Browser extensions are little tools you can use to super-speed your web browsing. Think of them like 'apps' for your web browser. Each browser has its own 'app store', and we'll be focusing on extensions for Chrome (the browser we recommend using for MerusCase!)

In this post, we'll focus on Free Productivity Tools to supercharge your workflow. This isn't just for attorneys - anyone working in a law firm will benefit from these tools!

1. Grammarly

Grammarly is the best spell-check you'll ever use. The Grammarly website boasts "Grammarly leaves outdated spelling and grammar checkers in the dust" - and I completely agree. It's easy, seamless, and free (There is a paid 'premium version', but I get by perfectly fine with the free option.)

It's contextual, so it considers your writing style, experience level, and sentence structure, then suggests appropriate corrections.

Grammarly works great in browser-based applications as well. I use it to make sure my emails, notes, and phone call logs are correctly-spelled in MerusCase. It's a must-have for those of us who can't spell to save our lives.

Download from the Grammarly website, or directly from the Chrome App Store.

2. Noisli

Need to generate some peace and quiet in a hurry? Noisli is here to help! 

Noisli allows you to create a personalized mix of relaxing sounds such as summer rain, a windy day, or a babbling brook. It's an effortless way to create some productivity-boosting background noise when you need to avoid distractions in the office.

I'd highly recommend Noisli if you have a noisier or more open office, or just need some help getting 'into the zone'. (You can also share your mixes with others. Here's what I listen to when I need to focus!)

Listen at Noisli.com, or get the extension from the Chrome App Store.

3. Block Site

As you might expect, Block Site allows you to specify certain websites to block in your browser. It's very straightforward: Enter a site you wish to block, and optionally enter a site to redirect you, should you attempt to access the site anyway.

If you want to get more detailed, you can block sites during certain times or certain days of the week.

It's a great tool for anyone who habitually checks social media or the news- just block Facebook/Instagram/Your-site-of-choice and redirect it to MerusCase.com. 

Get the extension from the Chrome App Store.

4. StayFocusd

StayFocusd is like Block Site, with some tweaks and customization options. You can set a 'Max Time Allowed Per Day', which means you'll be able to use your block sites for, say, 30 minutes each day. Once you hit 30 minutes between all your blocked sites, you're locked out. It's a great tool for allowing yourself a restricted amount of 'slack off' time each day.

If you need something a bit more hardcore, StayFocusd offers a 'Nuclear Option'. Once you turn that on, you can't disable it by any means (other than removing the extension) until the set time has elapsed.

Get the extension from the Chrome App Store.

5. Strict Workflow

Ever heard of the Pomodoro Technique? Strict Workflow is a tool that allows you to easily implement a Pomodoro-style workflow into your daily life.

To give a basic summary, the Pomodoro Technique is a productivity strategy in which you spend 25 minutes working, 5 minutes on break, and repeat. After 4 cycles, you take a longer break. In many ways, it's like interval training for your brain. 

Strict Workflow provides an automatic timer that blocks distracting sites during your 25-minute 'Work' section. You can also customize the timer length and blocked sites.

Get the extension from the Chrome App Store.

Looking for more productivity tools, tips, and tricks?

Check out our other articles on law firm productivity!