Matter Access Control (ACL) Updates - Open & Restricted Access
Overview
We are shortly rolling out an update to Matter Access Control (ACL) to simplify how matter access is managed.
With this change, all new matters will default to Open Access, meaning they are visible to all users across the firm. Users can still restrict access at a matter level where required.
Existing matters with Restricted Access will remain unchanged. This update only applies to new matters created after the release.What's Changing
| Feature | New Behaviour |
|---|---|
| Default Access (New Matters) | Open Access (visible to all users) |
| Existing Restricted Matters | No change – restrictions remain in place |
| User Control | Ability to toggle Restricted Access ON/OFF at matter level |
| ACL Logic | A null ACL now represents full (open) access |
Why This Change Matters
- Simplifies access setup for the majority of matters
- Reduces manual configuration for standard workflows
- Aligns with integrations and migration behaviour
- Supports future enhancements to configurable ACLs
This change flips the default behaviour - new matters are now open unless explicitly restricted.Key Behaviour Change
Before
- Matters were typically restricted by default
- Users had to grant access manually
After
- New matters are open to all users by default
- Users must apply restrictions manually if required
Action Required:
If a matter should be restricted, users must:
- Open the Matter
- Go to Permissions
- Toggle Restricted Access ON
- Add or remove users/teams as needed
How It Works
1. Open Access (Default for New Matters)
- All new matters are set to Open Access
- Visible to all users in the firm
- No setup required
Banner displayed: "This matter is visible to all users. To limit visibility to specific teams or users, enable restricted access".
2. Enabling Restricted Access
To restrict a matter:
- Open the Matter
- Navigate to Permissions
- Toggle Restricted Access ON
Result:
- Matter is no longer visible to all users
- ACL grid appears
- Access must be explicitly defined
3. Managing Access (Restricted Mode)
| Action | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Add Employee | Grants access to a specific user |
| Add Team | Grants access to all team members |
| Remove entry | Revokes access |
| Save changes | Applies updated permissions |
4. Returning to Open Access
- Toggle Restricted Access OFF
Result:
- Matter becomes visible to all users
- ACL grid is hidden
- Any restrictions are removed
Behaviour Summary
| Scenario | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Existing restricted matter | Remains restricted |
| New matter created | Defaults to Open Access |
| Restricted Access enabled | Only selected users/teams can access |
| Restricted Access disabled | Matter visible to all users |
Quick User Tips
- No impact to existing restricted matters
- All new matters will be open by default
- You must manually restrict access where needed
- Toggle access at any time via Matter → Permissions
Best Practices
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Review access requirements when creating new matters | Assume new matters are restricted |
| Enable Restricted Access for sensitive matters | Leave sensitive matters open |
| Use teams where possible for easier management | Manage access user-by-user unnecessarily |
| Communicate this change to teams | Let users discover the change unexpectedly |
| Periodically review matter permissions | Set and forget access controls |