Based upon the information given, synonymous.
I've been the Records Manager in several law firms and the file is referred
to by many names, such as client file/matter file/case file/firm
file/official file/file-file(!). (Not to be confused with the shadow
file/working file/personal file/homemade file/unofficial file/pencil file.
And distinct from the chron file/reading file/pinks file) These various
names are used interchangeably from firm to firm, from branch office to
branch office within the firm, and from person to person within a branch
office.
My advice: pick a name and use it consistently throughout your literature.
Your readers will know what you're talking about, even as they insist that
you don't! Draw pictures if you need to do so. And remember that everyone
that works in a law firm, but especially the secretaries,  has the god-given
right to criticize ("no good deed goes unpunished") and to edit, edit, edit.
Never take it personally, even when it is meant to be taken that way.
Same thing is true for expandables/redwelds/pockets and
inserts/folders/manillas.  Just pick a name and use it consistently. Include
pictures in your literature.  Eventually everyone will know what you're
talking about. And in some eyes, you'll still be wrong. C'est la vie.
Now if someone can just help me explain the difference between a client
address and a matter/billing address!

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Barbara Embick [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Friday, June 02, 2000 12:43 PM
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Is it a matter file or a case file?
>
> We are having discussions over what is the correct terminology for the
> actual file dealing with a particular matter or subject. My boss comes
> from
> a firm where it was called a matter file. While on the floor and working
> with our admin. staff, paralegals, etc. they call what she refers toas a
> matter file, a case file.
>
>  I have just completed writing procedures for operation of our file rooms
> and I call them case files since that is what most of our people are
> calling
> the file. The same way they do not know that an expando is a redweld. What
> is your opinion,  is matter file and case file synonymous or is there a
> distinction?.
>
> Barbara Embick, CRM
> [log in to unmask]
> Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, L.L.P.
> 1330 Lady Street, 3rd Floor
> Columbia, SC 29201
> (803) 255-9749; or, 1-800-237-2000 x 9749
> Fax (803) 255-9052