Frequently Asked Questions
We collected the most asked questions here with an answer.
Is an internet connection required to use Brief Pilot?
Yes, the software requires an active internet connection.
How do I save changes?
There is a save changes button at the bottom of each page.
How do I indent each paragraph?
Paragraph indentation occurs automatically when your .pdf is created after you hit the green "Create PDF" button. No need for you to indent as you work. We indent for you.
How do I edit a footnote?
To edit a footnote, click on the footnote number in the software and click the Add/Edit footnote button, which is the * on the wizywig menu.
How do I create the Table of Contents?
The software automatically generates your Table of Contents based on marked headers when you press the green "Create PDF" button. Therefore, if you add an argument of your own, be sure to mark your bold text at the beginning as a Header so that it appears on Table of Contents. When you generate your .pdf, the Table of Contents will appear correctly in your brief.
How do I add Bookmarks?
No need. The software does it automatically for you when you generate the .pdf by pressing the green "Create PDF" button
How do I remove the CDC or booking number from appearing on the cover page?
Appellant's name on the cover page is taken from the Proof of Service. On the Proof of Service page in the software, there is a field for the CDC or booking number. If appellant's number is appearing on your cover page, it likely means you typed the number on to his name field rather than on the number field. Please change on the Proof of Service page in the software and it will automatically be corrected on the cover page.
How do I create the Proof of Service?
No need. The software does it automatically for you when you generate the .pdf by pressing the green "Create PDF" button. That said, the generated Proof is base on the data that appears on the Proof of Service page in software. Therefore, for addresses that are not prepopulated, or if your client changes address, you will need to update that page in the software so that the information correctly renders when the software generates the .pdf.
How do I create the Word Count certification?
No need. The software does it automatically for you when you generate the .pdf by pressing the green "Create PDF" button.
How do I create the Proof of Service?
No need. The software does it automatically for you when you generate the .pdf by pressing the green "Create PDF" button. That said, the generated Proof is base on the data that appears on the Proof of Service page in the software. Therefore, for addresses that are not prepopulated, or if your client changes address, you will need to update that page in the software so that the information correctly renders when the software generates the .pdf.
How do I create the Table of Authorities?
No need. The software does it automatically for you when you generate the .pdf by pressing the green "Create PDF" button.
Do I need to mark citations?
Yes and no. All citations are marked when you use templates. For your work outside of templates, like the Statement of the Case, you would need to mark citations to have them appear on the Table of Authorities. For example, if you reference Penal Code section 187 in your Statement of the Case, you would need to mark it there.
How do I properly mark a case cite?
When you mark a case cite, mark only the portion you want to appear on the Table of Authorities. For example, mark this
People v. Hernandez (2004) 33 Cal.4th 1040
not this
People v. Hernandez (2004) 33 Cal.4th 1040, 1049
What happens if I lose my internet connection while I am working?
Brief Pilot requires an active internet connection. If you lose the internet while you are using the software, you can wait until you have a connection again to save your changes. Or you may cut/paste your work from Brief Pilot into a program that works offline, such as Notes. Once your connection to the internet is restored, you can then paste your work back in Brief Pilot and save it.
How do I create the Word Count certification?
No need. The software does it automatically for you when you generate the .pdf by pressing the green "Create PDF" button.