- August 2024
Hi Members!!!
Big news, please read: We’ve been granted an extension with the HotDocs integration in Actionstep. Here’s what that means for you and your firm:
The Next 3 Weeks:
Our team has still been preparing to fully transition on August 1,2024, but this extension provides us additional opportunities to enhance and finalize the new system. Here’s what the next couple weeks look like:
7/29/2024 – We will provide the first of 3 exciting releases, complete with release notes and another update for you
8/12/2024 – Another update with release notes and the status of new features
8/19/2024 – Fully transition to STEPS and begin leveraging the newest functionality
Can I Continue Drafting in HotDocs?
Technically, you can still draft in HotDocs, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you should. We are encouraging our members to do their drafting in our new LWP STEPS (Strategic Trust & Estate Planning Software) beginning August 19, 2024. Weekly updates to follow.
Why Switch to STEPS?
LWP is no longer supporting the old, HotDocs-based system and is not providing the newest document templates through that platform. No more changes will be made to the prior LWPCCS templates since its last update in February 2024.
Where Can I Get Additional Training and Support?
We have a new spot for you to access STEPS Training Videos: https://lawyerswithpurpose.tovuti.io/ (which we will add to in coming days and weeks). In addition, we are continuing office hours; days, times and links can be found on our LWP Events calendar
When does the Extension End?
We anticipate the HotDocs integration within Actionstep will be disabled as of October 1, 2024.
How does the Extension Help Us?
Since we were already aiming for the HotDocs integration to cease on August 1, 2024, the greatest benefit the extension provides is that you will have a longer period to access your old answer files.
We are also working to get the Actionstep integration (known as “Actionstep Builder”) refined. We will provide updates in the coming weeks along with release notes, as we continue to work across multiple teams. We reiterate and caution that the HotDocs templates will NOT be our newest, most up-to-date version, and you should strongly consider running all plans through STEPS after August 19, 2024.
Thanks for your ongoing support and patience, especially with all these moving parts. Please feel free to reach out to the Help Desk with any questions; we are happy to help however we can!
- March 2024
As we continue to provide updates on the transition from HotDocs to Knackly, I’m pleased to share some details about the unique functionality Knackly offers, along with an updated timeline for the transition process.
Special Functionality: Default Settings for Efficiency
Knackly comes with default settings that can help increase efficiency for your drafters. These settings allow you to save scenarios, streamlining your drafting process and saving time. While we’re excited about this feature, we believe its value will become evident as you start using Knackly in your day-to-day operations.
Transition Timeline Recap:
- May 2024: Training sessions will commence to introduce Knackly’s features, including a brief overview of the default settings functionality.
- June 2024: Advanced training sessions will dive deeper into Knackly’s capabilities, including practical demonstrations on how to leverage default settings for increased efficiency.
- July 2024: Ongoing support and additional training will be available to address any questions or concerns regarding Knackly’s features.
- August 2024: Final transition and implementation of Knackly for Actionstep users will be completed, ensuring a seamless shift to the new platform.
- August 2024 – January 2025: Transition for all those using desktop hotdocs
As always, if you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out to us. We’re committed to supporting you throughout this transition and beyond.
Thank you for your continued partnership and enthusiasm for adopting Knackly as our new document template solution.
- January 31, 2024
Dear Lawyers with Purpose Members,
After hearing our members’ feedback and intensive investigation into new platforms and opportunities to better meet your needs, we have decided to move from HotDocs to Knackly—a true cloud-based drafting solution.
Knackly was created in 2018 by co-founders Lowell Stewart and Kim Mayberry. With over 20 years of experience in the document automation industry, including time with HotDocs, Lowell and Kim set out to create a better solution. Knackly touts its modern object-oriented programming to allow for faster, more adaptable automation than is possible in the HotDocs system.
As many of you are aware, Abacus (HotDocs) was acquired by Caret Legal. Caret Legal has its own CRM and is looking to limit other platforms’ access to HotDocs. Lawyers with Purpose sees this as an opportunity to provide its members with a more advanced and efficient document template solution.
Key Features of the Transition:
Cloud-Based Accessibility: Embracing the cloud-based capabilities of Knackly, this transition will provide you with increased accessibility and flexibility in managing your document templates, without the ties to just one CRM.
More Frequent Updates: Unlike our previous system of updates only three times a year, using a cloud-based system will allow us to make updates more frequently. This agility ensures that you have access to the latest document templates promptly, and with enhanced features.
Seamless Updates: With just a click of a button, we can now effortlessly push updates to ensure you receive the latest features and improvements without any hassle.
Improved Efficiency: The transition promises enhanced efficiency in document creation with an updated look and feel to the interview process. This will contribute to a more user-friendly and intuitive experience for you and your teams.
Our Commitment to You:
We understand the importance of uninterrupted services, and we want to assure you none of the enhancements will affect your current use of the CCS until the time is right. We are dedicated to keeping you informed about the progress of this significant change.
We are excited about this improvement in our document template solutions. The move to Knackly signifies our commitment to providing you with cutting-edge tools that enhance your practice efficiency. We believe that this transition will bring about positive changes to your membership experience.
For any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to our COO, Bethany Mackey at bmackey@lawyerswithpurpose.com
More information to come.