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Templates

Permission required: document-template.read or contract-template.read

Templates let you create reusable documents that are pre-filled with case and client information. CaseBright supports two types of templates: Contract Templates and Document Templates.

Navigate to Templates in the left sidebar.

1. Contract Templates​

Contract templates are DOCX-based legal documents (retainer agreements, engagement letters, etc.) that are generated automatically using data from a case or client record.

Creating a Contract Template​

  1. Navigate to Templates.
  2. Click New Contract Template.
  3. Enter a name for the template (e.g., "Standard Retainer Agreement").
  4. Upload your DOCX file or start from scratch using the editor.
  5. Insert merge fields (variables) at the locations where case or client data should appear.
  6. Click Save.

Merge Fields (Variables)​

Merge fields are placeholders in your DOCX file that CaseBright replaces with real data when generating a document. They are written in double curly brace syntax:

Merge FieldReplaced With
{{client.firstName}}The client's first name
{{client.lastName}}The client's last name
{{client.email}}Client email address
{{case.title}}The case title
{{case.createdAt}}Case creation date
{{org.name}}Your organization's name

Refer to the template editor's field picker to see the full list of available merge fields for your organization.

Editing a Contract Template​

  1. Open the template from the Templates list.
  2. Click Edit.
  3. Modify the content or merge fields.
  4. Click Save.

Previewing a Contract Template​

  1. Open the template.
  2. Click Preview.
  3. Select a case to use as sample data.
  4. CaseBright generates a preview PDF showing how the document will look when generated for a real case.

Generating a Contract from a Case​

Once a contract template exists, you can generate a document for a specific case:

  1. Open the case.
  2. Go to the Contracts or Documents tab.
  3. Click Generate Contract.
  4. Select the template.
  5. CaseBright fills in all merge fields and produces a PDF.
  6. The generated contract is attached to the case and can be shared with the client.

2. Document Templates​

Document templates are standard files (PDFs, Word docs, etc.) that your team uses repeatedly across cases. Unlike contract templates, they do not use merge fields — they are static files uploaded once and reused.

Uploading a Document Template​

  1. Navigate to Templates.
  2. Click New Document Template.
  3. Enter a name and optionally a description.
  4. Upload the file.
  5. Click Save.

Using a Document Template on a Case​

Document templates can be associated with Document Collection workflow steps. When the step is active on a case, the template is offered as a downloadable reference for the client.

Tips​

  • Keep contract template names descriptive so your team can find them quickly (e.g., "EB-1A Retainer — Individual", not just "Retainer").
  • Update templates whenever your firm's standard language changes so all future contracts are up to date.
  • Use the Preview feature before distributing a template to clients to catch any merge field errors.