MyCase vs. Gavel Workflows (2026): Standalone Document Automation Without the Full Practice Suite

Both MyCase and Gavel Workflows offer document automation for law firms. MyCase is a full practice management suite, and document automation is one feature within a broader platform that includes billing, calendaring, intake, and client portal. The Advanced plan ($130/user/mo annually) includes advanced document automation; the Pro plan ($100/user/mo) includes basic document generation. Gavel Workflows is a standalone document automation platform built exclusively for law firms, with plans starting at $83/mo and a 7-day free trial with no credit card required.

By Danae Martin · Updated: June 3, 2026

8am MyCase and Gavel Workflows both provide document automation for law firms. MyCase is a full practice management suite that bundles document automation with billing, calendaring, a client portal, time tracking, and intake into one subscription. Gavel Workflows is a standalone document automation platform built exclusively around legal intake and document generation. The key decision for a law firm is whether they need a complete practice management solution or a document automation platform built specifically for law firm intake workflows. This page covers pricing, features, and fit for each scenario.

MyCase (formerly Woodpecker)

MyCase is a cloud-based practice management platform for law firms. It includes billing, time tracking, calendaring, client portal, intake, and document automation in a single subscription. Document automation in MyCase is based on the Woodpecker acquisition (2021) and works with DOCX templates, conditional logic, and bulk document generation. Advanced document automation is available on the Advanced plan ($130/user/mo billed annually). The Pro plan ($100/user/mo billed annually) includes basic document generation with Word-based templates. There is no standalone document automation option; purchasing document automation requires the full MyCase suite. MyCase offers a 10-day free trial with no credit card required.

Gavel Exec

Gavel Exec is an AI contract review, redlining, and drafting tool for in-house legal teams and transactional law firms. It runs as a Microsoft Word add-in and as a full web application, with support for batch analysis across multiple contracts and multi-document comparison. Playbooks can be AI-generated, built from your existing uploaded files, or you can use built-in playbooks created by practicing deal lawyers. Playbooks are always lawyer-editable.

Key differences

When evaluating the legal tech company MyCase (formerly Woodpecker),

keep in mind that it's a full practice management platform, not a dedicated document automation tool. Document automation, formerly the Woodpecker product that MyCase acquired in 2021, is only available on the Advanced plan ($130/user/mo billed annually) and cannot be purchased separately. MyCase also does not integrate with Clio, as the two are competing practice management systems.

Gavel Workflows is purpose-built for legal document automation, with plans starting at $83/mo, no per-seat pricing, a 7-day free trial with no credit card required, and native integrations with Clio and Zapier. Firms that only need document automation will pay less, get started faster, and work with a tool built specifically for that job.

When to choose MyCase vs. Gavel Workflows

When to choose MyCase (formerly Woodpecker)

When to choose Gavel Workflows

Side-by-side comparison

MyCase Pro is $100/user/mo billed annually and includes basic document generation with Word-based templates. MyCase Advanced is $130/user/mo billed annually and includes advanced document automation (formerly Woodpecker). Both plans require annual billing and include the full MyCase practice management suite; document automation cannot be purchased separately. Gavel Workflows starts at $83/mo with no per-user pricing at the base tier, monthly billing available, and a 7-day free trial. Both platforms support Word-based document automation with conditional logic, but Gavel Workflows adds PDF output, a legal template library at Pro, DocuSign and Stripe, and white-labeling without requiring you to switch practice management platforms.

Feature	MyCase (formerly Woodpecker)	Gavel Exec
Price	✓ Pro $100/user/mo; Advanced $130/user/mo (annual billing only)	✓ From $83/mo, no minimum seats
Commitment	✗ Annual billing required	✓ Monthly or annual, cancel anytime
Free Trial	✓ 10-day free trial, no credit card required (full platform)	✓ 7-day free trial, no credit card
Features	Word-based document automation with conditional logic and bulk generation	✓ Word + PDF document automation
Templates	No standalone legal template library; basic templates supported	✓ Legal template library (Pro), custom templates
Word Integration	✓ Word-based document automation (DOCX templates)	✓ Automates Word and PDF documents
Support	Email and phone support; priority support varies by plan	✓ Email, phone, screen share; priority support (Pro)

Platform and access

MyCase is a web-based practice management platform accessed through a standard browser login. It bundles a wide range of practice management tools, and document automation is integrated within that broader environment. Purchasing MyCase means purchasing the complete suite; the document automation capability is not separable. MyCase offers a 10-day free trial with no credit card required, though the trial covers the full platform, not document automation in isolation. Gavel Workflows is a standalone web-based platform focused entirely on document automation, accessible immediately via a 7-day free trial with no credit card required.

Template capabilities

MyCase Advanced supports DOCX templates with conditional logic and bulk document generation. Templates are built in Word and uploaded to MyCase for use in workflows. Gavel Workflows also starts from Word templates and supports conditional logic, branching, and custom intake questionnaires. The Pro plan includes a legal template library to reduce initial setup time, and PDF output is supported alongside Word across all Gavel Workflows plans.

Integrations and commerce tools

MyCase includes its own billing, time tracking, client portal, and calendaring natively, making it a self-contained platform for firms that want everything in one place. It does not integrate with Clio, as the two are competing practice management platforms. Gavel Workflows integrates with Clio (Lite+) and Zapier (Standard+), and adds DocuSign and Stripe at the Pro tier. For firms that already use Clio or another practice management platform and want standalone document automation, Gavel Workflows connects to the existing stack rather than replacing it.

White-labeling and client experience

MyCase includes a client portal as part of the suite, but does not offer white-labeling for the document automation workflow. Gavel Workflows Pro includes white-labeling and a custom domain so client-facing intake flows appear under your firm's brand. This matters for firms that deliver automated intake questionnaires directly to clients and want to maintain a consistent brand experience.

Pricing

MyCase pricing

MyCase Basic is $50/user/mo billed annually and does not include document automation. MyCase Pro is $100/user/mo billed annually ($120/user/mo monthly) and includes basic document generation with Word-based templates. MyCase Advanced is $130/user/mo billed annually ($150/user/mo monthly) and includes the advanced document automation capabilities acquired from Woodpecker in 2021. All plans require annual billing for the advertised rates and include the full MyCase practice management suite. Document automation is not available as a standalone purchase. MyCase offers a 10-day free trial with no credit card required. MyCase rates approximately 4.6/5 on Capterra (790+ reviews).

Gavel Workflows pricing

Gavel Workflows offers four plans: Lite at $83/mo (1 builder seat, 10 workflows, 100 sessions/mo), Standard at $165/mo (1 builder seat, 25 workflows, 300 sessions/mo), Pro at $290/mo (2 builder seats plus 3 org user seats, 50 workflows, 600 sessions, DocuSign, Stripe, white-labeling, legal template library, custom domain), and Scale from $417/mo billed annually. Annual billing includes two free months. A 7-day free trial is available with no credit card and no sales call required.

MyCase reviews

MyCase earns strong ratings on Capterra, with scores consistently near 4.6/5 (790+ reviews) from law firm users who cite the all-in-one practice management experience as a primary strength. MyCase acquired Woodpecker, a standalone document automation tool, in 2021 and integrated its capabilities into the MyCase Advanced plan.

MyCase earns consistently strong ratings on Capterra, where law firm users cite the all-in-one practice management experience, ease of use, and client portal as top strengths. Common critical themes include limited customization in the document automation workflow and the requirement to purchase the full suite to access any automation features. Ratings below reflect the overall MyCase product, not document automation specifically.

Capterra: Approximately 4.6/5 (790+ reviews) from law firm users.
G2: Reviews available; check G2 directly for the current aggregate score.
Gavel Workflows: Rated 4.7/5 on Lawyerist.

We were able to do an entire estate plan in 30 minutes. I was running around the office telling everyone about how magical Gavel is.
Jessica Streeter, Partner at Streeter Law Firm

Switching from MyCase

Law firms that move their document automation from MyCase to Gavel Workflows typically do so because they want deeper automation capabilities, white-labeling, or a standalone tool that does not require switching practice management platforms. Firms that use Clio for practice management often find that MyCase's document automation bundle is not an option for them, and Gavel Workflows integrates directly with Clio at the base plan level.

Switching to Gavel Workflows starts with a 7-day free trial at gavel.io with no credit card required. Your existing Word templates can be uploaded directly into Gavel Workflows and reconnected to intake questionnaires using the no-code builder. The Gavel team provides onboarding support, and the process typically takes less than a day to complete for straightforward templates.

Looking for a MyCase alternative?

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Frequently asked questions

What is the best MyCase alternative for document automation?

Woodpecker was a dedicated document automation tool before MyCase acquired it. As a standalone product, Gavel Workflows goes deeper: more conditional logic, output that goes directly into Word and PDF, and templates attorneys can build and maintain themselves without IT help. It also works regardless of which practice management software you use. There's a free trial as well.

How does MyCase pricing compare to Gavel Workflows?

MyCase Pro is $100/user/mo billed annually; Advanced is $130/user/mo billed annually (monthly billing is $120 and $150 respectively). Both plans require annual billing for the advertised rate and include the full practice management suite. Gavel Workflows starts at $83/mo with no per-user pricing at the base tier, monthly billing available, and no annual commitment required.

Does MyCase offer a free trial for document automation?

MyCase offers a 10-day free trial for the full platform with no credit card required. Document automation is not available as a standalone trial; accessing it requires the Pro or Advanced plan. Gavel Workflows offers a 7-day free trial with no credit card and no sales call required.

Can I buy just the document automation feature from MyCase?

No. MyCase document automation is only available as part of the full MyCase practice management subscription. Gavel Workflows is a standalone document automation platform with no practice management bundle required.

Does Gavel Workflows work with Word documents?

Yes. Gavel Workflows automates Word and PDF documents. You can upload existing Word templates and connect them to intake questionnaires to generate finished documents automatically.

Can I use Gavel Workflows in a web browser?

Yes. Gavel Workflows is fully web-based. No software installation is required to build or run workflows.

Does Gavel Workflows work on Mac and Windows?

Yes. Because Gavel Workflows is web-based, it runs in any modern browser on Mac, Windows, or any other operating system.

What is Gavel Workflows?

Gavel Workflows is a legal document automation platform for law firms. It lets attorneys build automated workflows that turn client intake answers into finished Word or PDF documents. Plans start at $83/mo with a 7-day free trial.

Does Gavel Workflows include legal templates?

Yes. The Pro plan includes access to a legal template library. All plans support custom templates built using the no-code workflow builder.

Who is Gavel Workflows built for?

Gavel Workflows is built for law firms of all sizes, from solo practitioners to large firms. It is used by attorneys who want standalone document automation that connects to their existing practice management platform rather than replacing it.

Can I customize the intake questionnaire in Gavel Workflows?

Yes. You control the questions, logic, branching, and document output in every workflow you build. Gavel Workflows supports conditional logic so documents adapt based on client answers.

How does Gavel Workflows handle data privacy?

Gavel Workflows is designed with attorney-client confidentiality in mind. For specific data processing and security details, review Gavel's privacy policy or contact the team directly.

How do I get started with Gavel Workflows?

Start a 7-day free trial at gavel.io. No credit card and no sales call are required. You can begin building your first workflow the same day.

How hard is it to migrate from MyCase document automation to Gavel Workflows?

Your existing Word templates can be uploaded directly into Gavel Workflows and reconnected to intake questionnaires using the no-code builder. The Gavel team provides onboarding support, and most straightforward templates can be recreated in a single session.

Who built Gavel Workflows?

Gavel Workflows was built by CEO Dorna Moini, a former employment litigation associate at Sidley Austin, and CTO Pierre Martin, formerly of Microsoft Research and Amazon. The platform was formerly known as Documate and rebranded as Gavel in 2023.

How we researched this

This comparison is based on publicly available information: product documentation, customer reviews on Lawyerist, G2, and Capterra, and legal technology coverage. It also reflects direct conversations with prospects who evaluated alternatives before choosing Gavel Exec, and with customers who have used both.

Where vendors don't publish pricing, we use user-reported figures and note it. Information is current as of 2026. Verify pricing and features directly with any vendor before deciding.