NextChapter is excited to share our winter release, introducing updates to our legal web application, new features and forms, and a preview of what’s coming next.
We’re committed to continuous improvement of our software and services, making your law firm’s processes easier for increased productivity, efficiency, and time savings. Keep reading to see what we have to show you in our first release of 2020!
New Look and Enhanced Features
NextChapter's new user interface received an update! The design now has a brand-new look, including new colors, fonts, and more. The interface is still the app you know and love since no workflows or processes have changed, but everything is more consistent, including the design and verbiage. We’ve only improved the app so you’ll enjoy a better, more streamlined user experience overall. Plus, we think it's pretty nice to look at too.
Below we've included images of the new user interface, what's different and an outline of the transition.
Key updates in the new UI include:
Saving a non-bankruptcy case
You now have the option to save a non-bankruptcy case. You’ll get to use a shell case with our CRM features, including NextMessage, dates, and document storage. This is all free, and you’ll soon be able to customize by practice area and have the option to hire a virtual paralegal. Now use NextChapter for ANY practice area and centralize your entire law firm casework.
New navigation options
The new options allow you to view navigation in the top header, bottom of the screen, or side. These options help you get through the app faster.
Interactive progress bar
Shows you your previous, current, and upcoming stage of the process so you can always know what stage you're at in the case. Easily changed by clicking on the toolbar or in settings on the case dashboard.
Click between claims when editing
Save time with the ability to click between claims when editing to view important information from each one, instead of having to open and close them. This also allows you to quickly move through the process of reviewing claims.
Property analysis
A new way to view property analysis with our new pie charts, helping you view data in a simple snapshot.
Create a new case from any page
We’ve updated the app so you can now create a new case no matter what page you’re on. Just another way we're giving you more flexibility and allowing you to work faster.
Sofa & MT review progress bar
As you move through the SOFA & Means Test Review Sections, NextChapter will keep track of your progress by automatically checking off the section. This helps you make sure you didn’t miss anything and verify that you completed the review.
MyChapter invite
You now have the option to select between emails for the MyChapter invite to ensure you're sending it to the clients' preferred email. This way, you'll make sure your client receives the invite and provides their information faster.
New example test case
When you first sign up, you can view a generic bankruptcy case with all the data filled in as an example. This helps you see what a full case will look like and get a full overview of the new UI.
From January 28 to February 29, 2020, we will allow attorneys to toggle the new UI, and we’re offering a new UI webinar for a sneak peek. Register for the New Look! Webinar on February 18 at 2pm EST!
Here are the details of the transition to NextChapter's new UI for users:
January 29th: Users can now toggle back and forth between NextChapter's new user interface and old user interface. This allows users to try out the new UI and get comfortable with using it.
February 18th: The NextChapter Customer Success team is hosting a live webinar that will educate users on everything they need to know about the new UI.
- Transition timeline
- Key benefits of the transition
- Key changes/potential areas of frustration
- How users can ask questions
- How users can provide feedback
February 29th: All users will be switched over to NextChapter's new user interface without the option to go back to the old one.
During this whole process, we will have support materials in the help center to help you make a smooth transition. The team will also send out periodic reminders and emails so you'll stay informed.
Even More New Features
More Mobility with iPad, Tablet and Android App
We’ve expanded the way you can use NextChapter, giving you more mobility than ever. The app is now available on iPad and other tablets, and via the Android mobile app. Access bankruptcy cases, client files and your firm schedule on NextChapter's stunning mobile application for all devices.
New Hearing Entry: Continued Hearings
NextChapter Notices can now pick up Continued Hearing notice types! Based on feedback from our users, we've added this notice type to help firms stay in-the-know on their clients' continued hearings. NextChapter will grab the continued hearing date and add it to the calendar and clearly mark them as “continued.”
Batch Assign & Reassign Notices
Now users have the control over which case an incoming court notice is assigned to. With this update, you can assign and reassign multiple notices at once!
Option to Enable/Disable ECF Filing Capabilities for Users
NextChapter now has an additional safeguard in the application, in case some users should never be in review or filing. The primary attorney who is also the admin in the account can now control who has access to the ECF filing. This feature is perfect for large firms that have dedicated paralegals for intake or other parts of the bankruptcy process that don't need to be in the filing section.
More Local Forms and Chapter 13 Plans
NextChapter is continuously building out our forms database, adding Chapter 13 plans and improving the filing process for our users. See what we've added this release below:
- 11 New Local Forms
- New Chapter 13 Plans: WAEB, MTB, NMB
- Enhanced Filing Times (CANB)
Coming Soon
- Dynamic Forms
- Doc Creator
Register for the Release Webinar
Want to see these features in action? Attend the Winter '20 Release webinar where our Customer Success team will showcase everything included in this release. Register here.