If you’re a law firm looking to streamline client intake or automate legal documents, choosing the right legal questionnaire software is crucial. Tools like Gavel (formerly Documate) and DecisionVault have become popular among attorneys who want to collect client data efficiently and reduce manual work.
As a legal software consultant, I often help law firms evaluate platforms like these to improve their workflow, client experience, and legal tech stack. Here’s a side-by-side comparison of Gavel and DecisionVault to help you choose the best tool for your firm’s needs.
What Are Gavel and DecisionVault?
- Gavel is a document automation platform that uses smart questionnaires to generate legal documents automatically.
- DecisionVault is a client intake and data management portal designed specifically for law firms, especially those in estate planning and family law.
Both tools help lawyers replace PDF forms and email chains with structured, digital workflows.
1. Best for Document Automation: Gavel
Gavel is built for law firms that want to collect client data through dynamic online forms and instantly generate legal documents using that data.
Key Features:
- Advanced conditional logic and repeatable fields
- Integration with Clio, Zapier, Google Drive
- Branded client-facing forms
- Document automation for wills, contracts, motions, and more
✅ Best for: Law firms that need to automate high-volume document generation using structured client input.
2. Best for Intake & Ongoing Client Data: DecisionVault
DecisionVault is designed to improve client onboarding and data collection, storing information in a secure portal that syncs with your legal practice management software.
Key Features:
- Customizable intake questionnaires
- Centralized data vault for clients
- Direct integrations with Clio, MyCase, Actionstep
- Ideal for estate planning, elder law, and family law
✅ Best for: Law firms that want a reusable, structured intake system that integrates with their case management software.
3. Questionnaire Logic and User Experience
Gavel:
- Powerful logic engine
- Step-by-step form interface
- Best for one-time, guided data collection
DecisionVault:
- Strong logic with pre-built templates
- Client-friendly portal for updating information
- Best for collaborative, long-term data management
4. Data Sync and Integrations
- Gavel integrates well with document storage tools and can connect to practice management platforms via Zapier.
- DecisionVault syncs directly with leading legal CRMs and practice management tools, reducing double entry.
🔄 If your firm relies heavily on Clio or MyCase, DecisionVault provides stronger out-of-the-box sync.
5. Which Is Right for Your Firm?
| Feature | Gavel | DecisionVault |
|---|---|---|
| Document Automation | ✅ | ❌ |
| Client Intake Portal | ❌ | ✅ |
| Conditional Logic | ✅✅ | ✅ |
| Data Sync with Practice Management | ⚠️ (via Zapier) | ✅ (native) |
| Best For | Document-heavy firms | Intake-focused firms |
Final Recommendation from a Legal Software Consultant
- Choose Gavel if you’re focused on automating legal documents with client-submitted data.
- Choose DecisionVault if your priority is efficient, structured client onboarding that integrates cleanly with your practice management software.
Many of my law firm clients actually benefit from using both tools together—using DecisionVault for intake, and then exporting structured data into Gavel for document automation.
Need Help Choosing the Right Legal Software?
As a legal tech consultant, I help law firms implement the best tools for their practice—from intake to automation to case management. Whether you’re choosing between Gavel and DecisionVault or need help integrating both, I can help you design a streamlined, client-friendly legal workflow.
📩 Contact me today for a free consultation and let’s optimize your legal operations.