Legal Firms and Advocates
Matter files, conflict checks, court filings, LSK compliance — built around the file-by-matter habits of Kenyan law firms.
Legal Firms and Advocates
Law firms in Kenya operate one of the most document-intensive professions in the country. Every matter generates dozens to hundreds of documents. Every client engagement has confidentiality, conflict, and retention obligations governed by the Advocates Act, LSK rules, and the Anti-Money Laundering POCAMLA.
Matter-centric file structure
Each matter is a Papyrus workspace:
- Client engagement letter
- Conflict check evidence
- KYC and AML due diligence
- Court documents (pleadings, affidavits, exhibits)
- Correspondence (received and sent)
- Internal memos and research
- Witness statements
- Expert reports
- Court diary entries
- Billing entries
- Closure file
Matter access is restricted to the matter team; conflicts are checked against the entire firm's matter index.
Conflict checks
When a new matter is opened, a conflict check searches:
- All current and former matters
- All client and counterparty registers
- Personal interests declared by partners
- Confidential information lists
Hit results are reviewed by the Compliance Partner; a no-conflict opinion is recorded as a workflow.
Court e-filing integration
Where Judiciary e-filing portals exist (e-Filing, CTS), Papyrus stores the underlying drafted document and the portal-issued case reference. The portal's stamped document is filed back as evidence of filing.
LSK and AML compliance
LSK Practice Rules require:
- Client files retained for 7 years post-closure
- Trust account ledger reconciled and documented monthly
- AML/CFT risk assessment per client
- STR/SAR records (with restricted access)
- Continuing Professional Development for advocates
Each compliance dimension is a Papyrus workflow with audit log.
Billing and trust accounts
Billing records:
- Engagement letter fee structures
- Time entries (per matter, per fee-earner)
- Disbursement records with original receipts attached
- Invoices to clients
- Trust account credits and debits with supporting documentation