To create a new custom field, start by going to your settings page (gear icon near the bottom left corner), and then select Custom Field Settings from the left sidebar. Custom fields are firm-wide, so any fields created by any of your users will all show up on the Custom Field Settings page, as well as in your CRM.
When creating a new custom field, is important to give your field a simple name using keywords that will make the field easy to find again in the future. This can also help prevent the accidental creation of duplicate or redundant fields for the same thing but having a different name.
To create a new custom field, go to the Custom Field settings page, select the appropriate record type from the options across the top of the page, then click the Add New Custom Field button in the top right. Custom Matter Views allow you to organize and display only what is most relevant.
If you currently use PDF or similar format for your intake forms, you may not have experience with creating and naming custom fields. Let's take a look at some common questions you may have on your intake forms, and how we would suggest naming those fields.
Field Name vs. Field Label
It is important to understand the difference between a field's name and its label.
The field name is how the field is identified throughout Lawmatics — in automations, documents, reports, and the CRM. It should be short and easy to search for.
The field label is what appears to the person filling out your form. When you add a field to a custom form, you can update the label to be a full question or instruction — for example, changing "Property Owner" to "Do you own any property?"
This means you don't need to name your fields as full sentences. Keep the name short and update the label on the form to match your exact question phrasing:
Field Label on Form: Please tell us about your legal issue.
Custom Field Name: Legal Issue
Field Label on Form: On what date did the incident occur?
Custom Field Name: Date of Incident
Instructions on Form: Thank you for providing us with this information. We will be in touch shortly. Next, you will receive a consultation booking form and engagement letter from us via email
This should not be a field because it does not require any input, this can be added into the form using an instructions block.
When creating a custom field, you will also be prompted to select the field type. Make sure that you select the field type that is best suited for that particular data field. Learn more about that here.
Note - The field type cannot be changed after a field has been created. If you select the wrong type, you will need to delete the field and create a new one. Make sure to select the correct type before clicking "Create Field."
FAQ's
Where will the custom fields that I create be used in Lawmatics?
Custom fields are used all throughout the platform. You will be able to use them in matter custom views, custom forms, documents, emails, automations, etc. To manage, edit, or delete custom fields, you will always go to the Custom Fields settings page.
Can I create custom fields using an import?
Yes. You can use an import to not only create custom fields in the CRM, but also to input data into those fields. Learn more about both of those functions here.