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Managing Your Accepted Cases (Never Expire Unless Hidden)

Brandon Austin avatar
Written by Brandon Austin
Updated yesterday

Managing Your Accepted Cases (Never Expire Unless Hidden)

Quick Answer

Once you click "I'll Take It" on a pro bono opportunity, the case moves to your "Accepted" tab and remains there permanently with full contact details accessible forever - unless you choose to hide it. Unlike unaccepted opportunities that expire after 60 days, accepted cases never expire and serve as your permanent pro bono record.

How Accepted Cases Work

The Permanent Record

When you accept a pro bono case:

  • It immediately moves from "New" to "Accepted" tab

  • Full contact information becomes visible

  • Case details remain accessible forever

  • Creates a permanent record of your commitment

  • Never automatically expires or disappears

This design helps you maintain records for compliance, reporting, and relationship management.

What Information Is Preserved

Client Details:

  • Full name and contact information

  • Email address and phone number

  • Preferred contact method

  • Best times to reach

Case Information:

  • Complete situation description

  • Timeline and urgency level

  • Service needs specified

  • Language preferences

  • Location details

  • Original submission date

Your Record:

  • Date you accepted the case

  • Which listing matched

  • Source publication

  • Lead ID for reference

Managing Your Accepted Cases

Organization Methods

The Accepted Tab Shows:

  • All cases in reverse chronological order

  • Search functionality for finding specific cases

  • Filter options by date, location, or type

  • No limit on number of accepted cases

  • Clear visual organization

Best Practices:

  • Review accepted cases regularly

  • Export important information to your CRM

  • Document case progress externally

  • Use for compliance reporting

Hiding Accepted Cases

When to Hide:

  • Case completed and documented elsewhere

  • Client no longer needs services

  • Declutter your active view

  • Focus on current cases

How to Hide:

  1. Go to Accepted tab

  2. Find the specific case

  3. Click "Hide" option

  4. Case moves to Hidden tab

Important: Hidden cases CAN be restored, but follow the same 60-day rule as other hidden items.

The Hidden Tab Rules

For Hidden Accepted Cases:

  • Can be restored within 60 days of original review date

  • After 60 days, permanently removed

  • Cannot be recovered after expiration

  • Hiding doesn't stop the 60-day clock

Strategy: Only hide cases you've fully documented elsewhere, as they may become permanently inaccessible.

Difference from Unaccepted Cases

Unaccepted Pro Bono Opportunities

60-Day Expiration:

  • Start from Heritage Web's review completion

  • Disappear if not accepted

  • Cannot be recovered after expiration

  • Same timeline for all matched professionals

Accepted Cases

No Expiration:

  • Remain accessible indefinitely

  • Permanent part of your record

  • Can be referenced years later

  • Only removed if you hide them

Using Accepted Cases for Compliance

Professional Requirements

Many professions require pro bono tracking:

  • Bar associations (lawyers)

  • Medical boards (doctors)

  • Professional organizations

  • Grant reporting

  • Tax documentation

Current Tracking Features

Available Now:

  • Date accepted record

  • Case details preservation

  • Export capabilities

  • Manual documentation

Coming in 2025:

  • Completion tracking

  • Automated hours calculation

  • Success metrics

  • Direct reporting integration

Creating Your Own Records

Until automated features arrive:

  1. Export case details when accepted

  2. Create spreadsheet with:

    • Client name

    • Date accepted

    • Services provided

    • Hours spent

    • Outcome achieved

  3. Update regularly

  4. Use for annual reporting

Team Member Access

How Team Members See Accepted Cases

Team Member Views:

  • See all owner's accepted cases

  • Access based on role permissions

  • Cannot hide owner's cases

  • Can view contact details (role dependent)

Important: When team member accepts a case, it counts against the OWNER's limit and appears in the owner's Accepted tab.

Managing Firm-Wide Pro Bono

For Multiple Attorneys:

  • Each attorney needs own Profile listing

  • Each has individual Accepted tab

  • Central tracking requires manual compilation

  • Consider enterprise solution for consolidated view

Strategic Case Management

For Free Accounts (3/month limit)

Maximize Your Impact:

  • Carefully review before accepting

  • Only accept cases you'll definitely handle

  • Remember they remain visible forever

  • Use Accepted tab for follow-up

For Sponsor Accounts (Unlimited)

Volume Management:

  • Accept appropriate cases freely

  • Use Accepted tab as case pipeline

  • Hide completed cases monthly

  • Export for record-keeping

Preventing Overload

Warning Signs:

  • Accepted tab becoming unwieldy

  • Too many open cases

  • Difficulty tracking progress

  • Client follow-up delays

Solutions:

  • Regular case review sessions

  • Hide completed work

  • Better external tracking

  • Team member assistance

Best Practices

Weekly Review Process

  1. Check Accepted tab every week

  2. Follow up on pending cases

  3. Document progress externally

  4. Hide fully completed cases

  5. Update your tracking spreadsheet

Client Communication

Initial Contact:

  • Reach out within 24 hours of accepting

  • Reference pro bono nature

  • Set clear expectations

  • Establish communication preferences

Ongoing Management:

  • Regular status updates

  • Clear scope boundaries

  • Professional service delivery

  • Proper case closure

Record Retention

Maintain Records Of:

  • All accepted cases

  • Services provided

  • Hours invested

  • Outcomes achieved

  • Client feedback

For How Long:

  • Professional requirements vary

  • Typically 3-7 years

  • Check your industry standards

  • Keep Heritage Web records as backup

Common Issues and Solutions

"I Can't Find an Old Case"

Check These Places:

  1. Accepted tab (search function)

  2. Hidden tab (if hidden)

  3. Email confirmations

  4. External records

If Still Missing:

  • May have been hidden beyond 60 days

  • Check your external documentation

  • Contact support with Lead ID if available

"Too Many Cases in Accepted Tab"

Solutions:

  • Hide completed cases

  • Export to external system

  • Create better organization

  • Use search and filters effectively

"Accidentally Hid an Active Case"

Recovery Process:

  1. Go to Hidden tab

  2. Find the case

  3. Click "Unhide"

  4. Returns to Accepted tab

  5. Must do within 60 days

FAQs

Q: Can I delete accepted cases instead of hiding them? A: No. You can only hide cases, not delete them. Hidden cases expire after 60 days from the original review date.

Q: Do accepted cases count toward any limit? A: No. Once accepted, they don't count against your monthly limit. Only the initial acceptance counts.

Q: Can I transfer an accepted case to another attorney? A: Not through the Heritage Web system. You would need to coordinate directly with the client and other attorney.

Q: Will Heritage Web track if I complete the case? A: Not currently, but completion tracking is coming in 2025. For now, track completion in your own records.

Q: Can I un-accept a case? A: No. Once accepted, you cannot reverse it. The case remains in your Accepted tab unless hidden.

Next Steps

  • Review your current Accepted cases

  • Create an external tracking system

  • Set up regular review schedule

  • Hide completed cases appropriately

  • Export important information

  • Prepare for 2025 completion tracking features

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