Version 2.58 Released
February 15, 2007
We are proud to announce the release of TurboLaw Version 2.58 – the latest and greatest TurboLaw version yet.
Some of the new features in this version of TurboLaw are:
- Some minor updates for compatability with the new New Hampshire area of law
- Added the ability to store email addresses for attorneys in your firm
- Added the ability to edit attorneys in your firm
- Fixed problems with “Print Case Info” button
As always, we warmly welcome customer feedback – it helps us make TurboLaw the best program it can be.
TurboLaw and Office 2007
February 13, 2007
With the introduction of Microsoft’s new Office 2007 system, we have some new tips for working with TurboLaw and these new programs.
TurboLaw Toolbar
Microsoft Office 2007 no longer uses “toolbars” in the classical sense anymore. Everything is part of a “ribbon” now, and there are different “tabs” that show different “ribbons” at the top of your screen. The TurboLaw Toolbar, along with ALL add-in toolbars (e.g. Adobe, WorldDocs, etc.) has been moved to the “Add-Ins” tab. Simply click on the “Add-Ins” tab to see all of your old toolbars, including TurboLaw’s toolbar. (Watch this space for an announcement when we update the TurboLaw toolbar to become a “ribbon” of its own.)
Here’s what the TurboLaw toolbar looks like in Word 2007:
Macros
Almost every option in the new version of Office 2007 has been moved from its place in previous versions. The Macro Security Center is no exception. This Microsoft article explains where the macro security section is now. Fortunately, the new default setting allows YOU to choose whether you want to enable or disable macros in documents.
User Templates
February 2, 2007
It is possible to modify any of the “template” forms provided with TurboLaw to suit your own needs. These modified templates are known as “user templates.” This option can be used to create your own derivative forms, or to create entirely new forms that do not currently exist in TurboLaw. You can also modify documents that you use frequently; for example, if you make a certain edit to a form every time you use it, you could make that edit part of a new template, and then you would not have to make that edit each time you created the form.
Creating Your Own Template
To create your own template, simply click on the “File” menu in TurboLaw, and choose “Manage User Templates.” This screen displays all of the templates you have created. To create your own template, click on “New Template.” From this screen, you can select the TurboLaw document on which you would like to base your custom template. You can choose the appropriate state, area of practice, and category by using the drop-down boxes at the top of the list. Then, simply click on the template you would like to modify. You must give your custom template a different name from any other document in the same category.
Warning: You must give your template a name that is different from any other template in that category. TurboLaw will not allow you to create a template that has the same name as another template.
In addition, you cannot change the name of your template once it has been created, so you are advised to name your template carefully.
Once you have named your template, you can click “Create User Template.” If you have checked “Show Instructions” (which is “on” by default), you will be shown some instructions before your template is created. It is important to remember these instructions when you are creating your template.
Once your template has been created, it will be opened in either Microsoft Word or Excel (as appropriate). You can then edit the TurboLaw template as needed, to make your own derivative template. Simply use the “Edit Document” button to “un-lock” the document, and make any changes you need. Then, lock the document again by clicking the “Edit Document” button again before you save the form.
Warning: Use caution when deleting the gray form fields in your template. These fields are often “linked” (also known as “referenced”) by later portions of the document. If you delete the “source” (the gray form field), the links later on will display the text “Error: Reference source not found!” (the error may not appear until you print your document). To prevent this from happening, use caution when deleting form fields, and always print a draft copy of your template to check for these errors.
Always remember to “lock” your template by using the “Edit Document” button before you save it. Many TurboLaw documents will not fill in properly if they are not in the “locked” mode.
Warning: Editing templates requires some advanced word processing skills. If you are not familiar with Word’s “table” feature, you may find working with templates difficult. We recommend consulting the on-line help for Microsoft Word, or you may find one of the many Word guidebooks helpful. Most are available at your local bookstore.
Modifying Your Template
You can modify any template you have created by double-clicking on its name from the list of user templates. Once your template is open, the rules for editing it are the same as when you first created it.
Deleting a Template
If you have created a template which you do not need anymore, you can delete it by selecting the template name from the list of templates and clicking the “Delete Template” button.
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