Quality assurance is often maligned for setting up miles of useless paper and in some systems that is exactly what happens. But the concept of the checklist is as old as common sense is. A diary[6] is just another form of a checklist.
Solicitors firms keep what are called limitation diaries, in other words they keep diaries of dates where the legal right of a client would expire.
In migration law, there are a number of trip dates where if something is not done the client loses his or her rights. The obvious one is when does a person become illegal. Another is – when does the appeal right expire etc. On each file you must identify these crucial dates keep them in a bring up system.
With the proliferation of computer programs there is a temptation to rely solely on electronic diaries and bring up systems. The writer suggests that an electronic and manual diary system always be maintained.   The diary should not just identify what events a person is tied up for but also the trip-wire dates for various clients.
In solicitors firms, elaborate systems are put in place for checking mail that comes in.  In the medium sized firms, a partner is allocated to check all the mail that comes in. Some firms do not allow staff to open the mail unless in front of a partner. A partner will often check the mail of every person under them so that the partner is aware of what is coming in.
Staff should always be aware that unannounced the principal will examine any file.