5 Stand-Out Benefits of Legal Document Automation Software

What is Legal Document Automation?

Legal document automation simplifies the drafting and management of legal documents through technology or, more specifically, artificial intelligence, natural language processing (NLP), and machine learning.

It starts with customizable templates that act as a base for every document you need. These templates include all the standard language and formats, and you can adjust them according to the specifics of each case or client.

The core feature of this system is that it can automatically insert dynamic content, like specific clauses or client details, which cuts down on manual data entry and the chance of making mistakes.

Other document automation tools like Briefpoint let you upload an existing document and draft a new document from other existing documents. For example, Briefpoint’s machine learning will analyze the information on your document and extract as much information as it can, such as court name, case number, and request type. 

Then, the AI system will create a caption and fill out routine data on your document. At this point, you can insert your objections to each request and interrogatory before finishing up on Word.

Why Should Law Firms Invest in Legal Document Automation Software?

Automated legal document generation can be a valuable investment for law firms of all sizes. However, the cost of such a tool can add up over time, especially when you already have an existing stack of tools you pay for.

So, why should you invest in automation software to create documents when you can do it on your own? 

Here are a few compelling reasons why adopting document automation should be your next investment:

1. Increases Efficiency 

The core feature of legal document automation is its ability to rapidly produce documents using pre-set templates and generative artificial intelligence. This automated process cuts down the time lawyers and paralegals spend drafting the document from scratch.

For instance, legal professionals can generate standard contracts, agreements, or legal notices in minutes instead of hours. Increased speed of document assembly means legal staff can turn their attention to high-value work or handle more cases without additional workload, which increases the firm’s overall productivity.

Increased efficiency can also make way for better time management and, in turn, a more positive work-life balance for busy legal professionals. In most cases, a better work-life balance creates happier and more productive employees, so it’s a win-win.

2. Saves Time and Money

Increased efficiency goes hand in hand with cost savings. For one, automating routine documentation tasks reduces the need for extensive labor to manage these processes. This can lead to reduced hours for existing staff or the ability to manage with fewer staff members.

Additionally, automated document creation decreases the need for overtime costs when facing tight deadlines since documents can be prepared and reviewed faster. 

Plus, there’s less need to outsource these jobs to external specialists or services. Keeping this work in-house saves on outsourcing fees and also gives the firm better control over the timeline and quality of the output.

3. Tracks Important Information

Automation software stores all documents in one centralized location so that it is easy for anyone in the firm to access necessary files from anywhere, at any time.

Centralized document storage is particularly useful for firms with multiple offices or remote workers as it eliminates the need for physical storage and reduces the risk of losing important paperwork. 

It also gives you easy access to frequently used documents, so you won’t have to search for a specific document every time you need it.

Legal document automation systems also allow quick retrieval of documents and data. This can be crucial during tight deadlines or when you need to change matter-specific documents. 

4. Minimizes Mistakes and Liability Exposure

Human error is often unavoidable in manual processes, which is another reason why document automation has become a must in the legal industry. 

Since everything is formatted the same way every time, you avoid the little slip-ups that can lead to big problems. Also, the software stays up-to-date with the latest laws and regulations to make sure that all documents comply with current legal standards.

Plus, some document automation tools create audit trails. Every time someone edits, accesses, or reviews a document, the software keeps a log. This is highly useful if there’s ever a dispute or a compliance check because you have a clear record of what went down.

Some smarter systems even use artificial intelligence to spot potential errors before they become an issue, giving you a chance to preemptively fix them. 

5. Improves the Overall Client Experience

Document automation software makes interactions with legal services more efficient, reliable, and satisfying for clients in several ways.

First, automation speeds up the document preparation process. Clients no longer need to wait days or weeks for their documents to be drafted, reviewed, and revised.

A rapid turnaround is particularly appreciated in scenarios where time-sensitive legal issues are involved, which helps clients feel prioritized and well-served.

Plus, the accuracy of automated documents means that clients receive error-free paperwork. This accuracy helps in building trust, as clients can be confident that their legal documents are handled professionally and with attention to detail. It also reduces the back-and-forth typically required to correct errors.

Drafting Documents Doesn’t Have to Be Tedious

Preparing contracts, appeals, motions, pleadings, discovery documents, and other legal documents costs legal professionals thousands of hours every year. 

Legal teams draft and edit countless documents, typically through modifying a similar document and copy-pasting relevant information. This manual process might have worked well before, but it has now become an outdated and inefficient practice. 

Today, legal document automation software is an indispensable tool in the legal profession. It helps law firms save hundreds—if not thousands—of hours on document generation.

Don’t let your practice fall behind. With Briefpoint, you can automate one of the most tedious administrative tasks of all: discovery document production. Let Briefpoint’s machine learning and generative artificial intelligence help you draft discovery request and response documents in minutes.

Unlock the Benefits of Legal Document Automation 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.