3606 was developed for 100% compatibility with Windows 7 and will continue to establish Lawmaster as the leading legal software company in the Australian market. As a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, LawMaster has achieved the highest level of competency from Microsoft and have the knowledge and commitment to implement technology solutions that match the exact requirements of any law firm that uses their software. Windows 7 has been fully tested and is supported by LawMaster as an operating system for our software. The new update, available to all existing clients, contains over 155 enhancements as well as a number of new features. As a front runner in the legal forms software market, Lawmaster strive to innovate and boast the ability to automate and streamline all your processes unlike other legal software applications. Document management, payroll automation, litigation support and trust accounting software are all areas in which Lawmaster's software has been developed to improve your practice. For more information regarding Lawmaster's latest update to their market-leading legal software, visit the Lawmaster website.

Document Management Software for Law Firms

As a firm in the legal environment, one of the first things you must invest in is some high quality document management software.

Unlike other business, as a law firm you can be bombarded on a daily basis with a list of documents as long as you can remember, and that can be just for one case! Without a suitable document management solution it's not long until your documents are out of order and unmanaged, making life just that much more difficult.

That's why our team at Lawmaster have developed a document management software solution that is one of the best available on the market. Lawmaster software includes; Automatic saving of documents, Powerful searching and quick access to all documents, Movement tracking to show who is working on a document and Valuable security measures on documents.

Effective document management can be priceless in a critical moment. Eliminate time wasted in searching for mislaid documents or handing over files worked on by another lawyer and improve your productivity with Lawmaster Legal Software!

Furthermore, any Microsoft document type is supported and to review these documents fast read only access previews are available or you can choose to edit the document. Having all of your documents in one program enables searching across your entire database. Searching is available in an easy to view grid screen which has powerful options for quick access and retrieval. The single database of documents also means that you are able to show who is working on a document with LawMaster's check in/out movement tracking. Saving all documents in one place is also a better safeguard. Security is paramount in law firms, and as a result Lawmaster has established a comprehensive security capability which restricts access of documents to unauthorised users.

Benefits of Converting to a Paperless Office

A survey by a Washington law firm (Arnold & Porter) found that a typical lawyer uses 20,000 to 100,000 sheets of paper a year. At the high end, that translates into the release of 4.5 tons annually of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.
 Think about 100,000 sheets of paper?

• That much paper makes up 12 40-foot trees.

• That much paper could publish 271 copies of John Grisham's novel "The Partner."

• And that much paper stacked would be as high as Michael Jordon ….on stilts. 
 So, there is a serious environmental side to our discussion this afternoon. Paper is the number one material thrown away. That is why the Australian Government offers a range of incentives for small, medium and large businesses to lower their carbon emissions and reduce waste.

In addition to environmental impacts, paper is time consuming to manage. Record keeping constitutes more than 90% of all office activity. Studies indicate that of the paper filed, over 80% is never referenced again!

Then there is the cost aspect of paper. Think about the cost of paper, printing, mailing, distribution, and handling fees. A study done by Coopers and Lybrand estimated the cost of paper management to be about $50 per document.

As you can see, there are many advantages to becoming a paperless office. Of course, as lawyers there are some original documents that need to be stored physically and there are times when documents will need to be printed but what we want to focus on is developing a consciousness around the amount of paper we use.

LawMaster can get you on your way to becoming a paperless office, as we have all the tools and experience in completing such a task.

The paperless office will:

• Increase efficiency by having all of the firms information residing in one central place and its all searchable.

• Have better risk management and improve client service

• Also reduce operational costs

The paperless office provides lawyers with the ability to work remotely, enhancing their work life balance. These days, who wants to spend every working hour in the office. Electronic files mean that you can work anywhere!

And finally, let’s not forget the positive environmental impact.

Remember the statistics mentioned at the beginning? In one day you can save about 100 pages of paper – so remember, on average if it will cost you $50 per document assuming each document contains10 pages – so that would save the firm $500 per day per lawyer!! The thing to remember is that technology doesn’t come for nothing, you have to invest in your firm’s IT. But with these figures and with these savings it is clear that it is financially beneficial for your law firm to become a paperless office.

The Battle between Nokia & Apple

On the 22nd October Nokia filed a patent lawsuit against Apple over its hugely successful iPhone. Nokia is claiming that Apple is somehow “attempting to get a ‘free-ride’ on the billions of dollars” Nokia has invested into their telecommunications network.

A quick glance over the opening arguments made by Nokia has left it looking like nothing more than jealousy over the worldwide success of Apple’s iPhone device.

Nokia have simply dissed Apple, instead of focusing on the aspects of the case. The end result will most likely be an out of court settlement and cross-licensing agreements-assuming Apple's willing. After all, Nokia is on record admitting its fondness for Apple's technology.

"If there is something good in the world then we copy with pride” is what Anssi Vanjoki, Nokia's head of multimedia devices, stated when asked about the striking similarities between a touch screen device it was designing and Apple's iconic handset.

Benefits of Windows 7

Windows 7 is the most recent publicly available version of Microsoft Windows; it is a chain of operating systems designed for the use on personal and professional computers. Windows was released to the public on October 22, 2009. Many people are referring to Windows 7 as a ‘repackaged Vista’ however this new operating system provides many new tools and features that focus on enhanced productivity through improved usability.

Endless research and development was conducted by Microsoft in order to establish key capabilities which users feel the new version of Windows must contain:

• Improved productivity by giving end-user instant access to information
• Providing tools for IT to securely support their business
• Protect corporate data
• Achieve cost efficiencies
• Take advantage of the virtualisation trends in client computing

With this being said, there are several benefits to upgrading your OS to the new Windows 7.

Windows Search- This enhanced search feature resembles the “auto-complete” function that is a familiar tool in Microsoft Word. The moment a user starts to type a word in the search field, Windows 7 will list items that match the typed characters.

Compatibility- The flexibility of Windows 7 gives users the ability to run almost any software that is Windows compatible. Windows 7 will work with more accessories and programs than its predecessors, Windows Vista and Windows XP. LawMaster is a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner; therefore it is compatible with the new Windows 7 operating system.

Decreased boot time- the average Windows 7 machine will boot will boot up in under 60 seconds. With the decreased boot time, users can get to work as soon as they sit down.

Libraries- Windows 7 provides a new, more intuitive way of organizing and locating documents. Instead of wasting time trying to remember where a previously created document is stored, a user can now search for their documents by type in different “libraries” such as communications, contacts, documents, downloads, music, pictures and videos.

Jump Lists- This updated menu is a timesaving tool that allows a user to preview open applications and folders. When the mouse is moved over the taskbar, a popup menu appears and lists all open windows. Right clicking will provide a brief history of recent changes and other useful information.

ACT - A Total Rewrite of the Liquor Licensing Laws

Attorney General of the ACT Simon Corbell has publicised his intentions of a total rewrite of the ACT’s liquor licensing laws. The focus will revolve around the improvement of public safety within the entertainment precincts of Canberra.

The new laws include making it an offence to:

• Supply alcohol to an intoxicated person by patrons and employees on licensed premises;
• Abusing, threatening or intimidating an employee for refusing service of alcohol; and,
• Offering alcohol promotions which encourage rapid consumption of alcohol.

Key elements of the reform package include:

• Risk based licensing fees based on opening hours with premises trading past midnight until 2am or 4 am to pay a higher level of fees commensurate with the risks they pose to public safety;
• Dedicated ACT Policing liquor licensing teams and other regulatory activities funded from the new fee structure;
• The provision for lockouts at licensed premises if required in the future;
• The introduction of mandatory responsible service of alcohol training for all staff and security guards;
• A requirement on licensees to provide, contribute towards, or otherwise identify transport options for patrons to get home safely after early morning trading;
• New police powers including the power to impose an emergency 24 hour suspension of trade on the spot;
• Public notification of liquor licensing applications with provision for members of the community to comment on prospective liquor licences;
• New powers for the Commissioner for Fair Trading to impose and vary conditions on a licence at any time to protect the interests of the community; and
• New powers for the Commissioner for Fair Trading to refuse a licence application if it is not in the interests of the broader community, aimed at preventing the over representation of licensed premises in a single location.

The Government will release an exposure draft of the new Liquor Act early next year for public comment. The proposed amendments will then be considered by the Legislative Assembly in mid 2010.

Sex-crime Teacher Escapes Prison Sentence in Sydney

A former Knox Grammar teacher who pleaded guilty to child sex charges has walked free from a Sydney court.

Damien Vance, 55, was given a two-year good behaviour bond in Hornsby Local Court on Wednesday for sexual assault by inciting an indecent act.

Between February and October 1988, Vance, who was teaching at the private school, incited a 14-year-old boy to an act of mutual masturbation.

He was arrested in April this year at his home in Melbourne.

In sentencing Vance, Magistrate Leslie Brennan said the offence was at the lower end of the scale but not at the bottom.

He agreed with Vance's solicitor Bruce Williams that Vance had shown no signs of problem behaviour since the incident.

The significant time that had passed since the offence had no bearing on the sentence, he said.

"Some 21 years later the matter has resurfaced," Mr Brennan told the court.

"It was probably always on the mind of the young boy."

Vance's name has been added to the Child Protection Register, which Mr Brennan said would effectively end his teaching career.

Vance is one of five former Knox Grammar school teachers who have been charged with sexual assault offences at the school in the 1970s and 1980s.

ACCC forcing Smoking addiction therapists to provide evidence on Success Rates

Warnings have been made by Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) acting chairman, Peter Kell, to those who are wishing to quit smoking, be provided with the accurate information from the people selling these services.


ACCC examinations have exposed that some hypnotherapists and laser clinics are making unofficial and deceptive claims about the success rate of their smoking addiction treatments.

"Hypnotherapists Angelo and Susan Sette, trading as Stop Smoking in One Hour, admitted they could not substantiate advertised claims that 100 per cent of smokers successfully give up after attending a maximum of four treatment sessions," Mr Kell said.

Hypnotherapists will now publish counteractive notices and are not allowed to engage in similar conduct in the future, this is part of court-enforable undertakings provided to the ACCC.

"A number of 'stop smoking' laser therapy clinics around the country have also amended their advertising after the ACCC raised concerns regarding claims about the success of laser technology," Mr Kell said.

Mr Kell said treatment providers must not mislead consumers by making claims that cannot be backed up with evidence.

Dust Storm smothers NSW & Southern Queensland

Recent DUST storm that suffocated NSW and Southern Queensland increased air pollution levels to 1,500 times their normal levels - the highest on record.

Towns across far west NSW were yesterday hit with strong winds and low visibility, and dust swept up from those areas crossed through the state, blanketing Sydney from early today.

Principal Research Scientist with the NSW Department of Climate Change and Water, Dr John Leys, states that dust storms are common in rural areas.

Dr Leys said "Dust storms like this occur quite regularly but they rarely travel this far east and come through Sydney”.

He said preliminary estimates illustrated the dust plume stretched 600km along the NSW coast from Sydney to the Queensland border this morning, dumping up to 75,000 tonnes of dust per hour into the Tasman Sea.
"It's travelled about 1500km to get to Sydney," Dr Leys said.

Chris Eiser, Manager of Atmospheric Science at the Department, said measurements taken in Sydney today demonstrate the highest level of particle concentration on record to this day.

“An average day would see around 10 micrograms of particles per cubic metre of air and a bushfire might generate 500 micrograms” said Chris Eiser. Levels today soared to 15,400 micrograms per cubic metre of air at one location.

"During a dust storm, that's when we get our highest levels historically and this is the highest we've measured in Sydney," Mr Eiser said.

LawMaster is heading to the QLS Golf Day tomorrow down at Indooroopilly Golf Club!

Sydney Barrister Under Bribery Investigation

A barrister in NSW has allegedlly accepted a payment of $12, 000 on the promise of making a police investigation disappear through bribes to the prosecutor.

On Monday, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) inquiry into whether John Hart bribed a prosecutor, judge or magistrate to give favourable treatment to his clients began.

A former client of Hart, Jason Michael Kelly, told ICAC Hart approached him following his acquittal in a sexual assault trial in February and warned police would investigate further allegations, reported The Australian.

"Mr Hart said to me that (a NSW police detective) had told him I might have got off this time but she was going to get me on something and she was not going to stop until she did," he said.

"(Mr Hart) said, 'You might survive this case, but there is no way you can go through this again ... you won't survive'."

Hart allegedly said: "I can make this go away. I can make a payment to some people."

Kelly paid $10,000 into Hart's TAB account and gave him $2000 in cash to ensure the investigation would disappear.

Recorded conversations between Hart and Kelly were played to the inquiry, including one from April .

Information from: Lawyer’s Weekly

Roberta claims Underbelly Star fired shots at her on Christmas Day!

After a jealous rage over another woman, a heavily pregnant Roberta was shot at several times by Gangland figure Carl Williams, she claims in her new book to be released later this month.


Roberta Williams, now ex-wife of the convicted killer, claims she was heavily pregnant with daughter Dhakota when the incident occurred on Christmas day in 2000.

The incident took place when she tracked her then husband down after he had left a family get together to be with another woman.

Roberta reveals in her tell-all book ‘My Life’, she eventually found him in a woman’s house and started screaming at him, to which he responded by pointing a .38 revolver in her direction, pulling the trigger.

"I saw him standing there with his gun in his hand, yelling at me to f--- off, then he just lifted the gun and started shooting at me, firing off three or four shots - I can't remember exactly how many ... I mean, I was seven months pregnant so I couldn't run anywhere even if I'd wanted to.”

The Importance of Business Intelligence to the Success of your Company

Business Intelligence (BI) is a web based solution to deliver your company with the big picture in order to achieve success. BI aids in gathering, storing, analysing, and providing access to data to help enterprise users make better business decisions. It delivers a shared understanding of key data across the whole company assisting in monitoring and improving corporate performance.

With BI installed you can find out how your company is doing, understand why and plan for the future instantly. BI is a common information system used across the whole company, it takes data from your operations systems – such as Case & Matter Management, Document Management, Time Billing, Time Costing, Payroll Management, etc – and provides an integrated view of that areas performance.

Key Benefits of BI include:

• Connects users to information efficiently and effectively

• Focus your organisation through a centralized information portal

• Proactively detect issues as well as opportunities before causing detriment to the company

• Provide a shared understanding of performance across the whole company.

• Reducing manual reports and processes with automation.

• Quicker, fact-based decision making.

• Reliable presentation of information, as it improves the data accuracy and minimizes errors.

• Alignment of an organisation around a consistent set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Metrics

If you want anymore information on BI for your company, contact LawMaster on 1300 135 214

Shoplifter Caught Claiming to be the Wife of Gov. Sonny Perdue

When confronted by a clerk at a convenience store in Pooler, USA, a woman caught stealing fuel and a bag of Cheetos, claimed to be the wife of Gov. Sonny Perdue.

Shortly after noon on Friday the 11th September, the female suspect pumped a little over 15 gallons of gas, worth $37, into her white Ford Explorer at the Clyde’s Market near Pooler Parkway.

Police reported that the female suspect then entered the store, picked up a bag of Cheetos and offered a cheque as well as her debit card, however both modes of payment were declined.

The woman then told the clerk that she was the Governor’s wife and then she ‘started to whisper into her phone, stating she was talking to the FBI’, according to the incident report.

The woman then seized her purse as well as the Cheetos and escaped without paying for either the gas nor the chips valued at $1.29. Police are continuing their investigation into the incident.

Information from: http://www.savannahnow.com/

Investigation begins into the Balibo Five Murders

An investigation has commenced, by the Australian Federal Police, into the murders of five Aussie men back in 1975 in East Timor. Sound recordist Tony Stewart, cameramen Brian Peters and Gary Cunningham and television journalists Malcolm Rennie and Greg Shackleton were allegedly assassinated by the Special Forces in Indonesia. In November 2007, the Balibo Five were executed while attempting to capture information regarding the invasion of East Timor by Indonesian troops, NSW Deput Coroner Dorelle Pinch found. ‘The Balibo Five ... were shot and or stabbed deliberately, and not in the heat of battle" in order to silence them from exposing Indonesia's 1975 East Timor invasion’.This has now been referred to Robert McClelland, Attorney General. The investigation begun in August 2009, by the Australian Federal Police. A brief of evidence can be collated depending on the amount of material found. The Australian Federal Police will then pass on their findings to the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions.

Lawmaster New Blog: ACCC begins proceedings against PT Garuda Indonesia Ltd for suspected price fixing of air freight Link: http://ping.fm/Er8b6

ACCC begins proceedings against PT Garuda Indonesia Ltd for suspected price fixing of air freight

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) have established actions in the Federal Court against PT Garuda Indonesia Ltd.

PT Garuda is the subject of ACCC proceedings for alleged price fixing in the air cargo industry.


The ACCC alleged that between 2001 and 2006, PT Garuda Indonesia Ltd entered into an agreement with other international air cargo carriers that had the intentions of fixing the price of a fuel surcharge and a security surcharge that were applied to air cargo carried by PT Garuda Indonesia Ltd and other airlines. The ACCC alleges that the agreements were reached in Indonesia and Hong Kong.

The ACCC is seeking statements, injunctive relief, financial penalties, and expenses.

A directions hearing has been set down for October 22 before Justice Jacobson in the Federal Court, Sydney.

Thus the ACCC's continual inquiry into suspected fuel surcharge price fixing in the industry, to date the court has ordered a total of $41 million in penalties alongside the opposing airlines:

On December 11 2008, the court ordered Qantas Airways Limited and British Airways PLC to pay fines of $20 million and $5 million respectively.

On February 16 2009 the court ordered  Cargolux International Airlines SA, Société Air France, Martinair Holland NV and Koninklijke Luchtvaart Maatschappij NV to pay penalties of $5 million, $3 million, $5 million and $3 million respectively, as jointly submitted by the parties.

Furthermore, the ACCC established dealings in the Federal Court:

On December 23 2008 against Singapore Airlines Cargo Pte Ltd

On April 30 2009 against Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd

On August 18 2009 against Emirates.

Proceedings against  Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd, Singapore Airlines Cargo Pte Ltd and Emirates carry on today.

The ACCC continues to examine other airlines with the support of cooperating parties, and further measures are expected during the next few months.

Reference: www.findlaw.com.au/

Australian Lawyers Alliance

LawMaster is attending the Australian Lawyer’s Alliance (ALA) National Conference on October 22-24th at the Hyatt Regency in Sanctuary Cove, Queensland. The ALA is the only national association of lawyers and other professionals dedicated to the protection and promotion of justice, freedom and the rights of the individual.
The ALA was formed in 1993 to provide plaintiff lawyers with a voice to engage in the policy and lobbying work related to the rights of any injured Australian, to assist in the sharing of information as well as the experience within the profession; finally to provide conferences and seminars to continually improve the education of plaintiff lawyers Australia wide.
Today the ALA has more than 1, 500 members Australia-wide, with over 15 important sponsors. With this being said LawMaster is a major partner in sponsorship for the ALA conferences which is a fantastic opportunity for LawMaster to engage with people in the same industry.
If you would like to attend the conference click the URL and we hope to see you there.

LawMaster has now created their own Blog on Blogger. Check it out http://ping.fm/5Xdta

LawMaster has been labeled a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner

The development of LawMaster started in 1988 as a product of the partnership of David Toohey and Jim Henderson. Since then LawMaster has achieved the highest level of competency from Microsoft being labeled a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner. Having received this title, it meant that LawMaster had gained the knowledge, skills and commitment to implement technology solutions to match the exact needs of the client. At this level, LawMaster has access to the resources and support in which they need to stand out in the marketplace. LawMaster places a great emphasis on their continual Research and Development, this has allowed the company to expand their market share, servicing firms from as little as sole practitioners to large firms employing up to 300 people. As LawMaster has been labeled a Gold Partner, this has entitled the company to reap the benefits that Microsoft has to offer for example free access to their Partner Learning Centre, Partner Training and Readiness Resource Centre, Online Tutorials, Virtual Labs and so on. If you would like to learn more about LawMaster and the solutions they offer visit www.lawmaster.com.au or contact our office on 1300 135 214.

Welcome to LawMaster's Blog

Welcome to LawMaster's Blog! Our team will regularly post new topics for our readers covering a range of topics from the Practice Management Software (PMS) to the legal industry worldwide.Learn how a PMS can enable your firm to operate more efficiently, therefore improve the productivity and profitability of the company. Best of all you are getting this information straight from 'the' Practice Management Software provider, which means we’re more than happy to help if you have any questions regarding the discussions posted, or want help with how to implement changes that we discuss in future posts. Feel free to CONTACT US anytime. The team at LawMaster.