MyCase Document Automation
MyCase document automation features, available through its Pro and Advanced plans, cater to a wide range of document management needs within a law firm. The Pro plan introduces users to the basics of document automation, using Word-based templates and intake forms as its core.
This plan allows law firms to upload and modify their own Word templates. It incorporates a "merge fields" library, enabling the insertion of data fields directly into templates. This feature allows lawyers to generate much of their commonly used documents efficiently.
The MyCase Advanced plan adds a more advanced level of document automation with the Advanced Document Automation app, which is a version of the original Woodpecker technology. This app functions as an add-in for Word, providing a suite of advanced document assembly features that extend beyond the use of merge fields. It is engineered for more complex automation needs, offering capabilities designed to automate intricate documents that require a higher level of customization and sophistication.
With MyCase's ADA, a law firm can create complex templates right in Microsoft Word, making sure that all their drafted documents are consistent and accurate. A main benefit is the ability to draft multiple documents at the same time, making the workflow more efficient. The templates support conditional logic, allowing changes or added content based on certain conditions. For instance, you can insert paragraphs conditionally, add flexible signature lines or reduce user input by using formulas to automatically compute dates or write out numbers.
The ADA also includes a centralized clause library, allowing a firm to share and manage standard clauses across templates.
To get started, simply install the ADA add-in from the Microsoft App store. Then log in to your Microsoft Word account and install the add-in. Users can access the add-in after logging into MyCase.
The benefits of these features include efficiency in automating repetitive legal documents, such as fee agreements, discovery requests, trusts and wills. It also reduces risk by eliminating errors and ensuring accurate document drafting, ultimately enhancing client service by leveraging existing information and logic to serve clients faster.
Pricing
MyCase Pro plan priced at $79.00 per user, per month:
- Includes basic document automation with Word-based templates.
- Allows you to upload and modify your own Word templates and intake forms.
- Provides a "merge fields" library to insert data fields into templates.
- Likely sufficient for many lawyers to create a good number of their commonly used templates.
MyCase Advanced plan priced at $99.00 per user, per month:
- Includes the more robust Advanced Document Automation app (originally Woodpecker).
- This is an add-in for Word with additional document assembly features.
- More powerful automation capabilities beyond just merge fields.
- Better suited for very complex document automation needs.
Document automation solutions cater to the diverse needs of the legal industry by offering varying levels of capabilities. At a fundamental level, these tools enable straightforward document creation and population using data from practice management systems. More advanced offerings incorporate robust template building within common applications like Microsoft Word, allowing for extensive customization aligned with a firm's specific requirements.
Document automation empowers legal professionals to reduce time spent on repetitive drafting activities. This frees up billable hours for higher-value tasks like case strategy, legal analysis and client counsel. Properly implemented, these solutions can drive productivity gains, cost savings and a competitive advantage for firms through optimized document production processes. And now that various practice management software companies are incorporating them into their product, maybe law firms will finally give these products a try.
