iLaw Help & Knowledgebase

Frequently asked questions and answers about iLaw

• Is there a guide for iLaw?

  The iLaw one day course notes are available as a Microsoft Word document. It will assist iLaw users with creating file references, adding clients, time recording and billing. It will also include help with document processing, diary entries and reporting.

  
  

    iLaw Course
  
  

• What is the default log in for iLaw?

  The default log in and password for iLaw is 'ILAW' and 'seagull'. If you have problems using the default log in then someone in your firm may have changed the configuration in Setup.

• What is the latest iLaw download location?

  Click on the link and save the file to a location on your PC.
  
  workstation_sp43_setup.exe
  
  If you are using Windows XP, when the file has downloaded double click on the file to start the install.
  
  If you are using Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8 you will need to right click on the downloaded file and select 'Run as administrator'

• What is the basic specification for running iLaw?

  iLaw will run on most PC's and servers and work with all recent Windows operating systems. The better the specification of the hardware, the faster it will run. It works on standalone PC’s and across large scale networks. It can be used remotely if VPN access has been set-up on your network and licenses easily shared irrespective of user or location. If you want to be sure it can run on your computers, call us and ask.

• Can I run iLaw on Mac OSX?

  Yes, using Windows Parallels to emulate the Windows operating environment under OSX. Easy to set-up and use with all the benefits of the OSX interface around it.

• Can I run iLaw on my iPad?

  Yes, if you can create a VPN connection from your iPad to your network. There are a number of third party apps available from the iTunes App Store which will enable you to do this. We have it working at Anya HQ and it looks fab on the iPad, responds really well to the touch screen and makes it a joy to use out and about wherever there are good wifi or 3G connections.

• Can I run iLaw on a laptop away from the office and any remote connections?

  Yes, using iMobile. Sync with the iLaw database before leaving the office and resync on your return. This will ensure all your time, diary appointments and newly created documents get into the main iLaw system to be seen by everyone else.

• Can I run iLaw 'In the Cloud' or on other hosted servers on the web?

  Yes. There are a number of options available for externally hosting your iLaw installation, both on shared and dedicated servers. Once we know your requirements, we can organise the best and most secure hosting provision for your firm.




iLaw Technical Help: Installing, Migrating and Backing up

• iLaw install guide

  The complete guide for installing the iLaw Server, SQL Database and iLaw Workstation with download locations and troubleshooting.
  
  

    iLaw install guide

• iLaw Server and Database Migration Procedure

  This guide is for firms moving the iLaw server and database to another server or PC.
  
  

    iLaw Server Migration Procedure

• iLaw Server Components and EXTRAS

  Download the iLaw Server components and the EXTRAS zip for SQL Server 2008.
  
  

    iLaw Server Setup.exe
    EXTRAS.zip

• How do I backup the database and documents for iLaw?

  Please use our iLaw Back-up Guide.

  You can also use the Backup and Restore Tool.
  
    Backup and restore Tool.

• Setting up Windows Firewall exceptions for iLaw

  If you are having issues getting a licence when logged into iLaw, use our guide to set Windows Firewall exceptions on the server.
  
  

    Setting up Windows Firewall Exceptions for iLaw
  
  




iLaw Technical Issues

• I try to log in to iLaw and a message says "SA Connection Failed"

  When you try to login to iLaw and the message shows ‘SA Connection Failed’ the iLaw workstation cannot connect to the Database on the server. This guide looks resolving the potential issues. You are advised that you may need to enlist the help of an IT professional.
  
  

    iLaw Help - SA Connection Failed
  
  

• When I log in to iLaw a message says "No Licences Available"

  This issue can be because the number of iLaw users have iLaw open than the iLaw license allows. If you click on Housekeeping-Support-View License usage from the iLaw toolbar you will be able to see from the Connected Clients section (scroll down the screen) how many people are logged in by counting how many iLaw 'Run times' there are compared to the Quantity Installed in the Installed Licenses section.
  
  Having no iLaw license may also be a result of your PC not being able to obtain a license from the License server that is situtaed on the server of PC that holds the database. This can be due to security software on your PC or on the server. Please call us during office hours to set up a remote session.
  
  




Crown Court FAQs (for iLaw GradFees and iLaw Advocate)

• What is the log in for iLaw GradFees and iLaw Advocate?

  The default log in and password for iLaw GradFees is gf and gf1. If you change the default log in and password you must remember what you have changed it to.
  
  

• How do I backup the database for GradFees or iLaw Advocate?

  Follow the backup guides:
  
    iLaw GradFees Back Up Routine
    iLaw Advocate Back Up Routine
  
  

• Why is iLaw Advocate or iLaw GradFees not installing on my new PC?

  If your PC or Laptop has Windows Vista or Windows 7 opertaing systems installed then you will need to follow our guide for installing SQL Server 2008 before installing GradFees or iLaw Advocate.
  
    Installing Gradfees and Advocate on Windows 7
  
  

• Why is the Vat is not being calculated on my claim?

  Make sure you have a set of current Vat Rates entered in setup. Make sure the Tax Point Date is entered in section 1. This determines how which Vat rate will apply.
  
  

• It doesn't look like the rates in iLaw GradFees are the reduced rates?

  You will need iLaw GradFees 9 (iLaw Advocate 9) to access the third reduction in rates for matters with a representation order on or after 1 April 2012. Make sure that you have entered a representation order date in section 1.
  
  

• Will iLaw GradFees know whether to print the new AF1 form or the 5144F?

  The user can determine which form is printed if you have iLaw GradFees Version 5 or Version 6. When you click on Print Claim, select from the dialogue box which form is applicable to the claim depending upon the date of the representation order and the Court where the case was heard. GradFees V6 wil produce the current Version 2 of the AF1.
  
  

• What should I enter for the Advocates Unique ID?

  If you are employed by a firm then enter the Legal Aid Contract number as the Advocates Unique ID.
  
  

• How do I claim extra Conferences and Views?

  Revision to Conferences and Views
  
  GradFees 8 and iLaw Advocate 8 have been revised to indicate the Conferences and Views included in the basic fee and those to be claimed in addition depending upon the length of trial. The basic fee includes 3 conferences/site visits. The 'Length of Trial' box in 'Section 2' must show 1 or more for you to be able to enter the dates and time spent for each conference or view attended. The conferences and views provided for in the basic fee will not be included in the cost total calculated.
  
  If a trial or cracked trial lasts no longer than 21 days then no extra conferences can be claimed (as shown).
  
  

  

  
  If the trial/cracked trial lasts between 21 and 25 days 1 extra conference is claimable (also shown). The fee payable will be dependant upon the time spent and GradFees will apply the 2 hour capping.
  
  

  

  
  If the trial/cracked trial lasts between 26 and 35 days then 2 extra conferences can be claimed.
  
  If the trial/cracked trial lasts more than 36 days then 3 extra conferences can be claimed.
  
  

• I cannot find the offence in the dropdown list?

  The offences shown for selection in iLaw GradFees and iLaw Advocate are provided by the AGFS guidance. Annex 2 has a list of offences which are stored in GradFees and the acts to which they are contrary. If you cannot find the offence you are billing for in the software check the offence on the representation order and the act it is contrary to. Then look for a corresponding offence and act in Annex 2 so that an offence can be selected with a relative claim code.
  
    Annex 2 Alphabetical List of Offences.pdf
  
  

• How do I make a claim for a Restriction Order under the Mental Health Act 1963?

  The AGFS Guidance 3 February 2011 states that in paragraph B23 (3(f)) "Any case in which a Restriction Order is made under Section 41 of the Mental Health Act 1983 falls within Class A, regardless of the offence". You can select any Class A offence but change the offence description on the printed AF1.
  
  

• How do I claim a case that discontinued at the PCMH?

  Section B17 (18) states "If the Crown discontinues a case at the PDH/PCMH then the case is treated as a guilty plea. If the case is discontinued before the prosecution papers are served, 50% of the basic fee for a guilty plea is payable..."
  
  When Guilty Plea is selected in GradFees, you will have radio button options to determine whether the case discontinued before prosecution papers were served.
  
  

• Download the PCMH form for 2 - 5 Defendants

    PCMH form for 2 - 5 Defendants
  
  

• Claiming Litigators 'Elected Case not proceeded'

  There is a new fee for LGFS Cracked Trial or Guilty Plea (elected either way cases) £362 per proceedings. To claim this fee make sure the 'Date of the Representation Order' field in 'Section 1' is set to a date on or after 3 October 2011, then select 'Elected case not proceeded (ENP)' from the 'Trial Type' dropdown in Section 2.
  
  With this fee introduction the Committal Hearing fee is removed and the Category 1 Lower Standard fee paid for guilty pleas in the Magistrates' Courts is enhanced by 23% and the Higher Standard fee by 8.3% (please see the Magistrates' Court Category 1 Fee changes section). The LAC1 form is to be completed and signed at the Committal Hearing for all Either Way Cases directed to the Crown Court by the magistrates. It should then be submitted to the LSC along with the LF1.