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Ask the Experts
Current Questions & Solutions
Q: How do I create a simple formula in Excel? Please be very specific step by step. For example, if I want column c to substract column d and enter it in column e, what do I do? And if I want to multiple c x e, what do I do? Thank you.
A: Formulas start with an equals sign (=) to signal that you are not just entering data. The formula should be entered into the cell in which you would like the answer to appear. Formulas can be written a number of ways. To use your first example, enter your two data points into cells C1 and D1. For this example, let’s use 100 and 25 as the two data points. Then enter =C1-D1 into cell E1. Cell E1 should display 75 (the result of 100-25). For your second example, to multiple C1 x E1 and display the result in F1, enter =C1*E1 into the F1 cell. Using the data points from the first example, F1 should display 7500 (100*(100-25)). For addition use (+) and for division use (/). Get more information on generating simple formulas.
Q: How do I create a timeline in MS Word?
A: For help creating a timeline from scratch, click here, or you can download a free template to use and just fill in your text. Also see the directions for using templates.
Q: How do I create a timeline in MS Visio?
A: Start the process by clicking on "File" in the drop down menu at the top of the screen, then select "New" then "Project Schedule"and then "Timeline." Select drag and drop one of the timeline shapes onto the page and then configure the timeline using the pop-up screen that will appear. Find more detailed information on Microsoft's website.
Q: How do I create a table of contents in MS Word or WordPerfect?
A: Instructions for building a table of contents in MS Word are available on Microsoft's website, and WordPerfect instructions are available on Corel's website.
Q: How do I create a table of authorities in MS Word?
A: To insert the table of authorities, in the drop down menus at the top of the screen, click on "Insert" then "Reference" then "Index and Tables." (or use the short cut Alt+i, n, d). Then click on the "Table of Authorities" tab (or Alt+a) and choose "All" in the category box. Despite choosing all, this feature will only insert categories for things (cases, statutes, etc. that you have marked). Finish by clicking "OK." See more information on creating the table or marking citations for insertion into the table.
Q: How do I recognize text in an Adobe .pdf document
A: In the drop down menus at the top of the screen, click on "Document" then "Recognize Text Using OCR" then "Start." We recommend using the settings PDF Output Style: Searchable Image (Exact). View more help on this topic.
Q. How do I keep track of billable hours using Outlook?
A. Outlook's task manager can be used to easily keep track of billable hours. The program also provides a feature that will calculate the charges based on the total number of hours worked and the hourly rate. Additionally, the program provides the user to input "actual hours worked" and "billed hours" separately, which facilitates accurate time-keeping. A quick set up for billable hour tracking use, the program allows you to separate by category/ client/ file, detail the nature of the work, list the amount of time spent, the rate charged and also print billing reports. A detailed set of instructions is also available.
Q. Is there a cost-free digital stopwatch software available to keep track of multiple matters?
A. The MultiTrack Stopwatch is available at no charge for download and keeps track of up to 10 matters at a time. The software is customizable to compute time in increments as needed using the conversion tool. The software also permits the user to pause time and continue at a later time and to sync with the next project. The options menu also provides the capability to "record" the time and will create a text document with the matters and times as listed on the program window.
Q. How do I compute important dates without manually going through the Lawyer's Diary?
A. An easy to use deadline calcuator is available on a court reporter services website. Once you enter the start date and the number of days, the calculator automatically yeilds the deadline date. It also notifies the user if that date falls on a weekend and proposes the next business day as the filing date.
Q. Is there a cost-free way to create pdfs?
A. PrimoPDF is an free software available for download, or can be used directly online that integrates your printer functions with creating pdfs. Once downloaded, on the document file menu, if you hit print, PrimoPDF will be listed as a printer and selecting this as the printer will pop up a box asking the user to input where the file should be saved and how it should be named. The end result in a PDF document that can be viewed using any pdf reader including Adobe Acrobat.
Q. How do I redline documents in Microsoft Word?
A. One of the toolbars that can be activated in Microsoft Word (it's a preinstalled feature) is the reviewing toolbar. Click on the view menu, then toolbars, then reviewing. Then click on the "track changes" icon on the toolbar. This will enable redlining documents. Also among the icons included in the reviewing toolbar is the ability to add comments to the document. Each reviewer's comments will be in different font colors and the options can be set to initial the comments and changes by reviewer automatically. A detailed set of instructions on using this tools is available online.
