law-firm automation: bash script to create new client folder with sub-directories and template engagement letter

new matter script

A time-consuming but necessary task in law-firm management is creating new file folders and standard forms (that can be modified) when a new matter is opened. I wanted to find a way to do this faster.  This bash script works nicely.  Rather than create multipe folders using the Mac user interface, and then copying a template into a new folder, thiscreates all of the new folders in one step and also copies a template (or multiple templates) into a new file and new folders for the new matter.  Rocket science?  No.  Useful time-saver?  Works for me.

mkdir -p path_to/client_files/newclient/{correspondence,bills,pleadings,documents,misc} && cat path_to/client_files/Forms/eng_letter.doc > path_to/client_files/newclient/engagement_letter

This creates the following directory structure:

newclient [directory]
  - correspondence [sub-directory]
  - bills [sub-directory]
  - pleadings [sub-directory]
  - documents [sub-directory]
  - misc [sub-directory]
  - engagement_letter [document]

replace text in curly quotes with any folder names you prefer, and add additional folders.

eng_letter.doc can be replaced with any file name you have for your template engagmenet letters.