---
title: "Training 102: Organization of Contacts and Cases"
url: "https://primalaw.productfruits.help/en/article/9ada0e09-d7ad-4076-9f6d-18acaa2841a9"
language: "en"
last_updated: "2026-11-02T16:19:50.007Z"
---

# Training 102: Organization of Contacts and Cases

In Prima.Law, everything starts with a contact. This guide will walk you through the process of creating and managing contacts, starting cases, and understanding the differences between contact pages and case pages.

[YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/embed/92kH774A57w)

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### **Creating a New Contact**

1.  **Click the “+” Icon**:
2.  -   On the main page, click the “+” icon to create a new contact.
3.  **Enter Required Information**:
4.  -   First Name (Required)
    -   Last Name (Required)
    -   Middle Name (Optional)
    -   Email (Highly recommended for client portal access).
    -   Phone Number (Helpful for sending text messages).
5.  **Optional Information**:
6.  -   Biographic Information (e.g., language preference).
    -   For companies, use the “Company” tab.
7.  **Save the Contact**:
8.  -   Once saved, you’ve created a basic contact profile. All cases and interactions for this individual will begin here.

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### **Using the Contact Page**

The contact page contains essential data that may be used across multiple cases. Here’s what you can manage:

-   **Basic Information**:
-   -   Name, display name, date of birth, country of birth, citizenship, and other biographic details.
    -   Passport information and address history.
-   **Phone Numbers**:
-   -   Add multiple numbers and label them (e.g., mobile, work).
-   **Family, Marriage, and Job History**:
-   -   Include family members, prior jobs, and marriage details.
-   **Immigration Information**:
-   -   Current status, dates of becoming a legal permanent resident, naturalization numbers, travel history, visa details, and I-94 data.
    -   Use the Prima.Law Chrome extension to pull information from USCIS and CBP websites.
-   **Related Contacts**:
-   -   Link spouses, family members, or other relevant individuals to this contact. For example, adding a spouse ensures their data autofills forms when applicable.
-   **Notes and Communications**:
-   -   Track all notes and communications (e.g., phone calls, text messages) directly from the contact page.
-   **Tasks**:
-   -   Assign follow-up tasks even without creating a case.

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### **Starting a Case**

When ready to begin working with a client, create a case:

1.  **Create an Intake Case**:
2.  -   Intake cases are useful for consultations and initial screenings. They allow you to:
    -   -   Screen for inadmissibility issues.
        -   Collect biographic and immigration details.
        -   Use the intake form for gathering critical client data.
3.  **Assign Staff and Dates**:
4.  -   Assign an attorney and primary paralegal.
    -   Optionally, set a completion or expiration date.
5.  **Save the Case**:
6.  -   This creates a case page specific to the client and their needs.

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### **Using the Case Page**

The case page is where you manage the specific details and workflow of a particular case:

-   **Case Details**:
-   -   View key case information, including case type, assigned staff, and case status.
-   **Flow Items and Checklists**:
-   -   Use predefined checklists to gather required documents and exhibits for the case.
-   **Smart Interviews**:
-   -   Generate client interviews based on case type (e.g., I-130 family petition).
    -   Assign roles (e.g., petitioner, beneficiary) to autofill forms.
-   **Forms and Package Assembly**:
-   -   Complete immigration forms and assemble them with supporting documents into a package for submission.
-   **Receipts and Tracking**:
-   -   Add USCIS receipt notices and follow up on case statuses.
-   **Files, Notes, and Communications**:
-   -   Store case-specific files and notes.
    -   Track calls, tasks, invoices, and payment plans.
-   **Custom Fields and Calendar**:
-   -   Add custom fields and events specific to the case.

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### **Key Differences Between Contact and Case Pages**

-   **Contact Page**:
-   -   Stores general information used across multiple cases.
    -   Includes biographic data, family members, immigration details, and communication history.
-   **Case Page**:
-   -   Focuses on the details and workflow of a specific case.
    -   Includes checklists, forms, flow items, and case-specific communications.

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### **Important Tips for Managing Contacts and Cases**

1.  **Start with a Contact**:
2.  -   Always create a contact first before starting a case. This ensures all biographic and immigration information is stored centrally.
3.  **Use Intake Cases for Screening**:
4.  -   Intake cases allow paralegals to screen clients for inadmissibility, gather details, and prepare for consultations. This saves time and improves efficiency.
5.  **Set Case Status and Priority**:
6.  -   Use status indicators (e.g., “Waiting on Client”) and priority levels to track progress and manage workloads.
7.  **Create Important Notices**:
8.  -   Add visible notices (e.g., “Do not contact spouse – DV case”) to highlight critical information on both contact and case pages.
9.  **Assign Roles**:
10.  -   Assign attorneys, paralegals, and other staff to ensure accountability and streamlined case management.
11.  **Leverage Related Contacts**:
12.  -   Link spouses, children, or other related individuals to autofill data and streamline form completion.
13.  **Utilize Smart Interviews and Package Assembly**:
14.  -   These tools simplify gathering client data and assembling documents for USCIS submissions.

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By understanding the organization of contacts and cases in Prima.Law, you’ll be able to efficiently manage your workflow and provide better service to your clients. Everything starts with a contact, so begin there and let Prima.Law guide you through the rest!