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Overview
You can create document templates and merge them with information kept in your My Case account with the click of a button. There are two ways to create templates in MyCase: Through our web-based word processor or a more standard word processing system like Microsoft Word.
Four major features make up Document Automation:
MyCase Draft
MyCase Draft is a web-based word processor that lets you create and edit documents within MyCase! You can even access MyCase Draft on an iPad, giving you full word processing capabilities from anywhere. With Draft, you can create document templates and merge those templates with information in MyCase.Microsoft Word Templates
Create document templates in Microsoft Word, then upload those templates into MyCase. You can then merge those templates with information stored in MyCase. Supported file types: Word 2007+ (.docx) & Pages '09 (within Pages, select File >> Export To >> Pages '09).
Advanced Document Automation
Advanced Document Automation brings your firm's drafting process to the next level! Build your templates in Microsoft Word, eliminate embarrassing errors, and reduce the risk of inaccurate document drafting. This feature is available on Advanced Tier. Learn more here.
Custom Fields
MyCase lets you add custom fields to your cases and contacts. This is very useful for Document Automation because it allows you to create complex documents based on information and data unique to your law firm. Learn more about Custom Fields.
Using MyCase's Built-in Word Processor
To create a template using MyCase's built-in word processing system:
Click Document from the dashboard quick action bar.
Select Start with a blank page.
This opens a new tab, which looks very similar to other web-based word processors like Google Docs, where you can edit documents within your web browser.
Add a Document Title.
Insert merge fields by clicking the Insert Merge Field button.
Write a message.
Add additional merge fields like case name, case number, and responsible attorney.
Click File and select Save as Template, Print Preview or Export as PDF.
When saving as a template, you can:
Add a name.
Tags.
Description.
Share the document with other firm users who need to use the template.
Click the Save and Close button.
Once the template is in the system, you can use it to communicate with clients. To do that:
Go to Documents.
Click the Templates sub-tab.
Click the title.
Select "Merge This Template"
Specify which case to apply this template to
Share with the client (optional)
Select Save and Close or Save and Open
To share documents with a client from the document:
Click File
Select Save as Document
Add a Case Link
Select the Contact you would like to share the document with.
Click the Save and Close button.
The client receives an email informing them that a document has been shared with them through MyCase. They can then log in to the client portal to view it.
Creating Templates with Microsoft Word
Open Word.
Click the View Merge Fields button.
Click Copy to Clipboard next to the field you want to merge.
Paste the Fields into your Word document.
Compose the message.
Save the Word document to your computer.
Add it to MyCase by going to the Documents tab and clicking the Add Document button under the Templates sub-tab.
Click Upload One document.
Add a Case Link.
Drag your file or click to browse next to Source.
Select the Contact you would like to share the document with.
Click the Upload New Document button.
The document is preserved in the Case Documents sub-tab.
Comparing Template Creation Methods
In my case, using the word processor is your web-based option. This option benefits you by letting you open, access, and edit the template anywhere you have Internet access.
The major advantage of using Microsoft Word to make templates is the ability to handle advanced formatting.