In one sentence
When you create a case file, the portal searches for the name in all of your firm's case files that you are allowed to see, as client, opposing party and opposing counsel, and a match requires a justification before you can proceed.
How the check works
You create a case file for Müller Bau GmbH. The “Conflict check” card searches for the name in the roles of client, opposing party and opposing counsel. Upper and lower case, umlauts, punctuation and the order of first and last name do not matter. If Müller Bau GmbH is listed as the opposing party in an ongoing case file, the card shows the role, case number and status, nothing more. If you still want to create the case file, the portal requires at least ten characters under “Reason for proceeding”, and the reason is then recorded in the case timeline. The check runs without AI and costs nothing.
Accepting a client inquiry
You accept a client inquiry with “Accept & create case file”. The acceptance and the new case file are created in one step; even a double click creates exactly one case file. The person who sent the inquiry receives a short email with the name of your firm and the date of the inquiry, without any details of the matter.
And at the end of the engagement
When you close a case file, the dialog records the end of the engagement. For a case file under German law with a German admission, it shows the retention period under § 50 Abs. 1 BRAO: six years, counted from the end of the calendar year in which the engagement ended. In other cases, a neutral note is shown. The portal deletes nothing on its own.
What it does not do
- The search compares names almost exactly. It does not recognize typos, abbreviations or group affiliations.
- Before an inquiry is accepted, the name of the person who sent it is not yet known; in that case only your block list applies.
- The review of conflicts of interest under professional rules remains with you; the card is an aid for it.
More: Compliance for law firms and in the manual Conflicts of interest and From inquiry to case file.
