Types of Legal Drafting Tools

Legal drafting tools come in many forms, and the right choice often depends on the kind of work your practice handles.

For example, some are built for transactional lawyers focused on contract drafting, while others support litigation tasks like discovery documents or pleadings. Broadly, these tools can be grouped into a few categories:

• Template-based drafting platforms: These replace manual drafting with pre-set templates and clause libraries, which makes legal writing faster and more consistent.
• Document automation systems: Useful for routine agreements, these tools let legal teams set up document workflows where staff can generate complete drafts by filling in key details.
• AI tools and generative AI assistants: Powered by large language models, these can suggest clauses, reword sections, or review drafts for risks and inconsistencies.
• Litigation support software: These help create discovery documents, motions, and responses with automated formatting and objections.
• Contract lifecycle platforms: Broader systems that combine drafting with approvals, collaboration, and storage in one place.

In short, legal drafting tools range from simple workflow automation to advanced AI assistants. The main difference is how much support you want.

Best Tools For Different Types of Legal Drafting

Now that we’ve covered the main categories, let’s look at some of the best tools in action. Each platform approaches drafting in its own way, but the key is matching the tool to the type of drafting work your legal team handles most.

1. Briefpoint

Briefpoint is one of the best AI tools built specifically for litigation drafting. Fundamentally, it takes the repetitive, time-consuming work out of preparing discovery documents so you can focus on high-value work that holds more weight for your case.

Instead of spending hours in MS Word cutting, pasting, and reformatting, you can upload discovery requests, apply objections, and download polished drafts in just a few minutes.

For many legal teams, this means better document quality, fewer errors, and a consistent voice across every case. It’s also a relief for transactional lawyers who occasionally face litigation, since the platform makes complex drafting tasks feel more manageable.

With SOC 2 certification, HIPAA compliance, and no data retention AI, you don’t have to worry about security either—compliance is built into the process.

Best Features

• Automated discovery drafting: Upload requests for admission, requests for production, or interrogatories and get full drafts back in minutes.
• AI-driven objections and responses: Suggestions make it easier to maintain firm-wide consistency.
• Compliance built in: SOC 2 certification, HIPAA compliance, and secure infrastructure keep sensitive data protected.
• Customizable templates: Update language once and roll it out across your team instantly.
• Seamless integrations: Works with Clio, MyCase, and Smokeball to keep your document workflows connected.

If you’re ready to stop wasting time on manual drafting and start producing discovery documents at lightning speed, Briefpoint is the tool to try. Book a demo today and see how much time you can save.

2. Ironclad

Ironclad is a contract lifecycle management platform designed to help in-house teams manage every step of the contract process in one place.

Source: G2

Contract drafting and approvals are the biggest time drains for many legal departments. Ironclad basically tackles that problem by pulling everything (document drafting, compliance checks, reviews, and storage) into a single workflow.

Best Features

• Clause and template libraries: Keep language consistent and cut drafting time.
• Automated workflows: Move contracts across teams without manual follow-ups.
• Compliance checks: Highlight risks early so agreements stay aligned with company policies.
• Integrations with business tools: Connect with Salesforce, Google Drive, and more for smoother legal document management.

3. CoCounsel

CoCounsel is an AI assistant that helps with legal document drafting and review. Lawyers often deal with large volumes of documents, and keeping track of key information can be overwhelming.

But with CoCounsel, legal teams can handle that challenge more efficiently through draft reviews, risk checks, and clear editing suggestions.

Source: ThomsonReuters.com

The result is greater accuracy in less time. Documents that once took hours to read through can be processed in minutes, and, in turn, this frees attorneys and in-house teams to spend more time on higher-level strategy and client work.

Best Features

• AI document review: Reads and analyzes drafts to highlight risks and gaps.
• Legal document drafting support: Generates clauses and standard agreements when needed.
• Faster turnaround: Handles large volumes of text quickly without sacrificing accuracy.
• Focus on key information: Pulls out the most relevant details for attorneys to act on.

4. PandaDoc

PandaDoc is a document management platform that helps legal teams and business departments handle drafting, approvals, and e-signatures in one place.

While it’s often used for sales contracts and proposals, it also supports legal workflows that require efficiency and clear compliance checks.

Source: G2

For lawyers, the main benefits come from building contracts faster through drag-and-drop templates and tracking documents once they’re sent out. 

Automated processes reduce back-and-forth, and built-in tools for contract analysis give teams a better view of obligations after signing.

Best Features

• Document automation: Create and edit contracts quickly with ready-to-use templates.
• Approval workflows: Route contracts through legal and business teams for faster reviews.
• Compliance tools: Add audit trails and permissions to help ensure compliance.
• Contract analysis: Track terms, signatures, and obligations in real time.
• Integrations: Connects with CRMs, storage apps, and other business systems for smooth legal workflows.

5. Spellbook

Spellbook is an AI drafting assistant that works directly inside Microsoft Word, which makes it a practical option for legal professionals who don’t want to switch to a new platform.

Source: Spellbook.Legal

It helps with legal work by suggesting clauses, spotting gaps, and flagging inconsistencies while you draft. Firms that want to save time while maintaining document accuracy will find it a simple yet powerful add-on.

One of its strengths is how it supports data privacy and compliance. Drafts never leave Word, and AI suggestions are delivered in a way that lets attorneys stay in control of the final text. This approach helps mitigate risk while still giving lawyers the benefits of AI-driven legal documents.

Best Features

• Works inside Microsoft Word: No need to learn a new platform.
• Real-time drafting support: Suggests clauses, edits, and corrections as you write.
• Data privacy focus: Keeps sensitive information secure while you work.
• Risk reduction: Flags missing or inconsistent terms to help mitigate risk.
• Designed for legal professionals: Built specifically around the needs of lawyers and contract drafters.

Briefpoint Rethinks How You Draft Discovery Documents

Legal drafting tools change the day-to-day reality of legal work. They cut down on manual drafting, improve accuracy, and help legal teams keep documents consistent without draining hours.

The real advantage is simple: less time fixing formatting or rewriting the same language, and more time spent on the work that actually requires your judgment.

For litigators, discovery is where the workload can pile up fast. Briefpoint reduces that burden with AI-driven drafting that produces polished responses in minutes while maintaining compliance standards.

Of course, it’s not going to replace your work. Rather, it focuses on removing the parts that slow you down.

If you want a clearer way forward, book a demo today and see how much lighter discovery drafting can feel!

What are Legal Research Tools?

Generally speaking, legal research tools are digital resources that help legal professionals conduct legal research with speed and accuracy. They’re diverse, ranging from full-scale databases packed with case law and statutes to platforms that focus on legal news, analytics, or court rules.

While they serve different purposes, the general idea is the same: give users quick access to legal materials they can trust.

Most tools pull from both state and federal courts, along with commentary, practice guides, and regulatory updates. And because the law changes constantly, these platforms also make it easier to stay up to date on new rulings and legislative shifts.

Some of the common features you’ll find include:

• Searchable collections of legal materials such as cases, statutes, and regulations
• Coverage of opinions from state and federal courts
• Citation checkers to confirm the validity of cases
• Built-in legal news updates and analysis
• Filters by jurisdiction, topic, or practice area
• Resources tailored for specific legal fields

In general, legal research tools give professionals one reliable place to research, check, and track information that matters for their work.

Top Legal Research Tools For All Kinds of Law Professionals

There’s no single tool that fits every need. Some platforms focus on deep case law research, while others highlight legal news or analytics. Below, you’ll find a mix of options to choose from:

1. LEGALFLY

LEGALFLY is one of the newer legal research platforms gaining traction with law firms and solo attorneys.

It acts like a modern law library that combines classic legal databases with AI support to speed up searches. Whether you’re reviewing federal and state cases, looking at Supreme Court decisions, or following pending legislation, LEGALFLY brings it all into one system.

Source: G2

It also connects with state court websites to offer quick access to legal opinions and updates across jurisdictions. 

Beyond case law, the platform provides legal journals, commentary, and information from administrative agencies, which makes it useful for both statutory research and practice-specific needs.

Best Features

• AI summaries: Breaks down lengthy opinions from federal appellate courts and the Supreme Court.
• Case law coverage: Access to federal and state cases across multiple jurisdictions.
• Statutory research: Tools for finding relevant statutes, rules, and regulations.
• Secondary sources: Integration with legal journals and commentary for deeper context.
• Legislative tracking: Updates on pending legislation and new rulings from administrative agencies.

Pros

• Saves time with clear summaries of cases and statutes
• Strong mix of statutory research, case law, and secondary sources
• Connects to both state court websites and federal rulings
• Fits the needs of both large law firms and smaller practices

2. Lex Machina

Lex Machina is designed for legal experts who need more than just case law. It provides litigation analytics that help shape strategy.

Source: LexisNexis.com

Rather than rifling through a basic searchable database, this platform digs deeper into trends. It can show how judges, courts, and even opposing counsel have handled similar legal issues in the past.

It’s especially valuable for firms that want to prepare with data, not guesswork. Alongside analytics, Lex Machina also gives access to case documents, statutes, and references like law review articles or notes from the Law Revision Counsel.

Best Features

• Litigation analytics: Detailed data on judges, lawyers, law firms, and case outcomes.
• Searchable database: Quick access to case law, filings, and related legal issues.
• Federal regulations: Coverage of statutes and rules that impact case outcomes.
• Secondary resources: References to law review articles and other commentary.
• Historical insights: Information from the Law Revision Counsel and long-term case patterns.

Pros

• Helps predict outcomes with data-backed insights
• Saves time preparing case strategies with detailed analytics
• Strong support for complex legal issues and multi-jurisdiction cases
• Widely used by large firms and litigation-focused attorneys

3. Bloomberg Law

Bloomberg Law is a well-known choice among legal experts and a go-to for both practitioners and the occasional law student who wants deeper insights.

Unlike free legal resources that only cover the basics, Bloomberg offers a vast mix of case law, statutes, and business-focused updates.

Source: BloombergLaw.com

You’ll find everything from Supreme Court opinions and case summaries to commentary pulled from legal blogs, practice guides, and even a built-in legal dictionary for quick reference.

While some platforms rely only on raw case law, Bloomberg combines traditional databases with news-driven updates to help professionals keep up with both legal and business trends. It also pulls from open-access journals, which gives researchers additional context alongside standard materials.

Best Features

• Comprehensive coverage: Access to statutes, Supreme Court opinions, and detailed case summaries.
• News integration: Ongoing updates that connect legal developments with business and finance.
• Secondary resources: Includes references from legal blogs, practice guides, and open-access journals.
• Research support: Built-in legal dictionary and tools designed for practicing attorneys and law students.
• Case tracking: Alerts on dockets, filings, and emerging case law.

Pros

• Strong mix of legal research and business intelligence
• Includes resources beyond traditional case law, like legal blogs and journals
• Helpful for both practicing attorneys and law students
• Reliable case summaries that speed up research

4. Legal Information Institute

The Legal Information Institute (LII), hosted by Cornell Law School, is one of the most trusted free legal research tools available online. It gives open access to a broad range of legal documents, including statutes, regulations, and U.S. Supreme Court decisions.

For many in the legal industry, this platform is the first stop when they need reliable information at no cost.

Source: Law.Cornell.edu

What sets LII apart is its focus on free legal research. Users can browse legislative materials, check congressional records, and search through an extensive collection of federal and state resources.

Sadly, it doesn’t have advanced analytics like paid platforms, but it’s a go-to for anyone who needs dependable and straightforward legal information.

Best Features

• Free access: Open-source platform for statutes, case law, and U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
• Extensive collection: Covers legislative materials, congressional records, and key rulings.
• Educational support: Simple guides and explanations for students and non-lawyers.
• Trusted source: Backed by Cornell Law School, respected across the legal industry.
• User-friendly design: Easy to search and navigate compared to many traditional systems.

Pros

• 100% free and accessible to anyone
• Broad coverage of cases, statutes, and legislative materials
• Respected academic source with a strong reputation
• Useful for both professionals and the general public

5. Fastcase (Now vLEx)

Fastcase, now vLex, is a practical option for lawyers who want an affordable yet reliable research tool. Many state bar associations even provide it as a member benefit, which makes it one of the most widely available legal research platforms.

Source: Fastcase.com

Essentially, it covers a wide range of federal cases and state decisions to give attorneys quick access to rulings that matter for their work.

On top of its large database, Fastcase includes advanced search options that help users find relevant rulings quickly. It also provides practice tips and visualization tools, so lawyers can see how cases connect and build stronger arguments.

Best Features

• Federal cases: Broad coverage of rulings from across the country.
• Advanced search options: Filters and tools to refine case law research with precision.
• Visualization tools: Graphs and maps showing how cases are linked.
• Mobile access: Research from anywhere with the Fastcase mobile app.
• Practice tips: Contextual guidance that supports decision-making.

Pros

• Affordable option, often included in bar memberships
• Easy-to-use design with mobile support
• Strong database of both state and federal cases
• Helpful extras like practice tips and visualization tools

6. Caselaw Access Project

The Caselaw Access Project (CAP) is one of the most ambitious free legal research resources available today. Backed by Harvard Law School, it gives open access to millions of U.S. court decisions, including historic rulings and modern opinions.

For researchers, law students, and those with a legal scholarship, CAP is a powerful way to study how the law has evolved over time.

Source: Case.law

The database spans everything from U.S. Supreme Court decisions to state-level rulings, organized by report volume number for accuracy.

While the basic platform is free, CAP also offers paid desktop plans with additional features like bulk downloads and advanced search. It’s widely recognized by groups like the American Bar Association for its value to both academics and practitioners.

In addition to case law, the project gives access to session laws and related materials, which makes it a strong complement to other research tools.

Best Features

• Extensive coverage: Millions of cases, including U.S. Supreme Court decisions and state rulings.
• Reports volume number: Organized referencing for precise case identification.
• Free access: A strong choice among free legal research resources.
• Paid desktop plans: Options for bulk downloads and advanced research features.
• Legal scholarship support: Widely used for studies, journals, and academic work.

Pros

• Open access for researchers, lawyers, and students
• Valuable for legal scholarship and historical studies
• Endorsed by the American Bar Association as a trusted resource
• Combines free use with optional upgrades for professionals

7. Paxton AI

Paxton AI is an emerging tool built to support both attorneys and law firms with faster, AI-driven research.

Source: Paxton.ai

Unlike traditional law library systems, Paxton uses natural language processing to interpret questions in plain English and deliver precise results from statutes, federal and state cases, and legal opinions.

What makes it stand out is how it ties traditional legal databases with modern features like real-time tracking of pending legislation and integration with secondary sources such as legal journals.

This balance makes it useful not only for practicing lawyers but also for students who want a more approachable way to conduct legal research.

Best Features

• AI-powered search: Responds to plain language questions and provides targeted case law and relevant statutes.
• Federal and state coverage: Access to rulings from multiple jurisdictions, including appellate and trial courts.
• Pending legislation tracking: Alerts on proposed laws and regulatory changes.
• Secondary materials: References from legal journals and practice commentaries.
• Citation support: Tools to verify and cross-check legal opinions.

Pros

• Speeds up research with AI-generated responses
• Covers both federal and state cases in one platform
• Helpful for smaller law firms looking for cost-effective options
• Combines traditional research with real-time legislative updates

From Research to Ready-to-Serve Documents With Briefpoint

Using legal research tools gives you the knowledge you need, but turning that research into finished discovery documents can still feel like a grind.

Hours spent drafting the same objections, formatting responses, and double-checking consistency take away from time you’d rather put into strategy… or just having a normal evening.

This is what Briefpoint was built to fix. With Briefpoint, you upload requests, add your objections and responses, and within minutes, you’ve got drafts ready to download, sign, and serve.

The software uses secure, litigation-grade AI to suggest content, apply firm standards, and keep everything consistent across your team.

Lawyers using Briefpoint save an average of 87% of their time on discovery documents. It works with tools you may already rely on, and it’s backed by SOC-2 certification and HIPAA compliance, so your client data is protected.

If you’ve ever thought, “There has to be a faster way to get this done,” there is. Book a demo with Briefpoint and find out how much time you can save.

The Current State of Legal Automation

Walk into almost any law firm today and you’ll notice a shift. Filing cabinets are thinner, inboxes are a little less overwhelming, and many of the repetitive administrative tasks that once kept paralegals and junior associates busy are being handled differently.

The change comes from legal automation software, a category of automation tools designed to take over routine manual processes.

This isn’t a quiet trend; it’s reshaping daily practice. According to the 2024 ABA Legal Tech Survey, the number of law firms using AI-based tools rose from 11% in 2023 to 30% in 2024.

Meanwhile, Clio’s Legal Trends Report shows adoption among legal professionals skyrocketed from 19% to 79% over the same period. As you can see, it’s a profession-wide shift.

For attorneys and staff, the impact is tangible. Tedious tasks like drafting standard contracts, sending reminders, or tracking compliance deadlines no longer require the same level of human input. The work still gets done, but faster, more consistently, and with fewer mistakes.

The legal field has always balanced tradition with change, but the rise of automation signals a profession ready to rethink how its time and talent are spent.

How Does Automation Work?

If the numbers from the last section have you wondering how to try automation for yourself, here’s a closer look at how it actually works.

Law firm automation uses a mix of technologies to automate legal processes, taking on time-consuming tasks that once required constant human intervention.

At the simplest level, legal automation follows a pattern: input data, apply rules or models, and produce an output. What’s different now is the role of artificial intelligence, which allows tools to learn, adapt, and cut down on human error.

Here are the main types of technology driving this change:

• Natural language processing (NLP): Reads and interprets contracts, clauses, or case law, making it easier to search and analyze text.
• Machine learning (ML): Spots patterns in past cases, billing data, or compliance reports, then predicts outcomes or highlights risks.
• Robotic process automation (RPA): Handles repetitive clicks, filings, or form submissions across systems without needing a person to do them.
• Generative AI: Drafts contract clauses, summaries, or responses to client questions in plain language for faster review.

Together, these tools allow legal teams to save time and focus on the work that really needs a human’s judgment.

Key Areas of Automation in Law

Automation touches almost every corner of legal work, but some areas see the biggest payoff. Let’s take a look at some of them:

Document Automation

Essentially, legal document automation makes drafting paperwork a whole lot easier. Instead of typing the same details over and over, you can use document templates to quickly generate contracts, pleadings, or letters.

This approach speeds up document drafting, keeps things consistent, and reduces mistakes that often happen when drafting contracts by hand. Some platforms come with built-in document management that keeps everything organized, so you don’t waste time hunting down the latest version.

Platforms like Briefpoint take it further by automating litigation documents from start to finish. Want to see how it works in practice? Book a demo with Briefpoint today.

Client Intake and Communication

Bringing in new clients and keeping existing clients happy often comes down to clear communication. Automated processes can help here by handling the repetitive back-and-forth that takes up so much time.

For example, instead of manually sending follow-up emails, an intake form on your website can feed directly into your system. The client gets an automatic confirmation, you get their details neatly organized, and nothing slips through.

The same approach works for reminders, billing notices, or status updates. Automation keeps the flow of information steady, which leads to more satisfied clients who feel informed and cared for. And for firms, it means spending less time on admin and more time on providing actual legal services.

E-Discovery

E-discovery, or electronic discovery, refers to the search and review of digital records for litigation or investigations. In any modern legal practice, that often means combing through emails, chat logs, documents, or even cloud storage.

Traditionally, this work involved endless clicking and manual data entry; a perfect example of the kind of time-consuming processes lawyers have long struggled with.

These days, automation changes the equation by connecting to your existing systems and cutting down the volume of repetitive review. This way, you can rely on technology to narrow the field and surface what really matters.

Here’s what happens when you automate legal discovery:

• Smart filtering reduces massive datasets to a manageable pool in minutes.
• Pattern recognition highlights suspicious activity or hidden relationships.
• Sensitive data tagging keeps privileged or confidential information protected.
• Integrated review tools keep everything synced across platforms.

For firms, the benefits go beyond efficiency. With automation, teams can redirect effort toward analysis (where judgment matters) and generate more billable hours doing substantive legal tasks.

And for clients, faster turnaround and accurate results translate into a clear competitive advantage in litigation.

Case Management

Managing several matters at once can get overwhelming. One client needs an update, another has a deadline coming up, and documents for a third are still waiting for review. 

The real challenge comes from the pile of routine tasks that eat away at valuable time when you’re handling multiple clients.

With legal workflow automation, many of these background details can run on their own. In turn, you can clear operational efficiencies across the team. 

Plus, rather than constantly checking calendars or sending reminders, the system takes care of the mechanics while you focus on strategy.

Examples of tasks that can be automated include:

• Scheduling hearings, filings, and reminders on shared calendars
• Assigning tasks to the right team member as a case progresses
• Sending automatic updates when a case status changes
• Tracking deadlines so nothing falls through the cracks

When you minimize repetitive admin work with case management automation, your lawyers and staff have more space to concentrate on meaningful legal work.

Legal Research Support

Research is a big part of legal work, but it’s also one of the biggest drains on time. Every hour spent digging through case law or statutes adds to the pile of non-billable hours that firms struggle to control. 

Automation helps by taking repetitive searches and turning them into faster, smarter processes.

For example, a legal team creates a knowledge base where past research, briefs, and case notes are stored. With automation, that information is searchable and tied to new matters, so lawyers don’t have to start from scratch each time.

Automation can also connect research tools with document assembly, so findings flow directly into memos or motions. The end result is a way to streamline manual processes while improving accuracy and consistency across the board.

How to Apply Automation to Your Legal Workflows

There isn’t a perfect formula for rolling out automation in a law practice. Every firm has its own priorities, budget, and way of working. But the common thread is simple: start where automation can make the biggest impact on repetitive tasks and build from there.

Try these steps:

1. Spot the Repetitive Work

The first step in applying automation is figuring out where your time really goes. In most firms, the biggest drain comes from repetitive tasks like data entry, scheduling, or generating standard documents.

These jobs rarely require deep analysis, yet they eat up hours of manual effort every week. That’s why identifying them early makes such a difference.

For example, entering client details into multiple systems, sending reminders for court dates, or formatting routine contracts are all areas where an automated workflow can help. 

By mapping out which steps repeat day after day, you’ll see where law office automation can take the load off.

The idea isn’t to change everything at once but to shine a light on the tasks that keep staff busy without adding much real value to clients.

2. Pick One Workflow to Improve

Of course, trying to automate every process at once can overwhelm a team. A better approach is to start with a single workflow; something that’s repetitive and easy to measure.

For example, client intake is a strong candidate. It often involves duplicate data entry, long email threads, and plenty of back-and-forth. Automating that process not only saves time but also improves the overall client experience.

Here are a few ways automation can reshape intake:

• Use online forms that feed directly into your system, reducing human error
• Offer clients the option to upload documents themselves, offering self-service options
• Set up automatic confirmations and reminders so no one is left waiting
• Connect intake data to document assembly tools

Starting small gives your team a clear win without the disruption of changing everything at once. Once the first workflow is running smoothly, it’s easier to expand automation to other areas like contract review or billing.

3. Choose the Right Tool

Once you’ve picked a workflow to automate, the next step is finding legal tech software that fits the job. Not every tool is designed for the same purpose, so it’s important to match the solution to the task at hand.

For example, if your biggest pain point is drafting pleadings or motions, you’ll want software built for document generation rather than a general project tracker. On the other hand, if your firm struggles to keep track of deadlines, then workflow-focused platforms are a better match.

Specialized tools like Briefpoint are built specifically for discovery documents, taking the heavy lifting out of document creation and helping legal teams save hours on repetitive drafting. See how it works today!

4. Test and Adjust

Once a process is automated, it’s important to monitor how it performs in practice. Does the new setup actually save time? Are there points where information gets stuck or overlooked? Running the process with automation in place will highlight what’s working and what still needs tweaking.

Small adjustments, like changing the way data fields are mapped or how reminders are triggered, can make the difference between a tool that feels clunky and one that truly supports the team.

5. Train Your Team

Even the smartest automation system won’t reach its potential if the people using it aren’t comfortable with it. Training should cover both the mechanics of the software and the moments when human review is still necessary.

For example, a tool might handle document automation, but the final draft still needs a lawyer’s eyes. When everyone on the team understands their role in the process, adoption goes smoothly and confidence in the new system grows.

Clear guidance also reduces resistance to change, which can make automation a natural part of daily work rather than an added burden.

6. Expand Gradually

The first successful automation is a proof of concept. When your team sees that it works, the question becomes: what’s next? The answer isn’t “everything at once.”

Rolling out too much too quickly usually creates confusion. A better approach is to add an automation layer by layer, using early wins to guide your decisions.

Maybe you start with intake forms, then move on to billing, and later add compliance reminders. Each step should be measured, not rushed. Treating automation as a long-term plan rather than a quick fix, you’re building a foundation for real change.

Firms that take this strategic approach not only improve efficiency but also gain a noticeable competitive advantage. And with the right legal automation tools, the practice grows more agile without overwhelming the people who make it run.

Rethink Your Legal Workflow With Briefpoint

Legal work has always involved details, deadlines, and documents. What’s shifting now is who—or rather what—handles the most repetitive parts. Automation is becoming part of the daily fabric of modern practice.

Drafts are created faster, calendars update themselves, and teams spend less time stuck in the weeds. Firms that adapt see smoother operations, fewer errors, and a stronger focus on client service.

The practices that move ahead won’t just be adding technology for the sake of it. They’ll be choosing tools that let their lawyers and staff spend more time on strategy and client relationships. That’s where automation proves its worth.

Briefpoint was built with that purpose in mind. Its document generation capabilities give litigation teams a way to handle drafting in minutes instead of hours, lifting one of the heaviest burdens in the workflow.

Want to see how it works in action? Book a demo with Briefpoint today.

What is In-House Legal Software?

In-house legal software is designed specifically to support in-house legal teams and corporate legal departments in managing their daily workload.

Unlike software built for law firms, which often focuses on the litigation process or client billing, in-house tools are centered on the internal legal needs of a company.

These platforms are built to help legal teams handle all your legal matters in one place, whether that’s contracts, risk management, or communication with other departments.

Most in-house legal software includes features that support operational efficiency and help teams stay on top of routine tasks. Instead of relying on spreadsheets or email threads, these platforms give legal teams structure, visibility, and more control over their workload.

Common features include:

• Matter management to organize and track internal legal work
• Contract lifecycle management for handling agreements from draft to signature
• Document storage and search to centralize files
• Collaboration tools to connect with other departments
• Reporting dashboards to monitor progress and trends

While some law firms may use similar tools, in-house legal software is typically tailored to the workflows and challenges of internal teams. In other words, these tools give them a better way to manage work across departments and support the broader goals of the business.

Why Use In-House Legal Software?

Here are some of the key reasons in-house legal teams and corporate legal departments choose dedicated software to manage their work:

Centralized Matter Management

If you’re still managing legal work across spreadsheets, inboxes, and random folders, you’re probably not the only one, but there’s a better way to do it.

Centralized matter management lets your legal department keep everything in one place, so you’re not constantly switching tabs or tracking down who has what.

You can open a matter, see what’s going on, find the right documents, and know exactly where things stand. And because it’s all on a secure platform, you don’t have to worry about things slipping through the cracks.

Most tools come with built-in document management systems, so you can stop digging through shared drives. Everything’s tied to the matter it belongs to. It also helps with resource allocation; you can see who’s busy and who has room to take something on.

The real benefit is clarity and seamless communication. Everyone knows where things stand, what needs attention, and where to find the information they need, without extra emails or follow-ups.

Faster Contract Review and Approval

Contracts can pile up quickly, especially when in-house counsel is handling multiple legal requests at once. In-house legal software helps manage contracts more efficiently by organizing the review process and cutting out the usual back-and-forth.

With built-in contract management tools, teams can create workflows that route documents to the right people, track changes, and keep things in motion. Plus, you’ll know exactly where a contract stands.

The result is faster turnaround, fewer bottlenecks, and more time to focus on the work that needs legal judgment.

Improved Cross-Department Collaboration

Legal teams are constantly working with HR, finance, sales, and other departments. Unfortunately, without the right legal tools, that collaboration can turn into endless email chains and version control headaches.

But with modern management software, legal can easily share updates, provide input, and stay in sync with the rest of the business. No need to chase down attachments or clarify which version is final. Everything lives in one place, so it’s easy to track progress and respond quickly.

Better collaboration doesn’t just reduce friction; it supports smoother legal operations, stronger team performance, and helps boost efficiency firm-wide.

Increased Visibility and Reporting

When legal work is spread across tools and teams, it’s hard to see the full picture. Matter management software with built-in reporting helps legal departments connect the dots. This way, you’re not just reacting to tasks, but spotting patterns and making smarter choices.

You can pull up a dashboard and quickly understand:

• What’s stuck and what’s moving
• Which teams are overloaded
• How long common requests actually take
• Where legal is spending the most time

These reports offer valuable insights that go beyond tracking tasks. They help explain legal’s impact and support better business decisions. With clear data on overall performance, you can back up priorities, allocate resources more effectively, and plan with more confidence.

Reduced Reliance on Outside Counsel

Outside counsel can be helpful, but using them for every matter drains both time and budget. In-house legal software gives legal teams the tools to handle more on their own, like contract reviews, compliance tracking, and everyday business partner requests.

With clearer processes and smarter tools, legal professionals can manage tasks that used to require external support. For example, instead of sending a standard contract for outside review, your legal team can handle it internally using pre-approved templates and automated workflows.

This approach helps the organization move faster and keeps the legal function more connected to daily business needs.

Better Compliance and Risk Management

In-house legal software helps support stronger legal processes by offering tools that make it easier to maintain compliance without relying on manual tracking or reminders.

With built-in alerts, approval workflows, and templates, legal teams can stay organized and avoid missed steps. These intuitive platforms make it simple to manage key documents, apply standard language, and track who’s responsible for what, all while keeping sensitive information secure.

Many tools also include features that support data security and audit trails, which help ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements.

By centralizing key tasks and allowing legal teams to move with more control and consistency, software makes compliance feel less like a burden and more like part of the process.

Best Use Cases of In-House Legal Tools

In-house legal software is meant to make your day-to-day work easier. Here’s how legal departments like yours are putting these tools to work:

• Document automation: You can generate discovery documents, NDAs, and other legal documents faster using shared templates and automated workflows. This helps you cut down on repetitive work and reduce errors, especially when handling similar documents at scale.
• Matter tracking: Instead of juggling spreadsheets or chasing updates, you get a clear view of all open matters, task assignments, and upcoming deadlines in one place.
• Legal intake: With a simple self-service form, business teams can submit requests directly to legal, which means no digging through email chains or chasing missing info. You can sort, prioritize, and respond faster.
• Policy and compliance tracking: Set reminders for key deadlines, log actions, and keep records organized so you’re always ready if someone asks for documentation.
• Document management: Store your files securely, control who sees what, and find what you need without searching five different places. It’s clean, simple, and built for how you actually work.

Briefpoint Lets You Focus on What Needs a Lawyer

There’s no shortage of work for in-house legal teams. Contracts, discovery, internal requests, risk reviews—it’s constant. But not every task deserves your full attention. Drafting routine discovery documents shouldn’t be one of them.

Briefpoint is built for in-house teams that need to move quickly without lowering the bar. It automates interrogatories, RFAs, and RFPs, generating drafts you can open, review, and finalize in minutes, not hours.

Plus, you get consistency, speed, and control, without doing the same formatting and language cleanup over and over again.

Some tools promise to reinvent legal work. Briefpoint simply makes the hard parts less painful.

Book a demo and see how much time your team can save when drafting takes care of itself.

What is Time Management Software?

Time management software helps law firms track how they spend their time. It lets lawyers log hours, monitor billable and non-billable work, and create reports for billing and internal review.

For most law firms, it’s a key part of running a profitable business and making sure clients get billed the right way.

Unlike general time tracking tools, which are often used for simple task management or productivity tracking, legal time management software is built with law firm needs in mind. It usually includes features like:

• Billable hour tracking
• Client and matter management
• Trust accounting
• Legal billing compliance
• Reporting for clients and courts

So while general tools might help you clock in and out, legal-focused software helps firms handle the business side of law, keeping records clear, clients informed, and cash flow steady.

Top 5 Management Tools For Legal Pros

Managing time shouldn’t be the thing that slows you down. So, we’ve rounded up some of the best legal time tracking software of 2025. These picks are built for legal work and make it easier to stay organized and get paid.

1. PointOne

PointOne gives law firms a clear view of their time and expenses without piling on extra work. It makes time and expense tracking simple, so lawyers can capture both billable and non-billable hours without the hassle of manual data entry.

Source: PointOne.com

With fewer mistakes and less guesswork, firms end up securing more billable hours that might have been missed otherwise.

Best Features

• Automatic time capture: Tracks work in the background so you don’t have to rely on memory or manual entry.
• Expense logging: Records costs alongside time entries and ties them directly to client matters.
• Billable vs. non-billable tracking: Shows exactly where your hours go, which helps make it easier to understand productivity and billing gaps.
• Detailed reporting: Creates reports for clients, courts, or internal use with just a few clicks.
• Integrations: Connects with billing and accounting software so your time and expenses flow directly into invoices.

2. LawPay

LawPay isn’t a legal timekeeping software on its own, but it works hand-in-hand with billing software and time tracking tools to help law firms get paid the right way.

Source: G2

Built for legal professionals, it makes accepting payments simple, secure, and fully compliant with industry standards. It pairs well with tools that track billable hours and detailed time entries, which gives firms a smooth way to collect payments for their work.

Best Features

• Legal payment compliance: Accept credit card and online payments while meeting legal industry rules.
• Billing software integration: Connect with time tracking and billing tools for a complete workflow.
• Support for detailed time entries: Make it easy to bill clients based on tracked time and expense entries.
• Easy payment options: Let clients pay by credit card, debit, or eCheck.
• Payment tracking: Review payments on a weekly or monthly basis with clear reports.
• Mobile and online access: Accept payments from your office or on the go.

3. Billables.ai

Billables.ai is a lawyer time tracking software focused on helping legal professionals capture every billable minute. It’s designed for accurate time tracking and helps make sure you don’t miss out on hours worked.

Source: Billables.ai

With smart features that suggest entries based on your activity, Billables.ai makes logging time and expenses quicker and easier. You can adjust time entries, link them directly to matters, and pull detailed time reports whenever you need them.

Best Features

• Accurate time tracking: Get smart suggestions for time entries based on your work activity.
• Link time entries directly to matters: Keep your billing organized and connected to each client.
• Track expenses: Log costs alongside time entries for complete billing records.
• Adjust time entries: Edit or update logged time as needed before billing.
• Detailed time reports: Review your billable minutes and time records for clients or internal checks.
• Calendar and email integrations: Capture time based on meetings and emails you’re already handling.

4. MyCase

MyCase is a practice management tool that includes built-in time tracking features for law firms. It helps you track time spent on each task and link it to the corresponding matter, which usually makes billing smoother and more accurate.

Source: G2

MyCase goes beyond time tracking by offering tools for client communication, document handling, and billing, all in one platform.

Best Features

• Time tracking features: Log time spent on tasks directly within the platform.
• Link time to corresponding matter: Keep your time entries organized and tied to the right client or case.
• Practice management tools: Manage cases, billing, documents, and client communication in one system.
• Improving accuracy: Reduce missed hours with easy time entry and tracking built into daily workflows.
• Client portal: Share updates, documents, and invoices with clients securely.
• Billing and invoicing tools: Generate and send bills without leaving the platform.

5. TimeSparrow

TimeSparrow is a lightweight time tracker built for lawyers who want to record billable time with less manual effort. It makes it easy to track tasks, log hours, and manage billable work without getting in the way of your day.

Source: TimeSparrow.com

With smart tools for tracking and reviewing entries, TimeSparrow helps lawyers ensure accuracy and avoid lost revenue from missed billable time.

Best Features

• Simple time tracker: Quickly capture billable time with easy-to-use tracking tools.
• Email-based time entry: Log time by sending an email; no need to open the app.
• Track billable tasks: Connect each time entry to a client or matter for clear records.
• Ensure accuracy: Review and adjust entries before billing.
• Mobile-friendly access: Track time on the go from any device.
• Helps prevent lost revenue: Makes sure your billable hours are always recorded.

Best Time-Saving Strategies For Legal Professionals

Using the right tools is a great start, but smart time management doesn’t stop there. Once you’ve got your software in place, adding a few good habits can make a big difference.

Here are some practical ways legal professionals can save time and get more done without adding stress.

Track Time Daily

Logging your hours every day lets you stay on top of billable work and avoid missed entries. Waiting until the end of the week often means guessing or forgetting key details, which easily leads to problems when billing clients.

Tools that let you run up to three timers at once make it easier to track multiple tasks without losing track of time. If you’re using manual time tracking, setting a daily reminder can help you build the habit.

This simple practice not only saves time later but also helps you send accurate invoices and avoid billing issues.

Review Weekly Reports

Checking your time reports every week helps you spot patterns in how you work and how much time you spend on each task. With tracking software for lawyers, you can see both billable and non-billable time at a glance, so it’s easier to see where your efforts go.

Regular reviews help you find tasks that take longer than they should or work you’re doing without billing. This habit gives you a better handle on your time and allows you to make smarter business decisions when it comes to billing, staffing, and workload planning.

Automate Billing Tasks

Billing can be one of the most time-consuming parts of running a law firm. Using legal billing software takes a lot of that work off your plate by handling tasks you don’t need to do by hand. This not only saves time but also helps you get paid faster and increase law firm profitability.

It’s especially helpful for fixed fee matters, where keeping track of time spent versus fees earned is key.

Tasks you can automate include:

• Sending invoices on a set schedule
• Tracking payments and sending reminders
• Applying payments to client accounts
• Generating reports for billing and collections
• Managing billing for fixed fee matters and hourly work

Use Templates

Templates make everyday tasks quicker by giving you a ready-made starting point. Instead of writing the same email or setting up a new invoice from scratch each time, you can pull up a template and fill in the details. This saves time and keeps your documents consistent.

For example, you might have a standard retainer agreement or a client update email that only needs a few quick edits before sending.

Limit Distractions

It’s hard to stay focused when emails, messages, and alerts keep popping up. Setting aside blocks of time for focused work lets you handle important tasks without constant interruptions.

You can mute non-urgent alerts, close unused tabs, and let others know you’re working on something that needs your full attention. Even an hour of distraction-free time each day can help you get more done and avoid falling behind on billable work.

Batch Similar Tasks

Switching between tasks like writing, client meetings, and phone calls can break your focus and waste time. Grouping similar tasks together (also called batching) helps you stay in the zone and work faster.

For example, you can block off an hour each morning just for client meetings or phone calls, then spend the next block on research or drafting legal documents. 

This way, you’re not jumping back and forth between jobs, which saves time and helps you work more smoothly throughout the day.

Take Advantage of AI Tools

If you’re not using legal AI tools yet, now’s a good time to start. They’re built to take care of tasks that eat up your day, like time tracking, billing, and legal document drafting. 

For instance, AI can suggest time entries based on your calendar or emails, so you’re not stuck logging everything by hand.

Here are other things AI tools can help you with:

• Suggesting time entries you might’ve forgotten
• Creating invoices from tracked time automatically
• Reviewing contracts and flagging important details
• Managing documents
• Sorting billing records with less effort

Remember: AI tools won’t take over your work, but they can definitely help you save time and focus on your clients.

Get More Done with Briefpoint

Choosing the best time management software means finding tools that help you bill smarter, manage tasks with less hassle, and cut down on the work that slows you down.

Paired with smart habits like reviewing reports, using AI tools, and batching tasks, the right software can make a real difference in how smoothly your practice runs.

But even with good tools in place, some tasks still take more time than they should. This is where Briefpoint can become a huge edge for your firm. Its AI-powered document automation software takes care of drafting work that often drags out your day and overall litigation process.

With Briefpoint, you can prepare these docs in minutes:

• Interrogatories
• Requests for production
• Requests for admission

You’ll spend less time on manual edits, review documents faster, and have more time for more important litigation work. And because it fits right alongside your time tracking and billing tools, it helps you make the most of every hour.

If you’re looking to optimize your litigation workflow with document automation, book a demo today.

Paralegal vs. Lawyer: Key Differences

Paralegals and lawyers may work side by side, but their roles aren’t interchangeable. Their authority, responsibilities, and daily focus set them apart in clear ways. Here’s how the two positions differ across the core areas of legal work:

1. Education and Training

In the legal industry, the education path you choose shapes the work you’re allowed to do. Paralegals and lawyers take very different routes, and their education and training requirements reflect the responsibilities they hold in the legal system.

Paralegal Education

Paralegals focus on learning how to assist lawyers rather than practicing law themselves. They don’t need a law degree, but most employers look for some form of formal training.

Common options for paralegals include:

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies
• Certification programs or post-bachelor’s certificates in legal studies
• On-the-job training in smaller firms for entry-level roles

Some programs are approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), which can make candidates more competitive.

While paralegals can handle research, organize case files, and draft legal documents, they can’t represent clients or sign legal filings on their own.

Lawyer Education

Only lawyers can provide legal advice and appear in court on a client’s behalf, which is why their training is longer and heavily regulated. Their path generally looks like this:

1. Complete a bachelor’s degree in any field
2. Graduate from an ABA-accredited law school with a law degree (J.D.)
3. Pass the state bar exam to earn a license
4. Maintain that license with continuing legal education (CLE)

This rigorous process prepares lawyers to handle complex cases and carry the ultimate responsibility for legal decisions.

2. Legal Authority

One of the biggest differences between a paralegal and a lawyer is the authority each holds in the legal system. Although both are legal professionals and may handle substantive legal work, only a licensed lawyer has the legal power to act independently on behalf of clients.

A paralegal or legal assistant can perform tasks like researching cases, organizing evidence, and drafting legal documents, but they can’t offer legal advice or appear in court.

Plus, everything they do must be under the guidance of a supervising lawyer, and their work supports the attorney rather than replacing them. Even with formal education and years of experience, a paralegal cannot make legal decisions for clients.

A practicing attorney, on the other hand, meets strict education requirements and licensing requirements that allow them to represent people in court, give advice, and sign off on filings. 

Additionally, they are fully responsible for client cases and must maintain their license through ongoing compliance with state rules.

The clear divide is that a paralegal can assist in legal matters, but only a lawyer can take legal action independently. This difference protects clients and keeps the legal system functioning with proper oversight.

3. Daily Tasks

The day-to-day job duties of a paralegal and a lawyer may seem similar at first glance, but they involve different levels of responsibility. Both handle legal tasks, but a licensed attorney carries the decision-making authority, while a paralegal focuses on support work.

In most law firms, paralegals spend their time preparing cases and assisting with documentation. Their work often includes:

• Conducting legal research and reviewing case law
• Drafting legal documents, pleadings, and other legal tasks for review
• Filing documents with courts and maintaining case files
• Handling some administrative tasks, like scheduling or client updates

Lawyers, on the other hand, focus on actions that require a license. Their job duties include meeting with clients, providing legal advice, negotiating settlements, and representing clients in court, among many others.

They also review and sign all filings because, unlike paralegals, they are legally responsible for the outcome of a case.

Briefpoint can lighten the load for both roles by automating document preparation, helping paralegals get through routine paperwork faster, and giving lawyers more time to focus on strategy and client advocacy. 

Book a demo today!

4. Cost and Client Interaction

The way paralegals and lawyers interact with clients and the cost of their services clearly separate their roles. Paralegals focus on behind-the-scenes support and routine communication, while lawyers handle the critical conversations and carry the full responsibility for a case.

Let’s take a closer look:

Client Communications

Paralegals often handle the background communication that keeps cases moving. They might:

• Call or email clients for routine updates or to collect documents
• Organize client files and make sure everything is ready for the attorney’s review
• Schedule meetings or depositions for the lawyer

They may collect information and keep clients updated, but giving legal advice or making decisions remains the lawyer’s responsibility.

Lawyers, on the other hand, take the lead on all major communications. They meet with clients to discuss strategy, provide guidance, and answer legal questions. This direct interaction carries more responsibility because the lawyer’s advice can impact the outcome of a case.

Legal Fees

Cost is another area where the difference stands out. Paralegals usually bill at a lower hourly rate since their tasks focus on support and preparation. Their work helps reduce overall costs for clients by handling the repetitive, time-consuming tasks.

To put this into perspective, the National Association of Legal Assistants reports that the median hourly wage for paralegals and legal assistants in the United States is $24.87.

On the flip side, lawyers charge higher legal fees because they’re accountable for the case and provide the advice, representation, and strategic decisions clients rely on.

According to Clio’s Legal Trends Report, the average hourly billable rate for lawyers in 2024 was $341, showing the significant cost difference between support work and licensed legal representation.

Nevertheless, a typical law office combines both roles to give clients cost-effective service:

• Paralegal handles preparation and routine follow-ups
• Lawyer handles advice, representation, and final decisions

This team approach saves clients money while making sure they always have access to a licensed professional for the most important parts of their case.

5. Career Paths and Growth

Paralegals often build a specialized career as part of a legal team. Lawyers, by contrast, focus on courtroom work, client representation, and long-term opportunities like firm partnerships or corporate counsel roles.

Paralegals can grow their legal careers in several ways:

• Moving into senior or supervisory paralegal positions
• Gaining experience in high-demand practice areas like real estate or corporate law
• Shifting into training or legal operations within a firm

Networking through paralegal associations can also create paths to advancement or additional certifications.

The job market is steady but not fast-growing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of paralegals and legal assistants is expected to rise 1% from 2023 to 2033, slower than the average for all jobs.

Even so, around 37,300 openings per year are projected, mostly from retirements or people leaving the field.

On the other hand, lawyers typically have more room to advance into leadership roles, private practice, or specialized positions, making their career trajectory broader than that of most paralegals.

How Briefpoint Supports Lawyers and Paralegals

Paralegals and lawyers might handle different responsibilities, but together they keep a law firm running like clockwork.

Paralegals focus on the tasks that form the foundation of any case. Lawyers step in for the decision-making, client guidance, and courtroom work. When each role does its part, the legal team operates smoothly and clients get the attention they expect.

However, the way this work gets done is changing fast. Tasks like drafting discovery documents, preparing motions, and reviewing legal documents no longer have to eat up entire days.

Document automation and legal AI tools now handle the repetitive parts, giving paralegals more time for meaningful support and letting lawyers concentrate on strategy and client relationships.

Briefpoint makes this shift simple. It automates document preparation and review so you’re not buried in paperwork. Your paralegals get time back for meaningful support, your lawyers stay focused on strategy, and your cases move forward without the usual delays.

See how Briefpoint can simplify your legal workflow. Book your demo now.

How Are Law Firms Using AI?

According to the Federal Bar Association’s Legal Industry Report, about 31% of legal professionals said they personally used generative AI at work in 2024, and 21% reported firm‑wide implementation of legal-specific AI tools.

That tells you something. Many attorneys are already using AI in their day-to-day work, while firm-wide adoption is still catching up. Why? Often, firms are building trust, setting policies, and choosing tools that fit their workflows before rolling out broadly.

Here’s how AI is helping those who use it:

• Drafting letters or emails: AI takes the load off routine writing.
• Research and summarization: It pulls up relevant case law or condenses documents fast.
• Contract review: AI flags unusual or risky terms in long agreements.
• Client intake and communication: Chatbots and virtual legal assistants handle initial questions or simple forms.

Among users, most report real-time savings, with 65% of law professionals saying they save 1–5 hours weekly just by using AI tools daily. That makes a difference; you get to focus more on strategy, client work, or thoughtful legal analysis instead of routine busywork.

In short, individuals are finding AI useful right now, and as it proves itself, more firms are starting to bring it into the workflow where it fits best.

Best AI-Powered Tools For Law Firms in 2025

Law firms that start using AI often ask the same next question: which tools actually make the work easier? With more options available in 2025, the focus is on tools that fit right into everyday legal tasks and save hours without disrupting the way your team works.

Let’s look at some of the best options:

1. Briefpoint

Briefpoint is an AI-powered document automation software that handles the routine drafting of discovery documents for busy legal professionals.

If you’ve ever spent hours preparing requests for admission, requests for production, or interrogatories—both propounding and responding—Briefpoint takes that workload off your desk.

It automatically generates court‑ready drafts, applies proper formatting, and even builds objections, which gives you more time for the parts of your cases that truly need your attention.

With many law firms already using generative AI to speed up litigation tasks, Briefpoint stands out because it’s built specifically for the legal profession. 

Upload a complaint to create a propounded discovery or drop in opposing counsel’s requests to produce organized responses in minutes.

Best Features

• Automated discovery drafting: Generates RFAs, RFPs, and interrogatories for all U.S. states and federal districts.
• Objection and response builder: Suggests objections and organizes client responses efficiently.
• Smart court formatting: Applies captions, case numbers, and local formatting rules automatically.
• Workflow integration: Drag‑and‑drop into your CMS and sync deadlines to your calendar.
• Data security: 100% encrypted, with no client data used to train other AI tools.

Pros

• Cuts discovery drafting time by an average of 87%
• Maintains consistency across objections and formatting
• Reduces manual errors and repetitive typing
• Easy for new users to learn quickly
• Frees up hours for client work or strategy
• Provides 24/7 support for busy legal teams

Briefpoint helps you get discovery off your plate faster. Book a demo to see how quickly your team can turn drafts into ready‑to‑serve documents!

2. Clio

Clio is a legal practice management platform designed to make running your firm less stressful. If your desk is full of case files, deadlines, and client emails, Clio keeps everything in one organized space.

Source: G2

It handles the routine tasks like scheduling, billing, and document storage, while its AI technology helps with legal drafting and workflow automation.

For lawyers looking to boost productivity and keep client communication smooth, Clio is a reliable tool that fits into daily legal services without a steep learning curve.

Best Features

• Case and document management: Stores all client files, deadlines, and case notes in one secure hub.
• AI-assisted document drafting: Speeds up repetitive drafting tasks with smart suggestions.
• Client communication tools: Lets you send updates, schedule meetings, and handle intake securely.
• Time and billing management: Tracks billable hours and generates invoices with ease.

Pros

• Keeps your cases and client interactions organized
• Cuts down time spent on repetitive administrative work
• Makes collaboration easier across your team
• Accessible from desktop or mobile for on‑the‑go work

3. CoCounsel

CoCounsel is an AI software designed to support lawyers with research, drafting, and analysis across different practice groups.

Source: ThomsonReuters.com

If legal work like combing through case law, summarizing complex documents, or preparing early drafts slows your team down, CoCounsel helps you get there faster.

It’s built to boost lawyer productivity by handling routine research and drafting tasks while leaving strategic planning and final judgment to human oversight.

By combining technological advancements with practical workflows, CoCounsel fits into a firm’s daily legal operations without replacing the lawyer’s role.

Best Features

• Rapid legal research: Pulls statutes, case law, and summaries in seconds.
• AI-generated document drafts: Produces first drafts for motions and memos to save time.
• Cross-practice support: Works across multiple practice groups, from litigation to corporate.
• Built-in human oversight: Keeps lawyers in control of every output with easy review and edits.

Pros

• Speeds up research and document prep significantly
• Helps firms allocate more time to client strategy and planning
• Reduces the repetitive, time-consuming side of legal work
• Integrates smoothly with daily workflows in most firms

4. Spellbook

Spellbook focuses on one thing most lawyers deal with constantly: contracts. Reviewing and drafting agreements takes time, especially when you’re handling large volumes or working with standard documents that still need careful attention.

Spellbook brings AI and machine learning into that process to give legal professionals a faster way to spot risks, fill in routine sections, and keep contracts consistent.

Source: Spellbook.Legal

Instead of moving between platforms, Spellbook works directly in Microsoft Word. It highlights clauses that might need review, suggests language you can approve or adjust, and helps reduce the hours spent combing through repetitive text.

Best Features

• Contract risk detection: Flags clauses that could pose problems or require attention.
• Clause and language suggestions: Provides editable text to handle standard documents faster.
• Microsoft Word integration: Lets you review and draft legal documents without leaving your main workspace.
• Machine learning support: Learns from your edits to improve suggestions over time.

Pros

• Cuts down on repetitive contract review
• Supports faster drafting without sacrificing control
• Keeps all work in the tools lawyers already use
• Helps teams stay consistent across multiple agreements

5. Luminance

Luminance is designed for legal teams that deal with vast quantities of legal documents and need a faster way to manage document review.

Source: Luminance.com

Combing through contracts, exhibits, and other legal documents for due diligence or compliance can quickly become repetitive and slow down your workflow.

Luminance uses AI systems to identify patterns, highlight key clauses, and organize legal data so you can move through reviews with greater efficiency.

This emerging technology is especially useful during large transactions or investigations where accuracy matters, but time is limited. Rather than manually checking every line, you get clear insights that point you to what needs attention first.

Best Features

• AI-powered document review: Analyzes large volumes of contracts and legal brief materials quickly.
• Key clause detection: Flags unusual or missing terms for faster assessment.
• Legal data organization: Groups related files to simplify due diligence projects.
• Scalable for big cases: Handles vast quantities of files without slowing down your workflow.

Pros

• Speeds up due diligence and large document review projects
• Reduces the most repetitive tasks for legal teams
• Helps identify risks and missing information faster
• Improves efficiency without replacing human oversight

6. Smith.ai

Smith.ai brings new technology to a challenge every firm faces, which is staying on top of client communication. Missed calls or delayed responses can mean lost opportunities, and that’s where a dedicated team paired with AI deployment makes a difference.

Source: G2

Smith.ai combines live receptionists with AI systems to answer calls, handle website chats, and capture client information around the clock.

For firms in the legal industry, this means no inquiry goes unanswered. Prospective clients get the legal information they’re looking for quickly, and existing clients feel supported without your staff being tied to the phone.

Best Features

• 24/7 virtual receptionist service: Handles calls and chats to capture leads at any time.
• AI-supported intake and screening: Collects and organizes client information for your team.
• Integration with practice tools: Sends details directly into your CRM or case management software.
• Outbound call support: Follows up on leads or reminders without adding to your workload.

Pros

• Keeps firms connected to potential and existing clients day and night
• Reduces interruptions for attorneys and staff
• Makes client intake faster and more consistent
• Useful tool for firms preparing for the future of AI in client communication

7. Everlaw

Everlaw is an eDiscovery and litigation platform that helps law firms and legal departments manage vast amounts of evidence and case material efficiently.

Source: G2

In the legal field, handling documents for tort litigation, investigations, or large corporate cases can be overwhelming without the right tools. But by implementing AI into its workflow, Everlaw turns what used to be a slow, manual review into a more structured and manageable process.

This platform acts as a transformative force for teams aiming for professional excellence while meeting a lawyer’s duty to protect client data. It organizes case files, identifies relevant evidence quickly, and maintains strict data privacy standards.

Best Features

• Advanced eDiscovery review: Filters and analyzes large sets of documents to highlight relevant evidence.
• AI-powered search and tagging: Speeds up finding key details across vast amounts of data.
• Collaboration tools: Lets attorneys, staff, and experts work together securely in one workspace.
• Data privacy and security: Meets strict legal requirements to protect sensitive client material.

Pros

• Handles large, complex litigation processes without slowing your team down
• Speeds up document review and evidence preparation
• Maintains strong data privacy and compliance standards
• Supports lawyers in focusing on strategy over administrative work

Why Briefpoint Leads the Shift in Legal AI

As you can see, AI tools aren’t just conveniences; they’re changing how work gets done in ways that directly affect client service, team efficiency, and a lawyer’s day-to-day life.

That being the case, the firms seeing the most benefit are the ones that pick tools that fit naturally into their workflow and focus on freeing time for higher-value work.

Briefpoint stands out because it solves one of the most time-consuming parts of litigation: discovery drafting. 

While other platforms assist with research or document review, Briefpoint gives you back hours by automating the routine parts of propounding and responding to discovery.

It’s a practical step toward adopting AI without losing control of your work product, and it can have a noticeable impact on your team’s schedule and energy.

If saving time on repetitive discovery tasks sounds like a change your firm could use, book a demo today!

What Does Legal Workflow Management Involve?

Simply speaking, legal workflow management is the process of setting clear steps for how legal work gets handled. Essentially, it gives structure to daily operations and helps keep work consistent.

What it involves can vary depending on the size of your team, the type of matters you handle, and the tools you use, but most systems share a few common parts.

Here are the main areas it often covers:

• Client intake: Collecting complete and accurate details at the beginning prevents delays later and gives you a solid starting point.
• Task assignment: Assigning responsibilities to specific people avoids confusion and makes progress easier to track.
• Document management: Drafting, reviewing, and securely storing files becomes smoother when there’s a standard system in place.
• Administrative work: Scheduling, legal billing, and reminders are repetitive but necessary. Handling them consistently saves time.
• Communication: Clear updates with both clients and staff reduce misunderstandings and keep expectations aligned.
• Progress checks: Adding review points at different stages helps catch errors early and maintain quality across matters.

While the exact details differ, the goal is the same: to keep legal work organized, predictable, and easier to manage overall.

What Are The Benefits of Good Legal Workflow Management?

Not all legal workflows are built the same. Some are clunky, outdated, or too dependent on memory, which leads to missed deadlines and unnecessary stress. A well-structured workflow, on the other hand, gives you the following benefits:

Reduced Errors and Overlooked Details

A clear law firm workflow does more than keep things organized. It also helps reduce mistakes tenfold. This is largely because when law firms rely on memory or scattered notes, important steps can be overlooked.

Missed deadlines, missing signatures, or outdated documents are often the result of human error created by too many manual tasks. 

But with the right structure and the support of legal workflow automation software, legal teams can handle their work with more consistency and fewer interruptions.

Here are some common mistakes that better workflows can prevent:

• Missing court deadlines or filing dates because reminders were not set.
• Overlooking client signatures on contracts or pleadings.
• Sending outdated or incorrect versions of documents.
• Skipping review steps that later cause compliance issues.
• Forgetting billable time entries or sending incomplete invoices.

These errors may seem small at first, but they can disrupt legal processes and frustrate clients. When a firm defines its unique processes in a clear workflow, tasks become easier to track, and accountability is stronger.

Adding legal workflow automation software on top of that takes care of repetitive jobs like reminders or document routing, which can give your team more time to focus on meaningful work and provide clients with a smoother experience.

Smarter Use of Time

Time is one of the most limited resources in any legal practice, and poor law firm workflow management often means too much of it gets wasted on low-value work.

Tasks like data entry, scheduling, and document drafting can eat up hours when handled manually. Luckily, legal workflow software helps automate repetitive tasks so your team isn’t tied down by chores that don’t require legal judgment.

For example, instead of retyping the same language into interrogatories or other discovery requests, automation can automatically create those documents in minutes.

That shift not only reduces drafting errors but also frees attorneys to focus on case strategy and client communication rather than formatting and repetition. Even administrative tasks such as reminders or billing entries can run in the background to help matters stay on track.

This is where Briefpoint fits in. It’s designed to take the busywork out of discovery by generating key discovery documents in a fraction of the time. If that’s something your team could use, you can book a demo to see it in action.

Collaboration That Actually Works

Collaboration gets messy when there’s no clear workflow. You’ve probably seen it before. Long email threads, two people working on the same task without realizing it, or the wrong version of a document being sent around. Slip-ups like these waste time and undoubtedly create extra stress.

But when law firms organize their work around the firm’s unique processes, communication is clearer and tasks don’t overlap. Everyone knows who’s handling what, and files are easier to find.

Plus, using legal workflow automation tools helps keep updates current without constant check-ins. This way, teams spend less energy on scattered details and have more room to focus on advancing their cases.

For any legal organization, this kind of structure makes collaboration smoother and helps improve efficiency across the team.

Clients Who Feel Informed and Valued

You know how frustrating it is to wait for an update and get nothing. Clients feel the same way, and when they’re left wondering what’s happening, their confidence in your work can drop quickly. Good workflows help prevent that by keeping communication steady and predictable.

With case management tools or other legal workflow solutions, you can set up steps that keep clients updated with minimal effort.

For example, during the intake process, important client details are captured in one place. This makes it easy to respond when questions come up. You can also send automatic notices for milestones like a filing or a hearing date, so clients always know where things stand.

It also helps to gather feedback at different points. Doing so shows you’re listening and gives you insights that can improve future workflows.

Remember: When clients feel informed and valued, client satisfaction naturally follows.

Lower Costs Without Cutting Corners

Picture a team of legal professionals spending four or five hours drafting a set of discovery requests from scratch. At a few hundred dollars per hour, that single task can run into the thousands.

Multiply that across multiple matters, and the time lost becomes a serious cost for both small firms and corporate legal departments.

Now think about how much of that could be avoided. With law firm workflow software solutions, repetitive steps like document generation, scheduling, and follow-ups can be automated or finished in minutes instead of hours.

That shift means your team spends less time on routine work and more time on tasks that actually move a case forward.

For clients, this creates more predictable billing and a smoother experience. And for your team, it helps reduce overhead while still providing quality service. In practice, it frees up resources for meaningful work instead of letting them get buried in repetition.

5 Simple Ways to Optimize Legal Workflow Management

You’ve seen how better workflows cut down on errors, save time, and even lower costs. The next step is figuring out how to make that happen in your own practice.

The good news is you don’t need a massive overhaul to see results. Small, practical changes can have a big impact on how smoothly your team works.

Here are five straightforward ways to get started:

1. Choose the Right Legal Workflow Management Software

There are many tools out there that promise to make legal work easier, but not all of them fit every practice. The best legal workflow software should match the way your team already works while offering features that improve workflow efficiency.

A good platform supports both attorneys and staff by cutting down on repetitive tasks and keeping information in one place. Here are some features to look for when evaluating software:

• Automated workflows: Set up repeatable steps for common matters so routine work moves forward without constant oversight.
• Task automation: Handle scheduling, reminders, and document routing automatically to save time and reduce manual errors.
• Client intake process: Collect client details through structured forms and store them in the system from day one.
• Legal research tools: Some platforms integrate resources that help teams access case law or statutes quickly within the workflow.
• Integration capabilities: The software should connect with billing, email, and document storage systems you already use.

Of course, the right choice depends on your practice size, case types, and client expectations. With that in mind, taking time to compare features will help you select a tool that improves efficiency without forcing your team to change how they work.

2. Invest in AI and Automation That Match Your Needs

Artificial intelligence and automation can feel intimidating, especially in fields like law, where tradition runs deep. Many legal practitioners worry that technology will replace the human judgment on which their work depends.

In reality, these tools aren’t here to take over. They’re here to handle repetitive, time-consuming steps so you can focus on the parts of the job that require real expertise.

Some areas where AI can make an immediate impact include:

• Document automation: Generate interrogatories, requests, or contracts in minutes instead of hours. Briefpoint is a leading example, built specifically to automate discovery documents.
• Automated tasks: Reminders, scheduling, and billing updates can run in the background.
• Document creation: Use templates and smart tools to build consistent drafts that still allow for review and customization.
• Replacing manual processes: Data entry, routing approvals, and progress tracking are no longer tied to endless emails or spreadsheets.
• Working with existing systems: Many automation platforms connect directly to the tools you already use, which means you don’t need to reinvent your entire setup.

For firms that put automation to work, the payoff is clear: less time wasted on repetitive tasks and more space for attorneys to do higher-value work like thinking through strategy, guiding clients, and advocating with confidence.

3. Build Data-Driven Insights Into Your Workflows

Workflows keep tasks organized, but they can also provide a clear picture of how your team spends its time. Each matter involves client information, deadlines, and legal documents. When this data is tracked properly, it becomes a tool for improving future work.

Consider time tracking. Measuring how many billable hours go into drafting motions compared to reviewing contracts shows where most of the effort is spent. If one task consistently takes longer, you can shift staffing, introduce templates, or add automation to balance the workload.

Data can also reveal patterns in client requests or show where approvals tend to slow things down. Instead of guessing why delays happen, you’ll have numbers that point to the problem.

4. Strengthen Compliance Checks Within the Process

When checks are built into everyday workflows, it’s easier for you and other legal professionals to follow rules, stick to ethical standards, and meet client expectations. In other words, a well-designed system reduces risk and builds consistency across the team.

One way to do this is to turn the firm’s internal playbook into actual workflow steps. For example, if every contract requires a second review before going to a client, make that review part of the process instead of leaving it to memory.

You can also strengthen task management by adding checkpoints for accurate billing, so time entries match the work completed and disputes are avoided. 

Another option is to require automated approvals. If a filing needs a partner’s sign-off, the workflow won’t move forward until that happens.

5. Create a Knowledge Library for Repeat Matters

Chances are, you handle certain types of matters again and again. In that case, setting up a central library of documents, checklists, and notes gives you and your team a head start every time.

Rather than drafting from scratch, you can pull from materials that already work and adjust them to fit the situation.

Your library might include:

• Templates sorted by practice area
• Step-by-step guides for common filings
• Notes from past cases that highlight what worked well
• Resources for onboarding and comprehensive training

Say you often draft employment contracts. Having model agreements ready in your library means you don’t waste hours rebuilding the same structure.

Instead, you begin with a solid foundation and focus on tailoring it to the client’s needs. This saves time, improves consistency, and makes it easier for new team members to get up to speed quickly.

Taking the Next Step in Legal Workflow Management

Managing legal work will never be simple, but the way you handle it can make all the difference. The right workflows cut down on mistakes, save time, and make your clients feel cared for.

The question is, how organized is your current process? Are your attorneys still stuck on repetitive drafting and manual updates, or are you giving them the tools to focus on strategy and client service?

If discovery drafting still eats up hours in your practice, you don’t need to accept that as the norm. Briefpoint can automate discovery documents in minutes and shift work that used to take half a day into a matter of clicks.

Repetitive drafting no longer controls the schedule, and your attorneys finally have room to dig into strategy, connect with clients, and strengthen their arguments.

So ask yourself: what could your team achieve if those hours were freed up? If you’re ready to see the answer, book a demo with Briefpoint and experience how much smoother your workflow can be.

An Overview of the Trial Process

The entire trial process follows a series of courtroom procedures that guide how a case unfolds. While every case has its own twists, most trials follow a familiar structure. Below is a breakdown of the key stages, with a quick look at what happens in each step.

Pre-Trial Motions and Court Filings

Before the trial even begins, both sides may submit court filings that shape how the case will move forward. One common request is a motion for summary judgment, which asks the judge to decide the case without going to trial if the facts aren’t in dispute.

Another common filing is a motion to compel, which asks the court to require the other party to provide evidence or responses that were withheld during discovery.

Other pre-trial motions might aim to limit certain evidence or testimony. Taken together, these early steps can save time and narrow down the issues that will be addressed during the trial.

Jury Selection and Peremptory Challenges

In a jury trial, selecting who will sit on the jury is a critical step. Both attorneys question potential jurors to see if they can be fair. They may challenge certain jurors “for cause” if there’s a clear bias.

They also get a set number of peremptory challenges, which let them dismiss certain jurors without having to explain why. The goal is to form a jury that can weigh the evidence fairly and deliver an impartial verdict.

Opening Statement

Once the jury is seated (or immediately if it’s a bench trial), the trial begins with opening statements. Each side outlines what they plan to prove and sets the stage for the evidence that will follow.

This isn’t about arguing yet. Rather, it’s about giving the judge or jury a roadmap of the case. A strong opening statement helps the jury understand the story behind the facts and what they should watch for in the evidence presented.

Presentation of Evidence and Witness Testimony

After opening, each side takes turns presenting evidence. This includes:

• Physical documents
• Digital records
• Photos
• Anything else that supports their claims

Witness testimony is often the centerpiece, with witnesses sharing what they saw, heard, or know. All the witnesses are sworn in before speaking, and their statements help build or challenge the case narrative.

Cross Examination

Once a witness has given their testimony, the opposing attorney has the chance to ask questions through cross-examination. This is often one of the most intense parts of the trial process. The goal is to test the witness’s credibility, point out contradictions, or show weaknesses in their account.

Strong cross-examination can shake confidence in the other side’s case, while careful handling of your own witnesses can protect their credibility.

Closing Arguments

After all the witnesses and evidence are presented, the trial moves to closing arguments. This is the attorneys’ last chance to speak directly to the jury or judge about the case.

Unlike the opening statement, this is the time for persuasion. Lawyers tie together the evidence presented, highlight strengths in their side’s case, and point out flaws in the opponent’s. A clear and focused closing argument often leaves the strongest impression before deliberations begin.

Jury Deliberations and Verdict

In a jury trial, the case then goes to jury deliberations. The jurors review the evidence, discuss the testimony, and apply the law as explained by the judge.

The length of deliberations varies widely. It could take hours or weeks, depending on the complexity of the case. When the jury reaches a decision, they return to the courtroom to announce the verdict. 

In bench trials, the judge takes on this role directly.

What is Trial Preparation?

Trial preparation is the stage where legal teams pull everything together before heading into court.

If you’re involved in a case, this is the part where your lawyer and their team review evidence, prepare witness lists, and put together a trial brief that lays out the legal arguments. They also meet with you to walk through what to expect in the courtroom, so you’re not caught off guard.

Trial preparation is about making sure deadlines are met and court rules are followed to ensure compliance. Your attorney will also think ahead, planning a legal strategy that responds to what the other party may bring up.

This process builds trial readiness and helps everyone feel confident that the case is solid. When preparation is done right, you walk into court knowing you’re ready for whatever comes next.

Who is Involved in Trial Preparation?

Trial preparation is often a team effort. The exact mix of people can depend on the type of case, like a civil trial or a criminal trial in federal district court.

Nevertheless, here are the main parties that usually take part:

• Defense attorney or plaintiff’s attorney – Leads trial preparation, builds legal arguments, and represents clients in court.
• Clients – Share information, review legal documents, and prepare to testify if needed.
• Paralegals and support staff – Organize case files, handle filings, and assist with scheduling.
• Expert witnesses – Offer specialized knowledge in areas like medicine, finance, or technology to support legal arguments.
• Investigators – Collect facts, locate witnesses, and gather evidence that may help the case.
• Co-counsel or legal teams – In larger cases, multiple attorneys may divide responsibilities to prepare thoroughly.

Each role contributes to trial readiness, and strong coordination between everyone involved helps build a more complete case.

Trial Preparation Checklist

A checklist helps you stay organized and makes sure the important steps aren’t missed. From reviewing filings to lining up witnesses, these are the tasks that set you up for trial readiness.

1. Review Pleadings, Motions, and Trial Brief

One of the first steps in preparing for trial is reviewing the pleadings, motions, and the trial brief. These documents frame the case and guide how the trial will unfold.

Pleadings outline the claims and defenses, while motions can shape what evidence is allowed in court. The trial brief pulls it all together and gives the judge a clear view of the legal arguments being made. So, of course, taking time here sets the tone for the rest of the preparation.

When going through these documents, legal teams usually focus on:

• Double-checking the trial date and any filing requirements
• Identifying rulings that could impact how evidence is used
• Making sure claims and defenses are fully understood
• Preparing a concise summary of legal arguments and proposed jury instructions

Careful review at this stage helps avoid surprises and makes sure everyone is aligned before stepping into the courtroom.

2. Organize Exhibits and Prepare Witness Lists

Organizing exhibits and preparing witness lists is one of the most important parts of thorough preparation. This step revolves around gathering all the information that will be shown in court, whether it’s physical evidence, digital files, or visual aids that help explain complex points.

Additionally, exhibits need to be labeled, indexed, and easy to access during trial so the legal team can present key evidence without delays.

Examples of physical evidence might include:

• Signed contracts
• Medical records
• Photographs
• Email or text communications

At the same time, preparing a strong witness list makes sure that every perspective is covered. A case may include the client, expert witnesses, or even an impartial person who can back up the facts.

Having both the exhibits and witnesses lined up gives the attorney a clear path forward and helps avoid last-minute issues in court.

3. Meet With Clients and Prepare Testimony

Meeting with clients before trial is a key step in building confidence and aligning on the case strategy. These sessions allow attorneys to explain how the trial will unfold and what to expect when the judge meets with both parties in court.

It’s also the stage where testimony is reviewed, so the client feels ready to answer questions clearly and consistently.

Preparation often includes going over the facts of the case, practicing likely questions, and making sure the client understands how their role supports the overall strategy.

Rehearsing testimony in advance helps reduce nerves and keeps the focus on delivering accurate, reliable answers once the trial begins.

4. Review and Organize Discovery Responses

Legal discovery is the stage where both sides exchange information, and reviewing those responses is a central part of preparing for trial.

Legal teams go through everything carefully to confirm that the other party has followed the rules and to make sure they’ve produced documents that could impact the case. Like the other steps, staying organized here avoids surprises and keeps the trial strategy solid.

Key steps often include:

• Checking that responses are complete and nothing important is missing
• Making sure the team is ready to produce documents requested by the other side
• Sorting through written answers and matching them with supporting evidence

Managing discovery can be time-consuming, especially when hundreds of requests are involved. Tools like Briefpoint make this easier by automating much of the drafting and formatting work.

On average, legal teams save 4 hours per discovery document, which means less time spent on repetitive paperwork and more time focusing on case strategy. See how it works today!

5. Draft Opening Statement, Closing Arguments, and Witness Questions

The final step in trial preparation is drafting the statements and questions that shape how the case is told in court. These pieces bring together all the key information gathered and give the legal team a clear script to follow.

At the federal level or in a local civil trial, this preparation is what ties evidence, witness testimony, and legal arguments into a single story that the judge or jury can follow.

Even if the case looks like it may end in a settlement, drafting these materials keeps the team ready in case the trial moves forward.

Key tasks include:

• Writing an opening statement that sets the stage and outlines the case
• Drafting witness questions for both direct and cross-examination
• Preparing closing arguments that summarize evidence and persuade the jury
• Anticipating motions like a directed verdict that could change the flow of the trial

The Role of Automation in Modern Litigation

Now that you’ve seen how each part of trial preparation fits together, it’s clear that success in the courtroom doesn’t happen by accident.

Every step builds toward trial readiness. And when legal teams are well-prepared, they’re able to present key information clearly and respond with confidence to the other party’s case.

The part that often eats up the most time is paperwork, especially in discovery. Document automation can help you reduce (or even eliminate) that burden and make a real difference in litigation.

Briefpoint takes the guesswork out of drafting discovery responses with a simple three-step process:

• Step one: Upload discovery requests, including Requests for Admission, Requests for Production, or Interrogatories.
• Step two: Add objections and responses, with AI suggesting and drafting tailored content while applying consistent standards across your firm.
• Step three: Download, sign, and serve. You can drag and drop completed documents into your CMS, set due dates on your calendar, and quickly finalize for review.

With automation handling the repetitive work, your team can focus on the parts of trial prep that matter most: legal strategy, arguments, and client success. Briefpoint makes it easier to get there. Book your demo today!

1. Implement a Central Communication Hub

A central communication hub keeps all internal communications in one place. This way, your law firm staff and legal professionals can stay on the same page.

Many law firms rely on scattered emails and multiple communication channels, which often makes it hard to know where the latest update is. A hub solves that by giving your team a single space to communicate, share files, track conversations, and more.

Technology tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Zoho Cliq work well for this. They allow employees to create channels for specific cases, departments, or ongoing projects.

Plus, when someone needs the latest document or message, they know exactly where to look without switching between different communication tools.

For many law firms, moving to a central hub makes day-to-day work smoother. Messages are organized, updates are easy to find, and collaboration feels natural. It’s a simple change that helps your team respond faster and focus more on client matters instead of sorting through scattered messages.

2. Provide Clients with a Secure Online Portal

Simply put, a secure online portal gives clients a private space to access case updates, upload documents, and communicate with your team without relying on multiple platforms.

One of the biggest benefits? A portal keeps law firm client communication secure, which gives clients confidence that their sensitive information is protected.

Not all client portals are the same, though. Some are built into legal practice management software like Clio or MyCase, while others are standalone solutions. Either way, a good portal should make it easy for clients to log in anytime and handle common tasks without waiting for a call or email.

Here are a few things clients can do with a secure portal:

• View case progress and timelines in real time
• Upload or download important documents without email attachments
• Send questions or messages directly to your team
• Track past communications in one organized location

A secure portal also improves the client experience throughout the client’s journey. Clients appreciate having clear access to updates, while your team saves time by reducing repetitive calls and emails.

3. Automate Client Notifications and Reminders

Keeping clients informed is key to strong client relationships, but relying on phone calls and endless emails can be time-consuming.

In the legal industry, traditional methods often lead to delays or missed updates. Automating your notifications and reminders changes that because it helps you remind clients about important dates, meetings, or required actions without adding more work for your team.

Automated messages can handle simple but important tasks, like:

• Reminding clients about court dates, deadlines, or upcoming meetings
• Sending confirmations for scheduled appointments
• Notifying clients to send documents or forms you need
• Following up with potential clients after an initial consultation

When set up correctly, these automations protect sensitive information by using secure platforms instead of standard email. They also make clients feel cared for because they receive timely, clear updates without having to answer questions over and over.

Overall, automating reminders creates a positive experience for both your team and your clients. Your staff spends less time chasing follow-ups, and clients get the confidence that they won’t miss anything important.

4. Standardize Email Templates and Response Protocols

Standardizing how your firm handles emails might sound simple, but it can make a huge difference in daily communication. Why?

When every attorney or staff member writes in their own style, clients can get mixed messages or feel like they’re dealing with multiple firms instead of one.

In contrast, having a clear set of templates and response guidelines keeps everyone consistent and makes sending emails faster.

Furthermore, law firms often deal with complex cases, and clients don’t always speak the language of legal jargon. Standard templates help your team share client information in plain, easy-to-read terms.

You can still personalize each message using manual methods or document automation tools, but the framework is already in place. This saves time, prevents mistakes, and keeps your communication skills sharp.

Response protocols are just as important. Decide how quickly your team should reply and how often you’ll share updates during a case. Clients notice when communication is clear and predictable, and that builds stronger connections with your firm.

5. Track Client Interactions with a Legal CRM

In the legal profession, keeping track of every client conversation is key. Emails, calls, and text messages come in from all directions, and without a system, details can easily get lost.

A legal CRM (customer relationship management system) brings it all together so your firm works more smoothly and your team always knows the full history of communication.

It can help you manage:

• All emails, phone calls, and messages connected to a client or case
• Notes from meetings or updates on ongoing services
• Documents and confidential information stored in one secure place
• Follow-up reminders to help lawyers stay on top of next steps

Using a CRM makes your business more organized and helps your team deliver a better client experience. When someone calls with a question, staff can check the record and respond right away.

It also makes daily work more convenient. No one has to dig through inboxes or ask around to find out what’s already been said. For law firms looking to keep communication clear and professional, a legal CRM turns scattered updates into a simple, reliable workflow.

6. Secure Sensitive Conversations with Encryption and E-Signatures

Law firms handle private details every day, and keeping them safe should be a top priority.

Clients expect security whenever they share documents or updates, and using encryption with e-signatures helps you meet that expectation. It protects sensitive files, emails, and forms from being accessed by the wrong person while making the communication process faster.

Here’s what these tools mean for your firm:

• Encryption: Scrambles data so only authorized parties can read it, which keeps messages and files private.
• E-signatures: Allow clients to sign documents digitally in a secure and legally valid way, but without needing to print or scan anything.

Adding these tools to your workflow does more than protect information. It also makes life easier for your team and your clients. They can sign agreements, send files, and give feedback without extra delays or paper trails.

7. Use Document Collaboration Tools

Document collaboration tools give your team one shared space to work on files together, so there’s no confusion about which version is the “right” one.

In a law firm, where contracts, motions, and agreements can go through multiple drafts, having everything updated in real time is a big advantage.

Tools like Google Workspace, NetDocuments, and SharePoint let attorneys and staff edit, comment, and review documents from anywhere. Your team members can see changes as they happen and leave notes for each other, which keeps projects moving.

Clients can benefit too. Rather than waiting for long email chains or messy file exchanges, they can securely access the most up-to-date document through a client portal or your firm’s website.

This approach can enhance both your internal workflow and the client’s experience because communication feels immediate and organized.

Transform Law Firm Communications with Briefpoint

Strong communication keeps your law firm running smoothly. When your team knows exactly where to look for updates and your clients always feel informed, everything becomes easier to manage.

Central hubs, secure portals, automated reminders, standardized emails, legal CRMs, encryption, and collaboration tools all help create a practice that feels organized and professional. Clear communication doesn’t just improve workflow; it reassures your clients that they’re in good hands.

Of course, even with good systems in place, some tasks still eat up time. Discovery is a perfect example. Drafting, organizing, and responding to requests can slow everyone down and leave less time for actual client work.

That’s where Briefpoint makes life easier. Upload a complaint or opposing counsel’s requests, add your objections and client responses, and download a ready-to-finish Word document in minutes. It’s fast, secure, and keeps your client information protected with end-to-end encryption.

If your firm is ready to make communication and discovery simpler, book a demo with Briefpoint today!