Office Administration and Technology
What this domain tests
Office Administration and Technology tests the systems that keep a legal practice reliable: calendaring, docketing, file and records management, billing support, e-filing, and secure use of technology.
Core rules
- Calendar from the triggering event and the applicable rule, not from when the office received the document. Build two independent reminders for jurisdictional deadlines.
- Know the difference between a statute-of-limitations tickler, a court-ordered deadline, and an internal target date.
- Use a consistent file-naming and matter-numbering convention; store the final version in the document management system and restrict access by matter.
- E-filing requires a PDF that opens, correct text searchability, no tracked changes, and no hidden metadata. Confirm the court's acceptance notice; a transmission receipt is not proof the filing was accepted.
- Apply confidentiality and competence duties to cloud storage, email, mobile devices, and vendors. Use encryption, multi-factor authentication, and least-privilege access.
Worked example
A response is due 14 days after service by mail. The client was served May 1. Counting begins May 2; 14 days ends May 15. Because service was by mail, add 3 days under FRCP 6(d), making May 18. If May 18 falls on a Saturday, the deadline rolls to the next business day under Rule 6(a). Check the state rule, because electronic service may not add 3 days.
Traps
- Counting the day of service.
- Treating an e-filing receipt as accepted.
- Calendar entries without owner or backup.
- Sharing client documents through personal email or unapproved apps.
- Retaining or destroying records without the retention schedule.