Is It Time to Adopt Legal Automation?

Is It Time to Adopt Legal Automation?

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

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

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

lawyer working on Legal Automation

What Does Legal Automation Mean?

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

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

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

Legal automation changes this by increasing efficiency, reducing errors, and freeing up time for legal professionals to focus on more complex, valuable work.

What Legal Processes Can You Automate?

Contrary to popular belief (among legal professionals, at least), many legal tasks are subject to automation. 

Some might argue that legal workflows are too complex to simplify with machines, but today’s legal tech begs to differ.

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

Contract Review and Management

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

Automation tools can help legal departments by scanning contracts for key clauses, compliance issues, and potential risks. They also keep track of different contract versions to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Plus, workflow automation can speed up the approval process so it’s smoother and more efficient. This means no more going back and forth with different entities and wasting even more time on each contract.

Legal Document Drafting

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

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

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

Billing Management

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

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

This leads to better cash flow for your legal team and less financial stress. Plus, you can have a bird’s eye view of how your time is being spent and whether that time is producing value or not.

Routine Tasks

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

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

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

Legal Research

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

However, it’s not like your legal department can skip this very important step.

Luckily, there are now automation tools that can search through vast databases of legal texts, statutes, and precedents way faster than a human ever could. They can also offer summaries of relevant cases and legal opinions, which saves you hours of reading.

Additionally, these tools keep you up-to-date on the latest legal developments so that you always have the most current information.

lawyer working on files

Why is Legal Automation Important For Law Firms?

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

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

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

Increased Efficiency in Task Management

Automating routine tasks saves a lot of time. Things like document drafting, billing, and scheduling get done faster and more consistently, which frees up lawyers to focus on more strategic and complex legal services.

Cost Savings in Daily Operations

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

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

Improved Accuracy and Reduced Errors

Repetitive tasks often lead to human errors that can be costly and time-consuming to fix. Automation eliminates such risks by completing tasks with precision and consistency, which helps make sure you have high-quality outcomes every time.

Ensuring Compliance with Legal Standards

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

Better Client Service

With routine tasks handled automatically, legal professionals can offer quicker turnaround times and more personalized service. Client-specific tasks you can automate include:

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

Simplified and Organized Workflow

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

Scalability for Growing Practices

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

Increased Job Satisfaction

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

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

Data-Driven Insights

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

team work

Signs That You Need Legal Automation Software

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

1. High Volume of Routine Tasks

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

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

2. Frequent Errors

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

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

3. Slow Turnaround Times

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

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

4. Increasing Operational Costs

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

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

5. Employee Burnout

Overworked staff dealing with repetitive tasks can lead to burnout, reducing productivity and increasing turnover rates. 

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

6. Manual Data Management

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

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

Automate the Most Tedious Part of Litigation

Discovery responses are often one of the most time-consuming parts of litigation, pulling valuable time and focus away from building a strong case. Briefpoint changes that by automating this tedious process, which helps you save hours, cut down on costs, and deliver accurate results every time.

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

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

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

Curious about how it can fit into your practice? Schedule a demo today and see how Briefpoint.ai simplifies discovery while letting you focus on what matters most.

Gain a Competitive Advantage With Briefpoint.ai

Discovery responses cost firms $23,240, per year, per attorney. $23,240 estimate assumes an associate attorney salary of $150,000 (including benefits – or $83 an hour), 20 cases per year/per associate, 4 discovery sets per case, 30 questions per set, 3.5 hours spent responding to each set, and 1800 hours of billable hours per year.

Under these assumptions, you save $20,477 using Briefpoint, per year, per attorney.

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

FAQs About Legal Automation

What is legal document automation?

Legal document automation uses software to quickly create, edit, and manage legal documents with templates and minimal manual input. It ensures accuracy, saves time, and reduces errors in tasks like drafting contracts or discovery responses.

What is law firm automation?

Law firm automation involves using technology to streamline repetitive tasks such as billing, scheduling, document drafting, and client intake. This boosts efficiency, cuts costs, and allows lawyers to focus on more complex work.

Can a lawyer’s job be automated?

Parts of a lawyer’s job, like routine tasks, can be automated, but core functions—such as strategic advice and client advocacy—require human expertise. Automation supports lawyers by saving time for higher-value work.

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

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

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Cloud Solutions for Law Firms: Transform Your Practice

Cloud Solutions for Law Firms: Transform Your Practice

Running a law firm comes with its fair share of challenges—managing overwhelming case files, keeping client data secure, meeting deadlines, and staying on top of billing.

On top of that, many firms still rely on outdated systems that make collaboration clunky and remote access nearly impossible. Sound familiar?

Cloud technology offers a way out of these common pain points. By shifting your firm’s operations to the cloud, you can optimize workflows, improve security, and access everything you need from anywhere.

This guide will walk you through why cloud solutions are a must for law firms, how they work, and how to get started. If you’re ready to leave inefficiencies behind, read on to see how the cloud can transform your practice.

two women in business

How Does Cloud Computing Work for Law Firms?

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

Many people already use cloud-based applications, like Google Drive or LinkedIn, for everyday tasks without realizing the underlying technology. Similarly, cloud solutions for law firms work by offering secure, remote access to their entire tech infrastructure through an internet connection and login.

What sets cloud computing apart is that it shifts the responsibility of maintaining the technology to the service provider. Tasks like server updates, security patches, and software upgrades happen automatically in the background, requiring no action from the firm.

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

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

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

Simplify Your Day-To-Day Work

Lawyers juggle a lot; it’s something that won’t change no matter how much technology you adopt. Between managing cases, billing clients, and keeping track of deadlines, things can get overwhelming.

Cloud-based software brings everything into one neat package. You can perform a ton of tasks in one place, such as:

Save on Costs Without Compromising Quality

Running your own servers and keeping IT support on hand can burn a hole in your budget. Cloud solutions do away with those costs. Instead, you get a simple subscription plan that covers everything—no surprise maintenance bills or hardware upgrades.

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

Work From Anywhere, Anytime

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

Keep Client Data Safe

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

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

Grow Without the Growing Pains

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

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

Bounce Back Quickly in an Emergency

Ever lost a crucial document or dealt with a computer crash? With cloud services, your data is automatically backed up, so even if something goes wrong, you can recover everything quickly. Whether it’s a power outage, a broken laptop, or an accidental file deletion, the cloud has you covered.

How to Move Your Law Firm to the Cloud

Transitioning your law firm to the cloud may seem like a big undertaking, but with a clear plan and the right tools, it can be a smooth process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the move without disrupting your operations:

1. Evaluate Your Current Setup

Before moving to the cloud, take time to assess your firm’s current operations. Focus on these key areas:

  • List all existing hardware, servers, and software currently in use.
  • Review where and how your firm stores files, including case documents, client information, and billing records.
  • Examine the tools you use for case management, billing, and communication. Are they meeting your needs, or are there gaps?
  • Look for inefficiencies, such as outdated software, slow systems, or limited access to files outside the office.
  • Consider how your team collaborates. Does your current setup support seamless communication and remote work?

2. Choose the Right Cloud Service Provider

Selecting the right cloud provider is an incredibly important step in your transition. Not all platforms are designed to meet the unique needs of law firms, so focus on providers that specialize in legal software.

Look for features tailored to your practice, such as case management, secure file storage, billing tools, and client communication portals. Security is non-negotiable—make sure the provider complies with industry regulations like GDPR or HIPAA and offers robust measures like encryption and multi-factor authentication. Evaluate their reputation for reliability, uptime, and data protection.

Customer support is equally important. Choose a provider with a strong support team available to help with setup, training, and troubleshooting when needed. Consider their scalability, too—your firm’s needs may grow over time, and the platform should be able to adapt easily.

3. Plan Your Migration

A smooth migration starts with a solid plan. Work closely with your cloud provider to outline every step of the process. Think about what needs to be moved—case files, client data, billing tools, and more—and organize everything ahead of time.

Use this as a chance to do some digital housekeeping. Do you really need those outdated files cluttering up your new system? Probably not.

Set a realistic timeline for the migration that minimizes interruptions to your firm’s work. If possible, schedule it during a slow period to keep the transition stress-free.

Don’t forget to test the system before going live—it’s better to catch glitches early than to deal with surprises later. With the right plan, moving to the cloud can be a straightforward and rewarding experience.

4. Train Your Team

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

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

5. Test the System

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

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

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

6. Go Live and Monitor Performance

When everything is set up and tested, it’s time to make the big move and go live with your cloud system. During this transition, keep a close eye on how the system is performing. Monitor things like file access speed, tool functionality, and overall user experience to make sure everything runs as expected.

Encourage your team to share feedback on their experience with the new platform. Are they finding it easier to manage cases? Is there anything slowing them down? Use this input to make necessary tweaks. If any major issues come up, don’t hesitate to reach out to your cloud provider for support.

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

7. Regularly Update and Maintain

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

Keep an eye out for notifications about new features, improvements, or security updates, and share these with your team to ensure they’re aware of changes that could improve their work. Schedule periodic check-ins with your provider to review system performance, address any concerns, and confirm your data remains secure.

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

woman using a laptop

Is Cloud Technology Secure?

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

In fact, many cloud providers offer security measures beyond what most firms can achieve independently. Here’s what makes cloud systems so secure:

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

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

Modernize Your Law Firm With Cloud Technologies

The legal industry is changing, and cloud technology is becoming a foundation for modern law firms. With the ability to access files securely from anywhere, collaborate easily with your team, and simplify case management, cloud solutions are transforming how firms operate.

Beyond the convenience, the cloud offers high-tech security and scalability to help your practice grow without unnecessary headaches.

Transitioning to the cloud can feel like a big step, but with thoughtful planning, the right provider, and a well-prepared team, it’s a move that pays off. Take the opportunity to make your firm more effective, flexible, and ready for the demands of the future.

And if you want to make your firm even more efficient, start automating one of your biggest bottlenecks: document drafting. Briefpoint is an AI-powered tool that speeds up the preparation of discovery requests and responses, which allows your firm to draft documents in mere minutes.

Book a demo today and see how Briefpoint can revolutionize the way your law firm handles discovery documents!

The Financial Advantage Modern Legal Tech Provides

Discovery responses cost firms $23,240, per year, per attorney. $23,240 estimate assumes an associate attorney salary of $150,000 (including benefits – or $83 an hour), 20 cases per year/per associate, 4 discovery sets per case, 30 questions per set, 3.5 hours spent responding to each set, and 1800 hours of billable hours per year.

Under these assumptions, you save $20,477 using Briefpoint, per year, per attorney.

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

FAQs About Cloud Services for Law Firms

What is the best cloud service for lawyers?

The best cloud service depends on your firm’s specific needs. Popular options include Clio for case management, NetDocuments for secure file storage, and MyCase for an all-in-one platform that handles billing, scheduling, and client communication. Look for a provider specializing in legal tools, offers robust security features, and integrates well with your existing workflows.

Do law firms use cloud computing?

Yes, many law firms have adopted cloud computing to improve efficiency, tighten up data security, and allow remote access to critical tools. It’s becoming the standard for modern legal practices, as cloud solutions allow lawyers to manage cases, collaborate with clients, and access files from anywhere with an internet connection.

What type of software do law firms use?

Law firms commonly use software for case management, billing, document management, time tracking, and secure communication. Cloud-based solutions are preferred for their accessibility and scalability. Tools like Clio, DocuSign, and PracticePanther are popular choices as they offer features tailored specifically to legal professionals.

What are examples of cloud solutions?

Examples of cloud solutions include Google Workspace for email and document sharing, Dropbox for secure file storage, and Clio for managing cases and clients. These tools streamline everyday operations by offering remote access, collaboration features, and secure storage—all essential for the modern legal industry.

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

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

 

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What Are the Top HotDocs Alternatives in 2024? (7 Options)

What Are the Top HotDocs Alternatives in 2024?

HotDocs has been around since the 1990s and has successfully established itself as one of the earliest document automation tools. However, seniority doesn’t always mean it’s the best.

In 2024, law firms need a document management solution that lets them collaborate while checking all the boxes: accuracy, consistency, and compliance.

Does HotDocs meet all these requirements? What are its main features, anyway? 

Let’s get to know HotDocs inside out and what it lacks. We’ll discuss the best HotDocs alternatives that could give you the efficiency, affordability, and user-friendliness you need.

man in a suit working on a laptop

What Is HotDocs?

HotDocs is a document automation tool that helps businesses create complex documents quickly and accurately. Imagine being able to generate contracts, forms, and agreements with just a few clicks instead of spending hours drafting each one by hand. 

That’s what HotDocs does—it turns your repetitive document creation tasks into a more efficient process.

Here’s how it works: You start with templates, which are pre-designed documents that you can customize. You input your data once, and HotDocs takes care of the rest, filling in the details and making sure everything is correct.

This process saves a ton of time and reduces the risk of errors, which is especially important in fields like law, finance, and real estate, where precision is non-negotiable.

Why Should You Consider a HotDocs Alternative?

While HotDocs is a powerful tool for document automation, it might not be the perfect fit for everyone. Here’s why you might want to explore some alternative tools to create documents, especially legal documents:

Cost Considerations

Let’s face it: HotDocs can be pricey, especially for small businesses or startups watching their budgets. The high cost can be a big barrier.

Many alternatives offer more flexible and affordable pricing plans or even free versions, which can help you save money without sacrificing functionality.

User Interface and Ease of Use

HotDocs packs a lot of power, but its interface can feel like a maze. If you spend too much time figuring out how to use it, that’s a problem.

Many alternatives have simpler, more intuitive interfaces that make getting started and training your team easier. Imagine reducing the time you spend trying to learn the software!

Integration With Other Tools

Good document automation should work seamlessly with the tools you already use. While HotDocs integrates with many systems, it might miss some key ones you rely on.

Some alternatives offer better compatibility and more extensive integration options for a smoother legal workflow. Think of it as finding a tool that fits perfectly into your existing setup without any hassle.

Scalability for Different Business Sizes

HotDocs is great for handling complex needs, but it might be too much if you’re a smaller operation. Alternatively, it might not be flexible enough if you’re a larger business needing extensive customization.

Alternatives often provide scalable solutions that grow with your business, which gives you just the right amount of power and flexibility.

Better Collaboration Features

In today’s collaborative work environment, having the right features to work together is a must. While HotDocs is good, some alternatives shine brighter with real-time editing, team workflows, and sharing options that increase productivity and teamwork.

Customization and Flexibility

Every business is unique, and your document automation tool should be too. Some HotDocs alternatives offer greater customization options, which allow you to tailor the software to fit your needs. This means you can mold the tool to your workflow rather than the other way around.

Plus, you need a tool with legal document templates that fits your area of expertise. For example, if you want a tool to speed up your discovery process, something like Briefpoint.ai is designed specifically for discovery requests and response documents.

7 Best HotDocs Alternatives You Need to Try

What if Hotdocs isn’t serving your needs as well as it should? Well, it might be time to find a document generation solution that fits perfectly in your tool stack. 

We’ve compiled some of the best document automation tools that could deliver a significantly better experience for your law firm:

1. Briefpoint

Briefpoint.ai is an AI-powered document automation tool designed to simplify the process of creating legal documents, particularly discovery request and response documents. These include but are not limited to:

Briefpoint

Briefpoint uses a combination of natural language processing and large language models to understand and generate documents based on user uploads, which makes it a perfect fit for lawyers and legal professionals who need to create complex documents at a rapid-fire pace.

Most importantly, the process is extremely simple. You upload the opposing counsel’s discovery request, and Briefpoint’s machine-learning AI system will instantly scan and extract as much information as it can.

Then, the AI will fill out the routine data in your response document and automatically suggest objections to the requests. Briefpoint also has a built-in feature called Bridge, which makes it easy to collect client responses and plug them into your draft.

Finally, you can export your document to Word and put the finishing touches there. The whole process can take as little as a few minutes, compared to hours, if you were to create a whole document manually.

Key Features

  • AI-driven document generation
  • Template management
  • Integration with legal databases
  • Customizable clauses and terms
  • Supports Word documents

Pros

  • Easy to use: The intuitive interface makes it simple for users to get started without extensive training.
  • AI-driven: Automates complex legal document creation and minimizes errors from manual data entry.
  • Affordable: Offers competitive pricing plans accessible for small to large firms.

2. Legito

Legito is a versatile document automation platform that simplifies the management of different document types. It features automated workflows, customizable templates, legally binding e-signatures, and seamless integration with CRM and ERP systems.

legito

Image sources: G2

For legal professionals, Legito automates the creation of contracts, agreements, and other traditional documents, which cuts down on manual work and produces fewer errors. The interactive templates help ensure compliance and easy customization. 

Plus, its document lifecycle management tracks status, manages revisions, and maintains compliance to help save time and increase accuracy.

Key Features

  • No-code automation platform
  • Interactive templates
  • Document lifecycle management
  • Integration with CRM and ERP systems
  • Legally binding e-signatures

Pros

  • Versatile: Supports a wide variety of document types and industries.
  • Feature-rich: Includes powerful automation, templates, and e-signatures.
  • Collaboration: Excellent tools for team collaboration and real-time editing.

Cons

  • Overkill for small businesses: Might offer more features than small businesses need.
  • Learning curve: Takes time to learn all the features and fully take advantage of them.

3. Knackly

Knackly lets you simplify document creation with user-friendly templates, easy data importing/exporting, and smart conditional logic. It also integrates well with practice management software, a primary reason why it’s a complete solution for legal document needs.

knackly

Image sources SaaS Hub

This tool automates legal document generation to help you save time and increase the consistency among your documents. Users create templates with placeholders for variable data, which can be manually entered or imported. 

The tool uses conditional logic to tailor document content based on specific criteria for accuracy and customization. Once data is input, Knackly merges it with the templates to generate complete documents.

Additionally, its intuitive user interface means anyone can use it, while features like conditional logic help make sure documents are accurate and compliant.

Key Features

  • Template-based document automation
  • Integration with practice management software
  • Data importing and exporting
  • Conditional logic

Pros

  • User-friendly: Designed to be easy to use, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
  • Efficient template management: Simplifies the creation and management of document templates.
  • Affordable: Competitively priced, it’s accessible for small to medium-sized businesses.

Cons

  • Primarily for legal use: Best suited for legal documents, which might limit its appeal to other industries with very different business processes.
  • Limited integrations: It may not integrate with all the software tools a business uses.

4. DocuGenerate

DocuGenerate is an intuitive document automation tool that makes creating and managing documents straightforward and efficient. It offers features like data merging, conditional logic, and support for various file formats. 

docugenerate

Image sources: G2

With easy integration into cloud storage, it also provides flexibility and ease of access no matter where your team members are.

How does it work? DocuGenerate automates document creation by allowing users to create templates with fields for data merging. Then, users input data, and the tool fills in the templates accordingly with conditional logic to guarantee accuracy and customization.

Key Features

  • Data merging
  • Conditional logic
  • Multiple file format support
  • Integration with cloud storage

Pros

  • Flexible pricing: Offers a range of pricing options, including a free tier.
  • Easy integration: Works well with various cloud storage and other business tools.
  • User-friendly: Simple interface that makes document automation accessible to everyone.

Cons

  • Advanced features need configuration: Some of the more advanced features might require additional setup.
  • Limited advanced functions: Might not have all the advanced capabilities that larger businesses need.

5. PandaDoc

Next up is PandaDoc, a document assembly tool that allows users to create documents using customizable templates, which can be easily edited and personalized. You can add and sign documents electronically and collaborate with team members in real time.

pandadoc

Image sources: G2

At the same time, the platform tracks document progress and provides analytics on document interactions so that you stay informed about how documents are being used.

Key Features

  • E-signatures
  • Document templates
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Analytics and tracking

Pros

  • Lots of features: From e-signatures to analytics, PandaDoc covers a lot of ground.
  • Excellent collaboration tools: Great for teams needing to work together on documents.
  • Free plan available: Offers a free tier for businesses to try before committing.

Cons

  • Can be pricey: The more advanced features come with higher costs.
  • Occasional bugs: Some users report occasional issues and bugs.

6. Juro

Juro is a contract automation platform designed to simplify the management of legal agreements. It allows users to create and manage contracts using easy-to-customize templates. To further simplify the contract lifecycle, you can add e-signatures and automate workflows.

juro

Image sources: G2

Juro is perfect for legal professionals who handle a high volume of contracts. It reduces manual work, minimizes errors, and speeds up the contract management process—all making it a useful tool for improving efficiency and productivity.

Key Features

  • Contract automation
  • E-signatures
  • Customizable contract templates
  • Workflow management

Pros

  • Specialized for contracts: Perfect for businesses that need to manage contracts efficiently.
  • Intuitive interface: Easy to use, with a clean and simple design.
  • Good customer support: Responsive support to help with any issues.

Cons

  • Limited to contracts: Best suited for contract-related documents, which might not cover all needs.
  • Higher pricing for advanced plans: The more advanced features can get expensive.

7. Proposify

Proposify is a document generation and management solution specifically for business proposals. It allows users to create professional proposals using customizable templates tailored to specific needs. This can help sales teams looking to speed up their proposal process.

proposify

Image sources: G2

Key Features

  • Proposal templates
  • E-signatures
  • Detailed analytics
  • Team collaboration

Pros

  • Suitable for sales proposals: Tailored for creating and managing proposals, focusing on the sales process.
  • Detailed analytics: Provides insights into how proposals are viewed and interacted with.
  • Collaborative features: Great for teams, with real-time collaboration tools.

Cons

  • Limited to proposals: Primarily designed for proposals, which might not meet all document needs.
  • Can be too focused: Some users might find it too specialized and lacking in broader document automation features.

Why Briefpoint Is the Best HotDocs Alternative

Looking for the best alternative to HotDocs? You’re just in the right place.

Briefpoint will transform your discovery process with its AI-driven tech, which speeds up and simplifies document creation—less fuss, and fewer mistakes. It’s incredibly user-friendly, so you can hit the ground running without navigating through complicated setups.

Plus, it’s tailored for legal professionals so that all your documents meet compliance standards without extra hassle. And if you ever get stuck, their customer support is just a quick call or click away.

Book a demo today and see the difference.

Why Choose Briefpoint?

Discovery responses cost firms $23,240, per year, per attorney. $23,240 estimate assumes an associate attorney salary of $150,000 (including benefits – or $83 an hour), 20 cases per year/per associate, 4 discovery sets per case, 30 questions per set, 3.5 hours spent responding to each set, and 1800 hours of billable hours per year.

Under these assumptions, you save $20,477 using Briefpoint, per year, per attorney.

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

FAQs About HotDocs Alternatives

What features should I look for in a HotDocs alternative?

When choosing a HotDocs alternative, focus on customization options to create templates that fit your needs, integration capabilities with your current tools, and ease of use to minimize the learning curve. Also, consider the pricing and scalability to make sure it suits your budget and can grow with your business.

How do HotDocs alternatives compare in terms of pricing?

HotDocs alternatives generally offer more flexible and clear pricing options. Many provide free trials or basic plans, which are great for small businesses or startups. Subscription models with different feature levels let you pick a plan that fits your needs. In contrast, HotDocs might have a more complex and expensive pricing structure, which may not be as budget-friendly for smaller organizations.

How easy is it to switch from HotDocs to another tool?

Switching from HotDocs to an alternative can be pretty straightforward with the right help. Many alternatives offer migration assistance and detailed setup guides to make the transition smooth. They often have data import features to transfer your existing documents and templates seamlessly, along with customer support to assist with any issues during the process.

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

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

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5 Must-Have Litigation Software Tools for Lawyers

5 Must-Have Litigation Software Tools for Lawyers

Handling legal cases can quickly become overwhelming with all the deadlines, documents, and research involved.

Luckily, litigation software offers tools to help law firms stay organized, automate routine tasks, and make the legal process more manageable.

Let’s explore the different types of litigation software that can simplify your workload.

lawyers working

What is Litigation Software?

In a nutshell, litigation software helps law firms manage the many moving parts involved in lawsuits and litigation cases.

It covers everything from case management to document storage, legal research, and even automating some of the more tedious tasks.

Whether you’re trying to keep track of court dates, store important files, or search through old case records, litigation software is designed to help.

5 Types of Litigation Software You Need

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

legal lawyers meaning

1. Litigation Management Software

Litigation management software helps you track your cases, deadlines, court appearances, and key litigation events all in one place.

Instead of relying on spreadsheets or sticky notes, you can have everything organized and easy to access.

Key Features:

  • Case tracking
  • Calendar reminders for court dates
  • Document organization by case
  • Time tracking and billing

2. Document Management Software

Every lawyer knows that paperwork is a big part of the job. Keeping track of every document, filing it correctly, and making sure you can find it later is no easy task.

Document management software stores all your legal documents securely in one place, which makes it easy to search, retrieve, and share with colleagues or clients.

Key Features:

  • Secure file storage
  • Searchable document libraries
  • Version control (so you don’t lose important changes)
  • Sharing and collaboration tools

3. Discovery Document Automation Software

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

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

Key Features:

  • Automated drafting of discovery documents
  • Templates for discovery requests and responses
  • Legal form generation
  • Customization options for specific case needs

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

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

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

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

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

Briefpoint

4. Legal Research Software

Legal research can be one of the more tedious parts of preparing for a case. You have to dig through old court cases, laws, and statutes to find the right information to support your argument.

Legal research software, which often includes a feature called verdict search, makes this process easier by pulling up relevant case law and legal precedents for you.

This way, you can gain valuable insights for favorable case outcomes without spending hours searching for information from multiple sources.

Key features:

  • Searchable databases of case law
  • Verdict search for past rulings
  • Statute and regulation libraries
  • Real-time updates on changes in the law

5. Legal Practice Management Software

Though sometimes similar to litigation management software, legal practice management software takes things a step further by automating routine tasks like handling billing, client communications, and overall law firm operations.

It’s an all-in-one solution that helps you keep your entire practice running smoothly.

Key features:

  • Client management tools
  • Billing and invoicing
  • Time tracking
  • Document and case management integration

Simplify Your Legal Workflow with Litigation Software

Litigation software can take a lot of the hassle out of managing cases, documents and even the time-consuming discovery process.

With the right tools, you’ll stay organized, work faster, and focus more on winning your cases.

Want to see just how much time you could save?

Try Briefpoint for yourself! Schedule a demo today and find out how it can make your discovery process faster and easier, all while cutting costs.

Make the Discovery Process More Cost-Effective With Briefpoint

Discovery responses cost firms $23,240, per year, per attorney. $23,240 estimate assumes an associate attorney salary of $150,000 (including benefits – or $83 an hour), 20 cases per year/per associate, 4 discovery sets per case, 30 questions per set, 3.5 hours spent responding to each set, and 1800 hours of billable hours per year.

Under these assumptions, you save $20,477 using Briefpoint, per year, per attorney.

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

FAQs About Litigation Software

What is litigation software?

Litigation software is a set of digital tools that helps law firms manage and organize various aspects of legal cases. It includes features for tracking case details, storing documents, automating discovery, and handling court-related administrative tasks, all designed to improve efficiency and reduce manual work.

What type of legal software do firms use?

Law firms use a variety of software to simplify their operations, including litigation management, document management, discovery automation, legal research, and practice management software. These tools help with case tracking, document storage, filing deadlines, research, billing, and client communication.

What software is used for case management?

For case management, legal professionals often use litigation management software or practice management platforms. These tools help organize case details, track court dates, manage client information, and store legal documents all in one place, simplifying the entire legal process for civil litigation.

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

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

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7 Features to Look For When Choosing Litigation Support Software

7 Features to Look For When Choosing Litigation Support Software

Litigation management software is designed to make life easier for law firms, mainly those that handle the often complicated and long-winded litigation process.

In its most basic form, this kind of legal software takes over the bulk of administrative tasks like document preparation and scheduling.

However, as legal technology progresses, litigation management software has become a multi-faceted tool that can handle almost all aspects of legal work.

All that said, not all litigation management systems are made the same. In this guide, we’ll highlight some of the most important features your litigation management tool should have, and how to choose the right one.

lawyer looking at documents

What is Litigation Support Software?

Litigation support software is a tool that helps lawyers and legal teams manage their cases more efficiently. 

Basic software helps organize case information, manage documents, and handle other routine legal matters. More advanced or task-specific tools can perform more niche tasks like discovery document preparation and litigation research.

Either way, these tools aim to make everything from research to trial preparation smoother.

7 Features to Look For When Choosing Litigation Support Software

Choosing the right litigation case management software is not as complicated as you may think. In fact, it becomes very simple once you know what to look for.

Start by looking for a tool that solves any specific problems that you may have. Still, your litigation management software should have the following features:

1. Comprehensive Document Management

Good software should make it easy to keep all your files organized—from court documents to filing deadlines. 

Features like advanced search, easy version control, and secure sharing can save you a ton of time. This way, you’re not digging through files, and everyone stays on the same page with the latest updates.

2. Simplified Case Management

You’ll want a system that helps manage every part of a case, from start to finish. This means keeping track of important dates, all the people involved, and detailed records of what’s happened.

Automated reminders, easy access to client information, and centralized platforms help lawyers manage their cases more efficiently.

This level of organization can help everyone in the legal team stay on top of deadlines and avoid the issues that come with time mismanagement, such as dissatisfied clients and wasted resources.

3. Integration with Existing Systems

Top-notch software integrates seamlessly with existing systems within the law firm, including accounting software and communication tools. 

This integration helps simplify tasks and reduces the need to juggle multiple systems.

4. Intuitive Communication Tools

Look for software that helps keep everyone connected. Whether it’s updates for your team or communications with clients, real-time info and easy sharing options mean no one’s left out of the loop. 

Focus on features like client portals, real-time updates, mobile accessibility, and integration with email and other communication tools.

5. Automation of Routine Tasks

Automating routine tasks is one of the most valuable features of effective litigation support software, as it can simplify your legal workflows and minimize the administrative burden on your team. 

Automation involves using software to handle repetitive and time-consuming tasks that would otherwise require manual input from staff.

This frees up your team members to focus on more complex, strategic aspects of their work that require human judgment and expertise.

For example, automation can manage scheduling by syncing with court deadlines and automatically reminding team members of important dates, ensuring nothing gets missed. This can include court appearances, filing deadlines, and internal review dates.

It can also extend to document handling, such as auto-generating standard legal documents based on templates, filling in client information where needed, and even drafting correspondence or routine legal filings.

6. Security and Privacy

When it comes to litigation support software, robust security and privacy measures are non-negotiable. Given the sensitive nature of legal data, the software must be equipped with top-notch security features to protect against data breaches and unauthorized access.

Make sure that the software uses strong encryption for both data at rest and data in transit. This means that your files and communications are encoded and can only be accessed by individuals with the correct decryption keys. 

Plus, it should allow you to set detailed user permissions. This feature helps control who can see what information, ensuring that only relevant team members have access to sensitive data.

7. Customization and Scalability

Every law firm is different, so flexibility in software is a must. A customizable platform allows you to tailor features, workflows, and interfaces to fit the specific requirements and preferences of your team, which helps improve usability and efficiency.

For instance, you might want to configure dashboards to display critical information specific to each user’s role or create custom forms and fields that match the data you typically handle.

Scalability is equally important as it makes sure that the software can grow with your firm. As your practice expands, you may take on more complex cases or increase your team size. 

Scalable software can handle an increasing amount of work and additional users without performance degradation.

This means you won’t need to invest in new software every few years as your firm grows; instead, the same platform can expand its capabilities.

Colleagues in a meeting

How to Choose the Right Software Provider

As we’ve mentioned before, litigation management software can vary in quality. Here are several factors to consider when looking for the right litigation management software:

Understands Your Needs

The ideal provider understands law firms’ specific needs. They offer tailored solutions that handle everything from court dates to the discovery process and ensure their software aligns with your administrative tasks and litigation management.

Offers Good Support

Effective support is vital. The right provider responds quickly when issues arise to help maintain smooth operations. This continuous support is a must-have for minimizing disruptions and maintaining client satisfaction.

Grows With You

As your law firm expands, your software should adapt effortlessly. Look for a provider whose software can scale up to accommodate new cases, clients, and changes in court rules without a hitch.

Trustworthy

Choose a provider with a solid reputation in the legal industry. A provider trusted by other law firms indicates reliability and quality, which signals that you’re making a sound investment. 

Gauge a provider’s reliability and reputation by reading reviews, consulting other legal professionals, and taking advantage of free trials.

Implementation of Litigation Management Software and Training for Staff

Selecting the right legal tools is just the beginning–the next step is to implement them into your practice with as little friction as possible. Good litigation management software should meet the following criteria:

Teaches Everyone

It’s important that the training covers all staff members, not just a select few. Everyone should understand how to use the new system to make sure a comprehensive solution is effectively used across the firm.

Fits Your Schedule

Training sessions should align with the firm’s operational hours to avoid disrupting daily activities. Well-planned sessions make sure that learning the new system doesn’t interfere with the firm’s legal services.

Goes Step by Step

A step-by-step training approach prevents information overload. Trainers should break down each feature of the software to make it easier for staff to absorb and apply the information.

Supports Users

Post-training support is just as important as the initial sessions. Staff should have access to ongoing help to address any questions or issues as they use the software so that they feel confident and supported at all times.

Choosing Your Litigation Management Software

The discovery process is one of the most tedious parts of litigation, and it often consumes hours of work that could have been spent on other valuable tasks. The most time-consuming part of it all? Discovery document preparation.

Briefpoint provides a comprehensive solution to this problem. With generative artificial intelligence, it lets you draft discovery responses and request documents in minutes.

Simply upload your documents, insert your objections or responses, and then finish it up on Word.

Briefpoint also comes with Bridge, a built-in feature that lets you select the interrogatories that need your client’s responses, translate them into plain English, and plug their responses back into your document.

The process is simple, quick, and cost-effective. Let Briefpoint be the next tool in your litigation management software stack.

Briefpoint

Maximize Your Firm’s Productivity with Briefpoint

Discovery responses cost firms $23,240, per year, per attorney. $23,240 estimate assumes an associate attorney salary of $150,000 (including benefits – or $83 an hour), 20 cases per year/per associate, 4 discovery sets per case, 30 questions per set, 3.5 hours spent responding to each set, and 1800 hours of billable hours per year.

Under these assumptions, you save $20,477 using Briefpoint, per year, per attorney.

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

FAQs about Litigation Support Systems

Can litigation support systems be integrated with other business tools?

Yes, most litigation support systems are designed to integrate seamlessly with other business tools used by law firms. This integration helps create a more cohesive environment where information flows smoothly between different services. 

Are litigation support systems suitable for law firms of all sizes?

Litigation support systems come in various scales and can be customized to fit the needs of any size of law firm. Whether it’s a small practice or a large legal corporation, these systems can adapt to the specific requirements of the business. 

How does litigation support software improve collaboration among legal teams?

Litigation support software makes it easier for legal teams to work together. It allows everyone to access and update documents on the fly, chat directly in the app, and manage who gets to see what. This way, the whole team stays in sync and can work more smoothly on cases.

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

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

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8 Best Legal Document Automation Software For 2025

8 Best Legal Document Automation Software For 2025

Advances in software and artificial intelligence (AI) are enabling the legal profession to automate more rote tasks. Solutions reduce the burden on attorneys and paralegals, driving up margins, reducing burnout, and allowing more client focus. 

Unfortunately, not all lawyers are technically minded, limiting their capacity to choose a suitable solution. Dozens of software developers promise remarkable benefits, but which can produce the goods? 

In this article, we’ll explore the best eight legal document automation solutions in today’s market, helping you find solutions to drive success in your practice. 

Before we talk about the best legal document automation software, let’s discuss what document automation is and the benefits of finding the right one in the first place.

Unfortunately, not all lawyers are technically minded, limiting their capacity to choose a suitable solution. Dozens of software developers promise remarkable benefits, but which can produce the goods? 

In this article, we’ll explore the best 8 legal document automation solutions in today’s market, helping you find solutions to drive success in your practice. 

Before we talk about the best legal document automation software, let’s discuss the benefits of finding the right one in the first place.

man working on legal documents

What is Document Automation?

Document automation simplifies the process of creating and managing documents by using technology to handle repetitive tasks.

Instead of drafting each document from scratch, you can rely on pre-built templates and logic to quickly produce accurate and professional results.

It’s especially useful for generating contracts, NDAs, agreements, and other essential documents that require precision and consistency.

By reducing manual work, document automation saves time, minimizes errors, and makes sure every document adheres to the same standards.

In the legal field, document automation provides some specific benefits. We’ll go over the most important ones below.

8 Best Legal Document Automation Software Tools For 2025

Now that you know the key advantages that legal document automation software can bring to your law firm, here are the best options you can choose from:

1. Briefpoint

Briefpoint is one of the leading document automation software specifically designed for legal practices. Over 500 law firms currently trust it to streamline the drafting of routine discovery responses and request drafting tasks, allowing attorneys to save time and focus on higher-value tasks.

Briefpoint AI Homepage

As a specialized solution for the legal sector, Briefpoint automates requests for admission, requests for production, and interrogatories. These documents are time-consuming, but the document automation tool automates the process using the power of machine learning.

A standout feature of Briefpoint is Briefpoint Bridge, which simplifies client communication. This feature lets you collect client responses with ease.

It translates requests into plain English, sends them to your clients, and automatically integrates their responses into your discovery documents.

Briefpoint lets you schedule a demo to test its software at your firm. The solution is appropriate for people of all technical skills with almost no learning curve, saving an average of 87% of time spent on each document.

View Briefpoint’s pricing here.

Pros

  • Briefpoint significantly reduces the time spent on drafting discovery responses and other repetitive legal documents, which allows attorneys to focus on higher-value tasks.
  • Designed with legal professionals in mind, Briefpoint has a user-friendly interface that requires minimal training, making it accessible to users of all technical abilities.
  • Briefpoint is tailored specifically for the legal industry, with features that automate complex documents like requests for admission, requests for production, and interrogatories.
  • The platform leverages AI to scan and analyze documents and auto-populate information, which minimizes manual input and potential errors.

By automating routine tasks, Briefpoint can lead to significant cost savings per attorney, improving the overall profitability of your practice.

Pricing

Briefpoint offers pricing plans to suit various needs. The Á La Carte plan costs $55 per document with no minimums, which is ideal for firms drafting limited discovery documents. The Solo plan is $89 per month (billed annually) for a single user, including unlimited document generation and collaboration features.

For small teams, the Team plan costs $390 per month for 2–5 users, while larger teams can opt for the Armada plan at $890 per month for 6–15 users, both billed annually. Customized pricing is available for organizations with over 15 users, and a free trial is offered to automate the first document without a credit card.

Schedule a demo with Briefpoint

 2. Clio

Clio is a market leader in law office management and offers various legal document automation features as part of a suite of services.

Clio

Source: Clio.com

The tool gives you control over your practice from a single dashboard, eliminating the need for complex integrations or straddling workflows. 

Clio includes templates for legal documents, including letters, contracts, and pleadings. The drag-and-drop interface makes customizations and edits straightforward, avoiding the need for technical knowledge. 

Furthermore, the software operates practice-wide via the cloud. Team members can access it anywhere, facilitating remote work and out-of-hours services. 

That said, it is not perfect. While Clio offers some document automation, it is a tacked-on feature. Developers felt they had to include it after other vendors introduced more advanced solutions. Therefore, it doesn’t offer the customization features required for highly specialized needs. 

Pricing can also be an issue. The subscription fee is per user, with some plans over $125 a month for every account you add.

Furthermore, it makes you pay extra to access integrations, which is problematic if you have invested heavily in your software stack already. 

Pros

  • Clio combines document automation with case management, billing, and client relationship tools for an all-in-one solution
  • Cloud-based platform allows access from anywhere, suitable for remote work
  • Intuitive drag-and-drop interface is easy for all technical levels
  • Integrates with tools like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and legal research software
  • Customizable templates simplify legal document creation

Cons

  • Pricing can be high for smaller firms, especially with per-user subscriptions
  • Document automation features are basic compared to specialized tools
  • Some integrations require additional fees, increasing costs
  • Learning curve for new users due to comprehensive features
  • Reports of slow loading and occasional glitches
  • It may be too complex for solo practitioners or very small firms

Pricing

Clio’s pricing starts at $49 per user per month for the basic plan with features like time tracking, billing, and case management.

For teams, the Advanced plan costs $129 per user per month and includes client collaboration tools, document automation, and app integrations.

3. DocuSign

DocuSign Signature doesn’t quite fall into the category of legal document automation software, but law offices use it extensively, so it is worth mentioning here.

Teams find it helpful to enable attorneys and clients to sign documents and track their progress over time. As such, it saves time compared to conventional paper-based signing workflows.

Docusign

Source: DocuSign.com

Other benefits include its mobile-friendliness, integration across platforms, and reasonably advanced security. 

Other solutions offer far more time-saving features. It also focuses on electronic signatures. While you can make edits, doing so is cumbersome. 

Finally, you will need to pay a subscription if using the solution for high volumes of documents (a guarantee in most legal practices). Therefore, it is not a free tool, despite seeming like one. 

Pros

  • DocuSign is user-friendly, simplifying electronic signatures for legal professionals and clients
  • Widely trusted and used globally, ensuring compatibility and familiarity
  • Mobile-friendly platform allows signing and tracking documents on the go
  • Integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Salesforce, and legal tools

Cons

  • Limited full-scale document automation compared to specialized tools
  • Pricing can become expensive for high document volumes due to per-envelope charges
  • Limited document editing features make customizations difficult before signing
  • Advanced functionalities like conditional fields require additional training
  • Lacks specialized features and templates for the legal industry

Pricing

DocuSign offers plans starting at $15 per month for individuals with basic e-signature needs. For teams, the Standard plan is $45 per user per month, while the Business Pro plan, with advanced features, is $65 per user per month.

4. PandaDoc

Another piece of legal document automation software is PandaDoc. Like Clio, it is an all-in-one platform, letting you generate documents, collect e-signatures, and leverage analytics. Developers claim it can speed up paperwork by 40% (approximately two working days per week). 

pandadoc

Source: PandaDoc.com

PandaDoc isn’t a legal-specific document automation platform but specializes in this area. Law firms can look forward to spending up to 80% less time creating documents, thanks to its template library and drag-and-drop editor. 

It also has tools for expediting contract creation, avoiding the need to cut and paste (or even write) by hand. Built-in commenting assists with edits and helps to speed up negotiations for teams involved in commercial law. 

The reason some teams avoid PandaDoc is the software’s complexity. While it offers a feature-rich interface and client experience, it also demands a steep learning curve.

To the developer’s credit, they provide instructions and training, but wading through this involves additional time investment. 

Moreover, integrations with the software are challenging. Hiring an outside firm to complete them is often necessary. 

Pros

  • PandaDoc combines document creation, e-signatures, and workflow automation
  • Offers customizable templates for quickly generating professional documents
  • Supports real-time collaboration for simultaneous edits and negotiations
  • Drag-and-drop editor simplifies document management for all skill levels
  • Integrates with CRM, payment, and productivity tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, and Stripe

Cons

  • Extensive features can be overwhelming for new users
  • Pricing structure and add-ons can become expensive for advanced features
  • Lacks specialized tools and templates tailored for the legal industry
  • Difficulties integrating with niche legal software can limit effectiveness
  • Features and workflows are more focused on sales and marketing teams

Pricing

PandaDoc’s pricing begins with the Starter plan at $35 per user per month, offering unlimited document uploads, a drag-and-drop editor, and real-time tracking.

For teams, the Business plan is available at $65 per user per month, adding features like CRM integrations, custom branding, and approval workflows.

5. HotDocs

HotDocs is also a strong contender for best legal document automation software. The tool claims that it enables law practices to process documents up to 90% faster than manual generation (including industry-standard cut-and-paste methods).

hotdocs

 Source: Hotdocs.com

Again, the goal is to help you focus on your clients instead of creating tedious documents. 

HotDocs is an established legal document automation software player with a proven track record and broad user base. Law offices use it for its hundreds of pre-built templates for various legal specialties and its flexibility. 

The tool can also integrate with other legal software and CRMs, reducing implementation complexity. You can even use it offline – great for professionals on the subway or far from WiFi. 

Even so, HotDocs still has weaknesses. While it can generate complex documents, it often lacks visual appeal. Law practices sometimes feel disappointed that they don’t look professional enough.

Furthermore, updating templates with scripts is time-consuming. The AI won’t do it for you, no matter how nicely you ask. 

Finally, there’s a steeper learning curve than many of the more straightforward options on the market. Therefore, it is more geared towards law firms with significant technical expertise and large budgets. 

Pros

  • HotDocs is a trusted document automation tool with a strong history of serving law firms, financial institutions, and government agencies
  • Offers a vast library of customizable templates for various legal documents
  • Automates complex documents using sophisticated templates with conditional logic
  • Integrates with legal and business software like case management systems and CRMs
  • Can be used offline, making it ideal for work without internet access

Cons

  • Setup and advanced features can be complex, requiring training and experience
  • High costs may be prohibitive for smaller firms with limited budgets
  • User interface feels less modern compared to newer tools
  • Output may lack a polished look, requiring extra effort for visual customization
  • Updating templates can be inefficient for users unfamiliar with scripting features

Pricing

HotDocs offers customizable pricing tailored to the specific needs of each organization. However, you will need to contact them directly for a quote.

6. Bryter

Bryter goes even further, claiming users can save 95% of their time on manual work with its document assembly software. The solution helps law practices automate routine document drafting, remove errors, reduce risks, and get data-driven insights.

bryter

 Source: Bryter.com

Systems prevent internal clients from generating inaccurate documents while eliminating mistakes with standardized templates. 

Bryter’s main selling point is its no-code client portal approach. As such, it positions itself as the brand for the average law office. The intuitive decision-tree structure and user interface mean that most professionals with experience working on computers can use it. 

Teamwork is also straightforward on the automation platform. Cloud-based collaboration features enable teams of any size to work together to process paperwork faster. 

With that said Bryter’s document automation capabilities are somewhat limited. While the decision-tree functionality helps with legal decision-making, it focuses more on interactive approaches than traditional, bread-and-butter document generation. As such, some legal practices find it limiting.

It is also a newcomer to the market and doesn’t have the same pedigree as many more established platforms. As such, the community support base is smaller than the more prominent names.

Pros

  • Bryter is a no-code platform, which helps legal professionals automate processes without programming skills
  • Features a decision-tree structure for easy creation and automation of documents and workflows
  • Supports automation of various legal tasks, from document assembly to client intake
  • Cloud-based collaboration allows teams to work together efficiently

Cons

  • Lacks specialized features or templates tailored specifically for the legal industry
  • Complex workflows may require a deeper understanding of the tool
  • Pricing may be high for smaller firms or solo practitioners
  • Limited community support and third-party integrations compared to established platforms
  • Offers less depth in document automation compared to specialized tools

Pricing

Bryter offers different pricing plans for their no-code platform and Bryter Extract. You’ll need to contact their sales team for a customized quote.

7. Formstack

Formstack rounds out our list of the best legal document automation software. This established player offers solutions that eliminate paperwork, automate documents (including personalized contract agreements and NDAs), collect e-signatures, and improve collaboration.

formstack

 Source: Formstack.com

You also get security-related tools, such as controlling who can access paperwork via logic and routine tools. It also meets various legal standards, such as GDPR, PCI, and HIPAA, for any legal firms working with sensitive information. 

Formstack regularly collects data on the time its tools save its team members. Most can cut 17 hours or more from their week using the solution. 

That said, it remains a form-building tool, not exclusively for legal automation. Its document generation capabilities are also surprisingly basic for such a professional tool.

Unlike Briefpoint, it doesn’t make extensive use of AI to highlight and track documents as negotiations unfold, making it less practical for legal firms wanting to eliminate the most time-consuming elements of their work. 

Finally, integrating it with niche legal applications is challenging. It doesn’t work seamlessly with all platforms. 

Pros

  • Formstack offers user-friendly form-building tools for legal document automation and client intake
  • Automates the creation of contracts, NDAs, and agreements to reduce manual tasks
  • Integrates with CRMs, payment processors, and email marketing platforms for seamless workflows
  • Mobile-optimized for creating, managing, and completing forms on any device

Cons

  • Lacks specialized features and templates tailored to the legal industry
  • Document automation is basic compared to specialized legal tools
  • Pricing can become expensive with advanced features and add-ons
  • Advanced workflows and integrations may require extra time to learn

Pricing

  • The Forms plan starts at $99 per month, focusing on form-building capabilities. The Suite plan, at $299 per month, includes forms, document generation, and e-signatures. For larger organizations, customized Enterprise plans offer advanced security and tailored workflows.

8. Gavel

Gavel (formerly known as Documate) is a no-code platform that offers legal professionals a way to streamline document drafting without needing technical expertise. Gavel allows law firms to automate routine legal documents, such as contracts, NDAs, and client intake forms, focusing on simplicity and customization.

Gavel homepage

Source: Gavel

The platform shines with its drag-and-drop editor, which allows users to create tailored workflows and templates for a wide range of legal matters. Gavel also supports collaboration, allowing team members to work together in real time on reviewing and finalizing documents. 

Its user-friendly design means that even those without technical knowledge can set up and run automated workflows with ease.

However, while Gavel is powerful, it is not the most comprehensive tool for complex legal automation needs. Firms that handle highly specialized or intricate legal documents may find the lack of advanced features limits the platform’s effectiveness. 

Plus, it does not integrate as seamlessly with niche legal applications, which can pose challenges for larger firms with specific requirements.

Pros

  • Gavel enables document automation without coding skills and is accessible to all legal professionals
  • Allows creation and customization of templates for contracts and client agreements
  • Supports real-time collaboration for efficient teamwork on documents
  • Drag-and-drop editor simplifies adoption and usage for teams
  • Complies with GDPR and HIPAA standards to ensure data security

Cons

  • Less robust for highly complex or specialized legal documents
  • Limited integration with niche legal software
  • It may not fully meet the needs of larger firms with intricate workflows or high document volumes

Pricing

Gavel provides flexible pricing plans designed to meet various needs. The Lite plan starts at $99 per month, offering essential document automation features. For growing firms, the Standard plan, priced at $250 per month, includes additional functionality.

Advantages of Automating Legal Documents

Automation comes with many obvious benefits, such as time savings, reduced costs, and more efficient workflows.

However, it’s still worth looking into each potential advantage to see the importance of finding a solution that works for you.

Let’s explore some of the key benefits of legal document automation:

Time Savings Through Automation

Automating your legal document creation process allows you to drastically cut down the time spent on repetitive tasks like drafting, reviewing, and revising.

Instead of manually creating each document from scratch, automation tools let you generate them in just a few clicks.

This efficiency frees up valuable hours, which allows attorneys and staff to focus on higher-value tasks like strategizing, client meetings, or case analysis.

Eliminating Human Error With Increased Accuracy

One of the biggest advantages of document automation is the reduction of human error. Automated systems make sure that documents are consistent and error-free, as they pull from pre-approved templates and standardized language.

This minimizes the risk of mistakes such as typos, omissions, or incorrect information, which can be costly and time-consuming to correct.

Cutting Operational Costs For Greater Profitability

By speeding up the document creation process, automation helps reduce labor costs associated with manual drafting.

Fewer hours spent on routine paperwork translates to lower operational expenses, which can make your practice more profitable. This cost efficiency is especially beneficial for small and mid-sized firms looking to maximize their resources.

Improved Client Experience With Faster Service

With the time saved through automation, legal professionals can dedicate more attention to client needs.

Faster document turnaround times and reduced errors lead to a better client experience, improving satisfaction and potentially increasing client retention and referrals.

Maintaining Professional Consistency in Legal Documentation

Automation ensures that all legal documents adhere to the same format, style, and standards.

This consistency not only enhances the professionalism of your documents but also ensures compliance with legal requirements.

Standardized templates make it easy to maintain a uniform appearance across all your firm’s documents, reducing the need for constant oversight.

Better Security and Regulatory Compliance

Legal document automation tools often come with built-in security features like encryption and access controls.

These tools ensure that sensitive client information is protected and that your documents comply with industry regulations.

This added layer of security is a must for maintaining trust with clients and avoiding legal repercussions.

Scaling Operations With Adaptable Automation Tools

As your firm grows, the volume of documents you need to manage will also increase. Automation provides the scalability needed to handle this growth without overwhelming your team.

Additionally, many automation tools are flexible, which allows you to customize templates and workflows to suit specific practice areas or client needs.

The Best of Document Automation Tools

The legal world is changing fast, and adopting document automation software is becoming a must for law firms that want to streamline their work, cut costs, and focus more on clients.

The tools we’ve covered in this article are some of the top picks for 2025, each offering something different to meet various needs.

Whether you’re aiming to save time, maximize accuracy, or improve teamwork, there’s a solution out there that fits the bill. But with so many document automation platforms out there, finding the right one can feel overwhelming.

One tool that really stands out is Briefpoint. Designed specifically for legal professionals, Briefpoint takes care of the repetitive stuff—like discovery responses and requests for production—so you can save time and focus on what really matters: delivering great service to your clients.

Schedule a demo and find out how our document automation tech can help you save time, cut down on costs, and take your practice to the next level.

How Automated Legal Documents Can Save You Money

Discovery responses cost firms $23,240, per year, per attorney. $23,240 estimate assumes an associate attorney salary of $150,000 (including benefits – or $83 an hour), 20 cases per year/per associate, 4 discovery sets per case, 30 questions per set, 3.5 hours spent responding to each set, and 1800 hours of billable hours per year.

Under these assumptions, you save $20,477 using Briefpoint, per year, per attorney.

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

FAQs About Best Legal Document Automation Software

What are the benefits of using legal document automation software?

Legal document automation software makes life easier by speeding up the whole document creation process. Instead of spending hours drafting and revising, these tools let you whip up documents quickly, cut down on mistakes, and keep things consistent. Plus, it frees legal professionals up to focus on more important tasks, like strategizing and spending time with clients.

What is the best legal document automation software For 2025?

There are several contenders for the best document automation software For 2025, including Briefpoint. However, it all boils down to the needs, preferences, and existing workflows of your legal services. Schedule a demo with Briefpoint to see if it’s the right document automation software for you.

How does legal document automation work? 

Legal document automation works by handing over composition and writing tasks to templates and AI. Drag-and-drop interfaces enable rapid document construction without creating documents from scratch or cut-and-paste from existing libraries. 

What other tools does my law firm need?

Aside from document automation software, you might also need legal practice management software, billing automation tools, a document management system, and payment processing platforms, among others to make your workflows as efficient as they can be.

Is legal document management software safe to use?

Yes. Most of these tools come packed with security features like encryption and access controls to keep complex legal documents and sensitive info under wraps. They also follow all the major legal standards like CCPA and HIPAA, so you can be confident that your client data is secure throughout the process.

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

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

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AI For Lawyers and How it Affects the Future of the Law Industry

AI For Lawyers and How it Affects the Future of the Industry

Observing the patterns of various sectors, it has become evident that artificial intelligence is woven into their standard operating protocols, with the realm of law being a prime example. While often in intense and fast-paced environments, law firms still need help with many background tasks that simply take up too much time.

AI tools for lawyers take on the most repetitive and time-consuming tasks, allowing legal professionals to focus on more valuable parts of litigation.

In this article, we’ll review AI for lawyers, their overall impact on the industry, and the tools that can benefit law firms.

lawyers signing documents

What Type of AI Are We Talking About?

AI is the intelligence of computers programmed to mimic humans. But unlike humans, it can process massive amounts of data in as little as a few seconds. This makes AI incredibly useful for industries that manage and digest a lot of information, including law firms.

Machine Learning

At the core of AI technology, machine learning equips software with an intuitive grasp of data. Machine learning algorithms improve and become more accurate over time; they are self-learning algorithms.

Natural Language Processing

Natural language processing (NLP) allows computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language. In the legal domain, NLP can be a powerful tool for analyzing legal documents, contracts, and legislation with the help of human input and supervision.

Large Language Models

Large language models, such as GPT-based systems, are a subset of NLP trained on massive datasets to understand and generate human-like text.

These models excel in tasks like drafting documents, summarizing lengthy legal texts, answering complex legal questions, and even assisting with research by providing context-aware insights.

In the legal world, LLMs can streamline document preparation, assist with legal research, and improve client communication by interpreting and explaining legal language in a more accessible way.

Their advanced understanding of context and semantics makes them a valuable tool for improving productivity and accuracy in legal workflows.

What Can AI Do for the Legal Industry?

AI has the potential to revolutionize how legal teams and law firms work. More specifically, it can streamline numerous processes, including:

Discovery

During the discovery process, lawyers and paralegals often have to review thousands of documents to find evidence relevant to the case. Legal document automation makes this process more straightforward by simultaneously processing vast amounts of information.

AI discovery software enables attorneys to sift through documents by employing search terms or particular criteria, like dates or geographic locations. In contrast, lawyers without AI would have to spend weeks on this.

Generative artificial intelligence is another highly beneficial AI tool for the discovery process. Through sophisticated algorithms, generative AI can comb through extensive datasets, pinpoint relevant information, and draft discovery responses and requests.

Legal Research

Legal research is a time-intensive task that requires sifting through countless legal documents, statutes, and case law to find precedents relevant to the case. AI-powered legal research tools are changing this landscape by processing and analyzing vast quantities of legal texts in a fraction of the time.

Aside from searching for keywords, legal AI can understand the context, interpret the semantics of legal language, and draw connections between legal precedents and current cases.

Due Diligence

Due diligence is a critical component of legal work. This is especially true in significant transactions like mergers and acquisitions, where understanding entities’ legal and financial health is paramount.

Without AI, due diligence is a labor-intensive process that requires weeks or even months of rigorous examination of documents to identify liabilities, compliance issues, and other potential risks.

Legal AI streamlines this process through its ability to rapidly analyze large volumes of data, identifying anomalies, patterns, and risks that would take humans considerably longer to uncover.

Contract Review and Analysis

Some AI-driven tools can examine contracts in detail faster. They can identify clauses that deviate from standard language, assess risk levels, and suggest modifications based on prevailing laws and legal standards.

This specific function of AI speeds up the contract review process, enhances contract accuracy and consistency, and minimizes the risk of disputes and litigation.

What Are the Benefits of AI for Legal Professionals?

The integration of AI makes perfect sense for any law firm that wants to optimize its processes. Here’s an expanded look at the key benefits AI brings to the table for the legal profession:

Efficiency

AI tools can now handle document sorting, evidence review, and even certain aspects of legal research, letting legal professionals allocate their time to more substantial legal work. AI can also help automate routine tasks, such as billing and time tracking, client intake, and scheduling, among many others.

For instance, AI-enabled document review tools can analyze thousands of documents in the time it takes a human to go through a handful, drastically reducing the lead time on cases and allowing lawyers to meet tight deadlines easily.

Accuracy

One of AI’s standout features is its ability to minimize errors in tasks involving data processing and analysis. This means more accurate document review, fewer research oversights, and better risk assessment.

Legal AI tools are designed to consistently recognize patterns and anomalies that surpass human capability. This is particularly valuable in identifying relevant case law, precedents, and statutory requirements.

Cost Reduction

The economic impact of AI on legal practices is significant. Through automation, AI reduces the hours lawyers and paralegals need to spend drafting.

Plus, the time savings may allow law firms to eliminate redundant roles or reduce the staff they need for routine tasks, which is another massive aspect.

Smarter Decision-Making

AI tools can dig through heaps of data and pull out insights that help lawyers make better calls. Whether it’s figuring out the chances of winning a case or spotting key trends, AI gives legal pros the edge they need to craft stronger strategies.

Better Client Support

AI-powered chatbots and assistants can handle the small stuff—like answering basic questions, booking meetings, or sending updates—so lawyers can focus on the big picture. Clients stay in the loop, and everyone’s happier with quicker, clearer communication.

How Can AI Benefit Law Firm Clients?

Legal AI tools help create more efficient workflows in law firms, but they can also have direct benefits to clients, including:

  • Speed: The streamlined efficiency of AI leads to quicker turnaround times, meaning clients see faster outcomes and resolutions.
  • Reduced Costs: Savings realized from AI’s operational improvements reduce hourly costs.
  • Strategy: AI’s precision and advanced analytics support having more accurate and strategically sound legal approaches.
  • Accessibility: AI-powered tools can simplify legal processes, making it easier for clients to access legal services and understand complex legal documents.
  • Accuracy: By minimizing human errors, AI ensures higher accuracy in case analysis, document drafting, and legal research, giving clients greater confidence in the services they receive.

Will AI Replace Lawyers?

AI cannot replace human lawyers. While it excels at handling repetitive tasks, analyzing large datasets, and improving efficiency, it lacks the nuanced understanding of human emotions, ethical considerations, and creative problem-solving that legal professionals bring to the table.

AI is best viewed as a powerful tool to support lawyers, allowing them to focus on high-value work like courtroom advocacy, client counseling, and strategic decision-making.

The human touch in building relationships, understanding context, and navigating complex legal issues remains irreplaceable in the legal profession.

Legal Document Automation

The discovery phase of litigation is often the most time-consuming and has much room for error. Briefpoint recognized this long-standing issue and designed an AI tool to eliminate that bottleneck.

Briefpoint automates the preparation of discovery request and discovery response documents, including but not limited to:

Plus, the process is simple: you upload the discovery request, add objections and responses to your discovery response, and then download the document in Word to finish it up. It’s easy, straightforward, and takes hours off the usual process.

Besides the drafting itself, Briefpoint comes with a built-in feature, Bridge, which makes collecting and inputting client responses easy. Bridge lets you select the interrogatories that need your client’s responses, translate them into plain English, and send them over to your client.

Once your client responds, Bridge will help insert those responses into your draft. You won’t need to waste time on back-and-forth emailing anymore.

Propund Discovery

With the latest Propound Discovery feature, you can upload a complaint in PDF format and let Briefpoint examine the details to generate interrogatories, document production requests, and admission requests.

Instead of limiting your efforts to answering discovery questions, this tool lets you create the discovery questions you require. After the questions are generated, you can customize them by editing, rearranging, deleting, or adding new ones. When done, download the finalized request as a file.

How Briefpoint Helps You Save

Discovery responses cost firms $23,240, per year, per attorney. $23,240 estimate assumes an associate attorney salary of $150,000 (including benefits – or $83 an hour), 20 cases per year/per associate, 4 discovery sets per case, 30 questions per set, 3.5 hours spent responding to each set, and 1800 hours of billable hours per year.

Under these assumptions, you save $20,477 using Briefpoint, per year, per attorney.

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

Is AI an Advantage?

AI continuously evolves, creating more opportunities for tomorrow’s legal industry.

If you’re on the fence about using AI for your law firm, there’s no need to fully integrate AI right away. Instead, you can start small by optimizing one aspect of your legal research process: discovery.

Briefpoint is a bespoke tool committed to harnessing the power of AI to transform legal services, making them more efficient, accurate, and accessible. For legal firms, embracing AI is not just about staying ahead in a competitive landscape; it’s about redefining the very essence of legal practice for the better.

FAQs About AI for Lawyers

Is AI going to replace lawyers?

No, AI is designed to augment the capabilities of lawyers, not replace them. It automates routine tasks, allowing lawyers to focus on more complex and strategic aspects of their work.

How secure is AI in handling sensitive legal information?

AI systems used in the legal industry are designed with robust security measures to protect sensitive information. However, it’s crucial to choose reputable AI solutions that comply with industry-standard security protocols.

Can small law firms afford to implement AI?

Yes, there are AI solutions available at various price points, making them accessible for law firms of all sizes. Additionally, the long-term savings in time and operational costs can make AI a worthwhile investment for small firms.

How can I start integrating AI into my legal practice?

Begin by identifying areas where AI can have the most impact, such as document review or legal research. Partner with a trusted AI solutions provider like Briefpoint to ensure a smooth integration process tailored to your firm’s specific needs.

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

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

FAQs on AI For Lawyers

Is AI going to replace lawyers?

No, AI is designed to augment the capabilities of lawyers, not replace them. It automates routine tasks, allowing lawyers to focus on more complex and strategic aspects of their work.

How secure is AI in handling sensitive legal information?

AI systems used in the legal industry are designed with robust security measures to protect sensitive information. However, it’s crucial to choose reputable AI solutions that comply with industry-standard security protocols.

Can small law firms afford to implement AI?

Yes, there are AI solutions available at various price points, making them accessible for law firms of all sizes. Additionally, the long-term savings in time and operational costs can make AI a worthwhile investment for small firms.

How can I start integrating AI into my legal practice?

Begin by identifying areas where AI can have the most impact, such as document review or legal research. Partner with a trusted AI solutions provider like Briefpoint to ensure a smooth integration process tailored to your firm’s specific needs.

 

 

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

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

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Full Guide to Law Firm Automation (Tips + Strategies)

Full Guide to Law Firm Automation (Tips + Strategies)

Law firm automation might sound like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s very real and incredibly practical.

You’re in the middle of a busy workday, juggling multiple cases, answering client calls, and trying to keep up with the mountain of paperwork. Does this sound familiar?

Suddenly, you realize there’s a way to offload all the repetitive, mundane tasks that eat up your valuable time. 

That’s where legal automation comes in—a reliable, tireless assistant that handles everything from document creation to client communications at lightning speed.

In this guide, we will explain everything you need to know about legal automation and how it can transform your law firm today.

person working on a laptop

What is Legal Automation?

Legal automation is the use of tech to take care of the boring, repetitive tasks in a law firm. Think of it as having an assistant that handles stuff like creating documents, tracking billable hours, and managing client communications—except that assistant does the work a hundred times faster.

By automating these tasks, you can save time, cut down on mistakes, and get things done more efficiently.

For example, legal automation tools can whip up documents based on templates, keep track of how much time you spend on each case, manage your calendar and appointments, and simplify client intake and communication processes.

This means you and your team can focus on the important stuff that needs your expertise instead of getting stuck with routine admin work.

What Legal Workflows Can You Automate?

Law firms have plenty of workflows that can be automated to save time and reduce errors. Let’s break down some key areas where automation can make a big difference:

Document Automation

Instead of drafting each document from scratch, you can use document automation tools to create them based on pre-set templates.

This means you just fill in the details, and the tool handles the rest. Here’s why this is such a big deal.

First, using standardized templates ensures that all your documents have a consistent format and style. You won’t have to worry about different fonts or layouts. Everything looks professional and is in line with legal standards. 

Plus, you can customize these templates to include your firm’s branding, specific clauses, and any other required information.

You can also use artificial intelligence to draft standard documents. For example, Briefpoint.ai uses generative AI to help you generate discovery documents, and all you have to do is upload your discovery request and fill in objections and responses. Briefpoint does the rest.

Efficiency and speed are other huge benefits. Manual document creation can eat up hours, but automation tools can generate complex documents in minutes.

And let’s talk about errors. We’ve all had those moments where a typo or missed clause caused a headache. Automated systems minimize these mistakes, a huge benefit in an industry requiring utmost accuracy.

man taking notes

Time Tracking and Billing

Time tracking and billing can be a headache for any law firm, but law office automation can make it less of a chore.

What if you no longer have to manually log every minute you spend on client work? Automated tools can track your time accurately, whether you’re on a call, drafting a document, or in a meeting. They run quietly in the background and capture every billable second.

Accuracy is a major perk. No more missed entries or underestimating time spent on tasks. Automated systems record everything in real-time so you capture all billable hours and avoid revenue loss.

When it’s time to bill, these tools generate detailed invoices automatically. Customize them with your firm’s branding and ensure they’re sent out promptly, saving you the end-of-month scramble.

Transparency is another win. Automated tracking provides clear reports on time spent, which is great for internal assessments and building trust with clients.

They can see exactly what they’re being billed for, making your practice more transparent and efficient.

Calendar Management

Keeping your calendar straight can feel like juggling flaming torches—one wrong move and everything falls apart. That’s where calendar management automation steps in to make your life a whole lot easier.

Imagine having a tool that schedules your appointments, sends reminders, and even reschedules meetings when conflicts arise.

Automated calendar management does all this and more. It helps make sure you never miss a deadline, court date, or client meeting.

One of the best parts? It reduces human error. No more double-booking or forgetting important dates. The system handles everything, so your schedule is always up-to-date and conflict-free.

Automation also makes coordination a breeze. Need to set up a meeting with multiple people? The tool can find a time that works for everyone and send out invites without you lifting a finger. It keeps track of everyone’s responses and adjusts the schedule as needed.

Law firm automation systems often sync with your existing systems, like email and case management software. This integration means you have a central hub for all your scheduling needs so it’s easier to manage your time and stay on top of everything.

Client Communications

Managing client communications can be overwhelming, but automation can turn this daunting task into a smooth and efficient process.

Automated systems handle routine communications, which allows you to focus on more important interactions.

Automated client communication tools can send follow-up emails, appointment reminders, and feedback requests without any manual effort.

These tools ensure that your clients are always in the loop and feel valued, leading to better client satisfaction.

Legal automation software also makes sure that all communications are timely and uniform. Your clients receive the information they need when they need it, which helps improve their overall experience with your firm.

Here are a few examples of how you can automate client communications:

  • Follow-up emails: Automatically send follow-up emails after meetings or consultations to inform clients about the next steps.
  • Appointment reminders: Schedule and send reminders for upcoming appointments, reducing no-shows and ensuring clients remember important dates.
  • Feedback requests: Automatically send feedback requests after a case is closed or a service is provided, helping you gather valuable client insights.
  • Newsletters: Regularly send out newsletters with updates, tips, and news relevant to your clients, keeping them engaged with your firm.
  • Billing reminders: Automatically remind clients about upcoming or overdue payments, streamlining the billing process and improving cash flow.

Client Intake

Client intake can be a hassle, but automation makes it a breeze. Imagine clients filling out their details online whenever they have time, without you having to chase them for info.

These online forms organize everything automatically, so you don’t have to worry about manual data entry mistakes.

Automation makes sure every client gets the same questions, so you’re never missing important information. 

Once a client fills out a form, the system can instantly schedule an initial consultation, send a confirmation email, and even remind them about the appointment. No more back-and-forth to find a time that works.

All the info from the intake forms goes straight into your case management system, so you don’t have to enter it again. This makes things run much smoother and keeps everything in one place.

Lead Management

Automated lead management systems can capture leads from various sources, such as your website, social media, and email campaigns.

Once a lead is captured, the system automatically sorts and prioritizes them based on the criteria you set. This means you can focus on the most promising leads without wasting time.

These tools can also handle follow-up communications. Automated emails can be sent to new leads to provide them with more information about your services and encourage them to schedule a consultation. 

Consistent follow-up helps make sure that no lead is forgotten and helps nurture potential clients until they are ready to hire your firm.

Another great feature is the ability to track interactions. Automated systems log every touchpoint with a lead, from initial contact to follow-up emails and phone calls. This gives you a complete history of your interactions, which makes it easier to personalize your approach and build stronger relationships.

Analytics and reporting are also key benefits. Automation tools provide insights into your lead management process, showing you which strategies work and where you can improve. This data helps you refine your approach and convert more leads into clients.

Marketing Efforts

Marketing is essential for a law firm, just like any other business, but it can be time-consuming and involve manual or routine tasks you don’t need on top of your already heavy workload.

Fortunately, automating your marketing efforts can save you a ton of time and make your campaigns more effective. Let’s look at how automation can transform your marketing game.

  • Social media management: Plan and schedule your posts in advance to ensure consistent and timely updates without manual effort.
  • Email marketing: Send out newsletters, updates, and promotional emails automatically. Segment your audience to deliver personalized content that keeps them engaged.
  • Content creation and distribution: Use automation tools to plan your content calendar, distribute blog posts, and optimize for search engines. This keeps your firm visible and attractive to potential clients.

Why Should You Automate Legal Processes in the First Place?

Now that you can see what administrative tasks you can automate, the next question is why you should do so.

Automation software is rarely free, and most law firms will need more than just your standard legal practice management software.

That said, why should you invest in this type of tech? Well, here are a few compelling reasons:

Save Time

Automation takes care of repetitive tasks like document management, time tracking, and client communications, which means you have more time to focus on more strategic and high-value activities (a.k.a. more billable hours).

Imagine having more hours in the day to work on complex cases, strategize for court, or even spend quality time with your family. The more you automate, the more productive and efficient your day becomes.

Reduce Errors

Automated systems follow strict, predefined rules, which minimizes the risk of human error. This means fewer mistakes in your legal documents, more accurate time tracking, and overall higher-quality work.

Increase Efficiency

Organized legal workflows mean tasks are completed faster and more efficiently. Automation makes sure that no step is overlooked and everything runs smoothly to upgrade your firm’s overall productivity.

Your team will appreciate not having to chase down details or redo work. Plus, this efficiency translates to quicker turnaround times for your clients, which helps increase their satisfaction and your firm’s reputation.

Better Work-Life Balance

With automation, you can reclaim hours lost to repetitive chores and focus on what truly matters—both in your work and personal life.

This means less stress and burnout as you spend more time on meaningful projects and pursuits that inspire you.

A healthier work-life balance doesn’t just make your team happier; it boosts productivity and creativity, leading to better outcomes for your firm and your clients. When everyone is more relaxed and energized, your whole practice thrives.

Cost Savings

Automating routine tasks slashes operational costs by reducing your team’s hours on administrative work, freeing them up for more valuable tasks. This efficient use of time and talent means a healthier bottom line for your firm.

Plus, with less reliance on manual processes, you can lower staffing costs and cut down on overtime. All these savings add up to give you more financial flexibility to invest in growth and innovation. Not to mention the increased law firm profitability overall!

Will Automation Replace Lawyers?

The rise of automation in the legal industry has sparked a debate: will automation replace lawyers? While automation will transform the industry, it will not replace legal professionals.

The essence of lawyering is rooted in human judgment, empathy, and ethical decision-making. Clients seek lawyers for their ability to understand complex emotions, provide reassurance, and offer personalized advice—qualities that no software can replicate.

Automation can handle repetitive tasks but struggles with the unpredictability of many legal issues. Lawyers use experience and intuition to navigate these complexities, crafting strategies beyond a machine’s capabilities.

Another significant part of a lawyer’s job is negotiating and advocating for clients. This requires not just legal knowledge but the ability to read people, persuade, and adapt to dynamic situations—skills inherently human and irreplaceable by automation.

Lastly, lawyers must balance legal outcomes with ethical considerations, guided by a strict code of ethics. Machines, operating on logic and predefined rules, cannot weigh ethical dilemmas as humans do.

Automation should be viewed as an enhancement of lawyers’ capabilities. It handles routine tasks and frees them to focus on higher-value work, increasing efficiency and enhancing the quality of legal services.

Automate the Most Tedious Part of Your Day

Is discovery paperwork slowing your case down? Preparing legal documents is a task you can’t escape in the legal industry, but what if there was a shortcut that wouldn’t sacrifice the quality, accuracy, and consistency of your documents?

Briefpoint.ai is just what you need to speed up the discovery phase. With Briefpoint, you can automate the creation of responses to and propounding sets of:

Want to know more about this sophisticated legal technology? See how Briefpoint works with a free demo today!

Automating Discovery Drafting Can Save Thousands

Discovery responses cost firms $23,240, per year, per attorney. $23,240 estimate assumes an associate attorney salary of $150,000 (including benefits – or $83 an hour), 20 cases per year/per associate, 4 discovery sets per case, 30 questions per set, 3.5 hours spent responding to each set, and 1800 hours of billable hours per year.

Under these assumptions, you save $20,477 using Briefpoint, per year, per attorney.

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

FAQs About Legal Workflow Automation

What is legal automation?

Legal automation refers to the use of technology to perform repetitive and time-consuming tasks in a law firm, such as document creation, time tracking, and client communications.

Can I automate client intake?

Yes, client intake can be automated using online forms that clients fill out, with the information automatically added to your system.

Will automation replace lawyers?

No, law firm automation is designed to assist lawyers by handling mundane tasks, allowing them to focus on providing legal expertise and building client relationships.

How can automation improve my firm’s efficiency?

Legal workflow automation software can simplify workflows, reduce errors, save time, and enhance client communications, improving efficiency.

What legal workflows can be automated?

You can automate document creation, time tracking and billing, calendar management, client communications, client intake, lead management, and marketing efforts.

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

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

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5 Best Legal AI Tools for Legal Professionals (2024 List)

5 Best Legal AI Tools for Legal Professionals (2024 List)

AI-driven legal tech tools are set to reach a value of up to $37 billion this year.

Law firms use artificial intelligence to automate the preparation of discovery requests and discovery responses, as well as simplified management.

In this article, we’ll see how AI tools integrate with existing workflows and how they influence the future of legal work.

Lawyer looking at document over laptop

What Are Legal AI Tools?

Legal AI tools are becoming valuable in legal practices. They help legal professionals in many routine tasks that consume a lot of time and effort–from assisting law firms with potential new clients to fully revising requests for admission and production.

These tools increase the accuracy and efficiency of legal tasks, which allows lawyers to concentrate on strategy and client engagement. 

With a much broader focus on automation, legal AI-powered tools are transforming legal practice and are here to stay.

What Is the Driving Force Behind Legal AI Adoption?

Traditionally slow to adopt new practices, the legal profession is now acknowledging the significant rise of AI tools in automating document preparation and discovery review. 

Legal professionals adopt legal AI tools, which help reduce the chances of human error and time wasted on manual data entry. 

However, the benefits of AI in legal settings extend beyond speed. Accuracy is a critical component, and with machine learning algorithms, these tools continuously improve with use.

They learn from each interaction with extensive legal documents, enhancing their performance going forward.

Top 5 Legal AI Tools in the Industry (2024)

The legal field is getting a tech makeover, and AI tools are leading the charge. Let’s look at the top 5 legal AI tools on the market, which are preferred choices by many.

1. Briefpoint

Briefpoint

Briefpoint is a generative AI tool that specializes in automating the preparation of discovery requests and response documents, speeding up the response drafting process for various legal documents. 

It uses AI to extract key information from documents and assists in creating accurate discovery requests and discovery responses. Briefpoint is designed to simplify this process to save hours of manual work.

Briefpoint drafts responses by taking your opposing counsels’ discovery requests and turning them into responses to: 

Plus, Briefpoint has a built-in feature called Bridge, which makes the process of collecting client responses much easier.

Bridge allows you to select interrogatories that need your client’s responses, translate them into easy-to-understand language, and send them to your client.

Once your client finishes their responses, Bridge will let you insert them straight into your draft.

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo.

2. Clio

Clio is a comprehensive case management system that is designed to do efficient law practice management. It is highly regarded among legal professionals for its user-friendly interface and powerful features. 

clio management

Source: Clio.com

Apart from having a centralized dashboard that offers a complete overview of all case information and document management and automation that enables legal professionals to send documents for electronic signature directly.

It can also do comprehensive case management and has the capability to integrate a wide range of external websites and services.

This system not only saves time but also enhances the accuracy and efficiency of legal workflows and is a valuable asset for any law practice.

It is a cloud-based solution, making it accessible from anywhere, and is designed to cater to the needs of solo practitioners, small firms, and larger law practices alike.

3. PatentPal

PatentPal is a generative AI platform that significantly streamlines the patent application process.

It is specifically designed to help with Intellectual Property (IP) applications by automating the mechanical writing required in patent applications.

Patent Pal

Source: PatentPal

Inventors and legal professionals can easily input their claims into PatentPal, which then generates detailed specifications, illustrative diagrams, and preliminary drafts. 

The platform utilizes a knowledge graph extracted from a set of claims, applying a transformer technology similar to GPT-3, which allows for creating accurate and reliable content required in patent applications. 

4. Spellbook AI

Spellbook AI is a legal software designed to enhance the drafting process and reviewing contracts for corporate and commercial lawyers.

Spellbook AI

Source: Spellbook

It has the capabilities of GPT-4, an AI model developed by OpenAI. It represents a significant advancement in legal technology, providing a powerful tool for lawyers to improve accuracy, efficiency, and speed in contract-related tasks.

Launched in 2022 as the first generative AI copilot for lawyers, Spellbook significantly speeds up the drafting and review process, providing suggestions and automations that align with legal standards and specific needs of each document.

This AI tool is integrated directly with Microsoft Word, making it an addition to the workflow of nearly 2000 law firms and in-house legal teams that utilize its efficiency and precision in handling legal documents.

5. Casetext

Casetext is recognized for its comprehensive suite of AI-driven legal services, notably its CoCounsel AI legal assistant, which accelerates tasks like document review and legal research memos. 

casetext home screen

Source: Casetext

Launched in 2013, it garnered the trust of over 10,000 law firms thanks to its ability to enhance legal research and document drafting through AI. 

Casetext’s CARA (Case Analysis Research Assistant) uses AI to assist in brief review and informs search results, while CoCounsel, developed with OpenAI technology, aims to help legal professionals accomplish more in less time, such as sifting through vast amounts of discovery documents overnight.

How to Choose the Best Legal AI Tools For Your Business

Picking the best legal AI tool for your practice doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some key tips to help you find the one that fits just right:

Pinpoint Your Practice’s Pain Points

The first step to finding the right AI tool is understanding where it can make the biggest impact. Take a look at the tasks that tend to take up a lot of time in your practice. Is document drafting slowing you down?

If so, a tool like Briefpoint can simplify this process and save hours on preparing responses and briefs. Or, if you’re juggling client files and deadlines, a broader case management solution like Clio might be what you need. Knowing your specific needs will help narrow down the tools that are truly worth considering.

Match Features with Your Needs

Once you’ve identified your needs, it’s time to match them with the features offered by different AI tools.

Some platforms are specialized for tasks like contract review, while others excel in managing discovery documents. Consider the tools’ capabilities in terms of features and see if they integrate smoothly with your existing setup, like Microsoft Word or Clio. 

This will help make sure the new tool fits into your current workflow without causing disruptions.

Look for User-Friendly Design

Adopting a new tool shouldn’t be a struggle, so focus on finding one with an intuitive, user-friendly design.

Tools like Briefpoint and Clio are well-regarded for their simple interfaces, which help reduce onboarding time and make adoption smoother for everyone on your team.

A user-friendly platform is essential if you want to get the most out of your new AI tool without a steep learning curve or constant support.

Prioritize Data Security

Data security is non-negotiable in legal work. Legal AI tools need to prioritize protecting client information, especially when sensitive case details are involved.

Look for platforms that meet industry compliance standards like GDPR or HIPAA and offer strong encryption. Making sure these security measures are in place not only protects your clients but also gives you peace of mind, knowing that your data is secure.

Consider Support and Resources

Solid customer support and resources can make a huge difference in your experience with any new tool.

Check whether the provider offers accessible support options, like live chat, email, or phone, and if they have useful resources like training videos, guides, or webinars.

These resources can help your team make the most of the tool and troubleshoot quickly if issues come up.

Try Before You Buy

Lastly, always take advantage of free trials or demos when available. Testing out a tool firsthand is the best way to get a feel for how it fits into your practice and whether it meets your needs.

It also allows you to test the interface, performance, and integration options before making a financial commitment. By trying it out, you’ll know for sure if it’s the right choice for your practice.

How Legal AI Tools Integrate with Existing Legal Workflows

Legal AI tools act as essential assistants for attorneys, enhancing rather than replacing traditional legal processes. Their integration into law firms with AI tools like. Briefpoint unfolds seamlessly. 

These systems complement and strengthen existing processes by increasing time savings and reducing costs simultaneously. 

For example, in drafting discovery responses, AI can automate the processes, which helps you save time and reduce the chance of human error. 

For example, tools like Briefpoint can save up to 87% of the time spent on discovery response documents.

Schedule a demo today and see exactly how Briefpoint works.

Adopting New Tech Can Help Save Thousands

Discovery responses cost firms $23,240, per year, per attorney. $23,240 estimate assumes an associate attorney salary of $150,000 (including benefits – or $83 an hour), 20 cases per year/per associate, 4 discovery sets per case, 30 questions per set, 3.5 hours spent responding to each set, and 1800 hours of billable hours per year.

Under these assumptions, you save $20,477 using Briefpoint, per year, per attorney.

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

FAQs About Legal AI Tools

Can AI legal tools assist in reducing human error during the review process of legal documents?

Yes, AI legal tools are particularly adept at minimizing human error. They systematically scan through legal documents during the review process and can flag inconsistencies and errors that might be overlooked by a human reviewer. These tools can handle simple tasks with high accuracy and reduce the margin for error.

Can law firms replace lawyers with AI tools?

While generative AI tools are re-shaping the legal industry, artificial intelligence is supposed to help rather than replace industry professionals.

Can AI legal tools help with contract analysis and management?

Yes, AI legal tools are highly effective in contract analysis and management. They can quickly review and extract key information from contracts, identify potential risks, and even suggest standardized language for consistency. This not only speeds up the contract review process but also helps ensure that critical details aren’t missed, enhancing overall accuracy and efficiency in contract management.

What role does Natural Language Processing (NLP) play in legal AI tools?

NLP is essential in legal AI tools, as it allows these systems to understand and process human language in documents. NLP enables AI tools to interpret contracts, legal memos, and discovery documents accurately, which helps automate time-consuming tasks like document review, contract analysis, and case law research. This capability is particularly valuable in law practices where precise language is critical.

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

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

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5 Affordable and Effective Legal Software For Small Firms

5 Affordable and Effective Legal Software For Small Firms

Running a small law firm means juggling multiple tasks—handling cases, managing clients, and keeping track of documents—all while staying on top of billing and legal research.

It can feel like you’re constantly racing against the clock.

Legal software can change that. The right tools help simplify your daily operations, save time, and reduce stress.

Whether it’s automating repetitive tasks or keeping your files organized, legal software allows you to focus on growing your law firm by delivering excellent services to your clients.

Let’s dive into the essential software small yet modern law firms need to stay efficient and competitive!

lawyer working at the office

What is Legal Software and Why Is It Important?

Legal software is a type of technology designed specifically for law firms, legal professionals, and other legal organizations to help manage their daily tasks, processes, and responsibilities more efficiently.

This software can include a wide range of tools, from document management and billing systems to case management and legal research platforms.

Each type plays a role in making a law firm more efficient, but how exactly?

  • Time-saving: Automates repetitive tasks like document drafting and billing to free up time for more important work.
  • Organization: Keeps cases, client information, and documents neatly organized and easily accessible.
  • Improved accuracy: Reduces human error in tasks like document generation and financial calculations.
  • Increased efficiency: Streamlines processes like case management and legal research, allowing firms to handle more work in less time.
  • Enhanced collaboration: Allows for better team coordination with shared access to case files and documents.
  • Better client management: Helps track client interactions, ensuring timely follow-ups and improved client communication.

5 Software Types Every Small Law Firm Needs

Solo practitioners and small law firms have specific software needs to keep their operations smooth and efficient, and they may not be the same tools that large or even midsize law firms need.

Here are the five essential types of software every small law firm should consider:

1. Document Automation Software

If you find yourself spending hours drafting the same type of legal documents over and over again, document automation software will be a valuable investment for your firm.

Instead of manually creating contracts, forms, or letters from scratch, you can automate the whole process. This not only saves you a ton of time but also helps make sure that every document is accurate and consistent.

Best option: Briefpoint shortens discovery document drafting from hours to only minutes. By using artificial intelligence to pull in case-specific information, it automates the whole process.

This means you can quickly generate professional, polished documents without worrying about mistakes or inconsistencies, including:

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

How does it work? You upload your discovery request, and Briefpoint will fill out all the routine details, including requests or interrogatories.

Then, you can add objections to each request with a built-in menu. You can download your document any time to add finishing touches to Word.

Briefpoint

Want to speed up the collection of client responses? Briefpoint Bridge is a built-in feature that lets you select interrogatories that need responses, translate them into plain English, and send them to your client.

Once your client responds, Bridge will plug their responses into your document for you. Yes, that means no more back-and-forth emailing!

Scheduling a demo here.

2. Law Practice Management Software

Running a law firm, even a small one, can feel like juggling a dozen tasks at once—managing cases, tracking deadlines, communicating with clients, and keeping everything organized.

Law practice management or matter management software is your go-to tool for keeping all those balls in the air.

It helps you stay on top of your cases, schedule, and client relationships without getting overwhelmed.

Best option: Clio is one of the best law practice management software for small or solo law firms when it comes to practice management. It’s essentially a digital assistant that handles administrative tasks like:

  • Case management
  • Time tracking
  • Billing and invoicing
  • Client portal
  • Document management
  • Calendar and task management

With Clio, you can easily manage all your client data, set reminders for important deadlines, and even track billable hours in one platform.

It’s designed to keep your firm running smoothly, letting you focus more on your legal work and less on administrative headaches. Clio also integrates with other tools, which makes it a powerful hub for your firm’s operations.

3. Billing and Accounting Software

Managing billing and accounting can be a real headache for small law firms, especially when you’re dealing with different clients, billing rates, and expenses.

Billing and accounting software takes the stress out of the process by automating tasks like tracking billable hours, generating invoices, and keeping your firm’s financials in check.

Best option: TimeSolv is a top choice for small firms that want an easy way to manage their billing and accounting. It’s built to help you track time, create invoices, and get paid faster. Here’s a rundown of its features:

  • Time tracking
  • Invoicing
  • Expense management
  • Trust accounting
  • Financial reports
  • Payment integration

Plus, it’s cloud-based, so you can access your billing info anytime, anywhere.

team working

4. Legal Research Software

Legal research can be one of the most time-consuming tasks for any law firm, but it’s crucial for building strong cases.

Small law firms often don’t have the luxury of a full-time research team, which is why having the right legal research software is a game-changer. It helps you find relevant case law, statutes, and legal precedents quickly and efficiently.

Best option: Casetext is a fantastic legal research tool that uses AI to help you find case law, statutes, and legal briefs in a fraction of the time.

Unlike traditional research platforms, Casetext is designed to be user-friendly and affordable, making it perfect for small firms. Here are a few key features:

  • AI-powered research
  • Brief analysis
  • Smart search

Its AI-powered search engine, CARA, delivers relevant case results tailored to your specific queries, helping you save time while ensuring you get accurate and up-to-date legal information.

5. Document Management Software

Managing legal documents is critical for any law firm, especially when you have to organize client files, contracts, and case-related paperwork. Without proper document management, things can quickly become chaotic.

Document management software helps small law firms store, organize, and retrieve documents efficiently so that everything is easily accessible and securely stored.

Best option: MyCase is a comprehensive document management solution perfect for small law firms. It offers a centralized platform for storing, sharing, and organizing all your case-related documents.

  • Centralized document storage
  • Secure sharing
  • Client portal
  • Document templates
  • Integration with legal practice management software

What makes MyCase stand out is its ability to integrate document management with case management and client communication, which makes it a complete solution for small firms looking to streamline operations.

Plus, it’s cloud-based, so you can access your documents from anywhere at any time.

Balancing Quality and Cost For Small Law Firm Software

For small law firms, it’s essential to strike a balance between quality and cost when choosing software.

You want tools that are reliable, easy to use, and packed with features, but you don’t want to blow your budget on software that’s too pricey or loaded with unnecessary extras.

The good news is that there are plenty of affordable options that deliver high-quality performance without emptying your wallet.

When evaluating software, consider what your firm truly needs.

For example, if you’re looking for document automation or case management software, you don’t need the most expensive option on the market—you need one that gets the job done efficiently.

The trick is to focus on software that offers the essential features you need while keeping the price manageable.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

  • Start with the basics: Look for software that covers the essentials (like document management and billing), and avoid paying for features you won’t use.
  • Check for scalability: Make sure the software can grow with your firm. You don’t want to switch tools every time your needs expand.
  • Look for cloud-based solutions: Cloud-based software often comes at a lower cost and allows for more flexibility, especially when you need access on the go.
  • Free trials and demos: Always try out software with free trials or demos to make sure it fits your needs before committing to a purchase.
  • Compare pricing plans: Some software tools offer tiered pricing, so you can choose a plan that aligns with your firm’s size and budget without sacrificing key features.

Factors to Consider When Building Your Law Firm Tech Stack

When you’re building the tech stack for your small law firm, choosing the right software can make or break your productivity.

It’s important to consider several factors to ensure the tools you pick work together seamlessly, fit your budget, and serve your firm’s unique needs.

Here are some key points to think about as you build your tech stack:

Ease of Use

Your software should be intuitive and easy to learn. The last thing you want is to spend hours figuring out how to navigate a tool or, worse, spend days training your team. Look for software with a simple interface and clear instructions.

Integration with Other Tools

Your law firm likely uses multiple tools, so it’s important that your software integrates smoothly with others.

For example, your document management software should connect with your billing or case management tool so you’re not entering the same information in multiple places. Integration cuts down on errors and saves time.

Security

Since law firms handle sensitive client information, your software needs to be secure. Make sure the tools you choose offer features like encryption, secure cloud storage, and user authentication.

Data breaches can not only damage your firm’s reputation but also result in legal issues, so security should be a top priority.

Scalability

As your firm grows, your software should be able to grow with it. Look for tools that offer different pricing plans or features that scale as your firm takes on more cases and clients.

Avoid software that’s too rigid or meant only for small operations if you plan to expand.

Customer Support

When issues arise, you’ll want quick and helpful customer support.

Make sure the software provider offers reliable support options, such as live chat, phone, or email, so you’re never left hanging when you need help.

Cost and Budget Fit

Your tech stack should be affordable, but that doesn’t mean going for the cheapest option. It’s better to focus on value — how much time will this tool save?

team working

Will it help you manage cases better? Sometimes, paying a little more for a robust tool can lead to more savings in the long run by improving efficiency.

What Software Will You Need as Your Law Firm Expands?

As your law firm grows, so do the demands on your time, resources, and technology.

The tools that worked when your firm was small may not be enough to handle the increased workload and complexity that comes with expansion. That’s where upgrading your software becomes essential.

Here’s a look at the types of software your law firm will need as it expands:

Advanced Case Management Software

As your caseload increases, staying organized becomes more challenging.

Advanced case management software will help you track and manage everything in one place, from client information and case notes to deadlines and documents.

This software allows multiple team members to collaborate seamlessly so everyone is on the same page with real-time updates.

By automating repetitive tasks and streamlining workflows, case management systems help you stay on top of deadlines and avoid the risk of something slipping through the cracks.

With detailed reporting tools, you’ll also be able to track case progress and performance metrics effortlessly.

Billing and Accounting Software

More clients mean more billing, and as your law firm expands, managing finances can become increasingly complicated. That’s why billing and accounting software is a must.

It automates invoicing, tracks billable hours, and manages expenses, ensuring that your financial records are always up-to-date.

Additionally, it handles trust accounts and generates comprehensive financial reports, which are key for transparency and regulatory compliance.

This software helps make sure clients are billed accurately and on time, which is critical for maintaining your firm’s cash flow as you grow.

Client Relationship Management (CRM) Software

As your client base expands, keeping track of client communications and follow-ups can become overwhelming.

CRM software designed for law firms helps you manage client relationships from the first point of contact through to ongoing case management.

It records communication histories, sends automatic reminders for follow-ups, and ensures no important client interactions are missed.

Cybersecurity Software

The more your firm grows, the more sensitive data you’ll need to protect. Cybersecurity is non-negotiable, especially when dealing with confidential client information.

Cybersecurity software protects your firm from threats such as hacking, phishing, and malware. It also helps ensure compliance with data privacy regulations, which is crucial for maintaining your firm’s reputation and client trust.

Encryption, secure cloud storage, firewalls, and user authentication are just a few of the security measures included in top cybersecurity solutions to keep your data safe from breaches.

Document Management Software

With more cases comes more paperwork. As your firm expands, managing legal documents can quickly turn into a logistical nightmare without a proper system in place.

Document management software centralizes all your documents, making it easy to store, organize, and retrieve files.

Whether cloud-based or on-premises, this software makes sure that documents are stored securely and that the most up-to-date versions are always accessible.

It also makes sharing files with team members more efficient and secure.

Modernize Your Law Firm With Briefpoint

Running a small law firm comes with a lot of responsibilities, but the right legal software can make things a whole lot easier.

From automating documents with Briefpoint to managing cases with Clio or handling billing through TimeSolv, having the right tools in place can save you time, reduce stress, and help you focus on what matters most — serving your clients.

Now, start with the task that takes up the most of your time.

If it’s discovery document drafting, look no further than Briefpoint. With its powerful features designed to cut hours of work down to just minutes, it’s the perfect solution for small law firms looking to maximize efficiency without sacrificing quality.

Ready to see how Briefpoint can transform your law firm? Book a demo today and experience the ease of automated document drafting firsthand!

Maximize Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness With Briefpoint

Discovery responses cost firms $23,240, per year, per attorney. $23,240 estimate assumes an associate attorney salary of $150,000 (including benefits – or $83 an hour), 20 cases per year/per associate, 4 discovery sets per case, 30 questions per set, 3.5 hours spent responding to each set, and 1800 hours of billable hours per year.

Under these assumptions, you save $20,477 using Briefpoint, per year, per attorney.

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

FAQs About Legal Software For Small Law Firms

What is legal software, and why do small law firms need it?

Legal software is designed to help law firms manage everyday tasks like case management, document drafting, billing, and research. Small law firms can greatly benefit from legal software as it helps streamline operations, saves time, and improves organization, allowing them to serve clients more efficiently.

Can small law firms afford legal software?

Absolutely. Many legal software providers offer affordable pricing plans tailored to the needs of small firms. Plus, many tools offer free trials, so you can test them before committing. By improving efficiency and saving time, legal software can actually save you money in the long run.

How does document automation software work?

Document automation software allows you to create legal documents quickly using pre-set templates and case-specific data. Instead of drafting each document from scratch, the software automatically generates them, saving time and reducing the risk of errors. Tools like Briefpoint are excellent for this.

Is my data safe when using legal software?

Yes, reputable legal software companies prioritize security. Look for tools that offer features like data encryption, secure cloud storage, and two-factor authentication to protect your sensitive information.

How do I choose the right legal software for my growing firm?

Start by assessing your specific needs. Look for tools that address key areas like case management, billing, document management, and client communication. Ensure that the software is scalable, meaning it can grow with your firm as your needs increase. Check for ease of use, integration with other tools, and strong customer support. Most importantly, consider security features to protect sensitive client data. Trying out free trials or demos can also help you decide if the software fits your workflow before committing.

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