LawConnect does not allow "real-time collaboration" - it is a lie.

I want to be able to share word and excel documents with clients, who can edit the version on LawConnect. After wasting a lot of time trying to figure it out, I can advise you there is currently no option in LEAP to actually collaborate on a file, like there is with Google Docs or MS Word (through OneDrive). Leap's Help Centre's does a poor job of explaining this.Often the Help say the client can edit a document, but what they mean is the client can download a COPY of the file and edit that copy.

Law connect seems to promote this as an option, such as here: https://help.leaplegalsoftware.ca/s/article/Sharing-Folders-via-LawConnect-CA where it says "When you share a folder securely via LawConnect the folder becomes an active share folder, allowing for real-time collaboration." There is NO COLLABORATION. It's a lie. There is that they can edit a document and upload a new version. That is NOT real-time collaboration.

LawConnect help suggests that when sharing a document you can change the access options, and for "Select a Share As option" choose "Original Format."

https://help.leaplegalsoftware.ca/s/article/Sharing-Documents-CA#@desktop:share-a-document-from-the-correspondence-list

This also is misleading. All that you are allowing is for the client to be able to download a COPY and edit that copy.

Chat with a real help person:

• Hello Arjun. I am having difficulties with LawConnect. I shared a file with a client (a .xlsx file). When sharing the file I chose the share as option as "Original Format". However, it doesn't appear to be editable by the client.
• when I navigate to the file in LEAP, and chose "Share" -> "manage Law Connect Access" the options for "Access" are now only "Sign in to view" "anyone with the link can view" and "Revoke". There is no option anywhere for "edit", "original format" or something similar. What gives?
• at the bottom right there are 3 options, PDF ( restrict editing ), PDF original, Original format
• If this is an excel file, can the user not download > open it in their desktop and edit it ?
• Arjun K • 11:36 AM
• Oh that is confusing. So there is no way to make a share where the client can edit the document on LawConnect? The only option is that they download a copy, and the reupload a new version.
• Is there no way to collaborate on a word or excel document with a client through LEAP/LawConnect?
• unfortunately not, they will have to download and reupload
• Arjun K • 11:41 AM
• Wow that's garbage. Well, thanks anyway! It should just say that somewhere in all the helpfiles I went through. What a waste of my time.
• Have a lovely day!
• You as well have a great day, let me know if you have any further questions
• Arjun K • 11:43 AM
• From the knowledge base: You can share documents in their "original format" using LawConnect, allowing your clients to edit them. Common file types that typically allow editing include....
• It should say ...
• "allowing your clients to edit A COPY OF them...."
• Quite literally, you have said there is no way for a client to every edit a document that is shared by LawConnect. Only that they can download and edit a copy. The actual file in LawConnect can never be edited by a client.
• Please consider passing this feedback on to someone who can edit the knowledgebase.
• I got you James, I will submit this feedback
• Arjun K • 11:47 AM
• This website is also just a lie:
•  
• LEAP Help Centre
• help.leaplegalsoftware.ca
• It says "allowing for real-time collaboration"
• There is no collaboration!!! There is just sharing updates one-way from the lawyer to the client. That is not collaboration.
• I'm so frustrated I wasted so much time.
• Sent • 11:48 AM
• real time collaboration, means you can share documents back and forth with the client, but I got you I will submit a feedback and you can also submit one here from your side if you like.