Technical user manual · Windows free ship
Technical user manual
1. Purpose
Irish Legal Toolkit is a local-first conveyancing workbench for small Irish firms. It keeps one client file for a purchase or sale and gives you free-core tools for intake, contract, searches, requisitions, stamp duty prep, closing figures, PRA form prep, title work, leasehold/MUD checklists, statutory declarations, letters, diary, undertakings, firm compliance reminders, AML open-file checklist, and conflict check register.
You create a client, fill File essentials once (client, property, price, key dates), then work along a simple spine: Continue this file into the next conveyancing step, Produce letters or forms, watch dates on Calendar, and finish on the Completion tab with closing checklist and packs.
The app is practice support. It helps organise work and generate drafts. It does not replace your professional judgment.
2. Posture and honesty
Read this section before relying on any export.
| Claim | Truth |
|---|---|
| Legal advice | No. Practice tool only. Review every letter, form, and figure before issue or filing. |
| Law Society / regulator | Not affiliated with the Law Society of Ireland or any regulator. |
| Revenue ROS | No live ROS filing. Stamp duty and related Revenue forms are prep / export aids only. You still file through official channels. |
| ICS calendar | Export only. You can export firm dates as .ics for Outlook or Google Calendar. That is not live two-way sync. |
| AML checklist | Practice aid. Client-file-scoped open-file CDD checklist and risk notes. Not live screening or a guarantee of compliance. |
| Conflict check | Internal register only. Search against names on open files in this database. Not a guarantee of no conflict; not a national register. |
| Free core | Conveyancing workbench tools in Appendix A ship on by default. Optional modules (wills, IHT, court bundle, farm, client account, time-billing, family law) stay off until you enable them under Settings. |
| Closing packs | A Completion tab feature on the client hub, not a separate free-core tool module in the Tools list. |
| Data | Stored on this PC by default under your Windows profile. Not uploaded to the publisher by default. |
If marketing copy and this manual disagree, this honesty section wins.
3. Workbench organisation
3.1 Main navigation (sidebar)
| Screen | What it is for |
|---|---|
| Home | Greeting, firm name, counts (active clients, deadlines, data safety), Needs attention, quick actions: New client, All clients, Calendar. When demo UI is off, Home stays calm. |
| Clients | The firm register of client files. Search, filter, open a file. |
| Tools | Browse free-core modules (and any optional modules you have enabled). |
| Calendar | Firm deadline diary: month/week/day views, risk colouring, day agenda. |
| Settings | Firm details, branding, export paths, data safety, tools on/off, profiles, backup, demo options. |
Use New client from Home, Clients, or the command palette where available (Ctrl+K).
3.2 Client hub
Opening a client lands you on the Client hub - one place for that file.
Happy-path rail (shown first on conveyancing files):
- Continue this file - next recommended conveyancing step (opens the right tool).
- File essentials - client name, property address, purchase/sale price, instruction date, completion date.
- Produce - Produce letter / Produce form shortcuts into document production.
- Secondary overview - attached tools, autofill status, packs and other detail as the hub shows them.
Typical hub tabs / areas: File / Overview, Tools, Details, Dates, Documents, Forms, and Completion (stages, funds checks, CoT-style checklist, closing packs).
Internal software still uses the word "matter" in routes and database tables. You should only see Clients / Client hub language in the UI.
3.3 Free-core tools (summary)
Each free-core tool is a module inside the one Windows install. Closing packs are under Completion, not a separate tool ID.
| Tool | When you open it |
|---|---|
| Client intake | Full open-file wizard beyond File essentials |
| Contract for Sale | Contract stage data and export |
| Searches & Due Diligence | Search checklist, findings, chases |
| Requisitions on Title | Queries, replies, rejoinders |
| Stamp Duty | Estimates and prep packs (not ROS filing) |
| Closing Statement | Completion figures and apportionments |
| PRA Builder | Registration prep / applications |
| Title Defects Resolver | Defect tracking and draft advice docs |
| Leasehold & MUD | Leasehold / multi-unit diligence |
| Statutory Declarations | Declaration/affidavit drafts |
| Letters & Notices | Day-to-day correspondence |
| Deadline diary / Calendar | Firm dates; ICS export only |
| Undertakings Register | Given/received undertakings |
| Firm Compliance | Firm PC/PI/CPD-style reminders |
| AML open-file checklist | CDD checklist on a client file |
| Conflict Check Register | Name search on open files + outcome log |
Detailed step-by-step for every tool: Section 12 and the dedicated Full tools how-to page.
3.4 Completion tab and closing packs
On the Client hub, open Completion when the file is approaching close-out. You can track completion stages, funds checks, and CoT-style checklist items, and generate closing packs:
- Client pack ZIP
- Lender panel pack
- Certificate of Title checklist PDF
These sit on the Completion tab. They are free-ship features, not a separate optional licence.
3.5 Optional modules (off by default)
Under Settings → Tools, you may enable modules that are not free-core defaults: will drafter, inheritance tax, court bundle, agricultural/farm, client account, time recording and billing, and family law (gated / coming-soon style packaging). This manual does not walk optional modules.
4. Install and update
4.1 Requirements
- Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit
- WebView2 (bundled/bootstrapped by the installer in normal installs)
- Optional but recommended: LibreOffice from libreoffice.org for high-fidelity PDF export from Word templates
4.2 Download
- Prefer Setup installer - Irish-Legal-Toolkit-Setup-1.0.2.exe (NSIS, current user).
- Or MSI - Irish-Legal-Toolkit-1.0.2.msi for IT-managed installs.
No account, licence key, or subscription is required for the free core. See Download.
4.3 SmartScreen (unsigned builds)
Current public builds may be not code-signed. Windows SmartScreen may warn:
- Choose More info.
- Choose Run anyway only if you trust the download source (your firm's known link).
Signed builds will follow when a code-signing certificate is in place. Do not download installers from unknown mirrors.
4.4 First launch
- Open Irish Legal Toolkit from the Start menu.
- Create or select a solicitor profile and set a PIN.
- Complete onboarding: real work vs explore, firm name, folders (export / data safety).
- Prefer real work path when loading live client data; leave demonstration data off on a live machine unless training.
4.5 Where data lives
| Item | Location |
|---|---|
| Application working data | %APPDATA%\ie.legal.toolkit\ |
| Database | %APPDATA%\ie.legal.toolkit\irish-legal-toolkit.db |
| Client file uploads | under that AppData tree |
| Data safety vault (default) | Documents\Irish Legal Toolkit\ (see section 6) |
Reinstalling the app does not wipe AppData by default. Uninstall via Windows Settings → Apps; delete the AppData folder only for a deliberate clean slate.
4.6 Update procedure
- Back up first - Settings → Data safety → Full backup now (or Local backup).
- Close the app completely.
- Install the new Setup/MSI.
- Launch - SQLite migrations run automatically.
- Confirm Clients, Settings, and a sample file still open.
4.7 Profiles
A master profile can manage solicitor profiles (Settings → Profiles). Each solicitor has a PIN. Case visibility follows profile rules as implemented in the app.
5. Settings
| Area | What to configure |
|---|---|
| Firm details | Firm name, address, contact used on letterheads and exports. |
| Branding | Logo, colours, letterhead footer; preview before generating letters. |
| Export folder | Where Word/PDF/ZIP outputs prefer to land. |
| Data safety | Vault path, mirror every save, open in File Explorer, mirror all now, full backup now. |
| Tools | Free-core on/off; enable optional modules only if needed. |
| Templates | Per-tool firm DOCX upload and field mapping. |
| Profiles | Solicitors, PINs, master profile. |
| Demo / trial | Load or remove demonstration data; turn demo UI off for real firm use. |
| Backup | Create ZIP backup of database and documents. |
| Updates | Check for updates (auto-install may be stubbed until a signed channel is live). |
Recommendation for pilots: firm details + branding + data safety on + demo UI off + free core only.
6. Data safety
Solicitors should be able to open File Explorer and see that work is recorded.
6.1 Default vault
Documents\Irish Legal Toolkit\ README-DATA-SAFETY.txt SAVE-LOG.txt ← human-readable list of saves Current\ ← latest JSON for each client / tool record History\ ← previous versions Backups\ ← full SQLite ZIP restore points
Change the root under Settings → Firm Details → Data safety.
6.2 What happens on each save
- Live app database in AppData is updated (working copy).
- A readable JSON snapshot is written to Current/…
- A timestamped copy is appended under History/…
- A line is appended to SAVE-LOG.txt.
- If the auto-backup interval has elapsed (default 12 hours), a full ZIP is written to Backups/.
Data safety is on by default, including when cloud sync is off.
6.3 UI actions
- Open in File Explorer - open the vault folder.
- Mirror all now - dump every client + tool blob into Current/History.
- Full backup now - create a ZIP immediately.
6.4 Turning mirror off (not recommended)
Uncheck "Mirror every save". The live AppData database still works; you lose the visible File Explorer trail.
6.5 OneDrive / Dropbox
Point the safety folder at a path inside OneDrive or Dropbox (for example OneDrive\Irish Legal Toolkit) so desktop cloud sync also protects the vault. That is your cloud account, not publisher hosting.
6.6 Full backup vs Current/History
| Current + History | Backups ZIP | |
|---|---|---|
| Contents | Per-record JSON | Entire DB + document files + branding |
| Use when | Inspect a single client change | Disaster recovery / machine move |
Always create a full backup before upgrades and before major machine moves.
7. Export and documents
7.1 Produce workflow
- Complete File essentials (and more detail on Details if needed).
- On the Client hub, use Produce letter or Produce form, or open Letters and notices / the relevant tool.
- Choose a firm template where available.
- Generate / preview merged fields.
- Export Word (to amend) and/or PDF (to issue).
- Confirm the document appears on the file's Documents area and/or in your export folder.
7.2 Firm templates
Upload firm DOCX, map placeholders to client-file fields, generate from a live client so hub data fills the template. Contract for Sale may use a single firm contract DOCX under that tool's settings.
7.3 Official-style forms
Some PRA / Land Registry style forms are autofilled from the client file where mapped. Prep packs for Revenue-facing work are exports for you to review and file officially - not live e-filing from the app.
7.4 Closing packs
From Completion: client pack ZIP, lender pack, CoT checklist PDF as implemented. Review contents before sending to clients or lenders.
7.5 Disclaimer on every output
Treat every generated document as a draft until a qualified Irish solicitor reviews it. Footer metadata on exports may show tool id, app version, and timestamp for audit.
8. Compliance honesty
AML open-file checklist - helps staff tick through CDD-style open-file steps. It does not connect to external screening databases, does not file with any authority, and does not certify that your firm's AML obligations are met.
Conflict Check Register - searches names you enter against open files stored locally. Possible matches are for human review. It cannot see other firms or paper files not in the database.
Firm compliance - reminders for firm-level items (PC, PI, policies, CPD, accounts dates). A diary-style aid, not a regulatory portal.
Stamp duty / ROS - calculators and prep packs assist preparation. You remain responsible for correct duty, reliefs, and filing on Revenue systems.
ICS - one-way export of dates. Re-export after important changes; do not assume Outlook stays updated automatically.
Demo data - DEMO- reference files are for training and sales. Remove demonstration clients with the dedicated control; it should only soft-delete DEMO- references.
9. User-relevant architecture
You do not need to be a developer. This is enough to support IT and backups.
| Concept | Plain meaning |
|---|---|
| Desktop shell | Windows app: UI + local backend in one process. |
| SQLite database | Single local DB file holding clients, tool JSON, settings, key dates. |
| Client file ("matter" internally) | One row in the register + per-tool JSON blobs + optional uploaded files. |
| Client hub | UI over that file: essentials, tools, documents, dates, completion. |
| Free core vs optional | Default-enabled tool IDs vs Settings-gated modules. |
| Data safety vault | Human-readable mirror + ZIP backups outside AppData. |
| No mandatory cloud | Works offline for core work. Optional folder mirror is user-configured. |
You (UI) → local commands → SQLite + files on disk
↓
Data safety vault (Documents\Irish Legal Toolkit)
↓
Optional: your OneDrive/export folder
Publisher servers do not host your client files by default.
10. Troubleshooting
| Symptom | What to try |
|---|---|
| SmartScreen blocks install | More info → Run anyway if source trusted; or use MSI via IT. |
| App will not start | Confirm Windows 10/11 x64; reinstall WebView2; reinstall Setup 1.0.2. |
| "Missing" free-core tool | Settings → Tools - ensure the tool is enabled. |
| Empty tools on a client | Attach tools from Client hub, or create file as conveyancing type so free-core attaches. |
| Export fails | Check export folder exists and is writable; set path in Settings. |
| PDF looks wrong | Install LibreOffice; re-export; or issue DOCX and print PDF from Word. |
| Dates not on Calendar | Save key dates on the client; open Calendar; confirm Deadline diary enabled. |
| After upgrade, data "gone" | Data is usually still in %APPDATA%\ie.legal.toolkit\; restore from Data safety Backups ZIP if needed. |
| Vault empty | Settings → Data safety - ensure mirror is on; use Mirror all now. |
| Demo clutter | Settings → remove demonstration clients; turn off demo UI for real work. |
| Optional module missing | Expected - enable under Settings → Tools if you intend to use it. |
| Conflict search finds nothing | Only searches open files in this database. |
Support: philipmanning1992@gmail.com with app version, Windows version, steps, and whether data safety backups exist. Do not send live client content unless necessary and redacted.
11. Glossary
| Term | Meaning in this product |
|---|---|
| Client / Clients | A person/entity and their open file in the register. |
| New client | Create a new file. |
| Client hub | Single-file workspace. |
| File essentials | Minimum fields: client, property, price, key dates. |
| Produce | Generate letter or form from the hub. |
| Calendar | Firm diary view of deadlines. |
| Free core | Default-on conveyancing/practice tools (Appendix A). |
| Optional module | Off until enabled (wills, billing, etc.). |
| Completion | Hub tab for close-out stages and closing packs. |
| Closing packs | ZIP/PDF packages from Completion - not a separate Tools tile. |
| Data safety vault | Documents folder mirror of saves + ZIP backups. |
| Prep pack | Export for official filing elsewhere (not live e-file). |
| ICS | Calendar file export for Outlook/Google. |
| PIN profile | Local solicitor identity for the app. |
| DEMO- | Demonstration file prefix. |
12. How to use each free-core tool in detail
Full operator guide for free-core tools. Shorter plain-English version: First hour Part B. Deep how-to source (same content expanded): Full tools how-to.
12.0 Shared pattern
- Open the client (or the firm tool hub where noted).
- Prefer File essentials complete before heavy merge/export.
- Open the tool from Continue this file, Client hub Tools, or left-nav Tools.
- Use the module tabs listed below.
- Watch auto-save status (All changes saved).
- Export / Generate for Word, PDF, or ZIP.
- Review every output before issue or filing.
12.1 Client hub (daily spine)
Open: Clients → row, or New client.
Tabs: File · Completion · Tools · More details · Dates · Documents · Forms · Links.
File essentials: client name, property, price, instruction date, target completion.
Produce: Produce letter · Produce form.
Completion: stages, funds control, Prepare client pack, Build lender ZIP, CoT PDF.
12.2 Client intake
Open: Tools → Client intake hub, or attach on a client.
Hub: Quick/Full mode · Start intake wizard · Resume drafts · Finalized list.
Wizard (typical): Client details → Case type → Property/transaction → Opposing party (full) → Funding/SOF → Conflicts screening → AML/KYC checklist → Fees → Dates → Notes → Review & Finalize.
On file: Overview · Preview · Export · History.
Do: Finalise to push data into the hub.
Honesty: Not a formal AML/conflict compliance product by itself.
12.3 Contract for Sale
Tabs: Overview · Form · Conditions · Searches · Preview · Compare · Export.
Do: Confirm parties/property → fill Form → Conditions → Preview → Export. Optional Load sample on training files only.
Honesty: Verify template version against current CFS practice.
12.4 Searches & Due Diligence
Tabs: Overview · Checklist · Findings · Reminders · Preview · Export.
Do: Mark search status on Checklist → Save findings → set Reminders → Export pack. Import context when offered.
12.5 Requisitions on Title
Tabs: Overview · Checklist · Searches · Replies · Rejoinders · Preview · Export.
Do: Work checklist items → record Replies/Rejoinders → Import from linked tools if shown → Export.
Related: Undertakings Register can import ROT-flagged items.
12.6 Stamp Duty
Open: Tools hub (Quick calculator / New case) or on client.
Tabs: Calculator · Reliefs · First-time buyer · Scenarios · Payment · Documents (Simple view toggle).
Do: Enter consideration/type → apply reliefs → Export package.
Honesty: No live ROS filing. Prep/export only.
12.7 Closing Statement
Tabs: Overview · Apportionments · Mortgage · Statement · What-If · Preview · Export.
Do: Import hub data → Apportionments → Mortgage lines → Statement/What-If → Export.
12.8 PRA Builder
Screens: Case details · Applications · Property · Documents Lodged · Notes · Preview · Export.
Do: Confirm property → Applications → Documents Lodged checklist → Preview → Export. Use Client hub Forms for mapped official autofill (for example LR Form 2/3, LR 17).
Honesty: Prep/autofill assist; official filing remains yours.
12.9 Title Defects Resolver
Hub: Cases · Templates · Recent documents · Guide.
Tabs: Overview · Investigation · Defects · Resolver · Scenarios · Generate · Templates · Archive · Export.
Do: Log defects → Investigation → Generate draft → Export. Solicitor review before client issue.
12.10 Leasehold & MUD
Hub: Template library · Favourites · Guide · Archive · Cases.
Tabs include: Overview · Property · Checklist · Compliance · Lease review · Calculators · Trackers · Queries · Generate · Templates · Execution · Export · History.
Do: Property → Checklist/Compliance → Generate → Export. Assist only.
12.11 Statutory Declarations
Tabs: Overview · Generate · Templates · Guide · Archive · Export · History.
Do: Choose template → Generate merge → Export DOCX/PDF → review before swearing/filing.
12.12 Letters & Notices
Open: Produce letter on hub, Tools hub, or client Generate.
Hub: Template library · Favourites · Guide · Archive · Cases.
Tabs: Overview · Generate · Templates · Guide · Archive · Export · History.
Do: Select template → confirm merge fields → Export Word/PDF. Firm DOCX via template customiser / Documents → Templates (Document Hub) when shown.
Honesty: Draft assist; solicitor reads before issue.
12.13 Deadline diary & Calendar
Open: Left-nav Calendar, Tools → Deadline diary, or client tool.
Client tabs: Overview · Deadlines · Calendar · Reminders · Critical path · Library · Export · History.
Do: Add Deadlines with dates → save → view on firm Calendar → Download firm .ics / Export for Google for Outlook/Google import.
Honesty: ICS is export only, not live two-way sync. Verify dates against the file.
12.14 Undertakings Register
Firm hub: Given/Received tabs, filters, stats (click to filter), firm calendar, Export filtered CSV.
Client tabs: Overview · Undertakings · Entry · Calendar · Library · Chase · Export · History.
Do: Overview Import from CFS/ROT if available → Add undertaking → Entry detail → Chase log → Mark breached when needed → Export register/letters/ZIP.
Honesty: Tracking assist; confirm against correspondence.
12.15 Firm Compliance
Open: Tools → Firm Compliance (firm-level single screen).
Do: Add item (PC, PI, AML policy, CPD, accounts year-end style) → Mark done / Reopen.
Honesty: Reminder board only.
12.16 AML open-file checklist
Open: Tools hub (incomplete files) or on client.
Do: Tick CDD-style items → risk rating → open-file approval → notes → Save.
Honesty: Not live screening or eIDAS. Practice checklist; firm remains responsible for CDD.
12.17 Conflict Check Register
Open: Tools → Conflict Check Register (or on client).
Do: Enter names → Run search → review matches → save result (Clear / Possible conflict / Escalated) + notes + fee earner.
Honesty: Open files in this database only. "No matching names" is not a legal clearance certificate.
12.18 Forms tab (hub)
Do: Forms → select form → read fetch vs prep-pack banner → autofill → export. SD1-style: prep pack; file on Revenue yourself.
Full tools how-to First hour Part B
Appendix A - Free-core tool IDs and names
| Tool ID | Display name (approx.) |
|---|---|
matter-intake | Client intake |
contract-for-sale | Contract for Sale |
searches-due-diligence | Searches & Due Diligence |
requisitions-on-title | Requisitions on Title |
stamp-duty | Stamp Duty Calculator |
closing-statement | Closing Statement |
pra-builder | PRA Builder |
title-defects-resolver | Title Defects & Investigation Resolver |
leasehold-mud | Leasehold & MUD |
statutory-declarations | Statutory Declarations & Affidavits |
letters-notices | Letters & Notices Generator |
deadline-diary | Deadline & Diary Tracker |
undertakings-register | Undertakings Register |
firm-compliance | Firm Compliance |
aml-checklist | AML open-file checklist |
conflict-check | Conflict Check Register |
Note: Closing packs = Client hub Completion feature.
Optional (off by default): will-drafter, inheritance-tax, court-bundle, agricultural-farm, client-account, time-billing, family-law-separation.
Appendix B - Related documents
- First hour guide - first hour + plain-English Part B
- Full tools how-to - detailed steps for every free-core tool
- Download - installers and SmartScreen note
- Privacy / Terms
- Free tools - marketing list of free-core modules
- How it works - three-step happy path
Repo docs (for maintainers): HAPPY_PATH.md, INSTALL.md, DATA_SAFETY.md, BACKUP_RESTORE.md, docs/user/.
Practice tool only. Not legal advice. Not affiliated with the Law Society of Ireland. Review all outputs before use, issue, or filing.