Overview
Matter status is a standard field in Lawmatics that categorizes every matter into one of three built-in options:
1. PNC (Potential New Client)
Used for leads and prospects in your CRM.
Typically, these matters go through your intake pipeline and intake automations.
2. Hired
Assigned once a PNC converts into a client.
Tracks cases that are actively being handled by your firm.
3. Lost
Used for PNCs who decide not to hire your firm.
Helps differentiate inactive leads from active ones.
Changing a matter's status does not affect its data—all notes, files, and history remain intact.
Changing a Matter’s Status
Navigate to the matter's profile page.
Click Edit (bottom right corner).
Select the appropriate status from the dropdown menu.
Click Save.
If a matter is set to Lost, it will also apply the corresponding Lost sub-status (if applicable).
Creating and Using Sub-Statuses
While the three main statuses cannot be customized, you can create custom sub-statuses under each main category.
How to Create a Sub-Status:
Navigate to Settings (gear icon).
Select Matter Settings from the left-side menu.
Under Sub-Statuses, enter a name.
Assign it to one of the three main statuses (PNC, Hired, or Lost).
Click Add Type.
Recommended Use Cases for Sub-Statuses:
PNC: Generally does not require sub-statuses (use Pipelines instead for tracking steps).
Hired: Differentiate between Open vs. Closed cases.
Lost: Track specific reasons why a lead didn’t hire your firm (useful for custom reporting).
Converting a PNC to Hired
Instead of manually changing a PNC’s status to Hired, click Convert (left side of the matter page underneath the contact's).
This action:
Changes the status to Hired automatically.
Syncs the matter to any case management software (if integrated).
Logs the conversion date and tracks Days to Close (from creation to conversion).
Note: Clicking Sync to case management software does not mark the matter as converted—this action is only for syncing the record.
FAQs
Can I create custom statuses?
No, you cannot change the three main statuses (PNC, Hired, Lost). However, you can create custom sub-statuses.
How do I differentiate between a lead and a client?
Both leads and clients are considered matters.
Leads remain in PNC status until they hire your firm.
When a PNC converts, clicking Convert will update their status to Hired.
Should I create a contact or a matter for a new lead?
Always create a new lead as a matter.
Matters are for clients and potential clients.
Contacts are used for referral partners, colleagues, and non-clients.