7 Top Ways to Use AI For Better Law Firm Efficiency

The legal industry has long been known for its deep commitment to tradition. Innovation tends to move slowly, especially when it challenges the way things have been done for decades.

That’s why many firms still hesitate when it comes to artificial intelligence. It can sound like a trend or a tool built for tech companies, not legal professionals. But in practice, AI is helping firms save time, reduce busywork, and focus more on meaningful legal work.

If you’re looking for simple ways to improve how your team works, this guide breaks down seven practical ways to use AI in your daily workflow.

A Crash Course to AI and Its Legal Applications

AI is basically software that can “learn” from patterns and do things that normally require human thinking, like reading, writing, or analyzing.

For law firms, it means tools that help with repetitive tasks, cut down on manual work, and give you more time for tasks that demand more brain power and human intervention.

At its core, AI looks at data and makes recommendations or takes action based on rules it’s learned. Here are a few types of AI used in legal tech today:

Natural language processing (NLP): Understands and analyzes human language, which is great for reviewing contracts or pulling key terms from large documents.
Machine learning (ML): Learns from past data to improve over time and is often used in tools that flag risky clauses based on previous cases.
Generative AI: Creates text, summaries, or drafts—helpful for legal memos, emails, or even first-draft contracts.
Predictive analytics: Looks at trends and past outcomes to help estimate risk, likely decisions, or timelines.

Used right, AI becomes a smart assistant, not a replacement. But how can you apply this tech to your law firm’s operations?

Best Ways to Use AI to Improve Law Firm Efficiency

Improving efficiency is the best first step when adding AI to your law firm’s toolkit. You don’t need to overhaul your entire practice; just start with the areas that slow you down the most. Here are some of the most practical ways to use it day to day.

1. Speed Up Paperwork With Document Automation

Drafting legal documents is one of the most tedious tasks in any law firm. Whether you’re responding to discovery or creating routine contracts, the back-and-forth, formatting, and manual edits can take hours.

That’s why document automation is one of the most practical ways to improve law firm efficiency, especially when it comes to reducing administrative tasks and cutting down the document review process.

Document automation tools use legal technology and, more recently, generative AI to help create first drafts in minutes. You upload a file or fill out a simple form, and the tool builds a complete document based on preset templates or your firm’s past work.

Here’s where legal document automation helps:

Creating discovery requests and responses
Filling out standard agreements like NDAs or contracts
Reducing errors from copying and pasting
Keeping formatting and legal language consistent

Tools like Briefpoint go a step further by handling full sets of interrogatories, requests for admission, and production, letting you propound or respond to discovery in all U.S. jurisdictions with just a few clicks.

Learn more about how it works here.

2. Automate Client-Related Tasks

Meeting client demands is a big part of running a successful law firm, but it’s also one of the most time-consuming. From answering questions to gathering paperwork, these tasks often pull staff away from billable work.

With that in mind, automating parts of client service is one of the most effective ways to improve law firm efficiency while still delivering exceptional service.

For example, AI can help with:

Client intake: Collect basic information through AI-powered forms or chatbots to reduce back-and-forth and manual data entry.
Appointment scheduling: Use smart scheduling tools that sync calendars and send reminders to clients automatically.
Document collection: Let clients upload files through secure links while AI organizes and stores them properly.
Status updates: Keep clients informed through automated messages that track key milestones and deadlines.
Answering common questions: Use AI chat assistants to respond instantly to FAQs without tying up staff.
Personalized follow-ups: Trigger messages based on case stage, deadlines, or client activity for a more personalized client experience.

These tools don’t just save time, but also improve client communication, reduce overhead costs, and help firms focus on improving operational efficiency while still maintaining the quality of their legal services.

3. Leverage AI-Powered Legal Research Tools

Legal research is another common time drain for attorneys. It’s tedious, slow, and often hard to bill at full value. But with AI-powered tools, legal professionals can get through research faster and sharpen their legal strategies more efficiently.

According to the Legal Industry Report 2025, 46% of frequent AI users in law already rely on it to conduct general research. This shows that AI is becoming a go-to tool across the legal industry for saving time and making data-driven decisions.

Here’s how AI can improve your research process:

Search in plain English and get precise results without complex query strings
Scan case summaries to find what matters faster
Catch outdated or missing citations before you file
Link related rulings and laws automatically for deeper context
Reduce non-billable research time and focus more on strategy

By helping law firms adopt more streamlined processes, these tools give you more control over your time and allow you to compete with other law firms that are already using tech to improve performance and client results.

4. Add Smart Scheduling Assistants

Schedules are the backbone of any law firm. From client meetings to court deadlines, everything depends on staying organized and on time.

Smart scheduling assistants make this easier by handling meeting coordination automatically. These tools manage invites, reminders, and updates, so your team doesn’t have to do it all by hand.

For instance, platforms like Calendly and Clara, or features built into legal practice management software like Clio and PracticePanther, allow clients to book appointments based on your availability.

They sync with calendars, prevent double-bookings, and send confirmations or reminders with minimal human intervention.

Using AI like this improves time management, reduces administrative overhead, and keeps your day running smoothly. It also helps create a more professional and responsive experience for clients.

5. Let AI Draft Routine Communications

Not every message needs to be written from scratch. Simple emails, follow-ups, and routine updates don’t always require legal expertise, and many law firms are now using AI to help with these day-to-day tasks.

While AI shouldn’t send messages without review, it can save time by drafting first versions that you can quickly personalize.

This approach helps boost law firm productivity, free up billable hours, and improve how you’re keeping clients informed without constantly starting from a blank screen.

AI can help with:

Drafting appointment confirmations and reminders
Writing follow-up messages after meetings or filings
Creating templates for intake, updates, or status reports
Responding to common client questions with approved language
Generating internal updates or summaries for staff

Using communication tools with built-in AI also supports more personalized client experiences, since messages can be tailored quickly based on case type or client needs.

When used thoughtfully, AI helps keep your communication timely, consistent, and professional without draining your team’s time. It’s one of the easiest ways to keep things moving, maintain client satisfaction, and make routine tasks far more manageable.

6. Use AI-Driven Analytics to Find Opportunities for Improvement

Data is a valuable resource that often gets overlooked in the legal process. As firms continue to explore better ways to save time and work smarter, AI-driven analytics offer a clear advantage.

By tracking metrics across your practice, like response times, billing patterns, and document turnaround, you can spot what’s working and what needs attention. These insights help you adopt strategies that actually move the needle and support your law firm’s success.

AI tools built into case management, document management, and law firm billing software often include dashboards that visualize trends across teams, clients, and matters.

Here’s what you can track and improve:

Key performance indicators (KPIs) like time to resolution, case duration, and task completion rates
Billing gaps where work was done but not logged
Workflow delays in document review or client communication
Utilization rates by attorney or team
Client feedback trends and satisfaction scores

These insights can help you streamline workflows, balance workloads, and make more informed decisions across the firm. With the right data, you can improve how your team works and how your clients experience your services, leading to long-term results that matter.

7. Try Using Voice-to-Text Tools

Voice-to-text tools offer a simple way to turn spoken words into written content quickly, which can help reduce non-billable work and free up more time for other tasks.

You can use this kind of AI during client meetings, internal briefings, or even while you’re thinking through ideas on the go. It’s especially useful for capturing details you might otherwise forget or for organizing thoughts before a draft.

By reducing time-consuming tasks like manual transcription, these tools help improve efficiency without much effort. Some tools can even support analyzing data from multiple recordings to identify common issues or trends across cases, adding even more value to your notes.

However, because sensitive case information may be shared aloud, privacy matters. Make sure you’re using the right technology that offers encryption and data security, especially when client information is involved.

For firms focused on maximizing law firm productivity, cutting down time spent on routine documentation, and improving the firm’s efficiency, voice-to-text can be a quiet but powerful upgrade.

Briefpoint Makes Document Work Easier, And That’s Just the Beginning

It’s already 2025. Getting through all the day-to-day tasks at a law firm doesn’t have to mean long nights and crowded calendars. And with smarter tools, you can take back your time while still maintaining high-quality work.

That’s where AI fits in. Of course, not to replace your expertise, but to take the routine stuff off your plate.

Briefpoint is one of the easiest wins. It handles your discovery drafting from requests for admission to interrogatories, so you don’t have to start from scratch every time.

Modern firms using it are saving up to 87% of the time they used to spend on document prep. No wonder more than 500 law firms already rely on it to make their workflow faster and easier.

Curious how much time your team could save? Book a demo with Briefpoint and see how it fits into your day.

FAQs About Law Firm Efficiency

How does improving efficiency help law firms grow?

Efficient firms get more done in less time, which opens the door to more clients and better results. By cutting down on low-value tasks, your team can focus on legal work that brings in revenue and builds your reputation.

Can AI really improve law firm profitability?

Yes. Automating repetitive work like contract review or client intake saves time, reduces overhead, and increases billable time, all of which can improve law firm profitability over the long term.

What tasks can be automated to reduce administrative workload?

You can delegate tasks like scheduling, email follow-ups, document drafting, and client intake. These are all administrative duties that pull staff away from legal work and can be handled by smart tools.

Why is efficiency important for staying competitive?

To remain competitive, firms need to respond quickly, deliver consistent results, and offer a smooth client experience. Streamlining processes helps you do exactly that without hiring a bigger team.

How does efficiency affect client relationships?

When your firm runs smoothly, clients notice. Faster updates, fewer errors, and better communication all help build strong client relationships and create a good first impression for potential clients.

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The 2025 Guide to Workflow Automation For Law Firms

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

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

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

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

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

What Does Workflow Automation Mean For Law Firms?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why Should You Start Automating Your Law Firm Now?

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

Here’s why you should start automating today.

Save Time on Repetitive Tasks

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

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

Think about how much time you spend on:

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

Now, picture those tasks being handled in minutes.

Reduce Errors and Improve Accuracy

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

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

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

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

Cut Costs and Boost Profitability

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

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

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

Improve Client Satisfaction

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stay Competitive in a Changing Industry

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

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

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

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

Best Legal Workflow Automation To Achieve The Efficiency You Need

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

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

1. Briefpoint

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

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

Best Features

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

Pros

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

Test out Briefpoint for yourself. Book a demo today!

2. Clio

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

Source: G2

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

Best Features

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

Pros

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

3. Smokeball

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

Source: G2

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

Best Features

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

Pros

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

4. MyCase

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

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

Source: G2

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

Best Features

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

Pros

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

5. Lawmatics

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

Source: G2

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

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

Best Features

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

Pros

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

6. LawPay

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

Source: G2

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

Best Features

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

Pros

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

Automate Your Most Tedious Workflow First

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

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

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

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

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

FAQs About Workflow Automation For Law Firms

What are examples of workflow automation?

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

What is the best legal automation software?

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

What is the best AI tool for law firms?

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

What is the best ERP system for law firms?

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

How do I start automating legal workflows at my firm?

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

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.

What Does Legal Automation Mean?

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

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

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

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

What Legal Processes Can You Automate?

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

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

Contract Review and Management

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

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

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

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

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

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

Legal Document Drafting

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

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

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

Book a demo to see it in action!

Billing Management

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

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

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

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

Routine Tasks

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

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

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

Legal Research

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why is Legal Automation Important For Law Firms?

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

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

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

Increased Efficiency in Task Management

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

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

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

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

Cost Savings in Daily Operations

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

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

Improved Accuracy and Reduced Errors

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

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

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

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

Ensuring Compliance with Legal Standards

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

Better Client Service

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

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

Client-specific tasks you can automate include:

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

Simplified and Organized Workflow

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

Scalability for Growing Practices

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

Increased Job Satisfaction

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

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

Data-Driven Insights

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

Signs That You Need Legal Automation Software

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

1. High Volume of Routine Tasks

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

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

2. Frequent Errors

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

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

3. Slow Turnaround Times

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

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

4. Increasing Operational Costs

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

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

5. Employee Burnout

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

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

6. Manual Data Management

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

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

Automate the Most Tedious Part of Litigation

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

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

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

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

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

FAQs About Legal Automation

What is automation in law?

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

What are the 4 types of automation?

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

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

What is an example of document automation?

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

What is an example of process automation?

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

Make RFP Automation Work for Your Business

An RFP, or request for proposal, is a formal document companies use when they’re searching for vendors or partners. It outlines what they need, and it’s up to you to respond with a clear, detailed plan showing how you’ll meet those needs.

Sounds simple, right? But anyone who’s actually gone through the process knows it’s anything but. Manually responding to RFPs can be a time sink.

You end up digging through folders, copying answers from old files, double-checking facts, and chasing down teammates for input. And that’s before you even start formatting the final proposal.

If that sounds familiar, you’re not doing anything wrong; it’s just the way most teams handle it. That’s exactly why more businesses are turning to RFP automation and why you might want to, too.

What is RFP Automation?

RFP automation is the use of software to speed up and simplify the RFP response process. Instead of building each proposal from scratch, automation tools help you reuse your best content, assign tasks to the right people, and manage everything in one organized system.

At its core, RFP automation improves RFP response management by making it easier to find accurate answers, assign work to subject matter experts, and deliver polished proposals on time. These tools can also handle security questionnaires, which are often time-consuming and repetitive.

Many platforms now use natural language processing to suggest the best content based on how a question is worded. That means you’re not just pulling canned replies but also getting tailored responses that sound like they were written for that specific request.

With RFP automation, you can:

Speed up the response process with smart content suggestions
Cut down manual work by generating answers from a shared library
Assign sections to subject matter experts with built-in workflows
Improve consistency with approved, accurate answers
Handle security questionnaires without last-minute stress

What Is RFP Automation Software?

RFP automation software is a tool that helps teams respond to proposals faster by organizing content, assigning tasks, and reusing approved answers. It’s built to reduce the manual effort that usually goes into answering the same types of questions over and over.

The software keeps everything in one place, including your responses, team comments, deadlines, and drafts, so you’re not jumping between emails or files to piece things together. It also makes it easier to keep answers accurate and consistent across different proposals.

Some tools even suggest content based on past responses to help you save time when you’re under pressure. With everyone working from the same system, the process runs smoother, and your proposals go out quicker.

How Do You Automate RFP Responses?

Automating the RFP response process doesn’t mean handing everything over to a machine. It means cutting down on repetitive work, so your team can focus on writing strong, thoughtful answers.

With the right system in place, you can respond faster and reduce the stress that usually comes with tight deadlines. Here’s how you can set up a smart and efficient RFP response management process using automation tools:

1. Build a Central Content Library

The first step in automating your RFP response process is setting up a robust content library. This is where you store your previous responses, company facts, product details, and other valuable resources in one organized place.

A good library makes it easy to find the right content quickly, which can help your team deliver accurate responses without wasting time. Some tools use machine learning to suggest the best answer based on the question’s context.

2. Use Natural Language Matching

Modern RFP tools use natural language processing to understand how questions are asked, even if the wording changes. This helps the software suggest the most relevant answers from your library, so you’re always starting from a strong place.

3. Assign the Right People Automatically

One of the smartest things RFP software can do is route each question to the right subject matter expert without you lifting a finger.

Legal questions go straight to legal. Product questions land with your technical team. Everyone gets notified, knows what to work on, and sees their deadlines upfront.

This keeps the entire process moving smoothly and avoids confusion or delays. You don’t have to waste time repeating the same steps or chasing people for input. It also keeps your sales process in sync with your proposal efforts, so nothing falls through.

4. Generate Draft Responses

Let your RFP software take the first pass at answering questions. By pulling from your content library, the tool can generate draft responses that save time and reduce repetitive tasks for your team.

You’re still in control (every answer can be reviewed, edited, and approved), but you’re no longer stuck starting from zero.

This approach helps your sales team focus on strategy and personalization, not copy-paste work. Plus, it makes sure answers stay consistent without pulling random info from external websites or outdated files.

Here’s how it helps:

Creates quick drafts for common RFP questions
Cuts down the time spent on repetitive writing
Allows room for human intervention when needed
Keeps messaging aligned with your brand and voice
Helps your team stay focused on winning business rather than formatting responses

5. Manage Versions and Approvals

Keeping track of edits and approvals can be a mess when everything’s split across emails and shared drives. RFP automation tools fix that by giving your team one place to manage it all.

This means you can track changes, leave comments, and see who approved what, without dealing with five different versions of the same file.

For example, if you’re answering a set of due diligence questionnaires with input from legal, finance, and IT, the software pulls content from your central library and lets each expert review their section. That way, your winning responses include detailed information pulled from multiple sources, and it’s all up to date.

6. Automate Security Questionnaire Responses

Security questionnaires are often packed with detailed questions that tend to repeat across clients and industries. Automation tools help by pulling approved answers from your knowledge sources and previous RFPs, so your team isn’t stuck rewriting the same content.

Answers stay consistent, accurate, and up to date, even when requests come from different teams or departments. You’ll also get real-time notifications when something needs a second look or an updated response.

By cutting down the busywork, you’re speeding up the process and showing that your team is sharp, responsive, and ready to work with serious clients. That kind of professionalism can go a long way in boosting win rates and helping you stand out as an industry leader.

7. Export Final Proposals Fast

After all the reviews are done and the content’s locked in, the last thing you want is to spend hours reformatting everything. With RFP automation, you can export the entire proposal via Word, PDF, or even a custom layout.

If the client asked similar or the same questions as in past RFPs, there’s no need to do extra research or shuffle through Google Drive for old files. Everything’s already been pulled from approved content.

This is a must-have feature for teams that send out a significant number of proposals and want to ensure consistency across every submission.

Why Should You Automate Your RFP Process?

Manual RFP responses can drag down your team’s time, focus, and energy. When you’re answering the same questions again and again or trying to keep up with disorganized reviews, it’s easy to lose momentum.

Automating the process helps you work faster, stay consistent, and respond with confidence. Here’s what you get out of it:

Faster turnaround – Generate responses in minutes by pulling from a shared content library, so your team spends less time starting from scratch.
Consistent, approved content – Use responses that have already been vetted by legal, finance, and subject matter experts.
Fewer errors – Reduce copy-paste slip-ups and outdated answers with automatic suggestions based on current content.
Stronger teamwork – Assign sections, set deadlines, and track progress without relying on endless email threads.
Simpler reviews – Let reviewers edit and approve content in one place, with full visibility into changes and comments.
Organized process – Keep everything in one system, not spread across docs and drives.
Better results – Submit polished, accurate proposals that improve your chances of winning the deal.

Take Advantage Of Automated Document Generation Today

You’ve probably spent more hours than you’d like pulling answers together, cleaning up formatting, and chasing final approvals, only to end up sending the proposal minutes before the deadline. It’s frustrating, and honestly, it pulls your focus away from the work that actually needs your attention.

As you can see, automated document generation helps fix that. You can organize your content, reuse what already works, and produce clean documents without jumping through hoops every single time.

And even if RFPs aren’t your main task, you’re likely still dealing with repetitive forms, client documents, or standard questionnaires.

Briefpoint was built to handle that kind of work. Originally made for legal teams, it simplifies structured document drafting, especially when the content is repetitive and requires input from different people. You don’t need to reinvent anything. Just make your process less painful.

If you’re tired of spinning your wheels on the same kinds of documents, Briefpoint is worth a look.

Try Briefpoint today!

FAQs About RFP Automation

What is RFP automation?

RFP automation refers to the use of software that helps your team respond to proposals faster and with fewer errors. It pulls from your knowledge base, suggests past answers, assigns tasks, and keeps everything organized in one system. The goal is to make the entire process less time-consuming so your team can take on more RFPs without burning out.

What is RFP technology?

RFP technology includes tools and platforms that support the creation, management, and submission of proposals. Some tools even use generative AI to recommend answers based on your previous responses and current questions, helping your team respond quickly while staying accurate.

What is the best RFP software?

The best RFP response software depends on your team size, industry, and workflow. Tools like Loopio, RFPIO, and Responsive are popular for helping teams manage content, track progress, and easily collaborate across departments. Look for features that match your team’s needs and help with things like version control, deadlines, and approval tracking.

What does RFP mean?

RFP stands for Request for Proposal. It’s a document that organizations send out when they’re looking to buy services or multiple products and want vendors to submit bids that meet specific requirements. Responding clearly and with the right data can help your organization stand out and win the deal.