Metwork^™ Release Notes

• Overview:

  • In our February release, we've made navigating referrals easier with clearer interfaces and more flexible fee options. Bug fixes ensure a smoother experience for members, from easily accessing membership plans to enjoying tailored network recommendations.

  Enhancements and Improvements:

  • We've spruced up the Referral terms interface, making it simpler for members to spot new terms during the referral process. 
  • Members can now set their referral fees by increments of 0.5, making it easier to get things just right. 
  • Emails were updated across referrals and onboarding, ensuring they were clear and concise.

  Bug Fixes:

  • Fixed a bug that prevented members from viewing membership plans correctly.
  • Referral genius suggestions now only showcase attorneys within members’ networks, ensuring every recommendation is relevant.
  • Members can now accept an invitation to join an association and select a plan before checking out. 
  • Fixed a bug that prevented the referral discussion tab from updating properly.
  • Association members can now fill out and send feedback forms to their associations. 
  • Referrals no longer appear on a member’s referral index once they have been declined.
  • Members can now upload HEIC image files.

Overview:

• The new year brings enhanced features across the board, giving members the option for more privacy and more public discussion. Increased data transparency and options allow members to control how their personal information is displayed.

Enhancements and Improvements:

• Privacy and visibility states were added to the Metwork onboarding process. Members can toggle settings to decide whether they want certain information displayed or hidden. New content was added to each onboarding step to inform members how the data will be used. 
• Improvements were made to Referrals:
  • Instructions on the final referral step updated to clarify the process.
  • Referral interface design was updated.
  • Buttons on referral emails and notifications now navigate to the correct step.
• Attorneys can build and preview custom onboarding forms when creating an Association.
• Paralegal capabilities were improved on the site, removing irrelevant tasks such as referrals.
• Genius suggestions, that show potential connections in Referrals and Network, have been enhanced.

Bug Fixes:

• New messages are no longer covered by image, recording, emoji, and gif options.
• Fixed a bug that prevented members from finishing onboarding.
• Members are now able to view feedback from other colleagues. 
• Fixed a bug that prevented members from using the notification buttons. 
• Updating team details no longer triggers another team invite email. 
• Members can now expand messages from the small chat window within an Association Metlist. 
•  

Overview:

• December’s release focused on improving the referral process, nicknamed “Referral Handshake.” Improvements allow attorneys to discuss and negotiate the terms of referrals with more freedom and less pressure.

Enhancements and Improvements:

• Improvements made to the referral process:
  • The time limit has been removed from the terms discussion stage of the referral process. Attorneys can now take their time agreeing on referral terms without worrying about the discussion expiring.
  • Attorneys can now add and remove PDF, .doc, .docx, .jpeg, .jpg, .png, and .heic files to referral terms. 
  • Attorneys can send images, files, gifs, emojis, and audio recordings in a referral discussion. 
• Multiple payment options are now available in billing settings, allowing users to choose different payment methods for each subscription.

Bug Fixes:

• Email timestamps now show the member’s timezone instead of GMT.
• Referral notifications take members directly to complete the appropriate task. 

Note: 

• Due to a change in our release structure, we're moving release notes to a monthly format to share all that was released within the last month clearly. Going forward, releases will be labeled with the month of release, not the version.

Overview:

• Collaborating has never been easier than with Metwork’s November release. Focused on improving existing features, this month’s updates place a heavy emphasis on processes that help users accomplish goals together.

New Features:

• Version 1 of Project Teams was launched, improving details and the dashboard for teams built to focus on projects and goals instead of legal cases.

Enhancements and Improvements:

• Made improvements to the referral process:
  • Referral details automatically appear once a recipient chooses to discuss the case. 
  • Attorneys can now create one or more case teams after a referral is transferred to them, with auto-populated details about the case.
• The UI in the team building flow was updated, displaying more information and different views. 
• Communication during the paralegal sign-up process was improved with information on how data will be used.
• Files, gifs, images, and voice note button were added to all message types.

Bug Fixes:

• Paralegals are now able to enter a new law firm when they sign up for Metwork instead of selecting from the existing list of law firms.
• Fixed bugs that were part of the referral process:
  • Term notes are only posted once and are no longer being duplicated.
  • Referral status now updates after the sender withdraws or when a referral is complete.
  • Referrals in the table are no longer being duplicated.
  • Copy tells users the case location when a new referral is sent.
  • Users can set referral fees without receiving an error message. 
  • The set terms button now works whether the referral details are open or closed.
  • Fixed UI formatting across referrals.
  • Terms added to a referral negotiation are saved and no longer overwrite previous terms.
  • Error and success messages are triggered at the correct time.
• When a user changes the status of their team, the change is now reflected on the dashboard. 
• Team leaders can delete empty sections in the links section of their team dashboard.

Overview:

• The latest releases of Version 1.2.1 and Version 1.3.0 are the first updates since moving the software from Beta to Live. 
• The updates bring a series of features and improvements facilitating communication, enhancing the sign-up process, and making collaboration even easier.

New Features:

• Users are now able to build a special team to focus on projects, events, and goals
  • Case-specific fields, such as client information, case status, and field of law, were removed from special teams. 
• Association managers can now build custom forms for members to fill out as part of the registration process.
• A financial report feature was made available for association stores.
• Users can now cancel their Metwork membership by clicking a button in billing.

Enhancements and Improvements:

• References to the beta version of Metwork were removed.
• Improvements were made to the attorney and paralegal credential approval process.
  • Emails and notifications were implemented to notify attorneys and paralegals about the status of credential approvals after signing up.
  • iPad Pro functionality was improved to match that of desktop screens.
• New notifications and emails were added to the referral process.
• Improvements were made to payment and billing.
  • The option to use a saved card or a new type of payment was added to check-out.
  • Payment confirmation was added to check-out, letting a user know whether their payment was successful.

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed a bug that required users to click “continue” twice before payment.
• Emails that are part of the paralegal verification process now display the correct profile picture.
• The expand chat icon in Metlist was fixed to open a thread instead of triggering an error.
• Billing in the sign-up process now has a scroll bar.
• The Metlist digest email now takes users to the correct conversation and is no longer sending duplicates.

Overview:

• One of our largest updates, Harmony, brings a list of features and functionalities that are designed to make both the user interface as well as the user experience more harmonious and ensure that the branding and quality across the application are consistent.
• Metwork rolled out the new version over two updates [1.1.0 on Sept. 11 and 1.2.0 on 9/25] and is the last significant update before the software moves from Beta to Live.
• Features of Harmony have been implemented across the site and are available for Attorneys, Paralegals, and Associations.

New Features:

• Implemented billing for Metwork. Users who sign up before October 1st will receive all of 2023 for free; those who sign up after will be billed immediately.
  • Users can add multiple payment options, make adjustments to current payment options, and delete options.
  • Invoice section added to billing. Users can get all invoices in one monthly statement.
  • Plan options implemented (monthly and annually).
• Additional email notifications implemented.
• New help center fully integrated into Metwork.
• Users now have the ability to unsubscribe from unwanted communications, such as specific threads on Metlist.
• Gave users the ability to cancel their membership.

Enhancements and Improvements:

• Enhanced link functionality for users.
  • This function is available across modules such as teams, referrals, and associations.
  • Users now have the ability to edit, sort, and pin links they share.
• Association members’ roles are now color-coded.

Bug Fixes:

• Profile preview now displays across the whole application upon clicking a user’s profile picture.
• Metwork connections weren’t showing for some users when on “card view.”
• Fixed a bug that prevented the “Feedback Screen” from appearing after a case was settled.
• Team names are now editable, and the name change appears throughout the software.
• Items are now purchasable through association storefronts.
• “Let’s Reflect” slider allows more finite input.
• Restored missing filters in the Referrals, Team, and Network sections.

Overview:

• Version 1.0, nicknamed “Cruise Control,” is a series of features designed to give users more control over their experience as it pertains to their privacy and data. This update also gives users control over their preferences within each module alongside notifications they do or don’t receive. These additional controls are put in place in order to enhance the overall user experience.

New Features:

• Added the ability to mute messages. This includes individual messages, team chat, and individual Metlist threads.
• Added moderation for association admins in Metlist. This allows for associations to ensure conversations within association chats are following association guidelines. 
• Added comprehensive labels to forms.
• Added option to put an expiration on a referral request to help facilitate your referral workflow.
• Added the ability to turn off notifications you're not interested in.
• Added the ability to set default settings per module.
• Added auto-complete addresses to the software.

Bug Fixes:

• User profile previews now appear if the profile picture is clicked.
• Fixed a bug where uploading a profile picture occasionally deletes the user’s phone number.

Deprecations and Removals:

• Removed compare tabs in the Network module.

Overview:

• The development team has been at it again with new updates to improve your experience on Metwork. The latest release, [0.9] (nicknamed Mentorship Match for Success), brings enhanced features to the Mentorship module.
• We also expanded our mentorship roles to include co-mentors. Co-mentors work together to problem solve, be a sympathetic ear, and push each other to achieve limitless possibilities.

Enhancements and Improvements:

• Updated Mentorship module brings you more information, including feedback on productivity, discipline, and quality, goal progress, and mentorship relationships.
• Updated Profiles to include Mentorship section.
• Updated onboarding includes the ability to opt-in to mentorship. Roles include:
  • Mentee - Connect to a legal professional with experience to share.
  • Mentor - Guide, teach, and grow by sharing expertise with others.
  • Co-Mentor - Team up with a colleague to push each other to greatness.
• Added the ability to opt-in to mentorship roles through the mentorship module.
• Added Philosophy section for users to share their mentorship philosophy. This block lets potential matches to get to know your mentorship style better.
• Enhanced the search and invite functions in the Mentorship module.
  • Added the ability to send a personal note to the mentorship invite.
• Added goals and meeting frequency to mentorship block.
  • Users can set daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly meetings with their mentorship partner.
  • Users can set goals for daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly meetings.
  • Users can update goals.
    • Mark as complete or incomplete.
    • Change the goal they are working towards accomplishing.
    • Set goals for your co-mentor to ensure you’re both on track.
  • Users can track and review progress on their goals.
  • Users can send advice to their mentorship partner.
• Users can “Check-in” with their mentorship partners directly from the mentorship block.
  • Easily create a direct message without leaving the mentorship module.
• Users can have more than one mentorship relationship.
• Users can end mentorship relationships.
  • Users have the option to add feedback into why they are ending the relationship.
• Added additional mentorship notifications, including in-app and email.

Overview:

• We are bringing paralegals to the Metwork party with the release of Version [0.8.0]. Paralegals can now join Metwork through sponsorship from a verified lawyer.
• Paralegal accounts have the ability to network with the Metwork community, assist with legal referrals, partake in mentorship, and join legal teams to assist on cases.

New Features:

• Sponsorship: Our curated community is built on security and trust. That is why all attorneys are vetted before gaining access. Since paralegals do not have a centralized equivalent to a bar card, our new functionality allows them to request sponsorship from a verified lawyer.
  • If that lawyer is part of Metwork, they will receive an in-software notification to confirm or deny sponsorship.
  • If the lawyer isn’t part of Metwork, they will receive an email with an invitation to join and sponsor the paralegal.
• Onboarding: Guiding the legal community to better connections is the backbone of Metwork. To ensure paralegals receive the best guided suggestions, we released an onboarding process designed specifically for paralegals.
• Functionality: Paralegals now have access to Metwork’s career-defining tools.
  • Network: Paralegals can view their current Metwork connections, search and connect with users outside their network, and invite colleagues to join Metwork.
  • Messages: Paralegals can send and receive personal, team, and association messages within Metwork.
  • Teams: Paralegals can join and create case teams.
  • Referrals*: Create and review referrals, set the referral queue, discuss and decline a case, assign referral to a lawyer for acceptance, be assigned as a team member, and be assigned as a team lead. Lawyers can reassign referrals to paralegals to run.
    • *Note: In the Referral section, Paralegals do not have the ability to negotiate fees or sign referrals.
  • Associations: Paralegals can join and create associations.
  • Mentorship: Paralegals can mentor, become a mentee, or partake in co-mentorship opportunities.

Enhancements and Improvements:

• Added HEIC (Apple) image format support to the app, allowing users to upload a profile photo taken with their iPhones.

Overview:

We've expanded association functionality as well as added a number of quality-of-life changes.

Enhancements:

• Associations now have the ability to form committees.
• Associations can now create/manage events.
• Associations can create posts on their pages
• Associations have more control over member functionality.
• Updated settings UI.

Overview:

We've added a number of quality-of-life improvements.

Enhancements:

• Improved chat functionality.
  • Ability to choose a new team chat and automatically close the last chat.
  • Added the ability to send audio messages. 
• Redesign of the profile screen.
• Redesign of the “Our Relationship” screen.
• Redesign of referrals.
• Added the ability to opt-in for mentorship.

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed troubleshoot icons not loading.
• Fixed gradient appearing over left navigation panel.
• Removed extra recent case screens in signup.
• Fixed ability to autosave progress during signup.
• Fixed team leader modal not closing properly.

Overview:

We're bringing Legal Associations onto Metwork. The new module is optimized to streamline processes, save time, and enhance the services provided to association members.

New Features:

• Association Module
  • Easily create, manage, and communicate with committees and groups.
  • Robust reporting and storage capabilities keep membership records organized in one central location.
• Metwork members can create and join associations.
• Metlist: A powerful communication tool designed specifically for legal associations and their members, offering a more modern and versatile alternative to traditional discussion forums.

Enhancements:

• Updated the slim profile card.

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed Login/Logout buttons sometimes not working as intended.
• Fixed selecting fields of law with contact shows no profiles.
• Added a welcome email once signup is complete.
• Removed edit icon on other people’s fields of law and specialties.
• Various fixes and changes to the design of the app.

Overview:

A large number of fixes and updates to existing systems.

New Features:

• New tutorial to help show the basic functions of each module.
• A new bug-reporting system was implemented into the app for easy communication with the support team.
• Improved sign-up wizard (Improved flow for ease of use).
• Improved Network search functionality.

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed the ability to go back to previous pages during sign-up.

• Fixed an error that occurred when trying to invite someone to be a mentor/mentee when you already had one.

Overview:

Closed Beta release with the inclusion of the signup wizard.

New Features:

• Inclusion of a sign-up wizard allowing a new user to create a profile.
  • Going through the wizard, a user can specify their background, choose their fields of law and specialties, and find out their personality type.

Overview:

The first version of closed Alpha. Includes access to Network, Teams, Messages, Referrals, and Mentorship.