---
title: "Training 104: Creating your first Contact and Case"
url: "https://primalaw.productfruits.help/en/article/a233cc18-f40e-46cd-932a-ef2d25c351ff"
language: "en"
last_updated: "2026-05-11T16:32:45.212Z"
---

# Training 104: Creating your first Contact and Case

[YouTube video](https://www.youtube.com/embed/li9T9lZCAEQ)

## **Creating Your First Contact and Case in Prima.Law**

Welcome to this guide on creating your first contact and case in Prima.Law! Everything starts with a contact, so let’s walk through the process step-by-step to help you get started efficiently and stay organized.

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### **Step 1: Create a New Contact**

1.  **Click the “+” Icon**:
2.  -   On the main page, click the “+” icon to create a new contact.
3.  **Enter Basic Information**:
4.  -   First Name (Required)
    -   Last Name (Required)
    -   Email Address (Recommended for client portal access).
    -   Phone Number (Recommended for text messaging).
5.  **Upload a Photo** (Optional):
6.  -   For added security, upload a photo of the client. This can help quickly verify their identity during interactions.
7.  **Add Tags** (Optional):
8.  -   Tags help categorize contacts. For example, if the client has DACA, create a “DACA” tag for future filtering.
9.  **Create Important Notes**:
10.  -   Add critical notes, such as “Do not contact spouse – DV case,” or billing-related notices. These will appear prominently on both the contact and case pages.
11.  **Save the Contact**:
12.  -   Once saved, you’ve created a basic contact profile, and all cases for this individual will be linked here.

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### **Step 2: Add Biographic and Address Information**

1.  **Biographic Information**:
2.  -   Fill in details such as country of birth, place of birth, citizenship, and middle name if available.
3.  **Address History**:
4.  -   Add the client’s current address and mark it as “physical” or “mailing.”
    -   Include previous addresses, specifying the dates they lived there.
5.  **Additional Information**:
6.  -   Add phone numbers, employment history, marriage history, and family member details if relevant.

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### **Step 3: Add Related Contacts**

1.  **Create Related Contacts**:
2.  -   For example, if the client has a spouse, add them as a related contact. Include their email and create a contact profile for them.
3.  **Link the Contact**:
4.  -   Once saved, related contacts will appear in the “Related Contacts” tab. These relationships enable seamless autofill of forms (e.g., selecting a spouse as the petitioner).

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### **Step 4: Create an Intake Case**

1.  **Start with an Intake Case**:
2.  -   Go to the “Cases” tab on the contact profile and click **New Case**.
    -   Select “Intake Case” as the case type. This is critical for screening the client’s eligibility and gathering comprehensive details.
3.  **Assign Staff**:
4.  -   Assign a primary attorney and paralegal to the case.
5.  **Use the Intake Form**:
6.  -   Apply the client’s information to the form by clicking **Edit**.
    -   Complete the form by filling in details such as:
    -   -   Entry and departure history.
        -   Screening for inadmissibility (e.g., 3/10-year bars, permanent bar).
        -   Screening for VAWA, U-Visa, or T-Visa eligibility.
7.  **Save and Close the Intake Case**:
8.  -   Once the intake is complete, close the case if no further action is needed. This ensures your case list stays organized.

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### **Step 5: Create a Substantive Case (e.g., I-130)**

1.  **Go to the Contact’s “Cases” Tab**:
2.  -   Click **New Case** and select the appropriate case type (e.g., I-130 Spousal Petition).
3.  **Define Case Details**:
4.  -   Assign staff roles (e.g., attorney and paralegal).
    -   Set optional due dates or completion goals.
5.  **Use Case Tools**:
6.  -   **Case Flow Items**: Follow step-by-step workflows to move the case through production.
    -   **Checklists**: Collect necessary documents like passport photos, birth certificates, and filing fees.
    -   **Smart Interviews**: Define roles (e.g., petitioner and beneficiary) and generate interviews for the client or staff to complete.
    -   **Forms**: Autofill forms like the I-130 and I-130A with the client’s data.
7.  **Assign Status and Priority**:
8.  -   Update the case status (e.g., “Waiting on Client”) and priority level (e.g., high, medium, or low).

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### **Best Practices**

-   **Start with an Intake Case**:
-   -   Even if the client claims to know what they need, screening them ensures no critical details are missed.
-   **Keep Contacts and Cases Organized**:
-   -   Use tags, notes, and related contacts to ensure all relevant information is easy to access.
-   **Utilize Smart Interviews**:
-   -   These save time by allowing clients or staff to fill in missing details step-by-step.
-   **Leverage Automation**:
-   -   Autofill forms using stored data and link related contacts for seamless form preparation.

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### **Key Features of the Case Page**

-   **Package Assembly**:
-   -   Organize and submit forms, exhibits, and supporting documents.
-   **Receipts and File Storage**:
-   -   Track USCIS receipt numbers and securely store case-related files.
-   **Task Management**:
-   -   Assign tasks to staff and monitor their progress.
-   **Billing and Invoicing**:
-   -   Set up payment plans or issue invoices directly from the case page.
-   **Communication Tracking**:
-   -   Record phone calls, text messages, and email history.

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By following these steps and best practices, you’ll efficiently create and manage your first contact and case in Prima.Law. With this foundation, you’ll be well-prepared to handle more complex cases and workflows as your practice grows!