7 Key Challenges For In-House Legal Teams in 2025

7 Key Challenges For In-House Legal Teams in 2025

You didn’t sign up to be a bottleneck, but some days, that’s exactly how it feels.

The pace of legal work has shifted. One minute you’re reviewing a contract. Next, you’re expected to advise on automation policies, data privacy risks, global regulations, and board-level questions. Expectations keep climbing, while resources often stay flat.

This is what today’s in-house legal environment looks like for most businesses.

Legal leaders are being pulled into high-stakes decisions while also handling the steady flow of contract requests, compliance reviews, and internal questions.

And while in-house legal software can help reduce that workload, a lot of teams still rely on outdated tools or patchwork processes that slow them down.

This article breaks down the key challenges in-house legal teams are tackling in 2025, and how smart use of resources, tech, and internal alignment can make the load more manageable.

An in-house legal team during a meeting

1. Managing AI Usage And Compliance Across Departments

Your business teams are probably already using artificial intelligence (AI), whether it’s for writing, hiring, or data analysis. And odds are, legal wasn’t looped in early. That’s a problem. 

Without clear guidelines, these tools open the door to legal, privacy, and compliance risks that can come back to bite you.

The legal function is now expected to step in, not just to say “yes” or “no” to AI tools, but to help shape how the company uses them responsibly. And that’s not a small ask.

According to Gartner, by 2026, 80% of large enterprises will have formal AI governance policies in place to manage risk and assign accountability. That includes legal teams like yours.

Here’s what many in-house legal professionals are already tackling:

  • Reviewing generative AI tools for IP, bias, and privacy risks
  • Writing AI usage policies for internal teams
  • Monitoring changing laws like the EU AI Act and CPRA
  • Tracking approvals and tool usage through legal tech software

If legal operations aren’t yet involved in AI oversight at your company, now’s the time to speak up. The longer departments run AI tools without legal guardrails, the harder it becomes to manage the fallout and explain it later.

2. Handling Increased Data Privacy Demands

Data privacy is no longer just an IT issue. It now sits squarely on the shoulders of in-house counsel. With regulations like the CPRA, GDPR, and a growing list of state-level laws in the U.S., the legal landscape around cybersecurity and data privacy is more complicated than ever.

Companies are now expected to know exactly what data they collect, why they collect it, how they store it, and who they share it with. And when something goes wrong, legal is often the first team called in to explain what happened.

For in-house counsel, the pressure is real. It goes beyond ticking boxes for regulatory compliance. You’re advising leadership on several landmark business decisions, like whether to launch in a new market or partner with a data-heavy vendor.

At the same time, you’re also staying on top of breach reporting timelines, cookie consent rules, and cross-border data transfers. One misstep could mean a fine or serious damage to the company’s reputation.

Take Meta’s 2023 fine in Europe for violating GDPR rules on data transfers. That case reminded industry professionals just how quickly privacy enforcement can escalate.

For many legal teams, meeting these new standards with limited resources and outdated systems is one of the most significant challenges they face today.

3. Legal KPI Tracking With Limited Resources

General counsel are expected to act as a strategic business partner, not just a legal gatekeeper. But that’s hard to do without solid data.

Tracking and reporting on legal KPIs, like contract turnaround time, matter resolution rates, or legal spend, is how legal teams show value. The problem? Most in-house lawyers don’t have the tools, systems, or staff to do it well.

Manual tracking creates gaps. Junior lawyers are pulled into reporting work they weren’t trained for. And leadership ends up with limited insight into what the legal team is actually achieving.

This disconnect can cause friction with other departments, especially sales teams, who want proof that legal isn’t slowing down deals. Without reliable data, it’s tough to push back or show your impact on business objectives.

If you’re short on ops resources, you can still make progress by:

  • Starting small with a few meaningful KPIs tied to business goals
  • Using contract platforms or shared tools to gather basic metrics
  • Collaborating with finance or operations to support reporting

In the legal industry, showing results matters. Even basic tracking can help legal services align with the business and lead to more positive outcomes across the board.

4. Managing Legal Spend Amid Rising Workloads

In-house legal teams are dealing with a tough combination: rising workloads and tighter budgets. According to the 2023 Legal Department Operations Index, 70% of legal departments said their work volume increased, while nearly two-thirds said their budgets stayed the same or went down.

That puts a lot of pressure on legal counsel to do more without more support. One way teams are handling this is by using alternative fee arrangements (AFAs) with outside firms. These help you plan your legal spend better and can lead to real cost savings.

Another smart move? Workflow automation. Legal tech tools can handle contract creation, document review, and other repetitive work. When used right, these tools can save time and let your team focus on bigger issues. It can also help lower your law firm’s operating expenses.

Still, it’s not all smooth sailing. That same report showed only 32% of departments got more budget for legal tech, even though more teams are using it.

To make real progress under budget constraints, focus on tools and processes that give you the most operational efficiency. Look for low-lift improvements that make a big difference.

You don’t need to fix everything at once, but choosing smart, targeted upgrades can help your team keep up and deliver real results.

5. Fragmented Legal Data Across Tools, Teams, and Regions

When legal data is scattered across different platforms, departments, and offices, it becomes hard to manage and even harder to trust. Many legal teams still use a mix of shared drives, emails, spreadsheets, and legacy systems.

Without one central repository, it’s difficult to get a full view of legal matters, contracts, and compliance documents. This kind of fragmentation slows down legal processes, increases risk, and makes strategic decisions harder.

Here’s what fragmented legal data often looks like:

  • Contracts stored in different formats across local drives and cloud solutions
  • Separate tools used for litigation tracking, compliance, and document management
  • Regional teams managing their own files with no connection to HQ
  • Little visibility into historical data or key dates

For example, a company with offices in the U.S., EU, and Asia might store contracts in different systems based on region. When it’s time for a contract lifecycle management review or a global data protection audit, pulling everything together becomes a nightmare.

Fragmented data also limits your ability to spot patterns, assess risks, or generate data-driven insights. In a world of regulatory complexity, having clean, centralized, and searchable data is a must-have for real efficiency gains and business alignment.

6. Retention And Burnout Of Junior Legal Staff

If you’ve got junior lawyers on your team, they’re likely handling a stack of repetitive work, facing unclear career paths, and trying to keep up with rising expectations. That combination is driving many to consider a change.

A 2024 Axiom survey found that 58% of in-house lawyers are thinking about leaving their current roles, mostly because of high workloads and limited growth opportunities.

This challenge affects more than headcount. When junior staff feel stuck or undervalued, it slows down legal work, adds pressure to your senior lawyers, and undercuts sustainability across the legal function.

We must not forget that these roles are often the ones helping keep everyday legal processes running. That support matters, especially with increasing demands on in-house teams.

So, what can you do to avoid junior lawyer or paralegal burnout?

Give junior lawyers chances to grow. Let them take part in higher-level matters, even in a supporting role. Build simple development plans, and pair them with someone they can learn from. Make time for feedback and acknowledgment.

Companies that take these steps create space for learning and better efficiency. Over time, they’re usually the ones that retain talent and strengthen their legal teams.

7. Navigating Legal Leadership In A Shifting Political Landscape

Legal leaders are heading into 2025 facing a mix of the known and the unknown. Yes, there are the usual pressures (more work, tighter budgets), but there’s also a different kind of uncertainty hanging over everything this year.

With a new president’s agenda on the horizon and changes coming out of Washington, in-house teams are preparing for regulatory shifts that aren’t fully defined yet.

As Legal Dive recently noted, “the start of any administration in Washington means regulatory change.” But this time around, it’s more complicated.

The Supreme Court has already overturned decades of regulatory precedent through several key rulings in 2024, which now gives companies and third-party providers more wiggle room to interpret agency rules on their own terms.

For legal teams, that raises serious questions. What rules still apply? What’s changing? And how fast? At the same time, the boardroom isn’t just looking for legal answers; they’re turning to in-house lawyers for guidance on corporate governance, risk, and business strategy.

Legal leaders aren’t just reacting anymore. They’re expected to read the room, anticipate change, and shape company strategy in an environment that keeps shifting under their feet. And that role is only getting bigger.

What Briefpoint Can Do For Your In-House Legal Team

You’ve seen the pattern: rising expectations, tighter resources, and new risks at every corner.

From AI oversight and privacy compliance to data sprawl, junior staff burnout, and political shakeups, today’s in-house legal teams aren’t just managing legal work; they’re holding the company together.

And yet, a huge chunk of time is still spent on routine tasks that could be done better and faster with the right tools. That includes drafting discovery documents.

Briefpoint

Briefpoint helps solve that problem.

It takes the discovery grunt work off your plate. It drafts responses and requests automatically, with clean formatting and smart objections built in. Upload your file, customize your responses, and download a ready-to-serve draft. It’s that simple.

While your team focuses on strategy, Briefpoint handles the repetitive stuff that eats up your day.

So, if you’re looking for a way to move faster without sacrificing quality, it’s time to try Briefpoint.
Book a demo and see what your team could do with those hours back.

FAQs About Key Challenges For In-House Legal Teams

Why are in-house legal teams expected to do more than just legal work?

Today’s legal teams are seen as partners to the business, not just legal reviewers. Beyond contract review and compliance, they’re expected to support strategy, operations, and even help sustainability teams navigate evolving laws. Legal is now closely tied to goals like growth, brand reputation, and innovation.

How can legal teams improve efficiency without growing headcount?

Start with tools that reduce time spent on repeatable tasks, like document automation or legal intake systems. When used well, these systems free up capacity and improve efficiency without adding pressure. Clearer workflows also help manage requests from internal clients more effectively.

What’s changing in terms of regulatory oversight?

With recent rulings that rolled back regulatory precedence, companies leverage more flexibility in how they interpret and apply certain rules. That puts legal teams in a critical spot; they need sharp risk management instincts and clear guidance for other departments navigating shifting ground.

How does legal contribute to competitive advantage?

Legal isn’t just about avoiding problems. Teams that combine business acumen with smart partnership, whether through tech, process improvements, or smart use of outside counsel, can help move faster, reduce friction, and give their company a real competitive advantage.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.

This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser. Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website authors, contributors, contributing law firms, or committee members and their respective employers.

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What is Litigation Management?

What is Litigation Management?

Litigation management gives structure to a process that can easily become chaotic.

As legal matters grow more complex and the pressure to manage timelines, budgets, and outcomes increases, having a clear approach becomes essential. This is where a structured process and often, litigation management software, can make a measurable difference.

Instead of dealing with deadlines, documents, and costs all at the same time, software helps centralize the work. It gives you visibility into what’s happening across cases and lets you respond with more focus and less guesswork.

Whether you’re managing a single dispute or overseeing a large caseload, a consistent system helps you avoid surprises and keep legal work aligned with business priorities. 

In the sections ahead, we’ll break down the practical components of litigation management and how they fit into the way you work.

Business people holding a document

What Is Litigation Management?

Simply put, litigation management is how legal teams organize and control the entire litigation process, from intake to resolution. For corporate legal departments and law firms, it’s a defined system for handling legal disputes, managing risk, and keeping outside counsel accountable.

The goal is simple: make smarter decisions, avoid surprises, and stay aligned with the business.

Effective litigation management typically includes:

  • Defining a clear, case-by-case litigation strategy
  • Tracking deadlines, filings, and related matters
  • Monitoring legal spend and reporting on key metrics
  • Coordinating with internal business units
  • Managing large volumes of documents and communication
  • Using legal tech tools to centralize case data

Without a practical framework in place, litigation tends to get reactive. But when it’s managed well, legal teams can respond faster, control outcomes, and support the company’s bigger goals.

4 Key Elements of Litigation Management

Litigation management works best when it’s built on structure, visibility, and consistency. Whether you’re handling one high-stakes case or dozens of routine matters, the same building blocks apply.

These are the core elements that can help your team stay in control and respond with confidence:

1. Strategy and Early Assessment

Before diving into the details of a case, take a step back and look at the big picture. What’s the real risk here? What outcome are you aiming for? Is this something worth settling early, or fighting all the way through?

Your overarching goal at this stage is to make informed decisions that shape everything that follows, and a strong early assessment sets the tone. It keeps you aligned with your internal stakeholders, avoids wasted time, and gives you a clear path forward.

As you assess the case, consider:

  • How strong the facts and claims actually are
  • Which business units need to be looped in early
  • How much time and budget the matter might demand
  • What a win (or loss) means for the company

A comprehensive approach up front saves time later. It helps you stay focused, communicate clearly, and build a litigation strategy that works for the case and for the business.

2. Budgeting and Outside Counsel Management

Tracking invoices alone doesn’t give you the full picture. You need to know how your resources are being used and whether the outcomes justify the spend. 

Setting billing guidelines, defining project phases, and agreeing on scope early all help keep legal fees under control and aligned with your goals.

Regular check-ins with outside counsel are essential. They keep work focused and give you insight into what’s progressing and where adjustments may be needed. When you head into settlement negotiations, having that level of visibility puts you in a stronger position.

Tying budget to results helps you make smarter calls. It also creates accountability and gives you more leverage to reduce costs without sacrificing quality or strategy.

3. Document Automation and Workflow Tools

When you’re managing large volumes of filings, responses, and discovery documents, doing everything manually slows you down and increases risk.

In contrast, automation lets you move faster without losing accuracy. It doesn’t replace your unique skill as an attorney. Rather, it gives you more time to apply it where it matters.

Document automation tools help you:

  • Draft discovery responses and requests quickly
  • Maintain formatting and language consistency across matters
  • Track due dates and document versions
  • Stay organized when collaborating with internal teams and outside counsel

This kind of legal technology is especially useful during high-volume phases like discovery or just before trial, when time is tight and errors are costly. 

Tools like Briefpoint make it easier to generate polished, objection-ready documents in minutes, which ultimately frees you up to focus on strategy.

For attorneys aiming to scale their impact and improve day-to-day workflows, legal automation offers more than speed. It creates room for deeper focus, fewer errors, and long-term success without the constant drain of repetitive work.

4. Reporting and Metrics

Improvement starts with visibility. When you track key metrics, like average case duration, spend by matter type, or case outcomes, you get real insight into how your litigation efforts are performing.

That understanding gives you the ability to make smarter strategic decisions, justify your legal bill, and show how your team adds value.

Good reporting also supports transparency across departments and builds credibility with leadership and clients. It turns legal data into something actionable, not just numbers on a spreadsheet.

For example, after a major post-trial outcome, reviewing timelines, costs, and firm performance can help you understand what went well and what needs to change. This feedback loop helps improve future services and reduce risk across the board.

Win Back Time and Control During the Litigation Process With Briefpoint

You already have enough to manage, discovery shouldn’t slow you down. Drafting objections, keeping formatting consistent, and managing deadlines take up hours you could be spending on higher-value work.

Briefpoint

Briefpoint takes care of the repetitive parts. It automates discovery drafts so you can move faster without sacrificing accuracy. Upload your document, choose your objections, and download a clean, court-ready file in minutes.

If your team is managing a growing caseload and limited resources, this gives you room to focus where it counts.

Book a Briefpoint demo and see how much smoother your discovery process can run.

FAQs About What is Litigation Management

What is the meaning of litigation management?

Litigation management refers to the way legal teams plan, track, and control the entire litigation process. It helps ensure that legal disputes are handled efficiently, with a clear strategy, cost control, and coordination across internal and external teams.

What is a litigation management system?

A litigation management system is a tool or platform that helps organize and streamline litigation work. It may include features for tracking deadlines, managing documents, monitoring legal spend, and generating reports. Many corporate legal departments use these systems to stay on top of active cases and improve decision-making.

What does it mean if your case goes to litigation?

If your case goes to litigation, it means a legal dispute is moving into the court process. This involves formal procedures like filing claims, responding to complaints, exchanging information, and possibly going to trial. It’s the opposite of resolving the issue through informal settlement or negotiation.

Is litigation the same as a lawyer?

No, litigation is a legal process, while a lawyer is a professional who represents you in that process. Litigation can involve multiple lawyers, but not all lawyers handle litigation. Some focus on advisory work, contracts, or regulatory matters outside of court.

How can effective litigation management help reduce costs and legal spend?

Effective litigation management gives you more control over how time and money are spent during the litigation process. By setting clear strategies early, tracking performance, and using tools like document automation, you can reduce unnecessary work and avoid surprise expenses. This approach helps limit legal spend, avoid delays, and ultimately reduce costs without compromising outcomes.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.

This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser. Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website authors, contributors, contributing law firms, or committee members and their respective employers.

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Breaking Down the Litigation Process

Breaking Down the Litigation Process

Litigation follows a structured series of phases, each one with its own demands, deadlines, and decisions. From early case assessment to post-trial motions, staying organized is what helps you maintain consistency, avoid delays, and respond effectively as the case develops.

Many legal teams rely on litigation management software to support that structure. It helps track filings, manage documents, and coordinate tasks across phases without losing momentum.

But we still need to go back to the core: understanding the process from the inside out. Knowing how each phase works is what gives you the clarity to make the right calls, keep your team aligned, and manage litigation with more control.

A US courthouse

Different Phases of the Litigation Process

If you’re managing an active litigation workflow, you already know how important timing and structure are. Each phase in the process brings its own requirements, from filing and discovery to trial and post-judgment steps.

Knowing what to expect and when can help you stay organized, meet deadlines, and keep your team aligned throughout the case.

1. Pre-Litigation and Case Assessment

Before a lawsuit is filed, there’s often a phase of evaluation and strategy. This stage is essential in civil litigation, especially when dealing with complex matters involving two or more parties, such as partnership disputes, contract breaches, or other forms of business conflict.

During pre-litigation, you’re:

It also involves determining the likelihood of resolving disputes without court involvement. This may involve internal investigations, settlement discussions, or demand letters aimed at reaching an early resolution.

Clear case assessment at this point helps reduce surprises later. You can identify risks, estimate costs, and determine whether litigation is the right path or if alternative solutions make more sense.

For companies involved in frequent legal disputes, this phase also helps prioritize which matters require immediate legal action versus those that can be managed informally.

2. Filing the Complaint

If informal efforts fail to resolve the dispute, the litigation process begins with the filing of the complaint. This is the formal start of a civil case. The plaintiff files a complaint with the appropriate court, outlining:

  • The legal and factual basis for the claim
  • The parties involved
  • The relief sought

In business litigation, this step is often detailed and technical. You’re not just explaining what happened; you’re setting the tone for how the court will handle the dispute. The court system uses this document to initiate the case and assign deadlines for the defendant’s response.

Filing also triggers procedural steps. The complaint must be served on the opposing party, starting the clock for them to answer or file pre-trial motions such as a motion to dismiss. These motions can delay or narrow the case early on, depending on the strength of the claims.

This step requires careful attention to detail. If you’re involved in a civil case, either as the party filing or responding, accuracy and clarity in the complaint can shape the rest of the matter. It’s the first formal chance to tell the court your side and push the litigation forward.

3. Response and Preliminary Motions

After the complaint is filed and served, the defendant must respond, typically within 20 to 30 days, depending on the court’s rules. This response can take several forms: an answer that admits or denies each allegation, or a preliminary motion challenging the complaint itself.

One common preliminary motion is a motion to dismiss. For example, in a business litigation case, a company might argue that the plaintiff failed to state a legal claim or that the court lacks jurisdiction. If the motion succeeds, parts of the case (or the entire case) may be dismissed before discovery begins.

Filing a strong answer or motion requires analyzing the claims, identifying weaknesses, and deciding whether to contest facts, legal grounds, or both. Strategic use of preliminary motions can limit the scope of litigation early, which can save time and resources.

Even if the motion doesn’t result in dismissal, it sets up important arguments for later phases of the case.

4. Discovery

This is where things get detailed. Discovery is the part of the litigation process where both sides exchange information, legal documents, and evidence related to the case.

If you’re involved in a civil procedure, this stage helps you understand what the other party knows and gives you a chance to build your argument before trial.

The discovery period can last a few weeks or stretch over several months, depending on the complexity of the case. And while it may feel slow at times, this is where the groundwork for your outcome is set.

You’ll likely encounter tools like:

  • Interrogatories: Written questions that require sworn answers.
  • Requests for production: Document and data requests from the other side.
  • Requests for admission: Statements to confirm or dispute.
  • Depositions: Sworn testimony recorded before trial.
  • Expert witness disclosures: Summaries of expert opinions and qualifications.

A strong discovery strategy helps avoid surprises and clarifies what you’re up against. The more organized and proactive you are here, the more control you’ll have later in the trial process.

5. Pre-Trial

The pre-trial phase sets the stage for what happens in the courtroom. It’s where both sides prepare their arguments, exchange final disclosures, and attempt to narrow the issues before the case moves forward in the legal system.

This period can include:

  • Settlement discussions
  • Pre-trial motions
  • Evidentiary hearings
  • Scheduling conferences

In a civil action, this stage often determines how much time a case will take in court, or whether it will even reach trial at all. Many disputes are resolved during this phase through negotiated agreements or rulings that eliminate the need for a full trial.

For example, in a federal court case involving a partnership dispute, the parties might file motions to exclude certain evidence or request summary judgment if they believe the facts are undisputed. If the judge agrees, it could prevent the case from advancing further in the public court system.

Pre-trial activity is a highly formal process governed by strict procedural rules. It also gives both parties a last opportunity to resolve the matter earlier to reduce litigation costs and avoid public exposure in the courtroom.

If resolution isn’t reached, everything that happens here shapes how legal rights will be argued and ultimately decided, before a judge or jury in a higher court.

6. Trial

If no resolution is reached during earlier stages, the case moves to trial. Trial is the most public and structured part of the litigation process. Trials follow strict federal rules or state procedures and can take anywhere from a few days to multiple years.

The trial stage is where the legal system formally hears and resolves disputes. One party presents evidence to support their claims, and the other defends against them. 

In civil litigation, the burden of proof is lower than in criminal cases, and the outcome can be decided by a judge or jury.

Key aspects of the trial include:

  • Opening statements from both sides
  • Presentation of evidence and examination of witnesses
  • Cross-examination by the opposing party
  • Closing arguments summarizing each side’s position
  • A final decision, either a judge’s ruling or a jury verdict

Although the trial is central to the process of resolving disputes, many civil cases never reach this point. Parties often settle or use alternative dispute resolution methods like mediation or arbitration to avoid the time, cost, and uncertainty of trial.

But when a case proceeds, trial is where each side has a formal chance to argue its case and seek a binding decision.

7. Post-Trial and Appeals

After the trial concludes, the process doesn’t always end there. Post-trial actions and appeals are common, especially in civil litigation involving complex or high-stakes issues.

If one party believes the outcome was flawed due to legal error, jury misconduct, or another issue, they may appeal to a higher court.

Appeals focus on legal issues, not new evidence. The appellate court reviews the trial record and determines whether the law was applied correctly. This part of the litigation process can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the court and the complexity of the case.

Post-trial steps often include:

  • Filing motions to alter or set aside the judgment
  • Requesting a new trial based on procedural errors
  • Preparing an appeal for a higher court to review the case
  • Enforcing or collecting the judgment if no appeal is made

For example, a business owner involved in a partnership dispute may appeal a jury verdict if they believe key evidence was wrongly excluded. Even if both parties waive their right to appeal, lawyers often assist with final compliance steps to ensure judgments are enforced.

Like the trial itself, the post-trial phase can be a lengthy process, but it’s essential for protecting legal rights and ensuring fair outcomes.

Simplify the Litigation Process With Briefpoint

You already know the litigation process isn’t light work. From initial case assessments to post-trial motions, it’s a constant stream of documents, deadlines, and decisions. Even if you’ve done it a hundred times, it can still eat up more hours than it should, especially during discovery.

Briefpoint helps you get some of that time back.

Briefpoint

Instead of building discovery responses from scratch or toggling between formatting rules, you upload your documents, choose objections, and download clean, court-ready drafts. Just a faster way to move through one of the most time-consuming phases of litigation.

If you’re handling high volumes of cases or want more time to focus on legal strategy, Briefpoint can give you space to do that. It’s designed to support the way you already work, just with fewer delays.

Book a demo and see how much smoother your litigation workflow can run!

FAQs About the Litigation Process

What is the litigation procedure?

The litigation procedure refers to the formal process used to handle disputes through the court system. It includes several phases: pre-litigation assessment, filing the complaint, response and motions, discovery, pre-trial, trial, and post-trial or appeal. Each stage follows a set of civil procedure rules.

Is it better to settle or litigate?

It depends on the case. Settlement often reduces court costs and resolves matters in a short period. However, some disputes require litigation, especially if there’s a need to establish precedent, protect legal rights, or when parties can’t agree on terms.

What are the 5 steps to initiate a lawsuit?

The basic steps include:

  1. Pre-litigation assessment
  2. Filing the complaint
  3. Serving the defendant
  4. Defendant’s response
  5. Preliminary motions

What is the correct order of the phases of litigation?

The typical order is:

  1. Pre-litigation and case assessment
  2. Filing the complaint
  3. Response and motions
  4. Discovery
  5. Pre-trial
  6. Trial (where a jury decides, if applicable)
  7. Post-trial and appeals, where outcomes are often decision-based.

How does alternative dispute resolution differ from the court system?

Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) refers to methods like mediation and arbitration that resolve legal disputes outside of the traditional court system. ADR is often faster, less formal, and more cost-effective than litigation. Unlike a courtroom trial, where a judge or jury decides the outcome, ADR processes are typically more collaborative and confidential. Many civil disputes, including business and partnership conflicts, are successfully resolved through ADR before reaching trial.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.

This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser. Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website authors, contributors, contributing law firms, or committee members and their respective employers.

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What is Legal Drafting?

What is Legal Drafting?

Before contracts are signed or cases move forward, someone has to put the terms into writing. That’s what we call legal drafting. It’s the process of turning obligations, rights, and agreements into structured documents that carry legal weight.

Legal drafting is a core part of the legal profession, used daily in law firms, corporate legal departments, and even solo practices. And now, with legal drafting software taking on repetitive tasks, professionals can focus more on the actual thinking behind each document.

In this guide, you’ll learn what legal drafting really means, how it differs from legal writing, what the process looks like, and how AI tools are helping legal teams move faster.

Person reviewing a legal document

Defining Legal Drafting

Legal drafting refers to the process of preparing legal documents that outline rights, duties, terms, or obligations. It plays a key role in the legal profession, especially in law firms where lawyers handle everything from contracts to court filings.

While legal drafting is often confused with legal writing, they’re not the same. Legal writing can include emails, memos, or research papers. Drafting, on the other hand, focuses on documents that can be legally enforced.

Good legal drafting avoids confusion by using clear, structured language. It revolves around getting the facts right and making sure everything holds up if the document is ever challenged.

Here are a few common types of documents and activities that involve legal drafting:

  • Business contracts
  • Employment agreements
  • Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
  • Lease or rental agreements
  • Wills and trusts
  • Legal notices or demand letters
  • Court pleadings and motions

Whether you’re at a small practice or a large law firm, legal drafting is a must-have skill in the legal profession. It’s the foundation for many daily tasks and, in many cases, can make or break a case or deal.

What Does the Typical Legal Drafting Process Look Like?

If you’ve ever wondered how contracts, agreements, or discovery documents come together behind the scenes, you’re in the right place. There’s a method to the process; one that legal teams follow to avoid missteps down the line.

Let’s walk through it step by step.

1. Understand the Purpose and the People Involved

Before drafting documents, you need to know what you’re writing and who it’s for. Are you documenting a sale? An employment deal? Something more complex?

Corporate legal departments often start by meeting with the parties involved to clarify the purpose and key terms. A good draft begins with clear goals and expectations.

2. Do Your Legal Research

This part gets skipped too often, but it matters nonetheless. Effective legal drafting typically relies on knowing what the law says, what recent cases show, and how certain terms are usually interpreted.

Legal research supports not just contracts but legal opinions and internal memos, too. Without it, your document might leave loopholes you didn’t even see coming.

3. Outline the Structure

It’s like building a house, and you need a solid frame. For most contracts or agreements, there’s a standard structure:

  • Introductions
  • Responsibilities
  • Timelines
  • Payment terms
  • Termination clauses
  • Dispute handling
  • Signatures

A clean outline keeps things organized and helps you spot what’s missing before you get too deep into the writing.

4. Start Drafting in Plain Language

Now comes the writing part, but not the overly fancy kind. Plain language is your best friend here. It helps avoid confusion, especially when people without legal training need to read and understand the document.

Stick to short sentences. Say what you mean. And be specific. Vague language can lead to arguments later.

5. Review, Revise, and Get Input

Once the first version is done, it’s time to loop in the right people. That might include colleagues, outside counsel, or the client. In corporate legal departments, multiple stakeholders may need to approve the draft.

Revisions usually focus on fixing unclear sections, correcting legal references, or updating terms based on the latest discussions.

6. Finalize and Execute

After back-and-forth revisions, legal professionals prepare the final version. It’s double-checked for accuracy, shared with all parties involved, and signed, either on paper or electronically.

At this stage, the document becomes enforceable and officially part of the legal process.

Businessman using a laptop

How Can AI and Automation Help?

Legal work is full of fine details, and when you’re creating documents meant to hold up in court or guide business deals, there’s no room for sloppy writing or missing terms.

But legal drafters aren’t always starting from scratch anymore. AI and legal automation tools are stepping in to handle repetitive tasks, reduce errors, and make things faster without cutting corners. Take a look at how AI helps:

Speeding Up the First Draft

Drafting legal documents often starts with a blank page and is a slow process. AI can skip that first hurdle by building a draft based on templates, prior agreements, or simple inputs.

These tools can pull from form books, past contracts, or even legal dictionaries to suggest solid starting points. As a result, you get a quicker path to a complete draft while still keeping control over the details that matter.

Breaking Down Complex Legal Concepts

Not everyone understands legal principles off the bat. AI tools can explain complex legal concepts in plain terms, or flag when wording is too technical for the reader.

For clients or junior legal drafters, that’s a big win. This shift toward straightforward language improves readability and helps reduce risk by avoiding ambiguity in enforceable documents that must stand up under scrutiny.

Improving Consistency Across Teams

In a busy legal practice, creating documents with consistent language can get tricky. This is especially true when multiple people are involved.

AI helps apply a structured method to drafting by suggesting preferred terms, aligning with internal style guides, and even checking references to relevant laws and regulations.

This keeps the written words aligned with the document’s purpose and cuts down on mix-ups caused by conflicting edits.

Supporting Legal Research and Accuracy

Legal workflow tools aren’t just for writing; they’re great at checking relevant facts, too. They can pull up relevant laws, case references, and sample clauses based on what you’re drafting. Some even suggest changes if a clause doesn’t match updated regulations.

This makes legal drafting skills easier to apply for newer drafters, which can bridge the gap between theory and practice without replacing legal expertise.

Reducing Back-and-Forth in Revisions

When you’re handling multiple drafts, input from different teams, and pressure to move fast, AI helps tighten the review process. It catches missing clauses, flags unclear sections, and spots inconsistencies before a human editor does.

In other words, it speeds up internal reviews and reduces the chance of disputes, whether you’re prepping for a deal or even litigation. 

In short, it helps legal documentation stay sharp from start to finish.

Why Briefpoint Fits into Modern Legal Drafting

Drafting legal documents is one of those things that needs to be done right the first time. It takes more than legal knowledge to do it well. You need a clear process, the right structure, and language that avoids confusion.

And now, with AI tools stepping in, drafting is becoming faster and more accurate without losing the depth legal documents need.

Briefpoint

Briefpoint is built specifically for that kind of work. It helps legal professionals draft discovery documents like Interrogatories, Requests for Admission, and Requests for Production across all U.S. states and federal districts.

You can upload a complaint, select your objections or responses, and download a properly formatted brief ready to open in Word. It even applies local formatting rules automatically and keeps your data secure with strong encryption.

If you’re tired of wasting hours on repetitive drafting and want a tool that works the way legal drafters do, check out Briefpoint. It’s fast, reliable, and already trusted by over 500 law firms.

FAQs About What Is Legal Drafting

What is considered legal drafting?

Legal drafting involves writing enforceable documents like contracts, pleadings, and discovery responses. It’s a core part of the legal industry and is used by legal experts to translate legal goals into formal, written agreements that follow relevant laws and procedures.

What is the purpose of drafting?

The purpose is to create clear, accurate documents that define rights and responsibilities. Since spoken words fade and written words remain, legal drafting helps make sure that there’s a reliable record. It’s about clear communication, avoiding disputes, and protecting the parties involved.

Is drafting legal documents hard?

It can prove intimidating at first, especially for those new to the legal field. But with the help of legal writing guides, citation style manuals, and tools like Briefpoint, drafting becomes more manageable, even for beginners.

What is the legal definition of draft?

A draft is a preliminary version of a legal document. It may go through several changes before being finalized. Drafts are often reviewed by legal experts to confirm accuracy and compliance with case law and local rules.

Why is legal drafting important?

It’s essential for ensuring documents are valid, enforceable, and easy to understand. Precise language, structured format, and attention to the intended audience all matter. A good draft helps prevent confusion, saves time, and supports fairness in legal matters, making it a key part of any beginner’s guide to the legal process.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.

This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser. Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website authors, contributors, contributing law firms, or committee members and their respective employers.

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The 2025 Guide to Workflow Automation For Law Firms

The 2025 Guide to Workflow Automation For Law Firms

The legal workload isn’t slowing down, but your processes can.

As deadlines pile up and budgets get tighter, law firms are stretched thin. But the days of handling every task manually are numbered.

With workflow automation, routine tasks like drafting discovery responses and managing invoices take minutes, not hours. It’s faster, more accurate, and keeps everything moving without the extra back-office drag.

Still, some firms hesitate to make the switch. But the legal industry is already moving in that direction. A recent Gartner report found that 66% of legal leaders plan to increase investments in legal tech to keep up with workloads while managing budget constraints.

Want it on this new legal tech advancement? This guide covers everything you need to know about workflow automation: what it is, why it matters, and the best tools to help your firm get started.

lawyers talking

What Does Workflow Automation Mean For Law Firms?

At its core, workflow automation helps law firms cut down on lower-value work that is tedious, repetitive, boring, or all of the above. This might include tasks like document drafting, billing, case management, and client intake.

Instead of spending hours on day-to-day admin, lawyers can offload the busywork and focus on higher-value legal tasks. For example, AI-powered tools can generate discovery responses in minutes, track deadlines, and create invoices automatically.

So why aren’t all law firms using it? A lot of them stick to old-school methods simply because “that’s how we’ve always done it.”

Others hesitate because of cost concerns, even though automation often saves money in the long run. Some firms don’t have in-house IT support, which makes tech adoption feel overwhelming. There’s also the fear that automation could replace legal staff, but in reality, it just helps them work smarter.

Nevertheless, change is happening fast. In 2024, a Thomson Reuters report found that law firms’ tech spending was growing nearly 4 percentage points faster than overall overhead, the fastest growth ever recorded.

The firms embracing automation now will have the edge. If you don’t want to get left behind, here’s what you need to know.

Why Should You Start Automating Your Law Firm Now?

Automation is quickly becoming a necessity more than just a modern convenience. The firms adopting legal tech now are gaining a competitive edge, while those that don’t risk falling behind. 

Here’s why you should start automating today.

Save Time on Repetitive Tasks

You didn’t go to law school to spend your days filling out forms and formatting documents. But that’s what it feels like when document creation, legal task management, and other time-consuming tasks pile up.

Automated legal workflows help clear the clutter. Instead of manually handling every small task, automation keeps things moving behind the scenes. This way, you and your team can focus on legal work that requires human expertise.

Think about how much time you spend on:

  • Drafting and formatting discovery responses
  • Managing deadlines and task lists
  • Logging hours and sending invoices
  • Creating routine legal documents
  • Handling client updates and follow-ups
  • Repeating the same intake process over and over

Now, picture those tasks being handled in minutes.

Reduce Errors and Improve Accuracy

Mistakes happen, but when your firm is dealing with multiple cases and deadlines, even small errors can create serious setbacks. Manual tasks like tracking court dates or managing invoice details leave too much room for human error.

That’s why more corporate legal departments and other legal professionals are turning to automation technologies. These tools speed things up and keep everything accurate. By replacing repetitive steps with structured workflows, automation makes sure every task is completed properly and on time.

Take case management software, for example. Rather than relying on a spreadsheet or sticky notes, the system tracks court dates, filing deadlines, and client communications all in one place.

So, if a deadline is coming up, the software sends a reminder. If a document is uploaded, it’s filed in the right folder automatically. This kind of system gets rid of the guesswork and missed steps.

Cut Costs and Boost Profitability

Legal services require time, precision, and coordination, and all of that costs money. But when your team spends hours on operational tasks, it drains resources without adding real value.

Automation technologies help reduce that waste. By handling the repetitive parts of your workflow, you minimize administrative overhead and avoid the added costs of rework or missed details.

For example, automating discovery responses with a tool like Briefpoint cuts down on the time and effort required per case. That means more efficient output without increasing headcount or workload, which, in turn, improves law firm profitability.

Improve Client Satisfaction

No one likes waiting, especially clients with legal concerns. In the legal profession, responsiveness and reliability make a lasting impression. So, when communication stalls or paperwork gets lost, client trust starts to erode.

This is another big reason why legal workflow tools and software solutions are so valuable. They help you deliver consistent, timely service while freeing your team to focus on more strategic tasks.

Plus, automation improves how your firm operates behind the scenes, which your clients feel every step of the way.

Here are just a few ways automation can improve client satisfaction:

  • Send automated reminders for upcoming appointments, court dates, or document deadlines
  • Deliver faster case updates without the need for manual outreach
  • Provide self-service portals where clients can securely view documents and track progress
  • Ensure timely payments with automated invoicing and follow-ups
  • Keep communication clear and organized with built-in messaging tools

When clients feel informed and supported throughout their case, they’re more likely to stick with your firm and refer others.

Stay Competitive in a Changing Industry

The legal world isn’t standing still, and neither are your competitors. As expectations rise and workloads grow, firms that rely on manual processes are starting to fall behind. To keep pace, improving workflow efficiency and upgrading how you manage daily legal processes is no longer optional.

According to a 2025 report, 30% of legal teams are already using AI, and another 54% plan to adopt it within the next two years. That’s almost double the adoption rate from just last year. As you can see, the shift is happening way too quickly to ignore.

Firms embracing automation are moving faster, making fewer mistakes, and giving their clients a better overall experience. Meanwhile, firms that delay adoption are finding it harder to keep up.

If your competitors are already streamlining their workflows, investing in the right tech now means you won’t have to play catch-up later. This brings us to our next topic.

Best Legal Workflow Automation To Achieve The Efficiency You Need

The right legal workflow automation software helps law firms reduce time spent on admin tasks, improve accuracy, and keep cases moving efficiently. Whether you need to automate document drafting, case management, billing, or client communication, there’s legal tech designed to handle it.

We’ve rounded up some of the best software for lawyers you can start with:

1. Briefpoint

Briefpoint is a discovery document automation tool that helps lawyers draft responses and outgoing sets for Requests for Production, Requests for Admission, and Interrogatories.

Briefpoint

Instead of manually drafting each document, which is usually an extremely time-consuming process, Briefpoint’s AI-powered system scans discovery requests and generates formatted responses in minutes.

Best Features

  • AI-powered discovery responses: Automatically drafts discovery responses to Requests for Production, Requests for Admission, and Interrogatories.
  • Built-in formatting compliance: Applies court-specific formatting rules to make sure documents meet requirements.
  • Briefpoint Bridge: Allows you to translate interrogatories into plain English, send them to your clients, and plug client responses back into your document.
  • Objection selection tool: Lets users choose objections with a single click to speed up the process.
  • Word document export: Allows users to download and finalize documents in Word.

Pros

  • Saves hours of manual drafting per case
  • Reduces costs on discovery response preparation
  • Simple and user-friendly interface
  • Minimizes human error in discovery responses
  • Eliminates the need for manual data entry

Test out Briefpoint for yourself. Book a demo today!

2. Clio

Clio is a cloud-based legal workflow management software designed to help law firms manage all their legal tasks in one place.

clio

Source: G2

It’s widely used by firms of all sizes, offering automation features that simplify workflows and slash down time spent on administrative tasks. With Clio, you can automate document drafting, client communications, billing, and more.

Best Features

  • Case and document management: Centralizes case files, emails, and client communications in a single platform.
  • Automated billing and invoicing: Tracks billable hours, generates invoices, and supports online payments.
  • Client intake and CRM tools: Manages leads, onboards new clients, and maintains client relationships.
  • Cloud-based access: Enables secure remote work from any device.
  • Clio integrations: Connects with legal research tools, accounting software, and other third-party apps.

Pros

  • All-in-one case and client management solution
  • User-friendly interface with easy navigation
  • Secure cloud storage with remote access
  • Reporting and analytics for better decision-making
  • Customizable workflows and task automation

3. Smokeball

Smokeball is a cloud-based legal practice management software that allows firms to automate daily workflows, track billable hours, and manage cases more efficiently.

smokeball

Source: G2

Its standout feature is automatic time tracking, which records every action taken in the software, so no billable time is lost. This makes it especially useful for firms that need a detailed breakdown of their work.

Best Features

  • Automatic time tracking: Logs every action taken in the system to make billing more accurate.
  • Case and document management: Stores case files, emails, and client communications in one place.
  • Billing and invoicing: Generates invoices based on tracked activity and integrates with payment processors.
  • Task automation: Creates workflows to standardize processes and reduce manual work.
  • Microsoft Office integration: Syncs with Word and Outlook for easy document and email management.

Pros

  • Tracks billable hours automatically without manual input
  • Streamlines document and case management
  • Improves efficiency with workflow automation
  • Easy integration with Microsoft Office tools
  • Helps firms reduce lost revenue from unbilled work

4. MyCase

MyCase is an all-in-one legal practice management software that can help legal professionals handle case management, billing, client communication, and document storage in a single platform. 

It’s built for efficiency and provides tools that automate routine tasks and keep everything organized.

mycase

Source: G2

Plus, with cloud-based access and a user-friendly interface, MyCase makes it easy for legal teams to stay on top of their workload.

Best Features

  • Case and document management: Organizes case files, client records, and legal documents in one place.
  • Integrated billing and payments: Tracks billable hours, generates invoices, and accepts online payments.
  • Secure client communication: Includes a client portal for messaging, document sharing, and updates.
  • Task and workflow automation: Reduces repetitive administrative work with automated workflows.
  • Mobile app: Allows attorneys to manage cases and communicate with clients on the go.

Pros

  • Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
  • Secure cloud-based access from any device
  • Built-in payment processing for seamless billing
  • Organizes client communication with a dedicated portal
  • More affordable than some competitors

5. Lawmatics

Lawmatics is a legal CRM and marketing automation platform built to streamline client intake, automate follow-ups, and manage marketing campaigns for law firms.

lawmatics

Source: G2

It’s a good tool for users looking to improve client relationships and grow their business without spending hours on administrative tasks. 

By automating everything from email campaigns to appointment scheduling, Lawmatics helps firms stay engaged with clients while focusing on legal work.

Best Features

  • Automated client intake: Simplifies onboarding with online forms and automated workflows.
  • Email and marketing automation: Sends follow-up emails, appointment reminders, and drip campaigns automatically.
  • CRM and contact management: Tracks client interactions and organizes leads.
  • Appointment scheduling: Lets clients book meetings without back-and-forth emails.
  • Analytics and reporting: Provides insights into marketing performance and client engagement.

Pros

  • Saves time by automating client communication
  • Improves lead tracking and conversion rates
  • Helps law firms stay engaged with potential and existing clients
  • Reduces the need for manual follow-ups and scheduling
  • User-friendly interface with easy customization

6. LawPay

LawPay is a payment processing solution built specifically for law firms, which makes it easy to accept online payments while staying compliant with ABA and IOLTA regulations.

lawpay

Source: G2

It simplifies legal billing by integrating with legal practice management software and providing clients with secure, convenient payment options.

Best Features

  • Trust accounting compliance: Keeps client funds separate and ensures IOLTA and ABA compliance.
  • Multiple payment options: Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and eChecks.
  • Secure client payment portal: Lets clients pay invoices online with ease.
  • Recurring and scheduled payments: Automates billing for retainers and ongoing payments.
  • Integration with legal software: Connects with Clio, MyCase, and other legal management tools.

Pros

  • Designed specifically for legal professionals
  • Helps litigation lawyers track and collect billable hours
  • Secure and compliant payment processing
  • Integrates with major legal practice management platforms

Automate Your Most Tedious Workflow First

Manual processes slow law firms down and cost more than they should. Workflow automation helps legal teams work faster, reduce mistakes, and focus on case strategy instead of paperwork. 

From drafting legal documents to managing cases and billing, the right tools make a difference.

Briefpoint

One of the biggest time-savers is automating discovery responses. Briefpoint helps firms save over $20,000 per attorney per year by cutting out hours of manual drafting.

Its AI-powered system generates formatted responses in minutes, applies court-specific rules, and makes the process seamless. And all that in one easy process.

Stop wasting time on tedious tasks. Schedule a Briefpoint demo today and see how much your firm can save.

FAQs About Workflow Automation For Law Firms

What are examples of workflow automation?

Workflow automation can handle many legal tasks that don’t need hands-on attention. For example, you can automate your client intake process with online forms that create new contacts and schedule consultations automatically. Other examples include sending deadline reminders, assigning tasks to the right team member, generating standard legal documents, and tracking time for billing. These processes often run in the background and keep your firm organized without constant manual input.

What is the best legal automation software?

The best option depends on your firm’s needs, but popular legal workflow automation tools include Briefpoint for discovery response automation, Clio for case and billing management, and Lawmatics for intake and CRM. Look for software with integration capabilities, solid productivity monitoring, and features like deadline tracking and document automation to cover your most repetitive workflows.

What is the best AI tool for law firms?

Tools like Briefpoint use AI to automate complex drafting, especially for discovery responses. For broader use, platforms like Clio offer AI features that assist with data analysis, time tracking, and smart scheduling. AI tools work best when they’re paired with proper training and integrated into your existing systems.

What is the best ERP system for law firms?

ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems aren’t always built specifically for legal work, but some platforms do offer strong ERP-like features tailored for law firms. Clio and Zola Suite offer a combination of billing software, document management, CRM, and financial tools that cover most ERP needs, especially when paired with legal workflow software that supports automation and reporting.

How do I start automating legal workflows at my firm?

Map out your current workflows and identify tasks that are repetitive, error-prone, or time-consuming. Common starting points include client intake forms, invoice generation, and document drafting. Choose tools that integrate with your existing systems, and make sure your team receives proper training. Once in place, automation can improve turnaround time, reduce admin work, and boost client satisfaction.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.

This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser. Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website authors, contributors, contributing law firms, or committee members and their respective employers.

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5 Types of Litigation Management Software Firms Use Daily

5 Types of Litigation Management Software Firms Use Daily

Handling legal cases is more than just showing up in court. It’s a nonstop cycle of deadlines, paperwork, and research. Every motion, filing, and client update demands attention. That’s why it can be so easy to get lost in the details.

Litigation software helps law firms cut through the chaos. With tools designed to organize case files, automate administrative tasks, and speed up research, legal teams can work more efficiently and stay ahead of critical deadlines.

From case management to document automation, the right software can transform the way you handle litigation. Let’s explore the must-have tools that can make legal work faster, more accurate, and less overwhelming.

lawyers working

What is Litigation Software?

Litigation software is a suite of digital tools that helps law firms and legal departments manage cases more effectively. It’s built to handle the complexities of litigation without relying on disjointed tools or manual processes.

There is plenty of legal tech for litigation out there. Some focus on document management, others on case tracking, e-discovery, or trial preparation. But the goal is the same: to keep you organized, save time, and give you the structure to stay aligned across the life cycle of litigation.

Depending on what you’re using, litigation software can help you:

  • Store and search case documents in one central location
  • Track deadlines, court dates, and filing requirements
  • Draft discovery responses and motions faster with templates
  • Assign tasks across your team and monitor progress
  • Generate reports and metrics to guide decision-making
  • Communicate with clients and co-counsel without losing context

If you’re managing active cases or prepping for trial, having the right system in place keeps your work focused and your team aligned.

5 Types of Litigation Software You Need

There are various types of litigation software, each serving a specific need in the legal process. So, let’s break them down one by one to give you a better idea of what’s out there.

1. Litigation Management Software

Litigation management software keeps everything connected, so you don’t lose track of key litigation events. Instead of relying on multiple tools for task management, calendar reminders, and document storage, you get a centralized platform that supports the entire life cycle of a case.

Deadlines, court appearances, filings, team notes; it’s all in one place. With a clear view of what’s coming and what’s done, you can manage caseloads more effectively and spend less time chasing updates.

Key Features:

  • Case tracking: Organizes case details, including parties involved, court documents, and status updates, so you can quickly access critical information.
  • Calendar reminders for court dates: Sends automated notifications for hearings, filing deadlines, and other important litigation events to prevent missed deadlines.
  • Document organization by case: Stores pleadings, motions, and other legal documents in a structured format, which helps make retrieval fast and hassle-free.
  • Time tracking and billing: Logs billable hours linked to specific cases for accurate invoicing and time management.

2. Document Management Software

Every lawyer knows that paperwork is a constant. Organizing discovery documents, filing them accurately, and retrieving the right version when you need it takes time, and the risk of missing key case information is real.

That’s where document management software steps in. It stores your files securely in one place and gives you the tools to search, retrieve, and collaborate without the hassle. 

You get improved efficiency across the board, especially when managing high volumes of legal documents tied to complex litigation.

Key Features:

  • Secure file storage: Keeps confidential legal documents protected with encryption and access controls, which means only authorized users can view or edit files.
  • Searchable document libraries: Allows quick retrieval of case files, contracts, and pleadings using keywords, metadata, or filters, so you don’t waste time digging through folders.
  • Version control: Tracks changes to documents, maintaining a history of edits and preventing accidental loss of important updates.
  • Sharing and collaboration tools: Allows team members to review, comment, and edit documents in real time.

3. Discovery Document Automation Software

Drafting discovery documents can be a tedious and time-consuming task, but discovery document automation software simplifies the process.

It helps generate standardized discovery requests, responses, and other court documents to save valuable time and reduce errors in these critical documents.

Key Features:

  • Automated drafting of discovery documents: Uses pre-set templates and AI-driven tools to quickly generate requests for production, interrogatories, and requests for admission.
  • Templates for discovery requests and responses: Provides customizable templates that align with court requirements, reducing the need to draft documents from scratch.
  • Legal form generation: Automatically fills out commonly used legal forms, ensuring accuracy and compliance with jurisdictional standards.
  • Customization options for specific case needs: Allows legal professionals to modify templates and add case-specific details. This helps make sure documents meet the unique demands of each case.

A great example is Briefpoint, an AI-driven tool designed to accelerate the drafting of discovery documents like requests for production, interrogatories, and requests for admission.

When you upload a document, Briefpoint’s artificial intelligence quickly analyzes it and fills in most of the routine details for you, all while adhering to court rules for documents. You can then add responses or objections from its pre-built options and finalize everything in Word. 

Briefpoint’s Bridge feature also simplifies client communication by turning legal jargon into plain language, letting clients respond directly.

Plus, their answers are automatically added to your document to save you from the usual back-and-forth emails.

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

4. Legal Research Software

Legal research is a critical part of case preparation, but digging through court rulings, statutes, and regulations by hand takes time you may not have. Building strong claims and challenging opposing evidence means having the right information at your fingertips.

Legal research software uses technology to speed up the process. It helps you locate relevant case law, analyze how similar claims have been handled, and stay on top of changes in legal standards.

With tools that surface key rulings and interpretations quickly, you can spend more time strengthening your arguments and less time searching for them.

Key Features:

  • Searchable databases of case law: Provides access to a vast collection of court opinions, legal briefs, and rulings, allowing for quick retrieval of relevant precedents.
  • Verdict search for past rulings: Helps analyze similar cases and outcomes to give insights into how courts have ruled on comparable legal issues.
  • Statute and regulation libraries: Offers a centralized source for federal, state, and local laws, which makes it easy to find applicable legal statutes.
  • Real-time updates on changes in the law: Keeps you informed of newly passed legislation, amendments, and judicial decisions that could impact your cases.

5. Legal Practice Management Software

While litigation management software focuses on tracking cases and court schedules, legal practice management software goes beyond that by handling billing, client communication, and overall law firm operations. 

It’s an all-in-one solution designed to keep everything running smoothly, from case intake to invoicing.

For firms handling civil litigation practice, managing deadlines is only part of the equation. Tracking client interactions, billing hours accurately, and organizing case files efficiently all require the right litigation management software.

A good litigation case management software makes sure that every aspect of the legal process (both administrative and case-related) is handled in a centralized system.

Key features:

  • Client management tools: Keeps detailed records of client interactions, case details, and communication history to streamline follow-ups and case progress tracking.
  • Billing and invoicing: Automates time tracking, generates invoices, and ensures accurate billing for both hourly and fixed-fee clients.
  • Time tracking: Logs billable hours by case, client, or task to help attorneys accurately account for their work and maximize revenue.
  • Document and case management integration: Syncs case files, legal documents, and court filings with case records, so all information is easily accessible in one place.

Simplify Your Legal Workflow with Litigation Software

Litigation moves fast, and paperwork doesn’t slow down. From filings and deadlines to discovery requests, there’s a constant stream of documents to manage. Whether it’s civil litigation or regulatory work, staying organized is non-negotiable.

Litigation software helps by automating repetitive work, minimizing administrative load, and keeping critical dates on track.

Briefpoint

Discovery, in particular, can drain time, especially when drafting requests and responses from scratch. Briefpoint handles that for you. It creates clean, court-compliant discovery documents automatically, cutting hours down to minutes.

Want to see how much time you can get back?

Try Briefpoint for yourself! Schedule a demo today and find out how it can speed up your discovery process, cut costs, and free up more time for case strategy!

FAQs About Litigation Management Software

What is the best legal management software?

The best legal management software depends on your firm’s needs. Some platforms focus on case tracking and document management, while others offer billing, client communication, and workflow automation. Top legal software options include civil litigation software, practice management tools, and discovery automation platforms like Briefpoint for streamlining document drafting.

How much does legal case management software cost?

Pricing varies based on features, user count, and whether the software is cloud-based or on-premise. Entry-level plans can start at around $30 per user per month, while more advanced solutions with automation, integrations, and secure document storage can cost several hundred dollars per month. Many providers offer tiered pricing or custom quotes for larger firms.

What is legal spend management software?

Legal spend management software helps law firms and corporate legal departments track expenses, manage budgets, and analyze billing data. It provides insights into legal costs, ensures compliance with billing guidelines, and improves financial oversight by identifying inefficiencies in legal spending.

What does litigation support software do?

Litigation support software assists with case preparation by organizing documents, managing discovery, and facilitating legal research. It streamlines tasks like e-discovery, trial presentation, and document review, helping legal teams work more efficiently and focus on case strategy.

How can litigation software lead to cost savings?

Litigation software reduces the time spent on routine tasks like document drafting, deadline tracking, and communication. By automating these steps, legal teams can shift their focus to billable work and high-priority matters. It also cuts down on the need for outside counsel in areas where internal teams can handle tasks more efficiently, contributing to measurable cost savings.

Can legal management software improve the intake process?

Yes, many legal management platforms include tools to streamline the intake process by capturing key information from the start. This ensures client information is organized, complete, and easy to access across the team. With better intake, your company can deliver services more effectively and gain valuable insights into case trends, resource needs, and process gaps.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.

This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser. Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website authors, contributors, contributing law firms, or committee members and their respective employers.

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A Practical Guide to Legal AI Tools In 2025

A Practical Guide to Legal AI Tools In 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t new, but its role in the legal field looks a lot different than it did even a few years ago. Now, legal AI software supports everyday work across firms and legal departments.

From drafting contracts to sorting case files, legal AI tools are showing up in law firms, corporate legal teams, and even solo practices.

But how does it actually work in practice? What tools are out there? And where does human judgment still matter most?

Let’s break it down.

Lawyer using a legal AI tool

What Kind Of AI Do Legal Professionals Use?

Legal work comes with a lot of reading, checking, and organizing. AI steps in not to take over, but to help expedite the bulk of the process.

You’ll see it quietly working behind the scenes, sorting through documents, scanning for patterns, or even handling basic communication. And this is just the beginning.

Let’s walk through the specific types of AI that lawyers and legal teams actually use.

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

NLP is a type of AI built to read and understand language in the way people write or speak it. In the legal profession, it’s often used to:

  • Pull out important clauses
  • Spot inconsistencies
  • Turn complicated legal text into simpler summaries

An AI legal assistant tool using NLP might scan a 40-page contract in seconds and highlight every clause related to termination, renewal, or payment terms.

That’s something a junior lawyer might spend hours on. With NLP, the process becomes quicker and more reliable, which frees up time for real legal thinking.

This kind of support is becoming a regular part of daily work across firms and legal departments, especially when dealing with large volumes of documents or tight deadlines.

Machine Learning (ML)

Machine learning helps software improve by learning from past examples, and legal tools use it to spot patterns across thousands of cases, contracts, or rulings.

For example, ML might analyze how a specific judge has ruled on similar cases or identify which clauses in complex legal documents often lead to disagreements.

Many law firms use ML-powered tools to sort through large amounts of case history, flag riskier language in contracts, or even help price legal services more accurately based on past outcomes. 

The more data the system sees, the better it becomes at offering insights that support decision-making.

Document Automation Engines

These are the tools that help with repetitive document work. You plug in the info, like names, dates, terms, and the software fills out the forms for you. Some go a step further by reviewing those documents for mistakes or missing pieces.

Classification and Tagging Systems

Think of this as smart sorting. These tools can go through a pile of files and group them by topic, urgency, or risk level. Instead of manually organizing everything, you let the system handle it in seconds.

For example, during a discovery process, an AI system can tag thousands of emails by categories like “privileged,” “time-sensitive,” or “requires review.” This can help legal teams find what matters quickly. It’s especially useful when you’re dealing with large volumes of data in litigation or compliance.

Chatbots and Virtual Assistants

Some firms use chat-based tools to handle common client questions or intake forms. Others use them internally to help staff find documents, check schedules, or get reminders.

Make no mistake; these tools definitely don’t replace the service a human can provide. They’re just designed to handle routine back-and-forth so people don’t have to.

Predictive Models

These tools crunch numbers from past cases and try to project how things might play out. Lawyers use them to weigh options, prep strategies, or advise clients on risks. They don’t guarantee outcomes, but they offer a data-backed reference that can support decisions with more clarity than guesswork.

For instance, a firm handling employment disputes can use a predictive model to estimate how similar cases have been resolved in a specific jurisdiction. This helps set client expectations and build a case strategy that aligns with likely outcomes.

Best Ways To Apply AI To Legal Work

AI isn’t limited to tech companies anymore. Legal teams are already using it in practical, everyday ways. However, the key is knowing where it fits without overcomplicating your workflow.

Here are a few areas where it actually helps.

1. Document Automation

You’ve probably handled the same document types over and over, such as contracts, NDAs, and client letters. After a while, it’s less about legal thinking and more about filling in blanks.

Luckily, this is exactly the kind of work legal AI software can take off your plate, and it’s actually one of the earliest uses of legal AI.

With the help of a generative AI tool powered by large language models, you can draft complete documents in minutes. Just plug in the key details, and the system builds a first draft based on templates, prior work, or firm-specific language.

Document automation doesn’t stop at writing, either. Many tools can also do legal document review, flag missing terms, or point out risky phrasing before anything gets sent out.

Let’s say your team needs to send out 50 vendor contracts. Doing that by hand would take hours. With AI, you feed in the details once, and the software generates clean, review-ready drafts, all aligned to your standards.

This approach clears out routine tasks and gives you back time for actual legal judgment. And in a profession where precision and speed both matter, that shift makes a difference.

2. Contract Management

Contracts are a core part of legal work, but managing them can often be tedious and slow. With AI-powered tools and smart legal software, however, that process starts to move a lot faster and with fewer mistakes.

These systems help organize files, flag risks, and even compare language across documents to keep things consistent. During legal contract drafting, for example, AI can highlight missing clauses or alert you when something doesn’t line up with company policy.

According to Weshare, automating contract management can speed up negotiations by nearly 50% and cut down on payment errors by up to 90%. When you apply AI correctly to the contract management process, you’re saving time and reducing a lot of risk.

Here’s what these AI solutions are built to do:

  • Track renewal dates and deadlines
  • Spot non-standard language during legal drafting
  • Flag high-risk terms
  • Compare multiple contracts quickly
  • Pull reports for internal use or audits

These tools aren’t replacing legal review. They’re enabling attorneys to handle contracts faster, with more confidence, and less manual work.

3. Legal Research

Digging through case law, statutes, and commentary used to take hours, sometimes even days. With today’s lawyers’ AI tools, those long research sessions are getting shorter without cutting corners.

AI with strong legal research capabilities can quickly scan thousands of documents, rulings, and articles to find what matters most. Instead of reading through every case, you get:

  • Summaries
  • Relevant quotes
  • Direct links to related materials

Apart from being fast, AI helps you find what’s actually useful to your case.

For example, when you conduct legal research on a complex issue, AI can pull past rulings, compare how judges have interpreted similar clauses, and even suggest secondary sources that apply the same legal principles.

You’re still in charge of the analysis, but the most time-consuming tasks are handled for you.

Whether you’re prepping for a hearing or checking how a specific statute has been applied over time, AI tools built for legal research give lawyers a stronger starting point and more room to think through the arguments.

4. Administrative Tasks

Not every job in the legal industry involves analyzing cases or arguing in court. A big chunk of time still goes into scheduling, tracking hours, managing files, and handling billing. These may not be the most exciting parts of the job, but they keep law firm operations running smoothly.

AI is now being used to take care of many of these routine and repetitive tasks. In turn, this frees up time for more complex tasks that need legal insight.

In day-to-day legal operations, AI tools can:

  • Handle timekeeping and generate billing entries automatically
  • Manage calendars, reminders, and deadlines across teams
  • Sort and store files in the right folders with smart tagging
  • Draft basic correspondence, like follow-up emails or status updates
  • Pull data for client reports or internal reviews

Note that these tools aren’t meant to replace real people; they’re designed to support them. By taking on the background work, AI lets legal teams shift more energy toward higher-value legal tasks that need real attention.

Businesswoman holding a pen and paper while on a call

5. Risk Management

You’ve probably reviewed contracts or long reports where something felt off, but finding the exact issue took hours. An AI-powered solution can actually help, not by replacing your judgment, but by getting you to the risky parts faster.

Let’s say you’re doing a quick contract analysis for a deal that’s been sitting in your inbox all week. The AI can scan the whole thing in seconds and highlight the unusual payment terms or missing indemnity clauses that deserve a second look.

Some tools go a step further by identifying patterns in how documents are written. They read through lengthy documents, analyze the legal narratives, and point out wording that could cause confusion or conflict down the line.

When you’re juggling multiple matters and deadlines, this level of support keeps you focused on the real legal issues, not the busywork. With an AI assistant by your side, you can scan smarter, act quicker, and feel more confident that you haven’t missed something important.

6. Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics is the use of data, patterns, and historical trends to estimate what might happen next. In the legal practice, that means looking at past rulings, judge behavior, contract terms, and similar cases to make smarter decisions, not guesses.

These tools don’t offer guarantees, but they give lawyers a stronger sense of direction. By analyzing legal information, they help identify risks, likely case outcomes, and even how long a matter might take to resolve.

Say you’re doing due diligence before a merger. Predictive tools can scan key documents and flag language that’s often linked to past disputes. Or maybe you’re preparing a case; AI can look at similar rulings to suggest where things might lean based on precedent.

Such insight can give context early in the process, which can shape strategy, save time, and help manage client expectations. In short, it gives legal teams a head start with the facts to back it up.

7. Client Service

Speed matters more than ever. A recent FindLaw and Thomson Reuters survey showed that 59% of legal consumers contact only one attorney before making a decision, and many act within a day. In that kind of environment, slow responses or confusing intake processes can push potential clients elsewhere.

Today, AI-driven platforms help law practices keep up by handling quick tasks like scheduling, follow-ups, and basic intake. That means less waiting around for the client and more time for your team to focus on delivering quality service.

Still, it’s not only about speed. People want clear communication and a sense that their matter is being taken seriously. Tools that manage contact history, track progress, and automate reminders can support lawyers’ work behind the scenes without letting anything slip through.

Here’s how AI can help improve your client service:

  • Faster intake and scheduling through smart forms
  • Consistent updates to keep clients informed
  • Easier tracking of case details and conversations
  • Quick answers to basic questions
  • A smoother process overall, especially for first-time clients

Basically, using the right tech means less friction and an overall better experience. This is something that sticks long after the case is closed.

What Are The Benefits of AI Legal Tools?

Legal work is changing, and AI adoption is playing a big part in that shift. According to Bloomberg Law, generative AI is expected to play a steady, long-term role across multiple layers of legal work. In fact, it’s already becoming part of how lawyers research, draft, and review.

Let’s take a look at some of the benefits you can expect:

  • Faster turnaround times: AI helps draft, review, and organize legal materials in a fraction of the time.
  • Fewer manual errors: Built-in checks catch mistakes before they become problems.
  • Smarter legal document creation: Templates and auto-fill features cut down on repetitive writing.
  • Improved legal research: AI tools surface relevant cases and statutes quickly.
  • Better risk spotting: Contract review tools flag language that could create issues later.
  • Stronger organization: Files are auto-tagged and searchable without manual sorting.
  • Easier task management: Routine follow-ups and reminders happen automatically.

With the right AI capabilities, legal teams can focus on strategy while still handling the everyday work that keeps everything moving. However, there are still a few questions we need to answer.

Is Legal AI Here To Stay?

If you’re working in the legal field today, you’ve already seen how AI has changed the pace and structure of your work. Tasks like document review, case research, and drafting take less time than they used to. That change isn’t slowing down.

Harvard Law professor David Wilkins recently shared that we’re only scratching the surface of what AI will mean for law. He explained that generative AI is starting to support more advanced tasks and is becoming part of a lawyer’s regular workflow.

It’s no longer something you use once in a while. It’s becoming part of how daily work gets done.

You’ve probably felt this shift yourself. Tools that once seemed experimental are now baked into platforms you already use.

You’re not handing anything over, you’re adding tools that support the way you already work. Legal AI is here to stay, and how you work with it now will shape the kind of legal work you do tomorrow. It’s already changing the tools. Soon, it may shape expectations, too.

Remember, Human Expertise Is Still Superior

As AI becomes more common in legal work, it’s easy to wonder how far it will go. But just like looking up symptoms on WebMD doesn’t replace seeing a doctor, using AI to handle contracts, research, or summaries doesn’t replace what a lawyer brings to the table.

These tools are good at spotting patterns, pulling case law, and filling out basic forms. They can help with the structure and the speed. But they don’t understand context. They don’t weigh judgment calls or spot the gray areas that real legal decisions depend on. That’s something only a human can do.

You can use AI to handle the first draft or check for missing terms. But reviewing that work, thinking through the implications, and giving clients actual guidance—that still depends on you. So no, AI is not replacing human lawyers anytime soon.

Stop Wasting Time On Manual Document Drafting

What would your day look like if you didn’t have to draft the same type of motion, discovery request, or brief over and over?

AI is already changing how legal work gets done. It’s speeding up research, tightening review, and clearing out the parts of your workflow that drain time without adding value. But none of it matters without your judgment and experience behind the wheel.

Briefpoint

Briefpoint is built for that balance. It takes the slow parts, like repetitive drafting, and handles them with speed and consistency. You’re still in control of the outcome, but you don’t have to waste hours getting there.

With Briefpoint, you can speed up drafting for:

With Briefpoint Bridge, you can also collect client responses faster and more effectively. It can translate interrogatories into plain English and plug your clients’ answers directly into your document. That’s less time spent on back-and-forth communications.

Book a demo and see how it can take care of the work you shouldn’t have to do twice.

FAQs About Legal AI Tools

Can AI tools actually draft documents accurately?

Yes, many legal AI platforms can draft documents using firm-specific templates or previous language. While they’re not perfect out of the box, they can generate reliable first drafts that save time, especially for routine or standardized content.

How do legal AI tools help with document review?

AI tools can review documents by flagging missing clauses, identifying unusual language, and highlighting potential risks. Some also compare documents side by side to show where terms differ or don’t align with internal policies.

Is there a steep learning curve when utilizing AI in a law firm?

Most tools are designed to fit into existing workflows without much disruption. Using AI often involves some initial setup or training, but once in place, it typically reduces manual tasks rather than adding complexity. The goal is to support, not slow down, your practice.

Can AI support regulatory compliance and information extraction?

Yes. AI can help with regulatory compliance by checking if documents meet current standards and flagging issues early. It can also extract key details from contracts or filings, speeding up research and document generation across multiple matters.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.

This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser. Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website authors, contributors, contributing law firms, or committee members and their respective employers.

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Cloud Solutions for Law Firms Without the Complexity

Cloud Solutions for Law Firms: Transform Your Practice

Running a law firm means dealing with documents, deadlines, client needs, and so much more, all at the same time. If you’re still working off old systems, those tasks get harder than they need to be.

According to the American Bar Association Legal Technology Resource Center, 73% of law firms now use cloud-based legal tools, with document and practice management software seeing the highest adoption. What used to feel optional is quickly becoming the norm.

Essentially, cloud solutions give law firms a way to work smarter and faster. You can manage documents, collaborate with your team, and access client data securely, no matter where you are.

Still, switching to the cloud isn’t something you should do without due diligence. This article breaks down what cloud platforms can actually do for your practice, how they fit into day-to-day work, and what to look for when choosing one.

two women in business

How Does Cloud Computing Work for Law Firms?

Cloud computing provides on-demand access to essential resources like servers, data storage, software, and networking over the Internet. For law firms, it means securely storing files, managing cases, and accessing tools online instead of relying on physical servers in the office.

Many people already use cloud-based applications, like Google Drive or LinkedIn, for everyday tasks without realizing the underlying technology. 

Similarly, cloud solutions for law firms work by offering secure, remote access to their entire tech infrastructure through an internet connection and login.

What sets cloud computing apart is that it shifts the responsibility of maintaining the technology to the service provider. Tasks like server updates, security patches, and software upgrades happen automatically in the background. It doesn’t require any action from the firm.

For law firms transitioning from on-site servers, adopting the cloud means outsourcing complex IT management while gaining the flexibility to work from anywhere.

Why Should Your Law Firm Invest in Cloud-Based Legal Technology?

Switching to cloud-based legal software is a significant yet worthwhile investment for any law firm wanting to modernize its workflows. Here are some of the best reasons why becoming a cloud law firm is a great idea:

Simplify Your Day-To-Day Work

Lawyers juggle a lot; it’s something that won’t change, no matter how much technology you adopt. But between managing cases and keeping track of deadlines, things can get overwhelming to the point that quality suffers.

Luckily, cloud-based tools can bring everything into one neat package. You can perform a ton of tasks in one place, such as:

  • Manage cases
  • Share documents
  • Track billing
  • Manage client communications
  • Collaborate with team members
  • Draft and edit legal documents

Save on Costs Without Compromising Quality

Running your own servers and keeping IT support on hand can burn a hole in your budget. Cloud solutions do away with those costs and reduce your overall operating expenses.

Instead, you get a simple subscription plan that covers everything—no surprise maintenance bills or hardware upgrades.

Plus, with lower upfront costs, even smaller firms can afford to use top-notch software.

Work From Anywhere, Anytime

With cloud software, all you need is an internet connection, and you’re good to go. Whether at the office or at home, you can pull up files, review case details, or collaborate with your team in real time.

This benefit alone has made private cloud services more in demand. More and more legal professionals are working on hybrid setups, and cloud-based software makes it possible to work outside the office with the same level of speed and efficiency.

Keep Client Data Safe

Data security is perhaps the biggest worry when legal pros consider cloud software. After all, just one breach can be devastating, given the amount of sensitive information law firms handle.

The good news is that cloud providers go all out to keep your data secure. They use encryption, firewalls, regular updates, and other security measures to protect sensitive client information.

Plus, many cloud platforms meet strict compliance standards, so you can rest easy knowing your data is in safe hands.

Grow Without the Growing Pains

Whether adding new attorneys or expanding to new locations, cloud software grows with you. Need more storage? No problem. Adding new users? Done in a few clicks.

It’s built to scale, so you won’t have to deal with the hassle of upgrading servers or rethinking your tech setup as your firm gets bigger.

Bounce Back Quickly in an Emergency

Ever lost a crucial document or dealt with a computer crash? With cloud services, your data is automatically backed up, so even if something goes wrong, you can recover everything quickly.

This level of reliability is one of the biggest benefits of cloud services, even outside legal work.

How to Move Your Law Firm to the Cloud

Transitioning your law firm to the cloud may seem like a big undertaking, but with a clear plan and the right tools, it can be a smooth process.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the move without disrupting your legal operations:

1. Evaluate Your Current Setup

Before moving to the cloud, it’s important to take a close look at how your firm operates today. While few law firms enjoy doing a full tech audit, this step helps avoid surprises later and makes sure the transition actually solves the problems you’re facing.

Focus on the areas below to get a clear picture:

  • List all existing hardware, servers, and software programs currently in use.
  • Review where and how files are stored, including case documents, billing records, and client information.
  • Examine the tools you rely on for case management, billing, and communication. Are they working, or are there gaps?
  • Identify friction points like outdated software, slow systems, or a lack of remote access.
  • Look at how your team collaborates. Does the current setup support smooth communication and remote work?

Cloud-based platforms improve business continuity by minimizing downtime and making your data accessible even when your office isn’t. Evaluating your current setup now helps you choose a cloud solution that actually fits, not one that just adds another layer of complexity.

2. Choose the Right Cloud Service Provider

Choosing the right cloud service provider is a key part of making your move to the cloud successful. Not every software provider understands the specific needs of law firms, so it’s worth prioritizing platforms built for legal work.

Look for tools that support case management, secure file storage, billing, and client communication, all in one place. Security should be a given. The provider should follow legal and regional standards like HIPAA or GDPR, with protections like encryption, multi-factor authentication, and reliable data centers.

A strong track record matters too. Evaluate their uptime, reputation, and approach to data protection.

Companies like Uptime Legal Systems, for example, focus specifically on legal cloud hosting and are known for their focus on business continuity and compliance. While they’re not the only option, providers like these can offer insight into what a legal-focused solution should include.

And don’t overlook technology support. A responsive support team that can guide you through setup, training, and troubleshooting is just as important as the platform itself.

3. Plan Your Migration

A smooth move to the cloud depends on preparation. Instead of jumping in, take time to build a clear strategy with your cloud provider. Keep in mind that this is more than just transferring files. You’re updating the technology infrastructure your law practice runs on.

Use this as an opportunity to clean up outdated data, streamline your tools, and make sure everything works as it should before switching over.

Key steps to include in your plan:

  • Identify what to move: Case files, client records, billing tools, calendars, and more.
  • Clean up digital clutter: Archive or delete old files you no longer need.
  • Schedule your migration: Pick a time that limits disruption to daily work.
  • Set up proper data backup: Make sure nothing gets lost during the transition.
  • Test before launch: Try out the new system in a controlled setting to catch issues early.
  • Communicate with your team: Let everyone know what’s changing and when.

Done right, a cloud migration can feel more like an upgrade than an overhaul. With the right preparation, you can keep your work moving without missing a beat.

4. Train Your Team

Getting your team up to speed on the new cloud tools is key to a smooth transition. A little training up front can save a lot of headaches later. You can:

  • Schedule hands-on training to walk your team through the platform’s features, from file storage to case management and billing tools.
  • Explain how the new system will simplify their work, improve collaboration, and make accessing files more convenient.
  • Encourage team members to ask questions or share worries about the change.
  • Provide guides or cheat sheets with step-by-step instructions for common tasks.
  • Check in with your team after the system goes live to address any lingering questions or challenges.

5. Test the System

Before making the full switch, run a test phase to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Check that all files have been successfully migrated and are easy to access. See to it that essential tools, like case management and billing features, are functioning as intended. Have your team log in and navigate the system to confirm they can use it without issues.

Finally, pay close attention to any glitches or unexpected problems and address them promptly.

6. Go Live and Monitor Performance

When everything is set up and tested, it’s time to make the big move and go live with your cloud system. 

During this transition, keep a close eye on how the system is performing. Monitor things like file access speed, tool functionality, and overall user experience to make sure everything runs as expected.

Encourage your team to share feedback on their experience with the new platform. Are they finding it easier to manage cases? Is there anything slowing them down? 

Use this input to make necessary tweaks. If any major issues come up, don’t hesitate to reach out to your cloud provider for support.

The first few weeks are all about fine-tuning and getting everyone comfortable with the new setup. By staying proactive and open to adjustments, you’ll guarantee the system fits your firm’s workflow perfectly.

7. Regularly Update and Maintain

While your cloud provider takes care of updates and maintenance, staying informed is essential for maximizing the system’s potential.

Keep an eye out for notifications about new features, improvements, or security updates, and share these with your team to make sure they’re aware of changes that could improve efficiency.

Schedule periodic check-ins with your provider to review system performance, address any concerns, and confirm your data remains secure.

Regular communication helps your platform meet your firm’s needs, which can help you adapt to evolving demands while keeping everything running smoothly.

Is Cloud Technology Secure?

Yes, cloud technology is designed with advanced security measures to protect your data, which typically makes it a reliable choice for law firms.

In fact, many cloud providers offer security measures beyond what most firms can achieve independently:

  • Data encryption: Your data is scrambled during transmission and storage, so even if someone gets their hands on it, they won’t be able to read it without the proper credentials.
  • Tight access management: Features like multi-factor authentication and user-specific permissions so only the right people can access your cloud storage.
  • Ongoing cloud security updates: Providers stay ahead of threats by rolling out regular updates to keep their systems and your data safe.
  • Automatic backups: With regular backups, you won’t lose critical information, even if something goes wrong.
  • Regulatory compliance: Many cloud platforms adhere to strict legal standards to offer peace of mind for firms that need to meet regulations like GDPR or HIPAA.

While no system is completely immune to cyber risks, cloud technology offers some of the most secure options for protecting your firm’s data.

Modernize Your Law Firm With Cloud Technologies

The legal field is shifting, and cloud-based tools are becoming the standard, not just a nice-to-have. With secure access from anywhere and much easier collaboration, cloud solutions are keeping law firms competitive, efficient, and future-proof.

It’s not just about convenience, either. The right platform also gives you enterprise-grade security, built-in data backup, and room to grow.

Briefpoint

Yes, moving your law practice to the cloud is a big decision. But with a clear plan, the right provider, and a team that’s ready, it becomes a practical step toward working smarter.

And once your firm is cloud-ready, there’s another area worth improving: document drafting. Briefpoint helps firms cut down the time spent preparing discovery documents. It automates the creation of requests and responses, so you can draft documents in minutes, not hours.

Book a demo to see how Briefpoint can make discovery work faster, cleaner, and far less painfully.

FAQs About Cloud Services for Law Firms

What does cloud computing mean for law firms?

Cloud computing allows law firms to store and manage client files, calendars, and communication tools online instead of relying on on-premises servers or on-site servers. This gives teams better remote accessibility, easier collaboration, and a more flexible way to manage day-to-day work, especially as the legal industry becomes more tech-driven.

What software do most law firms use?

Many firms use platforms that include document management software, billing tools, and case tracking. Common examples include Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, and legal-specific tools like Briefpoint, which makes discovery document drafting faster and easier.

What is the best cloud service for lawyers?

The best option depends on your firm’s size, workflow, and budget. For large firms, scalability and integration with existing tools matter most. For smaller teams, ease of use and reliable tech support are key. Either way, look for providers that offer strong network security, built-in backups, and clear pricing. A strong partner should reduce your reliance on an IT specialist for daily operations.

Is Dropbox safe for law firms?

Dropbox offers encryption and two-factor authentication, but it wasn’t built specifically for legal work. That means you’ll need to be extra cautious about how users’ data and document management are handled. For firms managing sensitive matters, it’s often better to choose a provider focused on legal tech with legal-specific compliance in mind.

What are examples of cloud solutions?

Cloud solutions include everything from basic file storage to complete practice management platforms. Examples range from Uptime Practice and NetDocuments to Clio and MyCase. These tools typically support secure internet access, automated backups, integrated calendars, and tools to manage tasks beyond what a local network or a server sitting in your office can handle. As your firm grows, having these key elements in place can make a big difference in how you scale and stay organized.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.

This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser. Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website authors, contributors, contributing law firms, or committee members and their respective employers.

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10 Quick Tips to Improve Law Firm Profitability

10 Quick Tips to Improve Law Firm Profitability

Like any business, a law firm’s success depends on its ability to turn a significant profit. However, contrary to popular belief, it’s not just about winning big cases or handling high-profile clients.

Measuring profitability in a law firm is similar to that of a typical business. There are ratios to track, KPIs to assess, and, of course, best practices to follow.

Law firm profitability relies on several crucial metrics that reflect the financial impacts of your law firm operations. In this guide, we explore the ins and outs of law firm profitability, why it matters, and what you can do to increase profitability long-term.

a gavel, coffee, laptop and notebook on a table

What is Law Firm Profitability Analysis and Why Does it Matter?

Think of profitability analysis as a reality check for your firm’s financial health. It looks closely at how revenue comes in, how money flows out, and whether your cost structure actually supports growth.

In the legal profession, where billable hours often dominate the model, this kind of analysis helps clarify what’s working and what’s quietly draining resources.

It’s useful not just for spotting trends, but for making confident, data-driven decisions. Whether you’re adjusting rates or reallocating budget, the insights from profitability analysis help you move with purpose.

Plus, it gives you a clearer picture of where to focus your time and energy so that financial performance aligns with the value your firm delivers. Now, let’s take a look at what data to consider.

Profitability Ratios

Profitability ratios are at the heart of understanding your firm’s financial performance. They help you assess how well your law firm is turning revenue into actual profit. Here are the key ones to know:

  • Gross profit margin: This shows how much money is left after covering the direct costs of delivering legal services before factoring in things like rent or salaries. A higher margin here means your pricing and service delivery are efficient.
  • Operating profit margin: This tells you what percentage of revenue remains after paying for regular operating expenses (like salaries, office space, and utilities). It’s a good measure of how well your firm runs on a day-to-day basis.
  • Net profit margin: This is the final profit after all expenses are taken into account, including taxes and interest. It’s one of the clearest indicators of overall financial health.
  • Margin per client: This measures how much profit you’re earning from each client, on average. It helps you understand which relationships are truly profitable and which ones may be costing more than they’re worth.
  • Return on assets (ROA): ROA shows how efficiently your firm is using its assets (like legal technology, equipment, or office space) to generate profit.
  • Return on equity (ROE): This measures how much return your firm is generating on the money invested by its owners or partners. ROE is a useful way to evaluate the firm’s ability to deliver value to stakeholders.

Image displaying a notepad, calculator, phone, and laptop

Profitability Metrics in the Legal Industry

Measuring law firm profitability revolves around several key performance indicators (KPIs), each offering insight into different areas of the business.

These metrics go beyond surface-level numbers. They help track matter profitability, uncover opportunities to improve efficiency, and highlight areas where many firms lose revenue without realizing it.

Utilization Rate

Utilization rate measures how much of your attorneys’ working hours are spent on billable tasks. Essentially, it lets you see how efficiently your team is using its time. The more hours that are billable, the better your firm is at turning time into revenue.

A strong utilization rate often means your attorneys are focused on work that directly contributes to the bottom line. Tracking this across individuals or even by practice group can also help you spot patterns and improve overall productivity.

Realization Rate

The realization rate tells you how much of your billable work actually turns into billed and collected revenue. It shows whether your billing rate aligns with what clients are willing to pay and how reliable your collections process is.

If this number is low, it could point to problems like frequent write-downs, delayed invoices, or too many outstanding bills. A healthy realization rate means you’re working efficiently and also getting paid fairly and on time, which is key for maintaining steady cash flow and improving client profitability.

Case Lifecycle Cost

Case lifecycle cost looks at how much it really costs to handle a case from start to finish. This includes everything from attorney time to overhead and support staff. Knowing this number helps you price your services more accurately and protect your profit margins.

By tracking lifecycle costs by matter type or practice group, you can uncover which cases are the most (or least) profitable, and make smarter decisions about where to invest resources.

It’s also a useful tool for finding ways to reduce expenses without cutting corners, which can give your team more access to high-value work.

Accounts Receivable

Outstanding accounts receivable reflect the money your firm has earned but hasn’t yet collected. In other words, it’s revenue that’s sitting on the table.

Monitoring this metric closely helps you stay on top of cash flow and flag any slow-paying clients or billing delays. High balances here may lead to write-offs if those payments don’t come through, so it’s important to identify issues early and strengthen your collection process.

Outstanding Work-in-Progress Fees

Work-in-progress (WIP) fees refer to billable time that’s already been recorded but hasn’t yet been invoiced. These are completed services just waiting to be billed.

If WIP stacks up too long, it slows down your revenue cycle. Tracking WIP helps ensure timely billing and reduces the lag between doing the work and getting paid. It also highlights inefficiencies in your billing practices and encourages better follow-through across key areas of your practice.

Revenue Per Lawyer

Revenue per lawyer measures how much income each attorney generates for the firm. It’s calculated by dividing total revenue by the number of lawyers on your team.

This metric gives you a solid read on how productive your attorneys are, and whether the hours they’re billing actually translate into revenue. If numbers look off, it’s a cue to dig deeper. Maybe billing rates need an update, or certain team members need extra support.

It’s not just about individual performance either. When viewed across the firm, it reveals patterns that can guide smarter staffing decisions and help improve overall profitability.

Billing & Collection Turnover

Billing and collection turnover tracks how quickly your firm sends out invoices and receives payments. These metrics are closely tied to your collection rates; slower turnover often points to delays in invoicing or clients taking too long to pay.

Monitoring this helps you spot gaps in your billing process and take action before cash flow becomes a problem.

Faster turnover supports stronger financial stability and gives you more room to make informed decisions about staffing, growth, and resource allocation. For example, if one practice area consistently lags in collections, it might be time to review that group’s billing habits or client communication strategy.

Profit Margin

Lastly, we have your profit margin. It measures how much of your firm’s revenue is left over after covering all expenses. It’s a simple but powerful metric that gives a clear view of your overall financial health.

A strong margin means your business model is working—you’re converting revenue into actual profit, not just covering costs.

Tracking profit margin regularly helps you make more informed decisions around pricing, compensation, and operations. If your margin is shrinking, it may signal rising costs, discounting, or inefficiencies that need attention.

Like any company focused on growth, your firm should treat profit margin as a top-level metric that reflects the success of your strategy and day-to-day execution.

Top 10 Tips to Increase Your Law Firm’s Profitability

Improving your law firm’s profitability starts with understanding the right metrics and knowing how they tie into your day-to-day operations.

It isn’t always a simple process, which is why we’ve put together a set of actionable tips to help you get started:

1. Optimize Billing Practices

How you bill clients plays a big role in determining your firm’s profitability. Transparent, timely, and well-structured billing shapes how clients perceive value and how quickly you get paid. Ultimately, the goal is to keep billing smooth for both sides.

A few ways to tighten things up:

  • Stick to clear, consistent formats so clients aren’t left guessing.
  • Offer alternative fee arrangements like flat fees, contingency, or value-based pricing, whatever fits the client and matters best.
  • Send invoices promptly to avoid delays and improve collection rates.
  • Review your rates regularly to stay aligned with market expectations and the value your work delivers.
  • Talk about fees early so clients know what to expect and there are fewer surprises later.

Small improvements here can lead to more reliable revenue and fewer awkward billing conversations.

2. Expand High-Profit Areas

Take a close look at your firm’s financial data to identify which practice areas, matter types, or client segments generate the highest profit.

Once you know what’s driving real returns, direct more of your marketing and business development efforts toward those areas. This approach helps you grow more strategically by prioritizing work that contributes most to the bottom line.

3. Improve Client Selection and Retention

Not every client is a good fit, and chasing the wrong ones can drain time and resources. One of the smartest things you can do is take a more intentional approach to bringing in and retaining high-value clients. They’re the ones who truly align with your firm’s strengths and long-term goals.

This might mean narrowing your focus through niche marketing or creating better client experiences that build long-term trust.

Say your firm focuses on complex employment litigation. You could run quarterly webinars for HR professionals to share useful insights and answer common questions. It’s a simple way to stay visible, build trust, and show that your firm understands the real challenges clients face.

Retention matters just as much as acquisition. Ongoing value, whether through regular check-ins, newsletters, or proactive legal updates, can reinforce relationships and reduce client turnover over time.

4. Monitor Key Financial Metrics

Keep a close eye on the profitability metrics discussed earlier, such as realization and utilization rates, profit margin, and accounts receivable.

These metrics provide critical insights into your firm’s financial health and areas for improvement.

5. Maximize Attorney Performance

Improving attorney performance isn’t just about legal skills, it also involves strengthening client service, business acumen, and internal collaboration. When attorneys are well-rounded and supported, the entire firm benefits.

Here are a few ideas:

  • Offer ongoing legal training to keep attorneys sharp and up to date on changes in the law.
  • Provide client service workshops to help attorneys manage relationships more effectively.
  • Introduce business development coaching so attorneys are more confident in growing their own books of business.
  • Encourage mentorship and peer learning to share insights across practice groups and experience levels.
  • Set clear performance goals tied to both billable and non-billable contributions, such as knowledge sharing or mentoring.

Businesswoman at a table with a clipboard and calculator

6. Identify Areas for Improvement

Every firm has a few processes that take longer than they should or cost more than they need to. The key is noticing them before they start dragging down your bottom line.

Take a step back and look at how work actually gets done. Are there steps that feel clunky? Are people spending too much time on tasks that could be automated or outsourced?

For example, if your team is still manually drafting standard legal documents, that’s an easy win. Document automation can handle that work in a fraction of the time.

You can also explore renegotiating vendor contracts, rethinking how support functions are handled, or simply cutting out steps that no longer serve a real purpose.

Small fixes in the right places can add up fast and free your team to focus on the work that really moves the needle.

7. Focus on Client Satisfaction

Happy clients don’t just come back, but also bring others with them. Still, satisfaction doesn’t happen by accident.

It starts with taking the time to understand what your clients care about:

  • What they need from you
  • What they expect
  • What they consider non-negotiable

Clients today are paying close attention to how firms operate. In fact, a Thomson Reuters survey found that nearly 50% have shifted their work elsewhere because they felt a firm was inefficient or not delivering enough value.

That’s a clear signal: delivering legal expertise isn’t enough on its own. You also need to show that your time (and theirs) is being used wisely.

Clear communication, reliable service, and steady follow-through are key to building trust and keeping client relationships solid over time. And when people feel taken care of, they stay and refer.

8. Develop a Strategic Marketing Plan

Bringing in the right clients starts with a clear, focused marketing strategy. That means being intentional about who you’re targeting and how you’re getting in front of them.

A strong plan should combine both traditional and digital methods. A few examples:

  • Create content around key issues your clients care about—think blog posts, guides, or short videos.
  • Host webinars or workshops to position your firm as a helpful, go-to resource.
  • Use email campaigns to stay top-of-mind with past clients and referral sources.
  • Strengthen your presence on platforms like LinkedIn, where many decision-makers spend their time.
  • Get involved in community or industry events to build local credibility and connections.

Keep in mind that marketing doesn’t need to be flashy. It just needs to be focused. With the right strategy, you attract clients who already see the value in what you do.

9. Foster a Profitable Firm Culture

A strong culture leads to smart business decisions. When your team values efficiency, quality work, and client service, it naturally supports the firm’s profits.

Start by encouraging attorneys and staff to think in terms of impact rather than just activity. This means being aware of how daily decisions affect things like overhead costs, billable time, and client outcomes.

For example, when a firm shares visibility into which practice groups are most profitable, it helps teams align their efforts with what drives revenue.

10. Automate Discovery Document Drafting

Last but not least, implement legal technology solutions to automate routine tasks, improve case management, and reduce errors.

Manual drafting eats up time, and time is one of your firm’s most valuable resources. Luckily, automating routine documents, especially during legal discovery, can free up hours that would otherwise be spent on repetitive work.

Legal tech has come a long way. Tools like document automation software and AI-powered drafting assistants can handle things like responses to interrogatories, requests for production, and requests for admission with far greater speed and consistency.

This reduces the risk of errors, shortens turnaround times, and cuts down on overhead associated with manual review and edits.

Reduce Operational Costs with Document Automation

In the legal industry, time translates to money, often quite literally. For a firm to stay competitive, it needs to make the most of every team member’s time, from attorneys to paralegals to support staff.

AI makes that possible. Briefpoint is a legal AI platform built to eliminate one of the most time-consuming parts of the litigation workflow: drafting discovery responses and requests.

Briefpoint

By automating this process, it cuts down hours of manual work, reduces the risk of errors, and frees your attorneys to focus on higher-value tasks.

Briefpoint AI drafts responses to:

Join the hundreds of lawyers who trust Briefpoint. Want to see how it works? Book your demo today!

FAQs About Law Firm Profitability

How can law firms improve their utilization rate?

Law firms can improve their utilization rate by optimizing attorney workload, ensuring that lawyers spend a higher percentage of their time on billable tasks. This can be achieved through better project management, delegation of non-billable tasks to support staff, and the use of technology to streamline administrative processes.

What strategies can help increase the realization rate?

To increase the realization rate, law firms should focus on improving billing practices, such as setting clear billing policies, ensuring accurate and timely invoicing, and actively managing client communications regarding fees and payments. Additionally, evaluating and adjusting fee structures to align with client expectations and value can also help.

How does monitoring profit margin help law firm profitability?

Monitoring profit margin helps a law firm understand its financial health and operational efficiency. It allows the firm to identify which areas or practices are most profitable and which may need cost management or strategic adjustments. This insight is crucial for making informed decisions that drive profitability and sustainable growth.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser. 

Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website authors, contributors, contributing law firms, or committee members and their respective employers.

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Is It Time to Adopt Legal Automation?

Is It Time to Adopt Legal Automation?

Legal automation simply means using technology to accomplish tasks with minimal human intervention. Usually, automated workflows handle tasks that take up too much time, are repetitive, and don’t necessarily need a lot of input from legal professionals.

But as promising as automation technology is, there is still a lot of due diligence you have to do before implementing it into your practice.

So, let’s take a closer look at what legal automation is, how it works, how it can benefit you as a legal professional, and some legal automation FAQs every professional should know.

lawyer working on Legal Automation

What Does Legal Automation Mean?

The simple definition of automation is the use of technology or machines to perform tasks without much human intervention. 

In the legal industry, legal automation or legal workflow automation means using technology and software to tackle the repetitive, everyday tasks that lawyers traditionally spend hours on.

In the past, law firms and in-house legal teams used manual, isolated processes to handle daily workflows. This often meant staff were bogged down with tedious administrative duties. 

Legal automation changes this by increasing efficiency, reducing errors, and freeing up time for legal professionals to focus on more complex, valuable work. Let’s dive deeper into that.

What Legal Processes Can You Automate?

Contrary to popular belief (among legal professionals, at least), many legal tasks are subject to automation. Some might argue that legal workflows are too complex to simplify with machines, but today’s legal tech begs to differ.

Here’s a closer look at key legal processes that can be automated:

Contract Review and Management

Contracts are crucial, but managing them can be incredibly time-consuming. 

Automation tools help legal departments by using natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML) to scan contracts for key clauses, compliance gaps, and potential risks.

These systems can recognize legal language patterns, flag anomalies, and even suggest redlines based on pre-trained legal models or custom clause libraries. Some tools can also help you generate contracts and save you from manually drafting all your important agreements.

Version control is another major benefit. These tools maintain audit trails and track every edit across stakeholders, which helps make sure everyone is reviewing the same draft.

On top of that, workflow automation accelerates the approval process. Tools integrate with collaboration platforms and document management systems. This allows for automated routing, deadline tracking, and role-based approvals.

All this reduces the endless back-and-forth with different teams, shortens review cycles, and improves turnaround time for each contract.

Legal Document Drafting

Historically, drafting legal documents is a tedious process that requires keen attention to detail and at least a few hours spent creating, editing, and reviewing each document. 

This is now changing thanks to legal document automation tools that create documents with the same accuracy and consistency as manually created ones, if not better. Most legal document automation tools use a combination of artificial intelligence (AI) and templates to speed up the drafting process. 

For example, Briefpoint is a generative AI and machine learning tool that drafts discovery responses by analyzing a request document, generating a draft that is mostly complete, and letting you finish up by adding pre-loaded objections or responses.

Book a demo to see it in action!

Billing Management

Automated systems can track billable hours and generate invoices based on those hours and predefined rates.

More specifically, they help streamline manual processes by logging time entries automatically, applying correct billing codes, and reducing the need for repetitive, time-consuming tasks.

These systems also monitor payments and send reminders for overdue invoices, which helps simplify the entire billing workflow and make sure you don’t miss out on any billable time.

This leads to better cash flow for your legal team and less financial stress. Plus, you get a bird’s eye view of how your time is being spent and whether that time is actually generating value.

Routine Tasks

Administrative tasks, though necessary, can take up a lot of your time. Luckily, modern tech now allows you to create automated workflows for manual processes that otherwise take too much time, money, and brain power.

For example, you can easily automate the following routine or manual tasks:

  • Data entry
  • Scheduling
  • Sending appointment reminders
  • Client intake forms
  • Populating client databases
  • Data entry
  • Email management
  • Organizing and filing documents
  • Task management
  • Sending task reminders and notifications
  • Tracking billable hours
  • Generating and sending invoices
  • Monitoring payments and sending reminders
  • Sharing documents securely
  • Automatic time tracking
  • Sending follow-up emails and updates
  • Creating regular reports

Legal Research

Legal research can be a bottleneck because it often involves combing through mountains of complex legal texts, cases, and statutes, all demanding meticulous attention to detail and absolute precision.

However, skipping this step isn’t an option for your legal department.

Powered by natural language processing and AI-driven knowledge management systems, legal automation tools can search through massive databases of statutes, case law, and legal commentary in seconds.

Essentially, they identify relevant passages, extract key legal principles, and surface insights far faster than manual review.

Many of these platforms also act as intelligent legal assistants that can offer case summaries, highlight jurisdiction-specific nuances, and even provide real-time suggestions for similar precedents.

Some go further by integrating with your internal document management systems to connect prior research and outcomes to new matters. On top of that, these tools constantly monitor updates across legal databases, so you’re always working with the most current legal information.

lawyer using a laptop

Why is Legal Automation Important For Law Firms?

Automation is a hotly debated topic in the legal field, and not without reason. There are many concerns about the validity of AI-generated work, and many lawyers are hesitant to automate something they can already do themselves. 

There’s also a notion that the law is too complex to throw technology into the mix, but legal automation technology is proving otherwise. 

If you’re still on the fence about automating, here are some benefits that might convince you to make the switch:

Increased Efficiency in Task Management

The legal profession runs on precision, but too often, time is lost on tasks that don’t need legal judgment.

Legal automation tools are designed to eliminate that drag. You can automate task assignments, generate automated legal documents from structured templates, and sync calendars without human oversight.

For example, a legal team handling vendor contracts can use automation to populate agreements with pre-approved language based on contract type and jurisdiction.

The benefits of legal automation aren’t just about speed; they’re about freeing your team from busywork that drains focus. The more consistent your workflows, the more room your team has to do the work that actually requires expertise.

Cost Savings in Daily Operations

Automation significantly lowers operational costs by reducing dependency on manual processes. 

Fewer administrative hours are billed, freeing up resources for client-related work and business growth, which improves the firm’s bottom line.

Improved Accuracy and Reduced Errors

Repetitive tasks increase the chance of mistakes like missed deadlines, incorrect clauses, and outdated language. These aren’t just minor issues. They can stall deals or create compliance risks. That’s where implementing automation makes a real impact.

A lot of legal automation refers to completing tasks with precision, every time. When you automate document creation using up-to-date templates, for example, you remove the variability that comes with manual editing.

Every contract, NDA, or policy document follows a vetted structure, which helps reduce the chance of inconsistencies or outdated language slipping through.

Take clause insertion: instead of copying text from older documents, automated systems pull approved language based on contract type, jurisdiction, and even client preferences. This streamlines processes while also improving the quality of what’s delivered.

Ensuring Compliance with Legal Standards

Automation tools help maintain compliance with industry standards and regulations. Automated checks and audits make sure all processes meet the latest legal requirements, which cuts down on the risk of non-compliance.

Better Client Service

Automating admin-heavy tasks not only speeds things up but also improves the overall client experience by making your team more responsive and reliable.

Service delivery becomes more consistent, and clients notice the difference. You’re not scrambling to send updates or manually schedule meetings. Those things are handled in the background while you stay focused on the work that matters.

Client-specific tasks you can automate include:

  • Client intake
  • Scheduling meetings
  • Billing and invoicing
  • Document sharing
  • Client updates and follow-ups

Simplified and Organized Workflow

Automation creates a more organized workflow for legal matters. Automated task management and scheduling make sure deadlines are met and nothing falls through the cracks, which helps lead to a more productive and efficient team.

Scalability for Growing Practices

As your practice grows, automation allows you to handle more cases and clients without needing to hire a lot more staff. This means you can expand without compromising on quality or efficiency.

Increased Job Satisfaction

Repetitive tasks can often detract from the more fulfilling aspects of legal work. Automation helps by handling these routine responsibilities, which allows legal professionals to dedicate their time to more meaningful and intellectually stimulating tasks.

This shift not only improves job satisfaction but also helps reduce burnout and turnover, which can help foster a more motivated and productive team.

Data-Driven Insights

Many automation tools come with analytics and reporting features that offer valuable insights into your legal operations. Such insights can help you make informed decisions, optimize processes, and save time on research.

Signs That You Need Legal Automation Software

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to invest in legal automation software, here are some signs to look out for:

1. High Volume of Routine Tasks

When your team is buried under administrative duties more than actual legal work, it’s a clear sign that you need automation.

Tasks like scheduling, data entry, and document management can be automated, freeing up your team to focus on more important work.

2. Frequent Errors

Mistakes in documents, billing, or data entry are becoming common. Human error is inevitable, especially with repetitive tasks. Automation can significantly reduce these errors by ensuring consistency and accuracy in every process.

This not only improves the quality of your work but also builds trust with your clients, who rely on your precision and expertise.

3. Slow Turnaround Times

Struggling to meet deadlines and having clients wait longer than they should for responses and results is a red flag. Automation can speed up processes like document drafting, contract review, and legal research, so you deliver timely and efficient service.

Faster turnaround times mean happier clients and a more productive team!

4. Increasing Operational Costs

If your expenses are climbing due to inefficiencies and the need for more administrative staff, it’s time to consider automation.

Automating routine tasks can reduce operational costs by minimizing the need for additional administrative support. This allows you to allocate resources more effectively and invest in areas that drive growth and client satisfaction.

5. Employee Burnout

Overworked staff dealing with repetitive tasks can lead to burnout. In turn, this can easily lead to lower productivity and increasing turnover rates (instead of efficiency gains).

Automation can alleviate this burden by handling mundane tasks, allowing your team to focus on more challenging and rewarding work.

6. Manual Data Management

Spending too much time managing and organizing files and data manually can be a major productivity drain.

Automation can streamline data management by organizing and storing information efficiently, making it easily accessible when needed.

Automate the Most Tedious Part of Litigation

Discovery responses are often one of the most time-consuming parts of litigation, but Briefpoint changes that by automating this tedious process. With this AI-powered platform, you can save hours on manual work, cut down on costs, and deliver accurate results every time.

Briefpoint is incredibly easy to use. Just upload your document, and Briefpoint’s machine-learning system will extract as much information as it can to fill out the routine stuff in your draft. Then, you can add objections to each request or interrogatory by selecting from a built-in menu.

Briefpoint

There’s also Briefpoint Bridge, a feature that helps you collect client responses and plug them into your document with no back-and-forth necessary.

With more time to focus on strategy and client advocacy, you can handle litigation more efficiently and effectively.

Curious about how it can fit into your practice? Schedule a demo today and see how Briefpoint simplifies discovery!

FAQs About Legal Automation

What is automation in law?

Automation in law refers to the use of technology (often powered by artificial intelligence) to handle legal tasks that traditionally required manual input. This includes things like document review, obligation management, inquiry handling, and even basic legal research. Many legal teams now rely on automation platforms to improve turnaround time and maintain consistency across routine legal services.

What are the 4 types of automation?

The four common types of automation used in the legal field are:

  • Document automation – for tasks like contract generation or managing standard agreements.
  • Workflow automation – to streamline steps in legal processes, such as approvals or escalations.
  • Communication automation – for internal clients or external stakeholders, often used in inquiry response or scheduling.
  • Data automation – to sync and organize information across existing systems, ensuring accuracy in reporting and filings.

What is an example of document automation?

A common example is contract generation: in-house lawyers can create a legally compliant agreement by answering a few questions through an automation tool. The system pulls from up-to-date templates and approved clause libraries to assemble the final document. This replaces the need to draft contracts manually, which helps manage documents more efficiently and reduces errors.

What is an example of process automation?

An example would be automating the intake and triage of legal requests from internal clients. Instead of manually sorting and assigning tasks, automated processes categorize requests (e.g., business deals, compliance issues) and route them to the right team member. This gives law departments a competitive edge by reducing delays and freeing up time for more complex legal matters, something they rarely teach in law school.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice; instead, all information, content, and materials available on this site are for general informational purposes only. Information on this website may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.

This website contains links to other third-party websites. Such links are only for the convenience of the reader, user or browser. Readers of this website should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No reader, user, or browser of this site should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information on this site without first seeking legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney can provide assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links or resources contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader, user, or browser and website authors, contributors, contributing law firms, or committee members and their respective employers.

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