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#MerusCase Review: You’ve Never Seen Law Firm Case Management Like It

Last Updated. May 1, 2014

And next up in our 259-part series, “Get to know a Law Firm Case Management Software Company” it’s MerusCase. I’m really excited about MerusCase. You may not have heard of the company before, but hopefully you will remember their name.

A big complaint I’ve had about many case management software companies is that they all have a lot of the same features. Often, it’s hard to differentiate between these players. Now, sure every law firm practice management app should be able to work with your team calendars, keep time, and manage documents and correspondence, but not many of the players in this industry go beyond that. Here’s where MerusCase shines.

This glowing preamble aside, MerusCase is not for everybody. MerusCase is ideal law firm case management software for a California personal injury and workers compensation law firm. This is definitely the market they built a product for. You can tell though, as the company grows, they will bring their same precision and innovation to other markets.

A Brief Aside on Cloud-Based Practice Management Software

MerusCase is completely cloud-based, enabling you to access it from any Internet-connected device. If you’re a regular JurisPage reader (and if you are, I should comment on how smart and attractive you are), you know that I favor cloud-based practice management software over server-based software. As I’ve said at least two or three times in previous articles, cloud-based software is easier to access, it’s likely more secure than your server-based software. and it doesn’t break down when you’re in the middle of your case, forcing you to cry and scream uncontrollably while waiting for the IT guy to show up, who then bills you overtime or just doesn’t show up because, hey, it’s the weekend.

Functionality

First, let’s go over what MerusCase has along the same lines of its competitors. MerusCase is cloud-based law firm case management (like competitors Clio, MyCase, and Rocket Matter), allowing law firms to easily organize their client contacts, matter files, billing and invoicing, and calendars.

Like some of its competitors, MerusCase offers to migrate data from your existing case management platform, whether it’s a MerusCase competitor or you’re using Outlook. Basic functionality is more or less the same, save for a client portal and integration with Dropbox and Google.

Update. MerusCase works with Apple contacts / iCal. It can also let you send and receive emails from your MerusCase software instead of having to use Outlook, if you so choose.

Unique Features

MerusCase absolutely has features you won’t find with other law firm case management software. I realize I can’t spend 2,000 words just listing every feature MerusCase has, so here are some of the highlights in succinct bullet-list form:

·Batch and split scanning (scan a pile of documents, split them up to their respective matters afterwards, operate a paperless office)

·Custom layout and workflow based on your particular matter type (i.e. different screens for workers comp vs. PI cases)

·Google Maps integration (not sure if you’ll use this one but it’s cool nonetheless)

·Library of over 10,000 California court filings templates, pattern jury instructions, statues, and more

·Auto-populated court forms and document templates, allowing you to click on a case, click on a document template, and insert your client’s information (sick of copy/pasting form agreements? Me too. Do it with 1 click in MerusCase)

·Integration with GenieDocs allowing California attorneys to order documents from the platform

·HIPAA-compliant email that integrates with your existing email server

·Save directly to MerusCase from Word

·California EAMS integration, enabling CA workers comp attorneys to file their DWC cases with MerusCase

There’s even a button to give you an inspirational quote. Dammit if they haven’t thought of everything.