Maximum of 50 characters. This field in the Client file is used to enter a client's first and last name, or the name of an organization.

When a new client is added, completing this field will open the Contact file allowing you to enter the contact information for the client and confirm whether the associated client contact is an individual or an organization.

If the Client Name is entered with a "/" character in the name, the Full Name field in the Contact file is automatically filled in with the client's name in First Name Last Name format. If a new client is entered without a "/" character, the Full Name field in the Contact file is automatically filled in with the Client Name.

The following are examples of possible Client Name formats:

No Slash Character If the Client Name is entered as "Peterson Insurance Co.", then "Peterson Insurance Co." will be shown in the Full Name field of the Contact file and the contact record will default to Organization.
One Slash Character If the Client Name is entered as "Smith/John", then "John Smith" will be shown in the Full Name field of the Contact file and the contact record will default to Individual.
Multiple Slash Characters

If the Client Name is entered as "Holt Charter d/b/a Rings Etc.", then by default "b/a Rings Etc. Holt Charter d" will be shown in the Full Name field of the Contact file (because a slash was entered) and the contact record will default to Individual.

By changing the record type to Organization, the Organization, Client Name, and Name Search fields will default to the Contact ID value. Then, copy the Contact ID text into the Full Name field in order to display the correct name for the contact.

Alternatively, entering a "/" in the first character position of the Client Name field would force Tabs3 Billing to ignore the "/" in the name. For example, the name "Holt Charter d/b/a Rings Etc." would have their client name entered as "/Holt Charter d/b/a Rings Etc." However, the Client Lookup window will display client names that begin with a "/" character in an alphabetical group separate from other payee names.

Note: Be sure to use the correct slash ("/") character. Otherwise, if a "\" character is entered, the software will not reverse the name for the Full Name field.

The contents of the Full Name field in the Contact file can be changed without changing the Client Name.

Alphabetical sorting is based on the Name Search field. The Client Name is displayed in the Client Lookup window. Clients can be selected via the Client Lookup window based on information within the Client Name field.

When an individual contact is used in the Client Name field, the Contact Name field will default to the contact listed in the Client Name field so that the client's phone numbers will be available on the Address tab. Additionally, the Include Attention line on statement check box in the Bill To Record window will default to cleared to avoid duplicating the client's name on statements.

Secure Client Note: To ensure that a contact record is not created for a new secure client, select the Secure Client check box before entering the Client Name. Otherwise, if you select this check box after creating the contact, you will need to delete the contact records for the client to ensure the security of the new client.

Credit Card Processing Note: LexCharge® uses the Client Name field to designate the “Person” assigned to each credit card transaction. Changing the Client Name associated with a matter will result in future credit card transactions for that matter being assigned to a different “Person” on the LexCharge website. Previous credit card transactions on the LexCharge website are not affected.

See also:   Client Lookup Window Filtering Examples

Note: The "Client" terminology can be changed in Customization. This terminology is used on all menus, windows, and reports. However, the label "Client" is used in all documentation.