Using Merge Fields

Merge fields are placeholders that MyLawyerLink replaces with real client, case, event, and firm data when you generate a document or send an SMS from a template.

Placeholder syntax

Use double curly braces around the field name:

Dear {{client_first_name}} {{client_last_name}},

Re: {{case_title}} ({{case_number}})

Field names are case-sensitive. A typo or wrong name is left unchanged in the output, so match the names exactly.

MyLawyerLink also resolves common alternate names (for example {{client.firstName}}) through an alias map, but the Available variables picker in the app lists canonical underscore keys such as {{client_first_name}}. Prefer those names in new templates.

Where merge fields work

• Document templates — Word .docx files uploaded under Account → Document Templates
• SMS templates — message bodies under Account → SMS Templates and when you insert a template in the message widget
• Email templates — team email templates where placeholders are supported

The same field names are used across channels. See Creating SMS Templates and Document Templates for channel-specific steps.

Common client fields

Field	Example output
{{client_first_name}}	Maria
{{client_last_name}}	Garcia
{{client_full_name}}	Maria Garcia
{{client_email}}	maria@example.com
{{client_phone}}	(555) 123-4567

Common case fields

Field	Example output
{{case_title}}	Smith v. Jones
{{case_number}}	2024-CV-12345
{{case_type}}	Civil Litigation
{{case_filed_date}}	Formatted filing date

Event fields (when an event is in context)

Field	Example output
{{event_date}}	Hearing date
{{event_time}}	Start time
{{event_type}}	Court date
{{event_location}}	Courthouse or video link

Practice and firm fields

Team practice settings supply contact block fields such as:

Field	Notes
{{attorney_phone}}	From team practice settings
{{attorney_label}}	Firm or practice name
{{team_resend_email}}	Team sender/reply address
{{firm_resend_email}}	Billing/firm sender address

Display names like {{attorney_name}} are empty unless configured. Set values under Team settings → Firm merge field keys (per team) when you need a consistent attorney or firm name in generated text.

Custom fields

Case, client, and event custom fields defined in Team settings → Case field settings appear in the variable picker using keys based on the field definition name. Practice custom fields use practice_* keys.

Date helpers

Field	Purpose
{{date}}	Today's date
{{current_date}}	Today's date (alternate key)
{{writtenDate}}	Written-style date where supported

Tips

1. Use the variable picker when editing SMS templates or document merge settings — it only lists fields that map to defined data.
2. Generate a test document from a real case before using a new template in production.
3. Keep one template per document type (engagement letter, status update) and use merge fields for anything that changes by matter.
4. Configure firm merge keys once in team settings instead of hard-coding names in every template.

Related guides

• Document Templates — upload and generate .docx files
• SMS Templates — reusable text messages with the same fields