What do the Matter fields mean in Brightflag

Micheál McArdle
Micheál McArdle
  • Updated

Understanding Core Matter Fields

When you're viewing, requesting, or creating a matter, you may encounter unfamiliar terminology. Below is a table summarizing the core matter fields, followed by detailed descriptions to help you understand them. Note: The fields on a matter request form may be customized by your client and could include additional Custom Matter fields not listed here. If you need more details, please contact your client.


Summary Table of Core Matter Fields

Matter Field Description
Matter Name Name of the legal project or case
Matter Reference Unique reference number/ID for the matter
Customer Matter ID Additional reference number/ID
Firm Matter Reference Internal reference for your firm
Currency Currency for matter spend
Matter Category Type of legal work
Entity Legal entity of the customer
Budget Overall cost budgeted
Department Function or department instructing the matter
Internal Matter Lead In-house attorney's email managing the case
Country Location of the matter
Lead Outside Counsel Attorney from the vendor managing the case

Key Matter Fields (Detailed)

1. Matter Name

  • Description: The name of the legal project or case.
  • Purpose: Helps identify the specific matter.

2. Matter Reference

  • Description: A unique reference number/ID for the matter.
  • Purpose: Used for tracking and identification.

3. Customer Matter ID

  • Description: An additional reference number/ID for the matter.
  • Purpose: Provides an extra identifier when needed by the client.

4. Firm Matter Reference

  • Description: A unique reference number used internally by your firm.
  • Purpose: Helps with internal tracking within your law firm.

Financial Information

5. Currency

  • Description: The currency in which the matter spend figure will appear.
  • Purpose: Ensures accurate financial tracking based on currency.

6. Budget

  • Description: The overall cost budgeted for the matter.
  • Purpose: Helps manage financial expectations for the matter.

Organizational Information

7. Matter Category

  • Description: The type of legal work this matter relates to (e.g., litigation, regulatory).
  • Purpose: Categorizes the matter for easier reference.

8. Entity

  • Description: The legal entity of the customer that instructed the matter.
  • Purpose: Helps identify the client’s legal entity associated with the matter.

9. Department

  • Description: The function or department that instructed the matter (e.g., HR, Finance).
  • Purpose: Organizes matters based on internal departments.

10. Internal Matter Lead

  • Description: The lead in-house attorney managing the case. Email rather than name.
  • Purpose: Provides a point of contact within the client’s organization.

Geographic Information

11. Country

  • Description: The location where the matter takes place.
  • Purpose: Identifies the country of legal jurisdiction for the matter.

Outside Counsel Information

12. Lead Outside Counsel

  • Description: The lead attorney in the vendor managing the case.
  • Purpose: Specifies the external legal lead handling the matter.

Note: For additional or custom fields that aren't listed here, please reach out to your client for clarification.


Tips for Requesting Matter Information

  • Tip: If you’re unsure about the terminology used in custom fields, always reach out to your client for clarification.
  • Tip: Ensure you input all required fields accurately to avoid delays in processing your matter.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  1. Missing or Incomplete Matter Fields: Ensure all required fields are filled in. Customized fields may require specific details from your client.
  2. Confusion over Matter Reference Numbers: Confirm whether the client has a specific format or convention for reference numbers. You can also cross-check against the Customer Matter ID and Firm Matter Reference for clarity.

Helpful Links:


Additional Information

If you're still facing issues understanding these fields or need further help, please check with your client or consult the Vendor Help Centre. 

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