The computer industry must be responsible for introducing some of the ugliest words in the English language. High on my list is the word “macro”, which means a group of commands, or keystrokes, designed to perform a specific task. Once the macro has been entered and stored, the user activates it by name or by pressing a function key. For example, I have set up a macro to enter the term “geographic information system” in a document, simply by typing ESC G. Thus, two keystrokes are required instead of 29.
WordPerfect provides extensive macro facilities, the system extending from just wordprocessing to virtual desk-top publishing and database functions. Recognising this potential, James Behrens has published a book, WordPerfect for the Legal Profession, which examines the way the package may be specifically adapted, using macros, to the needs of solicitors and barristers.
The book comes with 3.5in and 5.25in discs containing all the macros referred to in the text, plus an automatic installation program. The macros are designed to work with WordPerfect 5.1, hence users of earlier versions will have to upgrade their software.
An example of a general macro is one which enables the use of English-style dates. Apparently, it is not possible in standard WordPerfect to put the “th” after the 30 in 30th May 1990. A macro is provided by Behrens which does just that. The macro is also nested inside certain other macros, so that the date is always presented correctly.
The precedents section provides macros for applications such as chronologies, document indices, lists of authorities, formal endings of pleadings, counterclaims and affidavits. Finally, the solicitors database illustrates how the user may create a database containing names and addresses of solicitors, using a WordPerfect merge file.
WordPerfect for the Legal Profession costs £45 (plus £2.50 postage, unless sent by document exchange) from James Behrens, 13 Old Square, Lincoln’s Inn, London WC2A 3UA. A formal order form must be signed by the purchaser before purchasing the book.
