Types of Legal Tech for Litigation

Many legal professionals will agree that litigation is one of the most difficult practice areas to find success in, whether it’s civil or criminal. It’s also worth noting that there’s so much at stake with litigation, including money, your client’s fate, and the law firm’s reputation.

But if there’s one thing successful lawyers will agree on, it’s that every law firm needs to adapt to technology as it changes.

In this guide, we will be going into one of the most important fields of legal tech: litigation tools. Discover the types of legal tech tools for litigation, the benefits of using such products, and how you can integrate them into your practice to serve clients even better.

Types of Legal Technologies for Litigation

The legal tech industry solves hundreds of problems for law firms, which span across multiple aspects of the legal profession, including litigation. Here are types of legal tech that are particularly useful for law firms that focus on litigation, as well as arbitration or mediation:

Discovery Document Generation

Most law firms agree that the most tedious part of litigation is the discovery process. When done entirely manually, it can take hours to draft even the simplest discovery documents.

Legal tech companies like Briefpoint.ai are helping get rid of this roadblock by using generative artificial intelligence to help legal professionals draft discovery response and request documents in minutes.

For example, Briefpoint uses AI and machine learning to process discovery request .pdfs to generate response documents rapidly. This eliminates the need for users to have to recreate each request in a new Word document, type or copy-and-paste each objection to the requests, and insert the client’s response.

Case Management Software

This type of software provides a centralized platform for managing case files, documents, contacts, calendars, and communications. It helps lawyers keep track of deadlines, court dates, and client information to ensure that nothing falls through the cracks.

Case management software is essential in all types of legal work, but especially for litigation that involves hundreds (if not thousands) of tasks, documents, and communications.

Legal professionals can use this platform to stay on top of their cases and seamlessly collaborate with the rest of their team.

Legal Research Platforms

Gone are the days of poring over physical law reporters and legal tomes. Today’s legal research tools offer powerful databases and AI-driven search features to help lawyers find relevant case laws, statutes, regulations, and legal articles quickly.

They often include features like citation tracking, analysis of legal trends, and predictive insights on case outcomes.

Communication and Collaboration Platforms

Effective communication is vital in litigation, not just within the legal team but also with clients and other stakeholders.

Modern communication tools for legal departments offer secure messaging, video conferencing, and collaboration features. These features are must-haves for seamless interactions regardless of physical location.

Trial Presentation Software

This type of technology allows lawyers to organize, manage, and present evidence and arguments in a compelling way during trials.

Most trial presentation tools support a variety of media types, including documents, photos, videos, and audio recordings, and allow for real-time presentation of evidence to the courtroom.

Litigation Analytics

Litigation analytics tools provide clear, data-driven insights that can significantly impact a case’s strategy and outcome.

These tools sift through vast amounts of data from past court decisions, judge rulings, and litigation histories to give litigation attorneys a strategic edge in the courtroom that they would have to spend more time achieving otherwise.

How Can Legal Tech Help Litigation?

The legal industry is becoming more and more accepting of technology as it continues to evolve–and for all the right reasons. From a wider point of view, legal technology makes workflows easier, faster, and overall more efficient.

But if we look closer, the benefits of legal technology for litigation are clearer:

Maximizing Operational Efficiency

Legal technology introduces automation in various facets of litigation, including document management, billing, and case tracking.

This automation reduces the time legal professionals spend on administrative tasks, which allows them to allocate more resources toward critical thinking and case strategy development.

The result? Law firms can handle cases more effectively, reduce delays, and improve the overall quality of their legal services.

Improving Accuracy and Risk Mitigation

Legal tech tools minimize the potential for human error by reducing the reliance on manual processes.

Automated document generation, for example, ensures consistency and accuracy in legal filings, reducing the risk of mistakes that could lead to delays or negative legal outcomes.

Plus, litigation analytics can help identify potential risks and outcomes based on historical data, allowing for better-informed decision-making.

Refining Discovery and Evidence Management

Automated discovery tools are designed to handle vast amounts of electronic data and allow legal teams to efficiently identify, collect, and analyze relevant information.

This feature is an absolute must in a digital age where evidence often resides in electronic formats. Advanced search algorithms and analytics can uncover crucial pieces of evidence that might be overlooked manually, which can offer a strategic advantage in litigation.

Reducing Costs

While the initial investment in legal tech may be significant, the long-term savings are substantial. Law firms can reduce overhead costs just by simply automating routine tasks and improving efficiency.

Additionally, the precision and speed of legal tech tools can decrease the duration of litigation, which further cuts down expenses that often come with prolonged or delayed cases.

Upgrading Client Satisfaction

When you consider the benefits of legal technology, you can see that using legal technology contributes to higher levels of client satisfaction.

Clients benefit from quicker responses, more transparent communication, and potentially faster resolutions to their cases. More importantly, the ability to provide detailed insights and data-driven strategies can reinforce clients’ confidence in their legal representation.

Increasing Law Firm Profitability

Positive case outcomes almost always result in better law firm profitability, and that’s what both lawyers and clients want. Software solutions can increase the chances of a positive verdict via better legal research, stronger evidence, or even the absence of errors.

In turn, lawyers get their win, and happy clients are likely to bring in more potential clients to the law firm through word-of-mouth. Either way, the winning law firm will see a positive effect on their bottom line.

Best Legal Tech Litigation Tools Every Law Firm Should Have

While legal tech in general can yield positive results for a law firm, not all legal tech products are made equal. Legal practitioners still have to be selective when choosing the right stack of tools, especially when it comes to something as crucial as litigation.

Here’s a list of some of the best litigation tools to help you narrow down your search:

1. Briefpoint.ai

Briefpoint.ai is a document automation tool that helps lawyers and other legal professionals prepare discovery response and request documents.

Unlike manual preparation, users can generate legal documents with both speed and accuracy, which cuts hours or even days off the discovery phase.

Briefpoint.ai can help you draft responses to and propounding sets of the following documents:

Requests for Production
Requests for Admission
Interrogatories

In addition, the process is simple, so you won’t have to worry about a steep learning curve. You just have to upload your discovery request, plug in your responses or objections, and then export the document to Word to finish up there.

2. Clio

Clio is always going to be the go-to for case and practice management. It offers features that cover everything from document management and time tracking to billing and client communication.

Plus, everything is on a cloud-based system, which allows easy access to case files and information from anywhere.

It has excellent time tracking and billing capabilities. The platform’s intuitive time-tracking functionality allows legal professionals to accurately log billable hours directly into the system, which helps reduce the risk of lost revenue due to unrecorded time.

Coupled with its advanced billing system, Clio lets users create detailed, customizable invoices that reflect all billable activities and expenses associated with a case.

3. Lex Machina

Lex Machina is known for transforming raw legal data into strategic insights. This platform mines litigation data from a vast array of sources and applies sophisticated analytics to unearth patterns and trends that are not immediately apparent.

By offering a detailed examination of judges’ rulings, litigation histories, and even the tactics employed by opposing counsel, Lex Machina gives legal professionals a deeper understanding of the legal battlefield.

4. MyCase

MyCase bridges the communication gap between lawyers and their clients and fosters an environment of trust and transparency.

One of the standout features of MyCase is the ability for clients to have real-time access to their case files and information. This means that at any moment, they can log in to the portal to review documents, see the latest updates, and track the progress of their case.

Such access demystifies the legal process for clients and helps them feel more involved and informed about the proceedings of their cases.

Plus, the portal offers secure messaging features that allow for quick questions, updates, and discussions without the need for traditional, time-consuming communication methods like phone calls or physical meetings.

Best Practices for Using Legal Technology

Implementing legal technology effectively goes beyond selecting the right tools; to truly enhance the practice of law, you also need a strategic approach to integration, usage, and ongoing management.

Here are some best practices for law firms looking to make the most of legal technology:

Prioritize Training and Education

Every legal professional needs to know how to use your chosen tools correctly. This requires a commitment to ongoing education, including initial comprehensive training, regular updates on new features, and access to resources for self-learning.

Implement Strong Security Measures

Implementing robust security measures such as encryption, regular software updates, and periodic security audits protects both the firm and its clients from data breaches.

Focus on Client Data Protection

Protecting client data is an important aspect of legal practice. Firms must adhere to the highest standards of confidentiality, educate clients on secure communication practices, and make sure that all technology complies with privacy laws and ethical guidelines.

Embrace Flexibility and Scalability

The legal technology landscape is continually evolving. Selecting flexible and scalable solutions allows firms to adapt to changing needs and technologies without disrupting existing workflows.

Optimize for Collaboration and Accessibility

Cloud-based solutions and tools accessible across different devices facilitate seamless teamwork and information sharing, regardless of location. This ensures that team members can work efficiently and remain connected to colleagues and clients no matter where they are.

Monitor and Analyze Technology Performance

Firms should regularly evaluate the impact of these tools on productivity and case outcomes to make sure that investments in legal technology are delivering the value that they want.

Incorporating Technology in Your Practice Doesn’t Have to Be Difficult

The legal world is always rife with competition, and that won’t change any time soon. Stay ahead of your competitors by integrating new systems into your practice areas, starting with automation tools that can make work easier.

Use the power of artificial intelligence to get rid of the bottlenecks in litigation. With Briefpoint, you can take out hours upon hours of work spent on just drafting discovery documents. Save your brain power for more value-adding tasks and let Briefpoint do the work.

Automate Your Discovery Phase 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 Technology

Will legal tech replace legal professionals?

Legal technology is designed to augment the capabilities of legal professionals, not replace them. It takes over repetitive and time-consuming tasks, freeing up lawyers to focus on more complex, strategic aspects of their cases that require human judgment, empathy, and ethical considerations.

Is legal tech expensive?

The cost of legal tech varies widely depending on the solution, ranging from affordable subscriptions for basic tools to significant investments for comprehensive platforms. However, focusing solely on the upfront cost misses the bigger picture. Legal tech should be viewed as an investment that can lead to substantial savings and efficiency gains in the long run.

Can small law firms benefit from using legal tech?

Absolutely, and in many ways, legal tech can be a game-changer for small firms. While smaller practices may lack the extensive resources of larger firms, legal technology levels the playing field, allowing them to compete more effectively. For small firms, efficiency and the ability to provide personalized service are crucial competitive advantages.

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5 In-House Legal Software Every Law Firm Should Use

Does your law firm need a better way to handle legal matters? If you’re constantly bogged down by bottlenecks, it might be time to implement some in-house legal solutions.

In this article, we’ll explore the best types of in-house legal software that can help get your organization to where it needs to be.

Types of Software In-House Legal Teams Need

An efficient in-house legal team is one that takes advantage of technology. Below are some of the best legal tech tools that make way for smoother, faster, and more cost-effective legal operations.

1. Document Generation Tools

Creating legal documents is a staple task for any legal team, but it often consumes too much time and resources when done manually.

Document generation tools automate this process and allow faster creation of legal documents from pre-set templates. This speeds up the document creation process and significantly reduces the possibility of human error, which helps uphold consistency across all documents.

Such tools can produce everything from routine correspondence to complex legal agreements, all while ensuring compliance with the latest legal standards.

Top Pick: Briefpoint

Briefpoint.ai uses generative artificial intelligence to help legal teams draft discovery response and request documents in minutes. This platform lets you upload your discovery document, insert objections or responses, then finish up the document in Word.

The process is easy, even for people with limited technical skills, and it frees up attorneys to focus on other valuable tasks like consulting with outside counsel or preparing litigation strategies. Plus, the time saved often translates to more money saved as well.

2. Contract Management Software

Contract management software provides a comprehensive solution for handling every aspect of the contract lifecycle, from initial drafting and negotiation to approval, execution, and contract renewals.

This type of software often includes features for automatic reminders of key dates and milestones, version control to track changes over time, and secure storage for easy retrieval.

In essence, legal departments can avoid expensive oversights and improve their overall efficiency by letting software manage contracts for them.

Top Pick: Ironclad

Ironclad is a must-have for any legal department that needs to handle everything contract-related. It smooths out the whole process, from start to finish, with some smart automation tricks up its sleeve.

Plus, it has an analytics feature that lets you dive into your contract data and figure out what’s working and what’s not. Basically, it makes managing contracts a whole lot easier and helps you make smarter decisions with all the insights it provides.

3. Document Management Systems

Legal operations always go hand in hand with a ton of paperwork, which is why any in-house counsel can benefit from a good document management tool.

Document management systems allow for quick retrieval, controlled access, and efficient collaboration on documents and make sure that everything is both safe and easily accessible.

Legal leaders can also control who sees what, track changes, and even collaborate on documents without creating a dozen versions.

Top Pick: NetDocuments

NetDocuments is a cloud-based document management system designed specifically for legal teams. It offers secure storage, easy access from anywhere, and robust tools for collaboration and document handling.

It’s known for top-notch security features and compliance with international standards, which makes it a safe bet for managing sensitive legal matters.

4. Matter Management Software

Matter management software is a one-stop shop for legal teams to keep their cases and projects in line. It pulls together all the bits and pieces related to a case—documents, emails, deadlines, and more—into one spot that’s easily accessible.

It makes task management and legal workflows much easier by automating tasks, keeping an eye on those critical deadlines, and making sure everyone on the team is in the loop.

As a result of the extra operational efficiency, in-house legal teams have more time to work on more complicated legal work.

Top Pick: Clio

Clio is a comprehensive, cloud-based legal practice management platform that’s really made a name for itself in the legal world for being able to streamline processes for law firms of all sizes.

With Clio, you can manage cases, track time, bill clients, and organize all your legal documents in one place. It also has excellent features for client communication and scheduling, which makes it easier to keep everyone informed and on track.

5. Legal Billing Tools

Efficient and accurate billing is a must if a law firm wants to remain profitable.

Legal billing tools are specialized software solutions designed to simplify the billing and invoicing process for law firms and legal departments. These tools help make sure you accurately track billable hours, manage client accounts, and produce detailed invoices without issue.

One of the key features of legal billing software is time tracking. Whether you’re working on a case, consulting with a client, or doing research, these tools make it easy to record every billable minute.

Also, they often come with functionalities to handle expense tracking and generate reports that can help guide business decisions.

Top Pick: QuickBooks

Lawyers can leverage QuickBooks to track billable hours directly within the software, maintain accurate invoicing, and simplify the process of billing clients. The platform also allows for the management of client trust accounts, a critical aspect of legal financial management.

Additionally, QuickBooks helps law firms with general accounting tasks, such as tracking expenses, managing payroll, and producing financial reports. These features provide a clear overview of a firm’s financial health, which often leads to data-driven decisions.

Supplement Your In-House Legal Team With Briefpoint

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

Can small legal teams benefit from in-house legal software?

Yes. Size doesn’t matter when it comes to efficiency. These tools are scalable and can significantly reduce the workload, regardless of the team’s size.

Is it secure to store sensitive legal documents in these systems?

Yes, with a caveat. Ensure that the software you choose complies with industry-standard security measures and data protection laws. Security is a top priority for reputable software providers.

Can in-house legal software integrate with other tools we use?

Most modern legal software solutions are designed with integration in mind. They often support APIs and have built-in integrations with popular office tools and platforms.

What Is an AI Legal Discovery Process?

What is the longest part of the litigation process? Ask any lawyer, and they will tell you that it’s definitely discovery.

It’s no surprise, either. Lawyers often have to sift through hundreds of relevant documents, spend days on research, and create legal documents on top of it all. However, that was all before artificial intelligence entered the picture.

From technology-assisted review to early case assessment, AI has and continues to change how lawyers work. Let’s take a look at how AI’s transformative power affects the discovery process in today’s law firms.

What Are the Biggest Challenges in Manual Discovery?

Manual discovery often involves combing through vast amounts of data to find information relevant to a case. While essential, this process typically comes with significant challenges that can affect the efficiency, accuracy, and overall cost of legal proceedings.

More specifically, the manual discovery phase is:

Too Time-Consuming: Legal professionals must sift through thousands, sometimes millions, of documents, emails, and other data forms to collect relevant information. This process can take weeks or months, which can delay case timelines and consume valuable resources.
Excessively Costly: Given its labor-intensive nature, manual discovery can be incredibly expensive. The more time legal teams spend on discovery, the higher the billable hours, which increases clients’ legal fees.
Prone to Human Error: Even the most diligent legal professionals are susceptible to fatigue and oversight. Errors can occur while reviewing countless documents, including overlooking crucial information or misinterpreting data.
Lacking Standardization: Manual discovery processes can vary significantly from one firm to another. Variations can lead to inconsistencies in how data is collected, reviewed, and presented.
Physically and Mentally Taxing: The sheer volume of work involved in manual discovery can lead to burnout among legal teams. The stress of meeting tight deadlines and the monotonous nature of the work can have a huge impact on their well-being and, in turn, job performance.

How Can AI and Machine Learning Improve Legal Discovery?

The main goal of AI-powered legal discovery is to take over the most tedious tasks and reduce (if not eliminate) the challenges mentioned above. But what does this mean exactly?

Here are the best ways law firms can apply artificial intelligence (AI) in legal discovery work:

Automated Document Review

Automated Document Review uses the power of AI algorithms to transform how lawyers and paralegals review relevant documents. Automation leads to faster analysis of large datasets, pinpointing patterns, keywords, and important information at speeds that far exceed human capabilities.

The precision of AI speeds up the document review process tenfold. Plus, it significantly decreases the chances of overlooking important documents due to human error.

Discovery Document Generation

Creating discovery documents – like discovery requests and, even more so, discovery responses – can take hours when done manually, which can negatively affect a legal team’s productivity. Legal AI tools help minimize this hurdle by using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to draft documents in seconds instead of hours.

Document generation tools like Briefpoint.ai automatically generate discovery documents based on standard templates. Afterward, you can easily customize these documents based on the specifics of the case and put the finishing touches on Word. It’s easy, intuitive, and takes up much less time than manual document creation.

Faster Legal Research

AI tools can upgrade legal research by quickly parsing through legal databases, statutes, case laws, and precedents to find relevant information.

Unlike tedious manual research methods, AI systems can instantly provide lawyers with the information they need. This kind of tool helps make sure they don’t miss any important information and that their case strategy is backed by comprehensive legal research.

Regulatory Compliance

Keeping up with the constant change of regulations and compliance requirements is a daunting task for most legal professionals. AI and ML models can monitor regulatory updates in real-time and ensure that law firms remain compliant with current laws and regulations.

This is particularly beneficial for firms dealing with cross-border cases or operating in multiple jurisdictions, where regulatory compliance is complex and always evolving.

What Does an AI-Powered Discovery Process Mean for Law Firms?

Integrating AI into the legal profession clears the way for many advantages. From better productivity to maximizing your bottom line, here are some of the ways AI can take the discovery phase to the next level:

Better Efficiency and Time Management

AI and machine learning algorithms automate the most time-consuming parts of discovery, such as sifting through massive volumes of documents, identifying relevant data, and drafting discovery documents.

Less time spent on these tedious tasks allows lawyers to focus on more strategic aspects of their cases, such as formulating arguments and engaging with clients. In other words, AI gives attorneys more time to work on higher-value tasks that are more important for the outcome of the case.

Additionally, efficient legal workflows go hand in hand with improved work-life balance for legal teams. This is an important aspect that many gloss over, but when people have a better relationship with work, they tend to be more productive, consistent, and satisfied with their jobs.

Improved Consistency and Accuracy Across Legal Documents

AI technologies can maintain a high level of consistency and accuracy across all legal documents generated during the discovery process.

Unlike humans, who may accidentally introduce errors or inconsistencies into their work, AI systems follow programmed rules to ensure that every document adheres to the same standards and formats.

Uniformity and accuracy are a must in legal proceedings. The quality and reliability of documentation can significantly impact case outcomes, and having problematic documents can waste even more time and money for both clients and legal teams.

Law Firm Profitability

What is the point of introducing AI tech to the legal profession? We already know that the direct benefits are better efficiency, consistency, and accuracy. However, it all boils down to increasing law firm profitability.

Automating repetitive and mundane tasks reduces the billable hours typically required. Cost savings for clients means better competitiveness for the law firm, which can lead to more referrals.

More importantly, efficient operations allow firms to handle a heavier caseload without the need to expand the team. This can lead to better profit margins, career development for current employees, and higher chances of business expansion in the future.

Tech-Informed Law Firms

With more and more law firms shifting to electronic discovery, staying up-to-date with legal software has become a necessity in recent years.

Today’s law firms may have a hard time keeping up with the competition if they don’t adapt to legal trends, and we can only expect these technologies to evolve even further down the line.

Best AI-Driven Discovery Tools of 2024

Now that we’ve established the advantages of AI and machine learning in the discovery process, it’s time to talk about the best tools that let you access these benefits. Here are some of the top AI-powered technologies that can help make discovery easier, faster, and more valuable:

1. Briefpoint.ai

Briefpoint is a powerful tool that uses generative AI to draft discovery response and request documents. Manually creating these documents can take hours if not days, which is a huge bottleneck that can increase litigation costs. With Briefpoint, however, you can generate content within minutes.

The documents Briefpoint can draft include but are not limited to:

Requests for Admission
Requests for Production
Interrogatories

Using this discovery tool is simple. You just have to upload your discovery request, add objections or responses, and finish up on Microsoft Word. Briefpoint takes care of the nitty gritty in between with data-driven accuracy and precision.

2. Logikcull

Logikcull simplifies the discovery process with its intuitive, cloud-based platform that automates data processing, document review, and case preparation.

Its artificial intelligence system speeds up the discovery process by automatically categorizing and reviewing electronically stored information. As a result, law firms can spend less time on manual document review and save money on data storage.

3. Luminance

Luminance uses proprietary machine learning algorithms to provide a detailed analysis of legal documents at speeds no human could match.

It is particularly effective in due diligence and contract analysis and can identify anomalies and patterns that might indicate risk or require further investigation. Luminance’s AI understands language and document structure in a way that mimics human cognitive processes but with the ability to process information on a much larger scale.

Maximize Your Bottom Line With an Automated Discovery Process

Automating legal discovery starts a domino effect in your law firm. First, you upgrade your efficiency, which leads to better productivity and time management. In turn, you’ll have more positive case outcomes and get more referrals from satisfied clients. At the end of the chain is a more competitive law firm and a superior bottom line.

Get rid of the burden of creating discovery documents by hand. Start streamlining your discovery process with Briefpoint today.

Slash Hours From the Discovery Phase With Briefpoint

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

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

FAQs About the AI Legal Discovery Process

Is AI going to replace lawyers?

No, AI or e-discovery is intended to augment the capabilities of lawyers, not replace them. It handles the tedious aspects of legal work, allowing lawyers to focus on complex decision-making and continuous active learning.

How does AI ensure the confidentiality of sensitive information?

AI systems designed for legal work are built with stringent security measures and comply with privacy laws to protect sensitive information. Still, it’s important to read the terms and conditions to ensure the tools you are using are safe and secure.

Can small law firms afford AI-based discovery tools?

Yes, many AI tools are scalable and available as services, making them accessible to firms of all sizes. You can start with the basic packages, but you may need to expand to premium features or new tools as your law firm expands.

4 Advantages of Paralegal Automation (And 5 Tools to Start With)

Automation technology is designed to reduce, if not eliminate, the time spent on the most repetitive, time-consuming tasks. For paralegals, this type of tech can open a whole new world of opportunities for efficiency, productivity, and career growth.

However, automation is still relatively new, especially in the legal industry, where professionals tend to stick to traditional processes. If you’re on the fence about adopting this type of tech, this article will teach you everything you need to know about it.

What Are Common Tasks Paralegals Do Manually?

New legal technologies aim to streamline various workflows involved in the legal profession. These include everything from communicating with clients to preparing legal documents and many other small tasks in between that take up more time than they should.

However, all of these technologies have one common goal: to take as many manual tasks off legal professionals’ hands–or at least make them easier. For paralegals, these tasks often include:

Document Preparation and Management: This includes drafting legal documents, such as pleadings, motions, briefs, wills, contracts, and correspondence. Paralegals also organize and maintain case files and documents in paper form or electronic databases.
Legal Research: Paralegals conduct legal research to support cases, which involves finding relevant laws, judicial decisions, legal articles, and other materials. They manually review and analyze this information to assist lawyers in understanding related legal frameworks.
Client Communication: Paralegals often act as a liaison between the lawyer and the clients, communicating case updates, gathering client information, and answering client questions under the supervision of an attorney.
Case Management: They track and manage case progress, including deadlines, court dates, and appointments. This involves manually updating case management systems and calendars and ensuring that all parties are informed of important dates.
Discovery and Evidence Management: Paralegals are responsible for managing the discovery process, which includes collecting, reviewing, and organizing evidence and documents from clients and opposing parties.
Filing and Court Procedures: Understanding and adhering to court procedures is another key task. Paralegals prepare and file court documents, ensuring compliance with procedural rules. They may also coordinate the logistics of court appearances and depositions.
Billing and Timekeeping: Paralegals track billable hours and assist in preparing invoices for clients. They ensure that all billable activities are accurately recorded and that clients are billed appropriately.

What is Paralegal Automation?

Paralegal automation is a new technology designed to automate routine and repetitive tasks traditionally performed by paralegals and legal assistants, like the ones mentioned above.

It involves various software and tools designed to mimic or support the tasks that paralegals do, reducing paper-based manual processes and ensuring overall efficiency. These tools can handle everything from drafting legal documents using templates and predefined rules to organizing case files electronically, managing schedules, and conducting preliminary legal research.

How Can Automation Benefit Paralegals?

From the basic definition alone, it’s apparent that paralegal automation can take law firms to a whole new level regarding efficiency, consistency, and accuracy. But before you invest in this type of software, let’s explore exactly how it benefits the legal industry:

More Efficient Workflows

Automation brings a notable improvement to workflow efficiency in the legal industry. It transforms the landscape of time-consuming administrative tasks—drafting documents, sifting through legal precedents, and organizing case materials—into tasks that are completed more swiftly and accurately.

For example, by employing automated document assembly systems, complex legal documents that previously required extensive manual effort to compile can now be generated rapidly, freeing up paralegals to dedicate their valuable time to more substantial work.

Of course, better efficiency often leads to a more positive work-life balance, which ultimately opens up a whole new set of advantages. These can include a better work culture in legal departments, improved productivity, and higher job satisfaction.

Skill Development and Innovation

With the automation of repetitive tasks, paralegals have more opportunities to engage in work that requires deeper critical thinking, creativity, and legal reasoning. This shift not only enriches the job satisfaction for paralegals but also encourages the development of new skills and expertise areas.

For example, paralegals can spend more time on client strategy sessions, deep legal research, and even contribute to developing innovative solutions for legal problems. This kind of working environment fosters a culture of continuous learning and professional growth, keeping paralegals at the cutting edge of legal technology.

Better Client Experience

Automation significantly elevates the level of service clients receive, making every step of their legal journey smoother and more transparent. From the get-go, automated client intake processes set a professional tone, while online client portals provide a secure, user-friendly space for clients to view their case details, documents, and progress updates anytime, anywhere.

Aside from improving the responsiveness and transparency of your legal service, automation technology can also significantly enhance the overall client experience, contributing to higher satisfaction and trust levels. In turn, you attract new prospective clients that come to your law firm from referrals of satisfied clients.

Increased Law Firm Profitability

All of these advantages culminate into one major goal that all law firms have: maximized profitability.

Streamlining routine tasks means you can take on more cases without sacrificing service quality. Additionally, the accuracy automation brings to the table diminishes the chances of expensive errors and the need for time-consuming corrections.

The hours saved convert directly into financial savings and, potentially, an uptick in revenue, as legal teams can channel their energies towards billable tasks and expanding their client base. By leveraging innovative, efficient service delivery, you can stand out in a crowded market, drawing in more clients and setting the stage for sustained growth.

Best Paralegal Automation Tools You Should Consider

With how fast automation technology is integrating into the legal industry, these tools have become more of a necessity rather than a nice-to-have. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best tools you should consider integrating into your legal practice to streamline operations:

Document Automation Software

Document automation software allows paralegals to create error-free documents quickly by automating the drafting process with artificial intelligence.

Templates and predefined fields ensure consistency across all documents, significantly reducing the time spent on manual drafting and revision. This can include everything from court forms and contracts to discovery response and request documents.

Client Intake Software

First impressions count, and client intake software ensures that your firm starts on the right foot. This tool simplifies the process of collecting initial client data and automating forms and questionnaires to capture essential information accurately and efficiently.

Client Communication Tools

Effective communication is the backbone of any successful legal practice. Client communication tools facilitate secure and efficient exchanges between lawyers, paralegals, and clients. Features may include encrypted messaging, automated updates, and reminders, ensuring that clients stay informed and engaged throughout their cases.

Legal Research

The vast world of legal precedents, statutes, and case law can be daunting. Legal research tools harness powerful search algorithms to help paralegals quickly find relevant legal information.

These platforms often come with additional features like citation tracking, annotation capabilities, and the ability to save and organize research, making legal research less time-consuming and more productive.

Contract Automation Tools

Negotiating and drafting contracts is a core aspect of many legal practices. Contract automation tools streamline this process from creation to signature. They allow for the automation of drafting standard contracts, tracking changes, and managing approvals in just a few minutes instead of hours.

Practice Management Software

If you want all these features in one platform, consider a comprehensive digital tool designed to streamline the administrative and operational aspects of running a law firm. It integrates tasks such as case management, calendaring, time tracking, billing, document management, and client communications into a single platform.

Will Automation Replace Legal Professionals?

With the rise of automation and artificial intelligence in the legal field, many people are concerned about paralegals’ job security. Will these tools make paralegals redundant and, therefore, obsolete in the future?

The answer is no. While an automation tool can make many repetitive processes faster and far easier, technology cannot replicate all human skills, such as empathy, emotional intelligence, ethical judgment, and creative problem-solving. Automation will augment these workflows, but paralegals cannot be replaced entirely.

Upgrade Your Discovery Process with Briefpoint

The discovery phase of litigation can be the most grueling part of the process, and a huge chunk of time you put into it often goes to document preparation. The creators of Briefpoint have recognized this problem long ago and perfected a document automation tool that saves you time and money.

With Briefpoint, you can generate drafts of discovery responses and request documents in minutes, including but not limited to the following:

Requests for Production
Requests for Admission
Interrogatories

Take Advantage of Document Automation Software Today

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

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

FAQs About Paralegal Automation

Can paralegal automation handle all tasks in a law firm?

No, automation is best suited for repetitive, routine tasks. Complex legal analysis and decision-making still require the human touch.

Is implementing automation expensive?

The initial investment might seem steep, but the long-term savings in time and resources far outweigh the costs.

Can automation improve the accuracy of legal work?

Yes. In fact, better accuracy is one of its goals. Automation reduces the risk of human error, ensuring that documents and processes are consistent and error-free.

The Definitive Guide to Legal Document Assistant Software

As much as most legal professionals would hate to admit it, paperwork takes up a huge chunk of their time. And in an industry where time quite literally translates to money, every minute is valuable.

Luckily, legal software is catching up to speed. Today, legal document automation software is solving the ever-present problem of drafting, editing, and finalizing legal documents manually. Traditionally, this process takes up hours—if not days—of work, time that could otherwise be spent on more valuable tasks.

So, how does document assistant software help reduce this bottleneck?

What is Legal Document Assistant Software?

Legal document automation software is an advanced technology solution designed to automate and improve the creation, management, and storage of legal documents. In essence, this type of software is meant to replace traditional, tedious methods of document handling with a digital approach.

Picture it as a virtual assistant for lawyers and law firms, programmed with knowledge of legal processes and terminology, streamlining the documentation process tenfold.

More specifically, legal document automation software simplifies tasks such as compiling, formatting, and customizing legal documents based on specific client information and needs through automation and artificial intelligence (AI).

Why Should You Use Legal Document Automation Software?

As automation technology becomes more and more common in the legal industry, legal document automation software has become a necessity rather than a need. Law firms that want to gain a competitive edge and improve their overall legal workflows adopt this type of tech for:

Increased Efficiency

One of the most immediate benefits of legal document automation software is the dramatic improvement in operational efficiency. By automating routine tasks, such as drafting standard legal documents, your firm can allocate its resources and time more effectively.

Automation reduces the manual effort involved in creating and managing documents, allowing your team to handle a larger volume of work without increasing headcount or hours worked.

Plus, less time spent on tedious work means more time to work on higher-value, profit-producing tasks.

Healthier Work-Life Balance

Better work efficiency goes hand in hand with a more positive work-life balance.

Reducing the time needed to create documents saves lawyers and paralegals hours of time that they can spend outside the office instead of being buried under paperwork.

Greater work-life balance leads to a whole other slew of benefits in any workplace. For one, lawyers with less workload than necessary tend to be more productive, collaborative, and satisfied with their jobs.

Faster Turnaround Time for Legal Documents

Clients expect prompt service, and the ability to quickly turn around accurate and professionally prepared documents can set your firm apart from the competition.

Legal document automation software streamlines the document creation process, from drafting to approval and signing. In turn, a sped-up process allows you to make new documents and meet tight deadlines with ease, which improves client satisfaction and potentially increases client retention and referrals.

Improved Document Accuracy and Consistency

Accuracy in legal documents is non-negotiable. Errors, inconsistencies, or omissions can lead to serious legal and financial consequences for your clients and your firm.

Automation software minimizes the risk of human error by using pre-set templates and conditional logic to ensure that documents are correctly formatted and contain all the necessary information.

By standardizing the document creation process, the software ensures that every document reflects the firm’s highest standards of accuracy and professionalism, regardless of who in the law office creates it.

Increased Law Firm Profitability

All of these benefits culminate into the ultimate end goal: better law firm profitability.

First, by streamlining document-related processes, your firm can handle more cases without a proportional increase in costs, thereby improving your profit margins.

Second, the time saved on document management can be redirected towards billable hours or developing new business, further increasing revenue.

Additionally, the enhanced client satisfaction resulting from faster turnaround times and error-free documents can lead to repeat business and referrals, contributing to long-term profitability.

What Legal Documents Can You Create with Automation Software?

Legal document assembly software can automate the assembly of many different documents. However, you need to find a document automation platform that covers the specific types of documents you want to automate.

So far, the software available today covers the following document types:

Requests for Production
Requests for Admission
Interrogatories
Contract agreements
Incorporation documents
Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney
Employee contracts and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)
Demand letters
Eviction notices

Features to Look For in the Best Document Automation Software

While document automation software sounds like a dream for legal professionals, keep in mind that not all platforms are made equal. If you want to reap all the potential benefits of this type of tech, be on the lookout for key features:

Legal Document Templates

Look for a platform with a comprehensive library of customizable legal document templates that cover a wide range of your needs, ensuring you can quickly start drafting without building from scratch.

If you use a specific set of templates, good legal software will let you upload them and learn from your templates to generate future documents.

Library and Storage

Most document automation platforms have built-in document storage, but you will want those documents to be accessible from anywhere.

Opt for cloud-based platforms that allow easy access to documents from any device at any time and have robust search functionalities for efficient document retrieval.

Extended File Types

Legal professionals will have to produce documents in various formats other than Word Docs, so it’s crucial to choose a document automation software that supports all common file types, such as Microsoft Word and PDF.

Conditional Logic and Auto-Population

The mantra of conditional logic is simple: “If this, then that.” This powerful feature allows for the development of custom workflows tailored to the specific needs of the documents you’re generating.

For instance, if you’re creating discovery phase documents, the software can automatically cue up a discovery request or response template for use.

Closely tied to conditional logic, auto-population is a feature that further enhances the efficiency of document assembly.

Using the litigation scenario as an example, once the software selects the appropriate discovery request template based on the conditional logic, it doesn’t stop there. It also fills in the client’s information across the necessary fields within the document.

This capability extends beyond just the data inputted for the current document; it can pull and populate information from across your document assembly or practice management software.

The result? A significant reduction in redundant data entry and a boost in the accuracy of the information within your documents.

Collaborative Features

Collaborative tools allow multiple team members to work on the same document at the same time, so they can track changes, provide feedback, and make real-time updates.

This feature enhances the efficiency of document generation and also ensures that all contributions are harmonized, maintaining document integrity.

These collaborative features are particularly beneficial in remote work settings. They ensure that geographical distance does not hinder teamwork and productivity.

Electronic Signatures

Getting clients and other legal professionals to sign documents in person just isn’t practical all the time. And frankly, it can be a huge waste of resources getting those documents back and forth.

Luckily, electronic signatures eliminate the need for physical documents, reducing turnaround times and enhancing the security of sensitive information.

This feature facilitates a smoother transaction process, enabling legal agreements to be executed promptly and efficiently, thus accelerating the completion of legal procedures.

Software Integration

Choose a document automation tool with the ability to integrate seamlessly with other software systems that your firm already uses. This includes case management systems, CRM (Customer Relationship Management) platforms, email services, and more.

Such integrations create a unified workflow, allowing for smooth data transfer across different applications and reducing manual data entry. By connecting various aspects of a law firm’s operations, software integration ensures that information is consistently up-to-date and accessible, streamlining processes and enhancing overall efficiency.

Plus, you can get the tool up and running in no time and with almost no learning curve.

How Much Does Legal Document Assembly Software Cost?

The pricing models for legal document automation software vary widely, depending on the features, capabilities, and scalability of the platform.

Some platforms may offer a subscription-based billing model, where law firms pay a monthly or annual fee based on the number of users or the scope of features required. Others may offer a one-time purchase price coupled with ongoing support or update fees.

Plus, it’s important to consider the broader cost implications, including the potential cost of switching to new software, the time and effort involved in setup, how the system fits with existing legal workflows, and security considerations.

The right legal practice management software should simplify automating and managing documents, ideally integrating seamlessly with your firm’s existing tools and workflows to avoid time lost in switching between applications.

How Briefpoint Can Upgrade Your Legal Document Workflow

There are a lot of document assistant tools out there, but if you want to focus on discovery document automation, Briefpoint is the software you need.

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

Requests for Production
Requests for Admission
Interrogatories

The process is simple. Briefpoint automates the creation of discovery documents through a few key steps:

Upload Discovery Request: Begin by uploading the discovery request document into Briefpoint.
AI Analysis: The software uses AI to analyze the document and extract relevant information.
Add Objections and Responses: You can then easily add any objections and responses within the platform.
Download and Finalize: Once you’ve added your input, download the document and make any final adjustments in Microsoft Word.

Don’t let the discovery phase drag on longer than it has to. Use Briefpoint to generate documents in minutes instead of hours and use the extra time for more important tasks.

Generate Legal Documents in Minutes

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

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a one on one demo here.

FAQs About Legal Document Automation Software

Is legal document automation software difficult to implement?

While any new technology comes with a steep learning curve, most legal document automation software is designed with user-friendliness in mind. Many providers offer training and support to ensure smooth implementation.

Can I customize documents to fit my firm’s branding?

Yes. Most software allows for customization of word templates, not just in content but also in the overall look and feel of the documents, ensuring they align with your firm’s branding.

Is my data safe with legal practice management software?

Security is a top priority for reputable software providers. Look for software that offers encryption and complies with industry-standard data protection regulations.

7 Best Productivity Tools for Lawyers In 2024

Lawyers, while often trapped under time-consuming tasks, are now taking advantage of legal AI tools to maximize their productivity and, in turn, their bottom line.

Whether you’re looking for a tool to draft your legal documents or document management software that can keep your data secure, there’s an app for you. In this article, we’ll go over the best productivity tools for lawyers to help you narrow down your search.

What Can Productivity Tools Do For Law Firms?

From the name itself, productivity apps aim to improve productivity in your law firm. However, this is too broad of an observation to take at face value.

Let’s examine how these tech tools are helping revolutionize the legal industry.

Streamlining Workflows and Improving Efficiency

The main goal of legal productivity apps is to simplify workflows and make them more efficient. In turn, lawyers and legal assistants spend less time on repetitive tasks and can instead devote more hours to high-value work.

When you look at the bigger picture, better efficiency cascades into more advantages, such as a healthier work culture, better career development, improved client satisfaction, and a more positive bottom line.

Promoting Better Time Management

Time management is crucial in the legal profession, where billable hours determine profitability. Productivity tools come equipped with time-tracking features and task management systems that help lawyers prioritize their workload and keep track of deadlines.

These tools help lawyers allocate their time more effectively by providing a clear overview of where time is spent, ensuring that every minute counts. Consequently, they have a better idea of how to maximize their billable tasks.

Plus, better time management helps lawyers achieve a better work-life balance and, ultimately, a more positive outlook towards work.

Upgrading Accuracy and Consistency

In the legal industry, accuracy is non-negotiable. A single mistake can have significant ramifications and hurt your bottom line–not to mention the impact on your law firm’s reputation.

Productivity tools improve accuracy and consistency across all documents and communications. From automated spell-checkers to document templates that follow firm-specific guidelines, these tools ensure that every piece of work meets the highest standards of precision.

Improving Client Satisfaction

In today’s digital age, clients expect quick responses and transparent communication. Productivity tools make this possible by offering platforms for secure messaging, document sharing, and real-time updates on case progress.

Aside from keeping clients on the same page, these tools also foster a sense of trust and reliability, improving overall satisfaction and potentially leading to more referrals.

Maximizing Law Firm Profitability

Ultimately, the adoption of productivity tools can have a direct impact on a law firm’s profitability. By automating administrative tasks, lawyers can dedicate more time to billable work and client acquisition.

On the other hand, improved accuracy and client satisfaction can lead to repeat business and referrals, further increasing revenue. Additionally, streamlining operations and reducing the need for manual labor can help lower operational costs, which is another crucial factor in maximizing profitability.

7 Best Productivity Apps for Law Firms

The legal market is brimming with tools promising to revolutionize law firm operations. Yet only a handful truly deliver on their promises and benefits.

Here’s a curated list of tools that stand out, ensuring your firm can do more with less.

1. Best Document Automation Tool: Briefpoint.ai

Briefpoint is an AI-powered app that speeds up the discovery phase of litigation by generating discovery responses and request documents for you. Unlike manual document preparation, you can generate discovery documents in minutes instead of hours, saving you both time and money in the process.

The legal documents Briefpoint AI can auto-generate include but are not limited to:

Aside from drafting your documents, Briefpoint will allow you to add objections or responses that are pre-drafted or customized by you. Then, you can download the document and finish it on Microsoft Word. Alternatively, you can upload your draft on Google Docs to work with other collaborators.

2. Best Legal Practice Management Software: Clio

Clio stands out as a comprehensive legal practice management platform, offering features that cover nearly every aspect of running a law firm.

From case management to time tracking, billing, and client communication, this project management software provides a centralized system that helps law firms manage their operations more efficiently. Plus, its easy-to-use interface makes the learning curve as minimal as possible, which is a must for busy lawyers.

Its cloud-based nature also allows for easy access to information from anywhere, making it an excellent tool for firms with remote or hybrid work arrangements.

3. Best Note-Taking App: Evernote

Evernote is a versatile note-taking app that allows legal professionals to capture, organize, and share notes in various formats, including text, images, and voice memos. Its powerful search capabilities make it easy to retrieve information when needed, and its syncing feature ensures that notes are accessible across all devices.

Overall, Evernote’s ability to create, categorize, and manage notes makes it a valuable tool for keeping track of case details, research, and to-do lists.

4. Best Cloud Storage Solution: OneDrive

OneDrive offers excellent cloud storage solutions that are particularly beneficial for law firms, providing secure and scalable storage options for documents and files. Plus, it’s a safe document management software that will keep sensitive law firm data secure through its multiple high-tech encryption and two-factor authentication abilities.

With features like file sharing, collaboration, and remote access, OneDrive clears the way for seamless teamwork among legal professionals and attorneys practicing law outside the office, allowing them to work on documents simultaneously and access files from anywhere.

Its integration with Microsoft Office Suite further upgrades productivity within a law firm. It lets you store and access various Microsoft file formats, such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

An honorable mention is Google Drive, which is the best option for law firms that use Google Suite instead of Microsoft Office. Both platforms are well-functioning and intuitive.

5. Best Law Library: Fastcase

A good law library is an indispensable app for any law firm. Fastcase provides comprehensive access to a vast database of legal resources, including case law, statutes, regulations, court rules, and constitutions.

Its advanced search tools and intuitive interface enable lawyers to conduct efficient legal research, find relevant precedents, and stay updated on legal developments. This legal technology can help any law firm save hours–if not days–of time spent on due diligence.

6. Best Legal Billing Software: Bilr

Last but not least, we have Blir. This software is designed to streamline the billing process in law firms, offering features like time tracking, invoice generation, and payment processing.

It helps reduce the administrative burden associated with billing, ensuring that firms can accurately and efficiently manage client accounts and finances. Bilr’s focus on legal billing makes it a tailored solution that addresses the specific needs of law firms, contributing to smoother financial operations.

7. Best Secure Communication App: Slack

Slack is a popular messaging app designed for team communication and collaboration. It provides a centralized platform for messaging, file sharing, and integration with other productivity tools, making it easier for teams to stay connected and work together efficiently.

Slack also has a built-in calling feature, so you can make phone calls from your desktop or mobile device, but take note that you can only make voice calls with one person on the free version.

Plus, you can create multiple channels with each dedicated to a separate legal department or team. The app also lets you share and access documents directly in the conversation for effortless collaboration. Better yet, this app integrates with other tools commonly used by law firms, such as Clio, OneDrive, and Evernote.

Stay Up to Date with the Best Productivity Tools

The rising demand for faster, better legal services pushes law firms to adapt to modern solutions that can maximize their efficiency tenfold. If your law firm struggles to maintain productivity, it might be time to integrate these tools into your current workflows.

However, how do you know where to start? A good rule of thumb is to begin with the most time-consuming tasks you have. For many law firms, this includes discovery document preparation.

Make the discovery phase faster, more accurate, and more efficient with Briefpoint AI. While Briefpoint auto-generates your legal documents, you can focus on tasks that require more brain power–which are also often the tasks that help you win the case.

Maximize Your Productivity With Document Automation

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

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.2.

FAQs About Legal Productivity Tools

Can these tools integrate with each other?

Absolutely! Many of these tools offer integration capabilities, allowing for a seamless workflow between different applications.

Are these tools suitable for small law firms?

Yes, these tools are designed to cater to law firms of all sizes, offering scalable solutions that grow with your practice.

What about data security?

Data security is a top priority for these tools, with robust encryption and compliance measures in place to protect your firm’s and clients’ information.

5 Legal Workflow Examples You Can Implement for Maximum Efficiency

The rise in demand for legal work post-pandemic, the emergence of workflow automation tools, and the ever-present competitive environment in the legal industry–these factors call for better-than-ever efficiency levels in 2024 if you want your law firm to stay ahead.

In this article, we’ll go over the basics of legal workflow automation, how it can benefit your law firm, and the 5 best examples of workflow automation you can implement today.

What is a Legal Workflow?

A legal workflow consists of a series of tasks and processes designed to accomplish a particular legal objective or outcome. It serves as the foundational blueprint that directs your team in managing cases, from the initial client intake to the final billing process.

What is Legal Workflow Automation?

Legal workflow automation is the application of technology to simplify and automate typically tedious tasks within legal processes. Legal automation technology allows law firms and legal departments to design, execute, and manage legal workflows with minimal manual intervention.

More specifically, incorporating software tools and applications lets legal professionals automate various tasks such as:

Document drafting automation
Client intake processes
Case management
Billing and invoicing
Contract review
Compliance checks

What Are The Benefits of Legal Workflow Automation?

Automating legal workflows can make life easier for everyone on your legal team in many ways. In turn, a more productive legal department contributes to a better bottom line. Here’s a closer look at how legal workflow automation benefits the legal industry:

Streamlining Operations

Automating the grunt work – the repetitive tasks that bog down daily operations – not only speeds things up but also lets your team focus on more valuable, more complex aspects of legal work.

Reduced Risk of Errors

Automation reduces the likelihood of human error in document creation, data entry, and other processes.

Improved Client Satisfaction

Automation can lead to faster response times and more consistent communication with clients. It means you’re always a step ahead, from seamless onboarding to timely updates, leading to higher satisfaction and retention rates.

Enhanced Collaboration

Legal workflow automation tools often come with features that improve communication and collaboration among team members. Shared access to documents, automated task assignments, and progress tracking help keep everyone aligned and informed.

Cost Savings

Automating legal workflows can result in significant cost savings over time. It takes the manual labor out of many non-billable tasks, allowing you to redirect your team’s efforts to areas that need human insight. In the long run, this strategic allocation of resources pays off.

Scalability

When your workload increases, automated systems can handle the extra demand without needing to proportionally increase your staff. This makes scaling up smoother and more manageable, letting you expand your business without the growing pains.

Data Security and Compliance

Many legal workflow automation tools incorporate advanced security features to protect sensitive information. Plus, by automating processes, you’re also ensuring that your operations are in line with regulations and internal policies, thanks to standardization and detailed activity logs.

Strategic Insight and Decision Making

Automation tools often include analytics and reporting capabilities, providing law firms with valuable insights into their operations. This information is particularly useful when it comes to making strategic decisions, spotting areas for further improvement, and identifying new opportunities for automation.

5 Legal Workflow Examples You Can Replicate

You can apply automation to various administrative tasks to improve your overall efficiency and productivity. Below are five actionable legal workflow examples that you can easily emulate to harness the power of automation in your legal practice:

1. Client Intake/Onboarding

Legal teams can apply automation to the client intake and onboarding process to ensure a smooth and professional first impression. You can:

Use online forms and document management systems to collect client information
Automatically run conflict checks
Generate onboarding paperwork

Here’s an example of an automated client intake process:

Step 1: Initial Contact

Clients start by filling out a detailed contact form on your law firm’s website. This form collects preliminary information, such as the client’s name, contact details, and a brief description of their legal issue.

Upon submission, the client immediately receives an automated email acknowledging receipt of their inquiry and outlining the next steps.

Step 2: Conflict Check

The information from the contact form is automatically fed into your firm’s conflict check system. If no conflicts are identified, the process moves to the next step. If a conflict is found, an automated response informs the client that the firm cannot represent them due to a conflict of interest.

Step 3: Intake Questionnaire

Clients who pass the conflict check receive an email with a link to a more comprehensive intake questionnaire. This questionnaire is designed to gather detailed information relevant to their case.

The questionnaire includes the ability to securely upload relevant documents.

Step 4: Consultation Scheduling

After submitting the questionnaire, clients are directed to an online scheduling tool integrated with the firm’s calendar. They can choose a convenient time for a consultation, either in-person or virtual.

Once a consultation is scheduled, both the client and the attorney receive an automated confirmation email with the appointment details and a calendar invite.

Step 5: Onboarding Documents and Agreement

Based on the information provided in the intake questionnaire, the system automatically generates onboarding documents and a customized agreement.

Clients can review and e-sign the agreement and pay the initial retainer fee online through a secure payment gateway.

Step 6: Welcome Package

Upon completion of the onboarding process, clients receive a welcome email. This email includes an introduction to their legal team, what they can expect moving forward, and how to communicate with the firm.

The email also provides login details for a client portal where they can track the progress of their case, communicate with their attorney, and access documents.

Step 7: Internal Notification

Once a new client is successfully onboarded, relevant legal teams are automatically notified through the firm’s internal communication system. This ensures that everyone involved is up-to-date and ready to start working on the case.

2. Client Communications

Automating client communications is an excellent approach to upgrading client engagement and satisfaction, ensuring consistent and timely interactions throughout the legal process. Here’s an illustrative process for automating client communications within your law firm:

Step 1: Automated Onboarding Messages

After a client is successfully onboarded, they receive an automated welcome message. This message outlines what they can expect in terms of communication and introduces them to their legal team.

Step 2: Case Updates

Set up a system to send automated updates on case progress at predetermined intervals or after specific milestones are achieved.

Step 3: Appointment and Deadline Reminders

Implement an automated reminder system that notifies clients of upcoming appointments, important dates, and deadlines via email or SMS.

Step 4: Automated Check-ins

For long-duration cases or for clients with whom you wish to maintain a relationship, set up automated emails or messages that check in on them periodically. These communications can offer assistance, provide relevant legal updates, or share useful content.

Step 5: FAQ and Resource Sharing

Automate the distribution of FAQs, guides, and resources relevant to the client’s case or legal needs. This proactive approach can address common questions and concerns, reducing the need for direct inquiries.

Step 6: Billing and Payment Reminders

Automate billing reminders and payment confirmations to streamline the financial interactions with clients. This way, you can ensure transparency and reduce the administrative burden of managing payments.

3. Legal Document Automation

Legal document automation revolves around generative artificial intelligence (AI). This subtype of legal AI is designed to automatically draft various legal documents, such as contracts and discovery documents, to cut down manual processes involved in document generation.

These are the documents that legal professionals usually automate:

Discovery Response and Request Documents

Busy law firms can use generative AI to draft discovery response and request documents (e.g., requests for production, requests for admission, interrogatories) that would otherwise take hours to make.

Contracts and Agreements

Legal workflow software quickly generates standard contracts, service agreements, lease agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), employment contracts, and partnership agreements with customized details for each party involved.

Legal Letters and Correspondence

Templates for letters of advice, demand letters, cease and desist letters, and other formal legal communications allow for quick customization for various scenarios.

Court Forms and Pleadings

Certain types of software can automate the inclusion of relevant case and party information in standard forms and pleadings for court filings, including complaints, motions, affidavits, and judgments.

Estate Planning Documents

Legal teams can customize wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to fit the specific needs and circumstances of the client.

Real Estate Documents

Some legal practice management software can efficiently produce purchase agreements, deeds, closing documents, and landlord-tenant agreements, such as leases and eviction notices.

4. Law Firm Billing

Implementing automation in law firm billing practices can transform the management of financial transactions, improving the efficiency, accuracy, and transparency of billing operations.

Here’s a breakdown of how law firms can automate their billing process:

Step 1: Time Tracking Integration

Implement software that legal teams can use to track their time spent on different cases automatically. This helps ensure accurate billing and minimizes the chance of unbilled work.

Step 2: Generating Invoices

Based on the time tracked and the specific billing arrangements with clients, the system automatically generates detailed invoices for billable hours. These invoices can include descriptions of the services rendered, the time spent, and the applicable rates.

Step 3: Customization and Review

Allow for customization of invoice templates to meet the firm’s branding and client’s preferences. Before sending, your legal team can review and adjust invoices if necessary, ensuring accuracy and client satisfaction.

Step 4: Electronic Delivery

Use the billing system to email invoices directly to clients, reducing paper waste and speeding up the delivery process. Electronic delivery also makes it easier for clients to review and pay their invoices.

Step 5: Online Payment Options

Integrate online payment solutions that allow clients to pay their invoices via credit card, ACH transfer, or other online payment systems. This convenience can significantly shorten the payment cycle and improve cash flow.

Step 6: Payment Tracking and Reminders

The billing system should automatically track payments received and reconcile them with the corresponding invoices. For overdue invoices, the system can send out automated payment reminders to clients, encouraging timely payments.

Step 7: Financial Reporting

Utilize the billing software to automatically generate financial reports, providing insights into the firm’s financial health, productivity, and outstanding receivables. These reports are essential for effective financial management and planning.

5. Task Management

Workflow automation plays a big role in task management, involving the use of various types of software to streamline the planning, delegation, tracking, and completion of tasks and projects.

This technology helps law firms improve time management and accountability and ensure that critical deadlines are met without overwhelming manual oversight.

Here are several examples of automated processes for task management:

Case Intake and Assignment

A new case is entered into the firm’s case management system through an online form submission by a potential client.

The system automatically performs a conflict check and, if cleared, assigns the case to an attorney based on expertise and current workload. The assigned attorney receives an email notification about the new case.

Initial Review and Client Communication

The assigned attorney marks the case as “reviewed” in the system.

The system automatically generates an introductory email to the client, providing the attorney’s contact information and scheduling a kick-off meeting using a link to the attorney’s calendar.

Document Request and Collection

After the kick-off meeting, the attorney identifies the documents needed from the client.

The system sends an automated email to the client with a secure link to upload the required documents. A follow-up reminder is scheduled if the client does not respond within a specified timeframe.

Task Delegation and Monitoring

Documents are received from the client.

The system creates tasks for document review and analysis, assigning them to appropriate team members. Each team member receives a notification of their assigned tasks with deadlines. The system tracks progress and sends reminders as deadlines approach.

Billing and Time Tracking

Tasks related to the case are marked as completed.

The system logs billable hours associated with completed tasks and generates a draft invoice for the attorney’s review. Once approved, the system sends the invoice to the client with payment instructions.

Legal Workflow Automation Software Overview

These examples of legal workflow automation make the benefits of automation clear. Each automated workflow eases the burden on legal teams, creating more room for more important legal matters and other strategic tasks. The cumulative result? More satisfied clients and increased law firm profitability.

Don’t know what legal workflow automation software to start with? Consider automating the most tedious part of litigation first, the discovery phase.

Briefpoint AI is a law firm automation tool that offers invaluable litigation support by automating discovery requests and response documents. With Briefpoint, you can save valuable time on these routine tasks and ensure consistency in all your documents, including but not limited to:

Requests for Production
Requests for Admission
Interrogatories

Take Advantage of Legal Automation with Briefpoint

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

Won’t automation make our jobs obsolete?

Quite the opposite! Automation takes care of the mundane tasks, allowing legal professionals to focus on higher-level, strategic work.

Is legal workflow automation expensive?

It’s an investment. While there’s an upfront cost, the long-term savings in time and resources can be substantial.

How technical do we need to be to implement automation?

Not very. Many legal workflow automation tools are designed with user-friendliness in mind. Plus, most providers offer training and support.

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Top 6 Legal Industry Trends to Keep an Eye On in 2024

Law is known as one of the industries most resistant to change, with many law firms sticking to traditional methods–but not without a good reason. These traditions have built some of the biggest practices that we know today, and they undeniably influence other firms to stick to what they know best.

All that is changing, however, with the arrival of new legal tech and constant innovation of standard legal practices. In 2024, we expect to see both big and even smaller law firms ride the wave of transformation in the field of law, and just like you, we can’t wait to see what the new year has in store for us.

Let’s take a look at some of the biggest legal trends in the industry today.

6 Latest Legal Trends to Watch Out For

The legal sector is highly competitive and fast-paced by nature, which calls for constant improvement through strategies that align with current innovations available. There are too many legal trends to talk about, so we’ve narrowed it down to the six most relevant ones:

1. Increased Adoption of Artificial Intelligence Technology

Lawyers are turning to artificial intelligence to simplify legal processes and make them more efficient, made noticeable with the popularization of legal AI tools like Briefpoint, PatentPal, and Casetext. Most legal pros are no longer skeptical of this “new” tech but are instead embracing it as a nifty and cost-efficient legal assistant.

A LexisNexis survey involving nearly 8,000 participants across US, Canada, France, and UK law firms revealed that almost half expect AI to significantly change practices, especially in improving productivity and efficiency in everyday tasks.

Meanwhile, Thomson Reuters highlighted 2023’s milestones in AI development, including a focus on safe and trustworthy AI applications in various legal functions.

2. The Rise of Cloud-Based Technology for Cybersecurity

Private cloud tech is a type of cloud-based computing and storage where the data belongs to the law firm that uses it, inaccessible to the public. The legal field handles sensitive and private client information daily, making private clouds a necessity as more and more firms go fully digital.

But why has cloud tech become so crucial?

The 2022 IBM Cost of Data Breach report showed that a staggering 83% of the organizations it surveyed had encountered more than one data breach, facing an unprecedented average total cost of $4.35 million—a peak for the year and marking a 2.6% increase from the year before.

Cloud security encompasses a wide array of protocols, tools, and strategies aimed at safeguarding data, applications, and infrastructure in the cloud, addressing key concerns such as data privacy, compliance, and protection against breaches and malware.

3. More Acceptance of Alternative Legal Service Providers and Fees

Simply put, Alternative Legal Service Providers (ALSPs) are services that take the grunt work from in-house legal teams. These might include document review, due diligence, research, compliance, and much more.

According to several reports, ALSPs now constitute a $20.6 billion market segment, having experienced a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20% from 2019 to 2021. This growth indicates a rapidly evolving market where the lines between ALSPs merged firms, law firms, and corporate law departments are increasingly blurring.

The report highlights that both law firms and in-house counsel are recognizing the value that ALSPs bring to the table, including specialized services, improved cost efficiency, and greater flexibility in headcount and talent management.

Independent ALSPs represent the largest market segment, but law firm-owned captive ALSPs are emerging as the fastest-growing segment, indicating a strategic shift within law firms towards embracing alternative service models.

4. Shortening Lockup Periods with Technology

Most firms rely on billable hours to make a profit, but these hours don’t necessarily get paid right away. A “lockup period” refers to the time between completing work and getting paid. For larger firms, longer lockups may not make a significant change to cash flow, but it can be a huge problem for small firms with limited resources.

The 2023 Legal Trends Report by Clio emphasized the importance of reducing lockups for maintaining a healthy cash flow. It introduced the concept of “lockup” as a mix of “realization lockup” (work yet to be billed) and “collection lockup” (billed work yet to be collected), suggesting that technology, particularly electronic billing solutions, can significantly lower these durations.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, for example, has been focusing on reducing lockup by implementing internal strategies to decrease the waiting time for client payments. This effort is a response to the increase in lockup days, indicating a broader industry trend toward prioritizing faster billing and collection processes to improve financial health.

5. Rising Numbers of Freelance Lawyers

Some people might think that the legal profession is something you have to do on-site, inside an office where you can meet colleagues and clients face-to-face. That’s not the reality nowadays, especially with current technological advancements and shifting work preferences brought about by the pandemic.

Today, the legal world is adopting alternative work setups, as we can see by the increasing number of freelance lawyers. These attorneys come from diverse backgrounds, including law professors, lawyers caring for families, and retired or semi-retired legal professionals. There’s even a buzz about UK firms expanding their services to the US through remote work.

Overall, the appeal of remote work lies in the flexibility, work-life balance, and variety of projects, which contrasts with the traditional set-up.

Additionally, the increasing number of firms outsourcing work supports the rising trend of freelance lawyering. Nearly half of law firms reported using contract lawyers, indicating a significant shift towards integrating freelancers into traditional legal practice.

This change is partly driven by the legal outsourcing market’s rapid growth, which is projected to reach significant figures by 2027.

6. More Law Firms Focusing on Combating Recession

Many industries are still reeling from the economic impacts of the pandemic, and the legal sector is no different. Today, legal professionals are more wary of economic uncertainty and finding ways to be more recession-proof.

The resilience and growth strategies that were emerging in 2023 have further evolved this year, with firms focusing even more on diversifying their various business practice areas and enhancing operational efficiencies to maintain competitiveness and profitability.

Midsize law firms, in particular, have continued to thrive by capitalizing on counter-cyclical practices such as litigation, labor & employment, and bankruptcy. This focus allows these firms to leverage the demand brought about by economic shifts, providing services that become more sought-after in challenging times, such as the cost of living crisis.

Additionally, law firms are increasingly adopting strategic measures to maximize efficiency and profitability. These measures include optimizing leverage, further reducing office space in response to hybrid work models, investing in technology and skilled staff like pricing specialists, and outsourcing non-core functions.

The Future of the Legal Industry is Brighter Than Ever

The legal industry, while inherently orthodox in some ways, is not immune to change. Goals may remain the same, but the ways we go about it are always open for improvement.

As you can see, these key trends revolve around upgrading legal services and, essentially, the bottom line. With more efficient workflows and maximized potential, firms can stay competitive in a cutthroat legal market.

One way to embrace efficiency in your firm is to implement high-tech tools that minimize your tedious tasks, starting with the most time-consuming legal process of all: discovery. Briefpoint is a generative artificial intelligence tool that drafts discovery response and request documents for you, which would take the average lawyer hours–if not days.

With Briefpoint’s generative AI, you can focus on more value-adding work, produce consistent documents, and, ultimately, make your legal services a notch above the others.

Stay Ahead of the Competition with Briefpoint AI

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

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

FAQs About Legal Industry Trends

How can law firms integrate AI into their practices?

Start by identifying repetitive, time-consuming tasks that can be automated, such as document review or legal research. Investing in generative AI tools designed for these tasks can free up your team’s time for more complex work.

Are cloud-based cybersecurity solutions expensive?

While costs can vary, cloud-based solutions often offer scalable pricing models that can be more cost-effective than traditional IT infrastructure, especially when considering the potential cost of data breaches.

How can law firms make their billing more client-friendly?

Consider offering alternative fee arrangements, such as flat fees, subscription models, or success fees. Transparency and communication about costs are also key drivers of client satisfaction.

What should law firms do to prepare for a recession?

Diversify practice areas, focus on core competencies, reduce costs, and build a solid financial reserve. Strengthening relationships with existing clients and investing in marketing can also help maintain revenue streams and retain clients, which is especially beneficial for smaller firms.

5 Best Legal Workflow Tools and How to Incorporate Them

The work that goes on in law firms can be repetitive, time-consuming, complex, or–in the most tedious of situations–a mixture of all three. It’s a way of life, in a sense, and the “norm” that many in the legal profession learn to get used to.

Luckily, legal workflow automation software is here to change that. Law firms need to maximize every billable hour, and what’s a better way to do that than to optimize every legal workflow possible?

In this guide, we’ll explore the definitions of legal workflow automation software, the potential benefits, and the best way to incorporate these tools into your operations.

What are Legal Workflow Tools?

Legal workflow tools are specialized software applications designed to optimize and automate various tasks and processes within legal practices. These tools aim to improve efficiency, accuracy, and consistency by managing and simplifying routine tasks, including but not limited to:

Document creation
Case management
Billing
Scheduling
Communication

In other words, legal workflow management software streamlines processes wherever automation is possible. For the legal industry and corporate legal departments, most of the focus is on incorporating automated workflows to let legal professionals focus on value-adding tasks that tech cannot do.

What are the Types of Legal Workflow Tech Solutions?

Legal workflow automation software can be classified into many distinct types based on their function. In this article, we’ll focus on some of the most important, which include:

Document Automation

Document automation is a type of legal workflow automation software that creates or drafts legal documents, including discovery responses and requests. Without this type of tech, legal professionals would have to spend hours, if not days, drafting documents manually.

Besides speeding up the process of creating legal documents, document automation helps ensure consistency and accuracy across the board.

Task Management

In most law firms, a significant chunk of time is usually spent on organizing legal teams and delegating tasks for maximum efficiency. This might be easier for smaller law firms, but not for big ones that have dozens of legal teams.

Task management involves the utilization of software solutions to organize, assign, and monitor tasks within a team. These solutions allow for the setting of deadlines, assignment of responsibilities, and real-time tracking of progress on tasks.

Acting as a digital project manager, task management tools ensure efficient workflow coordination, preventing tasks from being overlooked or deadlines missed.

Database Management

In law firms, database management refers to the systematization of case files, client information, and legal references into a digital repository. This type of legal workflow management software allows legal professionals to efficiently store, organize, and retrieve vast amounts of data without the need for physical filing systems.

Billing Management

Law firms generate profit through billable hours, making an efficient billing management system an absolute must.

Billing management tools automate administrative tasks such as invoicing and payment tracking processes within legal practices. These tools optimize the generation of invoices, monitor outstanding payments, and maintain transparent financial records.

Unlike some traditional billing systems, these tech tools help ensure timely payments and minimal errors.

Legal Reporting

Another useful type of legal workflow automation software is legal reporting tools, which help law firms gauge their profitability and overall health. An ideal reporting tool should be capable of data analysis, productivity monitoring, key performance indicator (KPI) tracking, as well as tracking and analysis of important metrics like cash flow, profit and loss, cost-per-client, etc.

Law firms need this kind of legal workflow software to ensure they’re always in the black and anticipate potential financial issues down the road.

What are the Benefits of Using Legal Workflow Software?

Legal workflow software simplifies complicated tasks, automates the most tedious ones, and adds solutions in areas lacking optimization. Here are the key benefits of adopting such technology:

Upgrades Efficiency: Legal workflow software automates routine tasks, such as document drafting and case management, which, in turn, allows legal professionals to concentrate on high-value activities.
Enhances Accuracy: Workflow automation tools help reduce human error in critical processes, including document creation and billing.
Improves Client Satisfaction: Faster turnaround times on cases and more consistent service delivery directly contribute to improved client satisfaction.
Facilitates Collaboration: Regardless of their physical location, team members can work together effectively, thanks to centralized platforms that allow for seamless collaboration on tasks.
Data-Driven Decisions: With built-in analytics and reporting tools, legal workflow software aids in making informed decisions based on data analysis. It enables practices to evaluate performance, forecast trends, and make strategic plans based on accurate, data-driven insights.

How Can You Incorporate Legal Workflow Automation in Your Law Firm?

Implementing legal workflow automation in a law firm or legal department involves a series of strategic steps designed to ensure a smooth transition and maximize the benefits of automation technologies. Here’s a comprehensive guide to navigating the process:

1. Assessment and Planning

Identify pain points: Start by identifying the tasks and processes that are time-consuming, prone to errors, or could benefit from workflow automation.
Set clear objectives: Determine what you want to achieve with automation (e.g., reducing turnaround time, enhancing accuracy, or improving client satisfaction).
Evaluate legal workflow needs: Assess the specific needs of your legal practice (e.g., case management, document automation, billing, and client communication).

2. Research and Selection of Tools

Explore options: Research the legal workflow automation tools available in the market, focusing on those that address your identified needs and objectives.
Consider integration capabilities: Choose tools that can seamlessly integrate with your existing systems (e.g., email, calendaring, and document storage).
Trial and evaluation: Take advantage of free trials or demos offered by vendors to evaluate how well a tool fits your workflow and meets your needs.

3. Implementation Strategy

Develop an implementation plan: Create a detailed plan outlining the rollout of the automation tools, including timelines, responsibilities, and training schedules.
Ensure data migration is secure: If transitioning from manual to digital processes, ensure the secure migration of existing data into the new system.
Customize and configure: Customize your legal workflow software to fit your firm’s specific workflow requirements and configure settings to optimize performance and usability.

4. Training and Support

Train staff: Provide comprehensive training for all users, ensuring they understand how to use the new tools effectively.
Establish support channels: Set up internal support channels or liaise with the software provider for external support to assist with any issues or questions that arise.
Encourage feedback: Ask team members to provide feedback on their experiences with the automation tools, which can be used to make adjustments or improvements.

5. Evaluation and Optimization

Monitor performance: Regularly assess the performance of the legal workflow software against your set objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs).
Solicit user feedback: Gather ongoing feedback from users on the usability and effectiveness of the tools.
Iterate and improve: Use insights gathered from monitoring and feedback to make continuous improvements to your legal workflow automation strategy.

6. Compliance and Security

Ensure legal compliance: Verify that the tools comply with legal standards and regulations relevant to your practice area.
Prioritize data security: Choose tools that offer reliable security features to protect sensitive client and case information.

Top 5 Legal Workflow Automation and Management Software

Optimizing your workflows may require a combination of different tools. Choosing the right legal practice management software can be complicated, given the dozens of potential options out there, so we’ve narrowed it down to a top-five list:

1. Briefpoint: Best Legal Workflow Automation Tool for Discovery Document Drafting

Briefpoint automates the creation of discovery request and response documents, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to extract important information from documents and generate potential responses or objections users can choose from.

Using Briefpoint saves law firms hours of work that they would otherwise spend on manual document preparation of various legal documents, including:

2. Clio: Best Case Management System

Clio stands out in the legal tech landscape as a comprehensive solution to manage almost every aspect of a legal practice. It provides an extensive suite of tools that cover case and document management, billing, time tracking, and client interactions, making it a versatile platform for law firms of any size.

Plus, Clio’s cloud-based nature provides accessibility from anywhere, adding to its appeal by supporting remote work environments and allowing easier client intake process and collaboration among team members.

3. Smokeball: Best Legal Workflow Software for Smaller Firms

Smokeball is designed to meet the needs of small to mid-sized law firms, offering a reliable solution for automating daily operations.

It helps optimize case management and document automation, providing a variety of tools that generate legal documents, track case progress, and manage client information seamlessly.

4. PatentPal: Best Legal Workflow Software for IP Law

PatentPal is a niche software solution developed with the unique needs of intellectual property professionals in mind. It automates and simplifies the most complicated parts of drafting and managing patents.

PatentPal decreases the time and effort typically required in the patent application process, making it an invaluable asset for those specializing in IP law. The software’s focus on efficiency and accuracy in handling patent documentation and management tasks ensures that IP professionals can maintain a high standard of work while managing a larger volume of cases.

5. FileStage: Best Legal Workflow Software for Document Reviews

FileStage offers a unique proposition for law firms and legal departments that want to streamline their review and approval processes for documents and multimedia content. This platform enables seamless collaboration among legal teams, clients, and external stakeholders, making it easier to gather feedback and approvals on various documents.

With FileStage, users can easily upload documents to a secure online space, where reviewers can leave precise feedback and annotations directly on the file. Aside from speeding up the review cycle, FileStage also decreases the risk of misunderstandings and errors that can occur with traditional email exchanges or hard-copy reviews.

Legal Workflow Software is the Future of Efficient Legal Practice

We are way past the days of manual legal work and outdated processes that reduce your efficiency and bring down your bottom line. In 2024, join the other legal professionals taking advantage of legal workflow software to improve their efficiency, quality of work, profitability, and client satisfaction all at the same time.

Ready to leverage workflow automation? Start with one of the most tedious parts of litigation: discovery. With Briefpoint, you can automate the preparation of discovery response and request documents, saving you time and money in the process.

Supplement Your Law Firm Tool Stack with Briefpoint

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 Software

Can legal workflow software integrate with existing systems?

Yes. Many tools offer integration capabilities with existing email, calendar, and office systems, providing a seamless workflow transition.

Are these tools suitable for law firms of all sizes?

Yes, there are options available for solo practitioners, small firms, and large enterprises. The key is to choose a solution that scales with your practice.

Is data security a concern with these tools?

Data security is a top priority for reputable software providers, especially those that provide solutions for the legal industry. They employ strict security measures to protect sensitive information, ensuring your data is safe and compliant with legal standards.

How Is AI Being Used In Law Firms Today?

In the legal field, a single case can take hours of hours of work. That’s to be expected as cases can take months or even years to conclude. And, there are heaps of operational tasks that legal professionals have to do in the background.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how industries work, and the legal field is no different. In this article, we’ll look at how AI is optimizing the legal process today, and saving law firms dozens of hours.

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?

AI development is all about teaching machines to think and learn, just like humans do. So, instead of just following instructions, AI can understand language, recognize things, make decisions, and even get better at legal practice over time.

In the legal field, generative AI is one of the best tools legal professionals can have. For example, AI tools like Briefpoint automate the preparation of discovery response and request documents.

How is AI Being Used in the Legal Field?

AI offers a multitude of benefits for the legal industry, including the power to automate routine tasks and analyze large volumes of data. Here are some of the legal tasks AI can streamline:

Document Review

AI helps legal assistants review documents by employing natural language processing (NLP) to analyze and classify documents more quickly. This capability is particularly useful in litigation and due diligence, where time and accuracy are of the essence.

Document Automation

Generative AI like Briefpoint can draft standard discovery response documents, streamlining the drafting process and saving time for litigators. This type of tool is called document automation.

Litigation Analysis

Using data from past cases, AI tools can predict and identify patterns, assess the strengths and weaknesses of cases, and recommend the most effective legal strategies. This insight allows lawyers to make informed decisions and better advise their clients.

What Are The Benefits of Using AI in Law Firms?

From case analysis to litigation, AI can augment and improve almost all parts of the legal process. Below are the potential benefits an AI tool can provide for the legal industry:

Better Accuracy: AI minimizes human errors in document analysis and legal research, allowing for more consistent documents and reducing problems arising from inaccuracies.
Cost Reduction: By automating routine tasks, machine learning AI can lower operational costs.
Mass Data Capture: AI’s ability to analyze large datasets can uncover trends and patterns, providing valuable insights for case strategy and legal advice in most legal departments. Pairing this feature with generative AI can also help increase the accuracy of legal drafting.

Lawyer’s vs Artificial Intelligence

While AI systems can perform many tasks, the nuanced judgment, ethical considerations, and persuasive abilities of skilled lawyers remain irreplaceable.

The ideal scenario is not machine learning AI replacing lawyers but augmenting their capabilities, allowing them to focus on the high-level strategic and interpersonal aspects of legal business.

What Does AI Integration Look Like For You?

The integration of AI into the legal industry is not just a simple helping hand for law firms; it’s a transformative shift that is redefining how legal work is done.

Briefpoint is committed to leading this charge, giving law firms the tools and ease of use necessary to implement AI effectively.

Savings of Implementing Briefpoint Into Your Firm

Discovery responses cost firms $23,240, per year, per attorney. The $23,240 estimate assumes an associate attorney salary of $150,000 (including benefits – or $83 an hour), 20 cases per year/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 AI In Law Firms

Will AI replace lawyers?

No, AI technology is intended to augment the capabilities of lawyers, not replace them. It automates routine tasks and provides valuable insights, allowing lawyers to focus on complex legal work and client interaction for better legal business.

Is AI in law ethical?

Yes, when used responsibly. The ethical use of AI technology in law involves transparency, accountability, and ensuring that AI tools are used to progress fairness. Every law firm must exercise due diligence when incorporating a new tool like generative AI into their workflow.

How can I start integrating AI into my law firm?

Begin by identifying areas where AI can have the most significant impact, such as document management or litigation analysis. Partner with a trusted AI solutions provider like Briefpoint to create an AI strategy that meets your firm’s needs.