Top 10 Legal Technology Trends in 2024

The legal industry looks a lot different than how it was just a few years ago. In the past, traditional operational practices seemed to have peaked efficiency, today those same practices seem like a disadvantage.

Now more than ever, law firms are leveraging technology advancements to increase efficiency, optimize their bottom line, and improve client satisfaction. If you want to reap the same benefits for your firm, here are the top legal technology trends you should look out for.

The Best Legal Technology Trends of 2024

A new year always comes with emerging technologies in various fields, including the legal industry. As legal professionals become more open to technology, more companies offer legal tech solutions that aim to address the industry’s needs.

Here are some of the latest legal tech trends that you should look into:

1. Automation

Automation technology takes over repetitive and time-consuming tasks, such as document drafting, client intake processes, and compliance checks.

By automating these tasks, law firms can significantly reduce manual labor, mitigate the risk of human errors, and ensure consistency in legal documents and procedures. Similar to other legal tech trends on the list, automation allows law firms to allocate more time to more valuable activities.

You can harness these abilities with:

Briefpoint: Automates the preparation of discovery request and discovery response documents, saving hours of work that would have otherwise been spent on reviewing requests and drafting responses.
LawGeex: Automates the contract review process and helps legal teams to efficiently review, approve, or escalate contracts by comparing them against predefined criteria, significantly reducing the time and effort involved in manual reviews.
Contractbook: Provides end-to-end contract lifecycle management with a strong emphasis on automation. It can automatically review legal contracts, helping streamline the process of contract management.

2. Legal Case Management Software

Legal Case Management Software is a valuable tool for centralizing case files, communications, billing, and scheduling into a unified platform. This software helps improve a law firm’s efficiency by automating administrative tasks, overseeing case tracking, and improving client relationship management.

The integration of legal case management software allows legal professionals to focus on more high-value legal work, thereby increasing productivity and reducing the potential for human error. Companies that cater to this emerging legal tech trend include:

Clio: A cloud-based legal practice management software offering features like case management, billing, and client communication. Designed to enhance productivity and allow remote access to important information.
MyCase: An all-in-one legal management solution focusing on case management, billing, and secure client communication. Known for its user-friendly interface, it aims to improve client experiences and streamline administrative tasks.
Smokeball: Offers case management, billing, and automation features. It emphasizes ease of use, allowing for customization and automation to boost efficiency and profitability.

3. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of legal innovation, offering capabilities like predictive analytics in case outcomes and automating complex document review processes.

Legal AI tools help law firms analyze vast amounts of data for informed decision-making, streamlined litigation preparation, and personalized client interactions. You can take advantage of this significant legal technology trend with:

Luminance: Uses machine learning to improve the process of document review for due diligence, compliance, and litigation tasks. Its AI technology adapts to the specific needs of a legal team, identifying patterns and anomalies in data, thereby increasing the speed and accuracy of legal document analysis.
ROSS Intelligence: Leverages artificial intelligence to offer a legal research platform that streamlines the process of finding relevant case law and legal precedents. It allows legal professionals to ask natural language questions and receive instant, accurate answers, enhancing research efficiency and accuracy.
LegalSifter: Combines AI with legal expertise to help users review contracts more efficiently. The platform suggests edits, identifies key clauses, and provides advice on contract negotiation, aiming to reduce the time and cost associated with contract review.

4. Litigation Management

Technological advancements in litigation management software provide comprehensive tools for case management, document storage, and team collaboration. These platforms help achieve a seamless flow of information among legal departments, regardless of geographic location, and enable efficient management of litigation portfolios.

The ability to track deadlines, manage evidence, and communicate effectively in a secure environment improves litigation processes and decision-making overall.

The following companies provide litigation management solutions to law firms that need a more efficient litigation process:

Casepoint: Offers cloud-based solutions that provide a comprehensive suite of discovery features, including legal hold, data collection, advanced analytics, and artificial intelligence.
Logikcull: Simplifies the process of managing litigation and investigations for law firms. Its cloud-based platform offers solutions for drag-and-drop uploading, powerful search capabilities, and secure collaboration, aiming to reduce the time and cost associated with traditional discovery processes.
Everlaw: Combines document management, collaborative review, and advanced analytics, focusing on ease of use and powerful search capabilities. It facilitates the discovery process by enabling legal teams to upload, review, and produce documents more efficiently, while also providing tools for timeline analysis and predictive coding.

5. Virtual Legal Assistants

Virtual Legal Assistants (VLAs) are a significant technological advancement in the legal industry, leveraging AI to transform how law firms interact with their clients. These AI-driven platforms are designed to perform a variety of tasks that traditionally require human intervention, thus optimizing operations and improving the client experience.

VLAs can manage routine but essential tasks such as scheduling appointments, organizing client meetings, and sending reminders for upcoming deadlines or payments. This allows lawyers to spend more time on in-depth analysis, strategy development, and personalized client counseling, which are critical components of successful legal representation.

Law firms can find this legal tech from:

Lola Legal: Offers a virtual legal assistant designed for law firms and legal professionals. It automates tasks such as time tracking, billing, and client communication.
Smith.ai: Known for its virtual receptionist and client engagement services, Smith.ai provides a range of services including call handling, client intake, and scheduling for law firms.
Equivity: Provides dedicated virtual assistants specialized in legal support, Equivity’s services include assistance with administrative tasks, client communication, and document preparation.

6. Identity Management

Identity management has become a crucial legal tech trend in recent years, emphasizing the secure management of digital identities, sensitive data, and access controls within law firms. By employing advanced solutions that handle user authentication, access rights, and activity monitoring, law firms are better equipped to detect and prevent unauthorized access to legal data.

Integrating biometric authentication methods, such as fingerprint scanning and facial recognition, offers a more secure alternative to traditional password systems. Aside from increasing the security of legal documents and data, identity management software makes the client onboarding process smoother and more efficient.

Companies with emerging technologies in identity management software include:

Okta: offers a comprehensive identity and access management solution tailored for organizations, including law firms. Their platform facilitates secure, single sign-on access to a wide array of applications, enhancing security through multi-factor authentication (MFA) and adaptive security policies.
OneLogin: Provides a unified access management system that is particularly beneficial for law firms needing to manage and secure employee and client access to legal applications and data. It features strong authentication, single sign-on, and user management capabilities.
LastPass: Provides identity and access management solutions with a focus on password management and secure sharing of credentials and sensitive data within organizations, including law firms. Their platform includes features like password vaulting, automated password generation, and secure sharing, alongside multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.

7. Client Data Protection

Data protection is a top concern for law firms, requiring the adoption of advanced encryption technologies and secure communication channels. The legal industry’s focus on data security aims to protect client confidentiality, comply with stringent data protection regulations, and prevent data breaches.

Ensuring the highest levels of data security is fundamental to maintaining client trust and upholding the professional responsibility to secure client information. Tech-savvy law firms can strengthen their data protection with:

Rubrik: Offers a cloud data management and protection solution ideal for law firms looking to secure their client data across cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments. This legal tech provides data backup, disaster recovery, and ransomware protection, ensuring that sensitive legal documents and client information are safeguarded against data loss and cyber threats.
Druva: Delivers a cloud-native data protection and management solution designed to secure endpoint data for law firms. Their platform offers direct-to-cloud backup, cyber resilience, and critical data recovery capabilities, ensuring comprehensive protection for sensitive client information stored on laptops, smartphones, and other devices.
Varonis: Specializes in data security and analytics, providing a platform that law firms can use to protect sensitive client data and ensure regulatory compliance. Their software offers capabilities for data classification, access governance, threat detection, and response, enabling law firms to monitor and protect their data from insider threats and cyberattacks.

8. Smart Legal Contract Management

Smart legal contract management leverages blockchain technology to redefine the dynamics of drafting, executing, and enforcing legal agreements. By embedding contract terms directly into code, smart contracts automate contract negotiation processes when predetermined conditions are met, thereby eliminating the need for manual intervention and making the whole process faster.

This legal technology minimizes the ambiguity and disputes that often come with traditional contracts. Moreover, this level of automation and security is particularly appealing for law firms that often deal with complex transactions, where the precise execution of contractual obligations is crucial.

Your law firm can find smart legal contract management solutions from:

Clause: Focuses on creating, managing, and automatically executing legal contracts using blockchain technology. Clause’s platform allows for the integration of real-time data and external sources into contracts, ensuring dynamic and automated contract execution based on predefined conditions.
OpenLaw: Enables law firms to draft, manage, and execute smart contracts integrated with Ethereum blockchain. OpenLaw’s technology allows for the automation of various legal processes, including the execution of agreements upon the fulfillment of specified conditions, and the recording of transactional data on the blockchain
Jur: Leverages blockchain technology to offer secure, efficient, and transparent contract management solutions. Jur’s smart contracts are designed to be legally binding and self-executing, with the added capability of dispute resolution mechanisms.

9. Advanced Computing

The emergence of quantum computing and other advanced computational technologies is set to have a huge impact on the legal industry. These technology trends bring significant processing capabilities, making it possible to analyze complex legal scenarios and large datasets more efficiently than ever before.

Such advancements are expected to improve aspects of legal research, enhance predictive analytics, and support more effective decision-making processes. While these technologies are still under development, their potential to refine legal research, aid in fraud detection, and facilitate data analysis is clear.

If you want to maximize your law firm’s accuracy, consider the following:

IBM Watson Legal: Utilizes advanced artificial intelligence and cognitive computing capabilities to transform legal research and data analysis. Their platform offers tools for natural language processing, hypothesis generation, and evidence-based learning, enabling law firms to sift through vast quantities of legal documents and data with great speed and accuracy.
LexisNexis: Provides a suite of advanced computing tools tailored for the legal industry, including Lexis Analytics, a platform that employs AI and machine learning to enhance legal research, litigation strategies, and risk assessment.
Thomson Reuters Westlaw Edge: Leverages advanced AI and analytics to offer a comprehensive legal research and insights platform. Featuring tools like litigation analytics, statutory change tracking, and case law citation analysis, Westlaw Edge provides law firms with the capability to conduct deeper and more efficient legal research.

10. Immersive Technology

Immersive technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), are beginning to make waves in the legal field. These technologies can be used for a variety of applications, such as recreating crime scenes in VR to aid in evidence presentation or employing AR for enhanced document examination.

VR or AR can help train legal departments by simulating various scenarios and legal environments. Lawyers can also use this legal tech to conduct negotiations without needing to meet face-to-face.

VR and AR are not new, but it is one of the best legal technology trends as legal departments are seeing the benefits of using them. Here are several companies that cater to law firms looking for this tech:

LegalVerse: Enables lawyers to create and navigate through 3D recreations of crime scenes, accident sites, or any relevant physical space for a case, providing a more engaging and comprehensive way to present evidence and case scenarios to clients or in court.
CourtroomVR: Specializes in virtual reality solutions tailored for the legal industry, providing a unique way for lawyers to present cases and evidence. Their platform allows legal professionals to create immersive, 3D simulations of courtroom scenarios, evidence presentations, and witness testimonies.
vLex Justis: Overlays digital information onto the physical world, allowing lawyers to interact with legal materials dynamically and engagingly.

Make Discovery an Efficient Process With Document Automation

Document automation for lawyers is one of the most significant legal technology trends of 2023. Unsurprisingly, more law firms are seeing the benefits and hopping on the trend this year.

Let Briefpoint make the discovery process a breeze. With this tool, you can automate the preparation of discovery response and request documents, such as:

Requests for Admission
Requests for Production
Interrogatories

Automate Your Discovery Process 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 Trends

Can these technologies replace human lawyers?

No, they’re designed to augment human capabilities, not replace them. Lawyers will always be needed for their judgment, empathy, and advocacy skills.

Are these technologies affordable for small law firms?

Many solutions offer scalable options, making them accessible to firms of all sizes. Plus, the efficiency gains often outweigh the initial investment.

How can I ensure my firm adopts these technologies securely?

Partner with reputable tech providers and invest in cybersecurity training for your team. Security is a journey, not a one-time fix.

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11 Quick Tips to Improve Law Firm Profitability (Using AI)

Like any business, a law firm’s success depends on its ability to turn a significant profit. However, contrary to popular belief, it’s not just about winning big cases or handling high-profile clients.

Measuring profitability in a law firm is similar to that of a typical business–there are ratios to track, KPIs to assess, and, of course, best practices to follow.

Law firm profitability relies on several crucial metrics that reflect the financial impacts of your law firm operations. In this guide, we explore the ins and outs of law firm profitability, why it matters, and what you can do to increase profitability long-term.

Measuring profitability in a law firm is similar to that of a typical business–there are ratios to track, KPIs to assess, and, of course, best practices to follow.

What is Law Firm Profitability Analysis and Why Does it Matter?

Profitability analysis is the process of examining a firm’s revenue streams and expenses to determine profitability. Law firms rely on timekeeping and billable hours for revenue, which requires profitability analysis to ensure they are always in the black.

Profitability analysis shows law firms their financial strengths and weaknesses, which, in turn, help them make better decisions regarding budget allocation, pricing, and practice management.

Profitability Ratios

Profitability ratios are the core of law firm profitability analysis, providing a glimpse into a law firm’s overall financial health. Key ratios include:

Gross Profit Margin: Calculates the percentage of revenue that exceeds the cost of goods sold (or services provided), not including other operational expenses. It’s a measure of the efficiency in service delivery and pricing strategy.
Operating Profit Margin: Shows the percentage of revenue left after covering operating expenses, such as wages, rent, and utilities. It reflects the operational efficiency and the ability to manage day-to-day expenses.
Net Profit Margin: Represents the percentage of revenue remaining after all expenses, including taxes and interest, have been paid. This is the primary indicator of a firm’s profitability and financial health.
Margin per Client: Measures the average profit generated from each client, providing insight into client profitability and helping firms identify the most and least profitable client relationships.
Return on Assets (ROA): Indicates how effectively a firm uses its assets to generate profit. Determined by dividing net income by total assets, it provides insight into the productivity of the firm’s resources.
Return on Equity (ROE): Assesses the return generated on shareholders’ equity. By dividing net income by shareholder’s equity, it reveals how well the firm utilizes investors’ funds to generate earnings.

Profitability Metrics Your Law Firm Should Know

Measuring law firm profitability revolves around several key performance indicators (KPIs), including:

Utilization Rate

Utilization rate is the percentage of billable hours out of the total working hours of your attorneys. Its importance lies in its ability to highlight workforce efficiency, revealing how much of your team’s time is dedicated to billable tasks as opposed to non-billable activities.

A higher utilization rate signals better use of your legal talent, directly influencing your firm’s profitability by maximizing revenue-generating work.

Realization Rate

The realization rate assesses the percentage of billable work that is actually billed and subsequently collected from clients. It provides insight into the effectiveness of your billing practices and your clients’ payment behaviors.

A good realization rate indicates that your firm is not only efficient in billing but also successful in collecting payments, both of which are vital for sustaining cash flow and profitability.

Case Lifecycle Cost

The case lifecycle cost encompasses the total expenses incurred from the commencement to the conclusion of a case. Understanding this cost is vital for accurately pricing services, and ensuring that cases remain profitable. It also helps in pinpointing areas where costs can be trimmed without sacrificing the quality of service, thereby enhancing the firm’s financial performance.

Accounts Receivable

Outstanding accounts receivable represent the funds owed to the firm for legal services rendered but not yet paid for by clients. Monitoring this metric is essential for effective cash flow management, as it highlights the efficiency of the collection process and identifies potential issues in billing practices, enabling timely interventions to improve financial health.

Outstanding Work-in-Progress Fees

These are fees for work completed but not yet billed to clients. Tracking these fees is important as it aids in improving the timeliness of billing, therefore reducing the interval between service provision and invoicing, which in turn enhances the firm’s cash flow.

Revenue Per Lawyer

Revenue per lawyer or revenue per attorney measures the total revenue generated by the firm, divided by the number of lawyers. This metric sheds light on the productivity and earning capacity of the legal team on an individual basis, facilitating strategic staffing and resource allocation decisions to optimize profitability.

Billing & Collection Turnover

These metrics indicate the speed at which the firm issues bills for services rendered and collects payments from clients. A quick turnover indicates efficient billing and collection processes, which are crucial for maintaining positive cash flow and financial stability.

Profit Margin

Lastly, we have your profit margin. It is a key indicator of the firm’s overall financial health, representing the percentage of revenue that remains as profit after all expenses are accounted for. Calculating the profit margin is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of the firm’s business model and strategies, showing how successfully it can convert revenue into profit.

Top 10 Tips to Increase Your Law Firm’s Profitability

Improving your law firm’s profitability requires knowledge of law firm profitability metrics and a deep understanding of how they affect your operations. However, this is not always a straightforward process, which is why we’ve drawn up a few actionable tips to help you get started:

Optimize Billing Practices

Ensure your billing practices are transparent, accurate, and timely. Consider adopting flat fees, contingency fees, alternative fee arrangements, or value billing to align more closely with client expectations and enhance satisfaction. Regularly review and adjust your rates based on market standards and the value you deliver.

Expand High-Profit Areas

Analyze your firm’s financial data to identify the most profitable practice areas or client types. Focus your marketing and business development efforts on these areas to grow revenue.

Improve Client Selection and Retention

Develop a strategy for attracting and retaining high-value clients. This may involve niche marketing, enhancing client service, or offering additional value through seminars, newsletters, or advice that positions your firm as a trusted advisor.

Monitor Key Financial Metrics

Keep a close eye on the profitability metrics discussed earlier, such as realization and utilization rates, profit margin, and accounts receivable. These metrics provide critical insights into your firm’s financial health and areas for improvement.

Enhance Attorney Performance

Invest in training and development for your attorneys to improve their legal, client service, and business skills. Encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration within the firm and identify other ways to maximize the potential to raise overall performance levels.

Identify Areas for Improvement

Review your firm’s operational processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and other problem areas. Solutions can include outsourcing non-core functions, renegotiating vendor contracts, and reducing overhead costs wherever possible without compromising quality.

Focus on Client Satisfaction

Satisfied clients are more likely to return and refer others to your firm. Ensure you understand your clients’ needs and expectations, deliver exceptional service, and maintain open lines of communication to build strong, lasting relationships.

Develop a Strategic Marketing Plan

Invest in marketing and business development activities that target your ideal clients and referral sources. Utilize a mix of traditional and digital marketing strategies to build your brand and attract new business.

Foster a Profitable Firm Culture

Cultivate a culture that emphasizes efficiency, quality, and client service. Encourage attorneys and staff to adopt a business-minded approach to their work, focusing on activities that directly contribute to the firm’s profitability.

Automate Discovery Document Drafting

Last but not least, implement legal technology solutions to automate routine tasks, improve case management, and reduce errors. Technologies such as document automation for lawyers, practice management software, and AI-powered tools can significantly increase efficiency, allowing lawyers to spend more time on billable work.

Reduce Operational Costs with Document Automation

In the legal industry, time translates to money–often quite literally. For a law firm to be successful, it must find ways to maximize all of its constituents’ time, including that of attorneys, paralegals, and supportive staff.

Leveraging AI is one of the best ways to ensure that most of your law firm’s time is going to valuable work. Briefpoint is a legal AI tool that automates the preparation of discovery response and request documents, saving you hours of work and allowing your attorneys to focus on more profitable activities.

Briefpoint AI drafts responses to:

Requests for Admission
Requests for Production
Interrogatories

Optimize Your Law Firm’s Profits 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 Law Firm Profitability

How can law firms improve their utilization rate?

Law firms can improve their utilization rate by optimizing attorney workload, ensuring that lawyers spend a higher percentage of their time on billable tasks. This can be achieved through better project management, delegation of non-billable tasks to support staff, and the use of technology to streamline administrative processes.

What strategies can help increase the realization rate?

To increase the realization rate, law firms should focus on improving billing practices, such as setting clear billing policies, ensuring accurate and timely invoicing, and actively managing client communications regarding fees and payments. Additionally, evaluating and adjusting fee structures to align with client expectations and value can also help.

How does monitoring profit margin help law firm profitability?

Monitoring profit margin helps a law firm understand its financial health and operational efficiency. It enables the firm to identify which areas or practices are most profitable and which may need cost management or strategic adjustments. This insight is crucial for making informed decisions that drive profitability and sustainable growth.

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

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

Law firms use AI tools to automate the preparation of discovery requests and discovery responses, as well as streamlined management.

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

What Are Legal AI Tools?

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

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

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

What Is the Driving Force Behind Legal AI Adoption?

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

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

However, the benefits of AI in legal settings extend beyond speed. Accuracy is a critical component, and with machine learning algorithms, these tools continuously improve with use. They learn from each interaction with extensive legal documents, enhancing their performance going forward.

Top 5 Legal AI Tools in the Industry (2024)

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

1. Briefpoint

Briefpoint specializes in automating the preparation of discovery requests and response documents, streamlining the response drafting process for various legal documents.

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

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

Requests for Admission
Requests for Production
Interrogatories

Automate Your First Document For Free With Briefpoint

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/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.

Create a free trial account and automate your first document for free.

Or learn about Briefpoint by scheduling a demo here.

2. Clio

Source: Clio.com

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

Apart from having a centralized dashboard that offers a complete overview of all case information and a document management and automation that enables legal professionals to send documents for electronic signature directly, it can also do comprehensive case management and has the capability to integrate a wide range of external websites and services.

This system not only saves time but also enhances the accuracy and efficiency of legal workflows and is a valuable asset for any law practice. It is a cloud-based solution, making it accessible from anywhere, and is designed to cater to the needs of solo practitioners, small firms, and larger law practices alike.

3. PatentPal

Source: PatentPal

PatentPal is a generative AI platform that significantly streamlines the patent application process. It is specifically designed to aid with Intellectual Property (IP) applications by automating the mechanical writing required in patent applications.

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

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

4. Spellbook AI

Source: Spellbook

Spellbook AI is a legal software designed to enhance the drafting process and reviewing contracts for corporate and commercial lawyers. It has the capabilities of GPT-4, an AI model developed by OpenAI. It represents a significant advancement in legal technology, providing a powerful tool for lawyers to improve accuracy, efficiency, and speed in contract-related tasks.

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

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

5. Casetext

Source: Casetext

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

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

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

How Legal AI Tools Integrate with Existing Legal Workflows

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

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

For example, in drafting discovery responses, AI can automate the processes, which helps you save time and reduce the chance of human error. For example, tools like Briefpoint can save up to 87% of the time spent on discovery response documents.

FAQs about Legal AI Tools

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

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

Can law firms replace lawyers with AI tools?

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

The Impact of AI on Litigation (Advantages and Disadvantages)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is having a significant impact in a wide range of industries and sectors, including the legal field. While expert professionals will always be at the forefront of the legal industry, AI is playing an increasing role in how lawyers and law firms function.

It’s also having an impact on the types of cases that lawyers are handling. There’s been a rise in the number of AI litigation cases in recent months, such as in instances when copyrighted content has been mined for use by AI models such as ChatGPT.

In this article, we’re going to take a deeper dive into the world of AI litigation, looking at how it benefits law firms, the problems it may pose, and the legal problems of artificial intelligence. Given the increasing use and sophistication of artificial intelligence, law firms should look at keeping up to date with AI developments in the legal sector.

Optimizing Research

Any lawyer practicing during the pre-computer era can tell you just how long it took to research. Without digital repositories, the drudgery of manual research “slowed” all of litigation. “Slowed” is in quotes because that prior pace is only “slow” in retrospect. Given client expectations of the time, litigation’s relatively leisurely pace was of no consequence. Fast forward to emails – purported bastions of time savings – whose efficiency gains were quickly eclipsed by client expectations, causing a new world of immediate demands and, consequently, fast-paced litigation practices.

So too have the efficiency gains made by digital research repositories been met with heightened client expectations. Memos once expected next week are now expected within the next hour.

With increasingly capable AI research tools, the process of collecting and filtering research nearly instantaneous. Will these tools save attorneys’ time? Certainly – but that time – those minutes – may soon be weighted by increased client expectations.

Saving Time

AI litigation tools help law firms save significant amounts of time by automating the discovery response process. Tools such as Briefpoint make it much faster to construct the vital documents that law firms need to handle discovery efficiently. According to insights, tools such as Briefpoint can reduce spent time on these documents by as much as 87%.

These types of AI tools don’t just help to save time — they ensure standardization of a law firm’s work product such that firms can trust that every document they generate with Briefpoint meets their high expectations of quality.

AI legal document software essentially takes care of the time-consuming aspects of document creation, but law firms can still add their own objections and responses, ensuring that they’re still quality documents based on their firm’s gold standards.

Reducing Barriers to Legal Assistance

Artificial intelligence software also makes it easier for people who may historically not have had access to legal support to get the help they need. There are many instances where people are unable to pursue legal avenues because of a lack of capital or know-how.

AI software has allowed people from these groups to begin the process of pursuing legal damages with a few clicks of a button. For instance, there are tools that will instantly generate a personalized lawsuit against robocall companies.

This aspect of AI litigation is still in development, but it’s expected to grow significantly in the coming years. While broadly positive, the downside could be that courts are overwhelmed by quickly generated lawsuits even when the grounds for the lawsuit are relatively thin.

Skill Development for Legal Professionals

AI litigation tools are just beginning to infiltrate the legal system, but in the coming years, they’ll be widespread. To make the most of these advanced tools, lawyers and law firm workers will need to upskill to learn how to leverage the impact of the software that’s available. As with all industries, AI isn’t designed to take over from law professionals; they’re there to supplement.

Legal professionals will need to learn how to select the right tool for the job, use the tools effectively, and generally stay up to date with new developments to stay ahead of the curve and ensure that they’re getting the most from these powerful tools.

Better Decision Making

Though the technology to help lawyers enhance their decision-making processes is still in its infancy, it’s anticipated to become more advanced and widely available in the coming years.

Lawyers will be able to use these tools to get valuable insights into the predicted outcome of a case, analyze similar cases from the past, and all-around have a deeper understanding of the broader context of their case. This will help law firms to plan their strategy more effectively and make better, more informed decisions.

Customer Service

Customer service is paramount in all industries, but especially in the legal field when customers have a more significant emotional stake than in other sectors. AI-powered chatbots can make it easier for law firms to manage customer requests and questions, often resolving the issue without human intervention.

Even if a human response is required, the information gathered by an AI chatbot can help to reduce the amount of time the professional spends crafting a response since it will already have gathered the necessary information.

How AI Will Impact the Future of Law?

We’re still at the beginning of the AI journey. The tools that law firms currently have access to are powerful and can have a transformative impact on operations, and that’s expected to only develop further in the coming years.

It would have been unthinkable to believe that the current crop of AI software tools would have existed just a few years ago, so it’s impossible to say what type of tools will be available in the next decade or so.

Are Humans Still Superior?

It’s important to note that while AI tools are getting a lot of attention, and are increasingly popular, they won’t replace trained professionals anytime soon. While popular, they lack the capacity to weigh up all the myriad factors that contribute to making a valuable, informed decision.

That only comes with experience and expertise. So while they will certainly have a place in the legal field, it’ll still be the skilled professionals at the heart of the legal industry that play the biggest role. It’s also unclear whether AI will impact the roles of less-skilled jobs within the legal sector, such as legal assistants.

New Case Areas

So far, we’ve talked about how litigators and law firms may use AI software tools to enhance their operations. However, there’s another side to AI litigation, too — the law cases lodged because of AI.

This is a growing area of the law industry that is largely without precedence. We’re already seeing some high-profile cases, including instances of artists claiming that AI companies are stealing their work or celebrities claiming that they’re using their likeness.

There’s been a string of household names who have denounced marketing companies for using AI-generated videos and images featuring the individual in their marketing campaigns.

Legal Aspects AI May Influence

The cases involving artificial intelligence we’ve outlined above are just the beginning of what could be a tsunami of AI-connected lawsuits and legal matters. Some legal frameworks that AI tools may influence include:

Privacy Matters

Privacy is a hot topic, but some AI tools, by nature, rely on individuals’ information to function correctly. Those types of tools may face legal scrutiny and lawsuits if they don’t integrate data protection into their services.

Antitrust

The race to be the leader in the AI field may lead to antitrust investigations if it appears that one company is edging towards a monopoly.

Liability

AI tools will cause incidents in the future, especially in the case of self-driving cars. It’s unclear, as it stands, who will be liable for such instances. This is likely to be a developing legal aspect that is drafted in response to incidents.

Discrimination

AI systems are trained by humans, and if the data inputted into the systems leads to discrimination, even involuntarily, then there may be a raft of discrimination-based lawsuits. This is possible in fields such as criminal justice and employment.

AI Overview in the Legal Industry

Artificial intelligence is on the rise in the legal industry, and that’s exciting news for law firms, which can save significant amounts of time while benefiting from enhanced outcomes. The other side of AI in the legal sector is that it will prompt new lawsuits based on AI tools, such as copyright infringement and privacy concerns.

How Briefpoint AI Can Help You

Under these assumptions, you save $19,465 using Briefpoint, per year, per attorney.

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

FAQs In Relation to AI Litigation

How Can AI Help In Litigation?

Artificial intelligence can assist law firms by streamlining the research and document discovery process. With more tools coming out all the time, lawyers can expect to utilize more tools in the future that help to save time and work more efficiently.

How Does AI Prompt Litigation?

AI litigation is on the rise, largely because it’s a new aspect of law without any historical precedence. Cases can relate to privacy, using the likeness of an individual without their consent, and discrimination (in the case of AI tools used during the employment process).

What AI Tools Are Available In the Legal Industry?

There are many AI tools currently available to the legal industry. Briefpoint is a popular option which allows law firms to automate discovery responses and requests.

Best 5 Gavel Software Alternatives in 2024

Looking for discovery response automation software? There are plenty of options available on the market. Of course, as with all things, some tools are better than others.

The best document automation software tools are easy to use and effective, and help law firms save significant amounts of time, which they can then spend on value-adding tasks.

In this post, we’ll review some of the best Gavel alternatives available to litigators and law firms.

Briefpoint

There are plenty of Gavel alternatives, but none can match Briefpoint for discovery document automation. Briefpoint makes it as easy as possible for law firms to automate the key discovery response and request processes, resulting in hours of saved time that lawyers can spend drafting what really matters.

Briefpoint has been built specifically with the legal industry in mind, making it intuitive for law firms to use. The powerful AI integrations ensure that it’s highly effective and makes working straightforward.

Thanks to Briefpoint’s intuitive design, while sophisticated, Briefpoint can nevertheless be used by professionals of all technical abilities.

The result? Hours saved on each document. You can get started with Briefpoint by scheduling a demo.

Rally

Rally is a law-focused automation tool that focuses on many legal tasks, not just document creation.

With Rally, you have control over many aspects of the client experience, and you can also use it to customize branding, organize documents, and accept payments.

While Rally is a powerful tool, it does have a couple of disadvantages. The main one is that it offers many different features that may not be required by the law firm, resulting in paying for a product that is not fully needed.

In addition, its document creation capabilities are not as advanced as other Gavel alternatives, such as Briefpoint. It also has a high price point.

However, it may be suitable for individual lawyers who want an all-encompassing tool with which they can complete a variety of tasks.

Hotdocs

HotDocs has been around for a long time, which is both a positive and a negative. On the plus side, they have experience in putting together forward-thinking document generation software.

However, because it’s been around for a while, it’s lacking some of the innovation that you’ll find in other tools. It also is not specifically designed for use in the legal field, which makes it a little more difficult for legal professionals to use.

It’s generally more complicated to use than other Gavel alternatives, with many of the tool’s features requiring coding experience. If you have coding experience along with the time to get to grips with HotDocs, then you’ll find it to be powerful. It’s also recommended if you serve a variety of different sectors, not just the legal field.

Woodpecker

Woodpecker is a software tool that’s easy to use and offers a wide variety of features, including legal document automation. It’s suitable for both large and small law firms and is adept at creating both complex and straightforward documents.

The software puts a greater emphasis on the client experience than other tools, and could well be regarded as a client onboarding tool rather than a document automation tool.

Still, it’s possible to create discovery responses and requests documents once you know how, and it also integrates with a number of tools widely used within the legal field.

PandaDoc

PandaDoc is a popular document automation software tool that claims to help professionals save up to 40% of time per document. It wasn’t specifically designed for use in the legal industry, but it includes a number of tools that legal professionals will appreciate.

It comes packed with features that help with various tasks beyond document creation, such as streamlining the customer experience. While powerful, it is more complex than other tools, and may not be suitable for firms looking to get up and running with their software quickly.

How Briefpoint Can Help You

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

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

FAQs About Gavel Alternatives

What Can You Do With Legal Document Automation Software?

Legal document automation software helps to streamline the discovery response and request process. By spending less time on these time-consuming tasks, legal professionals can spend more time on value-adding tasks, all the while having confidence that their documents are just as they should be.

What Is The Best Gavel.io Alternative?

There are plenty of Gavel alternatives on the market. One of the best is Briefpoint, which offers automated discovery response and request documents. Featuring a high customer satisfaction score of 4.9/5, Briefpoint has become known for being one of the best AI legal tools in the industry, capable of reducing the time spent on each document by up to 87%.

What to Look For In Legal Document Automation Software?

Not all legal documentation automation software is the same, so it’s important to look through the Gavel alternatives and find the one that’s right for your needs. In general, it’s best to look at software that is effective, powerful, and easy to use — with those three attributes, law firms can ensure that they have a tool that can seriously enhance their productivity.

Responding to Interrogatories in California

Overview of California Interrogatories

In California’s superior court system, responding to interrogatories in an unlimited civil case involves navigating a myriad of procedural rules and best practices.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to effectively managing interrogatory responses, including understanding deadlines, modifying response times, handling objections, and formatting responses.

By delving into the California Code of Civil Procedure and relevant case law, litigation attorneys can gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in responding to interrogatories and better represent their clients in court.

Interrogatory Obligations

Parties have an obligation to furnish all reasonably available information when responding to interrogatories, as required by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 2030.220(a) and (c). This includes information known by counsel or held by organizational parties, such as officers, employees, and former employees, as established in cases like Scheiding v. Dinwiddie Constr. Co., 69 Cal. App. 4th 64, 76 (1999). If an interrogatory cannot be answered completely, it must be answered to the extent possible, in accordance with Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 2030.220(b) and § 2030.240(a).

Drafting Interrogatory Responses

Responses to interrogatories should be formatted like court filings, with the case and court information, and include the name of the responding party, the propounding party, and the set number, as directed by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 2030.210(b) and Cal. Rules of Ct., Rule 3.1000(a). Each response should be numbered, complete, and straightforward. Objections must be stated clearly and specifically, as outlined in Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 2030.240(b).

Rules for Responding to Interrogatories

When answering an interrogatory, the response should be as complete and straightforward as possible, based on the information reasonably available to the responding party, as mandated by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 2030.220(a) and established in cases like Hernandez v. Superior Ct., 112 Cal. App. 4th 285, 294 (2003). Factually deficient interrogatory responses can shift the burden on summary judgment, as demonstrated in Cornell v. Berkeley Tennis Club, 18 Cal. App. 5th 908, 934 (2017).

Objection to Interrogatories

Valid objections may include compound, conjunctive, or disjunctive interrogatories, as prohibited by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 2030.060(f); questions that are not self-contained, as specified in Catanese v. Superior Court, 46 Cal. App. 4th 1159, 1164 (1996); cumulative, duplicative, or unduly burdensome requests, as restricted by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 2019.030 and 2030.090; irrelevant information, as defined by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 2017.010, 2019.030, and 2030.010; requests exceeding the interrogatory limit, as established in Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 2030.030 et seq.; premature contention interrogatories, as cautioned in Judicial Council Form Interrogatories-General (Form DISC-001), Sec. 2(d); and requests seeking privileged or protected information, as detailed in Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 2018.020 et seq. and 2030.240(b), among others.

Client Verification

Interrogatory responses must be signed under oath by the party to whom they are directed and, if objections are included, by the party’s attorney, as required by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 2030.250(a) and (c). If the responding party is a corporation, partnership, association, or governmental agency, an officer or agent of the entity must verify the responses, as stated in Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 2030.250(b).

Serving the Interrogatories

Responses to interrogatories are served on the parties but not filed with the court unless relevant to a motion or other court hearing, according to Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 2030.260 and Cal. Rules of Ct., Rule 3.250(a)(8). They must be served within 30 days of service, along with a proof of service, as outlined in Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 1013a, 1013b, and 2030.260(c).

Supplemental Your Interrogatories

If a party determines that a prior interrogatory answer is incorrect or incomplete, they may serve an amended or supplemental answer, as allowed by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 2030.310(a). However, parties do not have an ongoing obligation to supplement their interrogatory responses, as highlighted in R & B Auto Ctr., Inc. v. Farmers Grp., Inc., 140 Cal. App. 4th 327, 358 (2006) and Biles v. Exxon Mobil Corp., 124 Cal. App. 4th 1315, 1325 (2004).

Deadline for Responding to Interrogatories

In general, parties must respond to interrogatories within 30 days of service, as mandated by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 2030.260(a). However, the 30-day deadline may be extended depending on the method of service, as outlined in Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 1010.6, 1013, and 2016.050. For electronic or overnight delivery, the extension is two court days. If the interrogatories were served by mail, the extension is five calendar days for in-state mail, ten calendar days for out-of-state mail, and twenty calendar days for international mail.

Asking for More Time

The deadline for responding to interrogatories may be shortened or extended through a court order or a stipulation between the parties, as provided by Cal. Code Civ. Proc. §§ 2030.260(a) and 2030.270. Parties should generally grant first requests for extensions unless abused or time-sensitive, in line with professional courtesy and to avoid unnecessary requests for judicial intervention. A written stipulation specifying the new deadline is necessary and, unless stated otherwise, does not waive the objections of the responding party, according to Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 2030.270(b) and (c). If a stipulation cannot be reached, court approval is required under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 2030.060(a).

Failing to Respond on Time

Failing to timely respond to interrogatories may result in waiving any objections or the right to produce documents in lieu of a narrative response, as stated in Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 2030.290(a). However, the court may relieve the responding party from this waiver if they can demonstrate that their failure was due to mistake, inadvertence, or excusable neglect, and they have since provided a substantially compliant response, per Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 2030.290(a)(1) and (2).

Conclusion

Effectively responding to interrogatories in California requires adherence to specific procedural rules and a thorough understanding of best practices.

By mastering these intricacies and referencing the California Code of Civil Procedure and relevant case law, litigation attorneys can efficiently manage interrogatory responses and better represent their clients in court.

How Briefpoint Can Help You

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

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

The Work Product Doctrine in California (2024 Guide for Litigation Attorneys)

The Work Product Doctrine Overview

The work product doctrine is a fundamental aspect of California law that protects certain materials from disclosure or discovery in civil litigation. This article will delve into the principles and requirements of this doctrine, specifically covering the types of materials protected as work product, persons who may claim work product protection, exceptions to the work product doctrine, and waiver of work product protection.

Work Product Protection Purpose

The work product doctrine, codified in California law under Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 2018.010 et seq., serves two primary purposes: preserving the rights of attorneys to prepare cases for trial with necessary privacy and preventing attorneys from taking undue advantage of their adversary’s industry and efforts. Although the statute appears to apply only to discovery proceedings, courts have held that it also shields work product from disclosure at trial and extends to criminal proceedings.

What is Protected by the Work Product Doctrine?

In California, the work product doctrine provides two types of protection for attorney work product: absolute and qualified.

Absolute protection covers “a writing that reflects an attorney’s impressions, conclusions, opinions, or legal research or theories is not discoverable under any circumstances.” (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 2018.030(a)) Qualified privilege covers the other work product of an attorney and “is not discoverable unless the court determines that denial of discovery will unfairly prejudice the party seeking discovery in preparing that party’s claim or defense or will result in an injustice.” (Cal. Code Civ. Proc. § 2018.030(b))

Who Owns the Protection?

Work product protection is a type of privilege that belongs to the attorney and may be claimed or waived by the attorney. However, it may also be claimed by the client on behalf of the attorney in the attorney’s absence. Additionally, a litigant acting in propria persona may assert the statutory work product protection on their own behalf.

Exceptions to Work Product Protection

Work product protection does not apply in certain circumstances, including actions between attorneys and clients involving breach of attorney’s duty, official investigations or proceedings involving alleged participation by attorneys in crime or fraud, and State Bar disciplinary proceedings.

Waiving the Protection

Work product protection may be waived through various means, such as disclosure or consent to disclosure, failure to assert the protection when the opportunity arises, placing certain matters at issue, or engaging in conduct inconsistent with claiming the privilege. Inadvertent disclosure of work product does not necessarily waive the protection, but receiving attorneys must act ethically and responsibly in such situations.

Conclusion

The work product doctrine is a vital component of California law that safeguards the attorney-client relationship and ensures that attorneys can effectively prepare for litigation. By understanding the principles and requirements of this doctrine, litigation attorneys can better navigate the complexities of the legal system and protect their clients’ interests.

Briefpoint Litigation Software

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

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

Propounding Discovery: Streamlining In 2024

Propounding discovery refers to initiating a formal exchange of information with an opposing party in a legal context. It is essential in many lawsuits, occuring within the discovery phase before parties go to court.

If you are the party “propounding discovery,” you are the one sending information requests to the other side. Permitted ways to do this include sending requests for production or filing interrogatories and requests for admission.

However, creating and sending these documents by hand is time-consuming and prone to errors. You could submit requests using improper formats or language, preventing you from securing the target information you want.

That’s where propounding discovery software can help. It provides advanced features to streamline document production, avoid errors, and reduce time spent on non-billable tasks.

Propounding Discovery Overview

Law offices need to initiate discovery for various reasons. The principal purpose is to gather evidence that supports your client’s case. Learning more about the circumstances of the events in question can help you prepare superior responses in court.

However, there are other reasons for propounding discovery. For example, it also assists in learning more about the other party’s position and weaknesses. Furthermore, you may also identify potential witnesses and experts and learn more about the precise issues in dispute during this investigative stage. Enhanced discovery improves your capacity to serve your clients.

Your Obligations During Propounding Discovery

While propounding discovery is an accepted legal process, you must still fulfill various obligations. That’s why software can be beneficial. It helps you avoid non-compliance.

For example, requests for information must be relevant and proportional to the case. You must focus (in general) on obtaining answers that help you resolve the dispute. Requests shouldn’t place any undue burden on the responding party.

You must also format and serve discoveries according to court rules. Failing to adhere to guidelines could result in judges throwing out requests.

Getting compliance right, though, is challenging. Opposing parties have certain rights, including objecting to burdensome or irrelevant information requests. Attorney-client privilege also lets them bar demands for sensitive information.

Fortunately, you can limit these risks while maximizing compliance by using software. Carefully calibrated solutions provide recognized requests while saving time.

The Benefits Of Using Software For Propounding Discovery

Before we discuss the specific features of propounding discovery software, let’s review some of the benefits it offers.

A centralized platform that attorneys can use whenever they want to make a request
Improved visibility over the discovery process – paperwork is digital, not hidden away in a file somewhere
Better workflow streamlining, including making requests (and responding to them) with minimal typing or manual entry required
Improved ability to meet deadlines imposed for discovery by the court
Enhanced team productivity and less time spent on non-billable work
Reduction in the risk of accidental information exposure using pre-filled template libraries
Less rote work and more focus on high-value tasks
Pre-formatted requests that increase the likelihood of discovery

Software Features That Let You Streamline The Propounding Discovery Process

Advances in AI and software generally mean that today’s solutions are more capable than ever. Tools offer various features that improve the process and enable you to get the information you and your clients need. Here’s what to expect:

Template Libraries

Propounding discovery software comes with template libraries you can use to make information requests. These save time and free up attorneys and other legal professionals to focus on higher-value tasks.

Briefpoint offers extensive template libraries for various case categories across information request classes. For instance, we have over 87 special interrogatories pre-formatted for auto torts and more for requests for admission and production.

Using template libraries is straightforward. Most leading solutions let you click the item you want to include, whether sending a request to a plaintiff, defendant, or another party. That’s true of Briefpoint.

Furthermore, these template libraries include careful wording to minimize the risk of receiving a valid objection from the opposing party. For example, Briefpoint includes interrogatories such as:

Automated Drafting Tools

Automated drafting tools are another essential ingredient of top-rated propounding discovery software. These systems enable you to craft the precise document you need, depending on who you send it to and the information you request.

Briefpoint does this by taking you through a multi-choice wizard. Fillable forms give you the option to provide a short title for the case, the case number, the full title of the case, the client position (plaintiff, defendant, cross-defendant, or cross-complainant), representative action (individual, class action, or PAGA), the case type (i.e., auto, business, civil rights, etc.), the various parties’ names, and the venue. Entering this information supplies the propounding discovery document software with the essential formatting information to proceed.

The information you must include varies between jurisdictions. However, advanced software helps you cover your bases by adding things like:

The deadline for responding to the request
Clear and concise statements about the requests
Instructions on how the opposing party should format its responses
A statement underlining the legal standing of the request

Once you add this information, the software formats it for you, regardless of the document you want to submit. The next step is to choose the request type so the software can present the proper library of pre-formatted requests discussed in the previous section.

Briefpoint lets you draft any of the following:

Request for Admission. These requests ask the opposing party to admit or deny various “truths” or facts associated with a case. These are helpful when you want to narrow down the disputed facts and save time.
Request for Production. These requests ask the opposing party to produce legal documents associated with the case. Any requests for paperwork must be relevant and helpful in proving your client’s case.
Special Interrogatories. These written questions are limited to a specific topic or issue relating to the case. You might submit them to identify potential witnesses or better understand the other party’s stance on an issue.

Once you provide Briefpoint with this information, you can populate your document with specific requests. The software will format and structure the paperwork according to best practices.

Checking Compliance

Once you finish telling the software what document you want it to create, you can download it for review. (Briefpoint lets you do this in Microsoft Word). This step allows you to check it for compliance before sending it off. While developers take special care to ensure that template requests follow established norms and practices, you are responsible for any new items you insert or edits to existing suggestions.

Understanding How Propounding Software Can Streamline Discovery

Opposing parties can object to responding to discovery requests under certain conditions. Requests are unlikely to succeed if they:

Are irrelevant to the case
Are excessively burdensome
Violate various attorney-client privileges that protect some details from disclosure

Therefore, using propounding discovery software is helpful. It reduces the risk of rejected requests, supporting your client’s case.

Briefpoint’s propounding discovery solutions are a case in point. Filing by hand is tedious, but getting our software to do it instead could save you up to 87% of your time. You can also use it to avoid costly mistakes, such as disclosing information about your client you shouldn’t. Responses comply with ethical rules for better decision-making.

Understanding the role of propounding software in your legal practice discussed in this post should enable you to make requests more effectively. You can avoid compliance issues while working in your client’s best interests.

How Briefpoint Can Help You

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

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

FAQs In Relation to Propounding Discovery

What does propounding discovery software do?

Propounding discovery software streamlines the information-gathering process in legal practice. It enables you to ask opposing parties for information in a legally permissible way without having to write requests by hand while reducing the risk of non-compliance.

How do you write a propounding discovery request?

The best way to write a discovery request is to get software to do it for you. Briefpoint provides templates to make case-specific requests that fall within accepted court guidelines.

What is the purpose of propounding discovery software?

Propounding discovery software makes gathering information from the other side in a legal case more straightforward. Solutions come with template libraries you can use to collect the information in a legally compliant way.

Can you edit requests in propounding discovery software?

The best propounding discovery software tools let you edit library templates included in their packages. For example, Briefpoint lets you customize standard requests how you want. You can add extra information or upload requests in your preferred format.

Discovery Responses: How Can Software Help?

Discovery Responses Overview

Responding to opposing an opposing party’s requests for information can be time-consuming and cognitively challenging. Unfortunately, many law firms have become accustomed to using manual paperwork to deal with these.

Now, though, software is helping. Law firms are experimenting with automation software like Briefpoint, to expedite the tedious work of drafting discovery responses and focus on what matters most.

The benefits of using software to automate discovery responses are substantial. Solutions reduce costs, minimize the risk of inadvertent disclosure of privileged information, and improve accuracy. Once law firms start using them, they often wonder why they didn’t discover them earlier.

This article explains how software solutions, like Briefpoint, can assist with discovery response. We cover the principal benefits and how AI-infused tools transform workflows.

Improving The Review Process

The primary benefit of discovery response software is its capacity to streamline the review process. Instead of reading through documents manually, systems crawl submissions for relevant information and extract it for evaluation.

For example, Briefpoint’s solution does this using advanced artificial intelligence (AI). It scans documents, pulls relevant information, and assists you in responding. Simply upload requests for admission/production or interrogatories and get a suite of tools for adding objections and responses.

Another benefit of software in the review process is helping avoid missing critical items in discovery requests, a common problem in legal practices. Attorneys and paralegals can sometimes skip crucial information when crafting responses. However, software solves this problem by using AI to extract anything essential. It never gets tired, reducing the risk of error or non-compliance.

Briefpoint makes this aspect of the review process simpler. AI then presents short reviewable snippets you can use when crafting your response. This helps with productivity and prevents tedious mistakes.

Building Strong Responses

While providing information to the opposing party is sometimes mandatory, it can put clients at an unnecessary disadvantage when done incorrectly. Therefore, software solutions also help you build strong discovery responses.

For example, software can integrate legal databases and relevant case law to support the integrity of your objections. It can also call on pre-filled template libraries (and fields), enabling you to “drop-and-drag” or simply click your responses into existence.

You choose from a list of legally permissible responses added automatically. It happens almost instantaneously. The best solutions let you draft documents with a click and apply standards across your firm.

For example, Briefpoint includes template responses and automatic objections you can add to your reply (that qualify under the law), saving an estimated 87% of your time. (You can download them into Word format to edit them further).

Software can also include automated filtering and tagging. These features scan documents, looking for keyphrases that indicate a request for privileged data. The most advanced tools use machine learning to look for confidential information. This technology streamlines the review process further and provides practitioners with greater confidence when submitting documents to the opposing party.

Enhanced Communication, Organization, And Security

Another benefit of discovery automation software is enhanced communication and collaboration. Team members can work in tandem to optimize replies and ensure optimal client protection within the law.

The best tools also enhance security, enabling you to comply with data protection laws within and across jurisdictions. For example, Briefpoint puts multiple measures in place to prevent data loss or theft. For instance, in-transit and at-rest encryption means that documents uploaded to us remain inaccessible regardless of location (except to those with permission).

We also perform regular document backups and maintain redundant servers to ensure you don’t lose any uploaded paperwork. On the backend, our team implements mandatory code reviews and conducts regular internal security audits on all technical decisions. And Microsoft Azure is our login security provider, compatible with multiple business-related accounts.

Understanding The Value Of Discovery Response Software

Ultimately, discovery response software tools help you cut the amount of non-billable time your team spends on discovery responses. Speeding up back-office processes enables you to operate more efficiently while assuring your clients’ best interests.

They also enable you to enjoy a host of additional benefits, such as avoiding disclosing privileged information and improving the accuracy of your responses. You can streamline your workflow and achieve peace of mind.

How Briefpoint Can Help You

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

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

FAQs In Relation To Discovery Responses

How do you respond to a discovery?

The best way to respond to discovery is to write each interrogatory and provide your response underneath it. Sometimes, you will provide the requested information, but other times you will want to list an objection. Briefpoint makes this process simple by providing a library of template responses you can use for variegated requests.

What happens if you don’t answer a discovery?

Failing to respond to a discovery can lead to various sanctions, including fines and penalties in the courtroom. It could also undermine your credibility.

What is a written discovery response?

A written discovery response is a document that provides a discovery request reply in writing. It can be electronic or mailed to the opposing party’s representative.

How do you write a discovery request?

Writing a discovery request requires extensive legal knowledge and understanding of permissible objections. However, software tools offer various shortcuts. For instance, BriefPoint can scan discovery requests and provide bespoke responses and objection suggestions based on the received text using AI.

How to Automate Legal Discovery In 2024 (Using AI)

Estimates suggest that lawyers only bill 2.3 hours during an 8-hour workday. What happens to the rest of your time?

Unfortunately, much of it goes on paperwork, such as legal discovery. Lawyers spend vast tracts of their office hours performing non-billable tasks, reducing their earning power and risking burnout.

That’s why there is now significant interest in automating legal discovery processes. Law firms and individual attorneys want to save time and money by getting sophisticated software to streamline this workflow.

Such technology now exists. For example, Briefpoint’s discovery document drafting software can save an estimated 87% of the time needed in creating a response. Furthermore, these new tools do not require sophisticated technical skills.

In this article, we’ll explore how to automate legal discovery responses. Once you learn how to do this, you can save time and money and avoid spending hours of your day on dull, non-billable tasks.

Automating Legal Discovery Responses

Automating legal discovery responses involves choosing appropriate software from the many options available on the market. The solution you select will determine how much you can reduce labor and increase your billable hours.

The following is a step-by-step guide to how the most advanced AI-powered software automates legal discovery responses. These products balance the need to speed up work against the requirement for legal accuracy and compliance.

Analyze The Discovery Request

Discovery response automation tools first analyze the discovery request from the opposing party. Sophisticated AI systems analyze text, extracting relevant pieces of information.

For example, Briefpoint uses machine learning to transform opposing parties’ requests for information into digestible lists.

This feature lets you see their demands in a pithy, easy-to-interpret format, speeding up response. (Briefpoint can interpret requests in formats accepted in all fifty states).

Respond

AI tools next use AI to help you respond faster to legal discovery requests. Tools use a variety of templates and libraries to insert language that is legally permissible and in your client’s best interest.

For example, Briefpoint provides two ways to automate this process. The first is to click relevant responses from the menu on the left-hand side. Selecting an objection will cause that response to appear in the text in reply to the request.

However, you can also get the software to suggest objections for you (and why they apply to the request). Using this method will highlight anything the solution thinks is relevant, given the inputted text. Then, you can quickly review them, editing them where appropriate.

Finally, you can use these tools to add a substantive response. This automated piece of text provides additional context for your reply.

Download And Review

Finally, you will need to download and review the response document. Solutions vary in their usability. Some require using their integrated word-processing software, while others force you to use PDFs.

By contrast, Briefpoint lets you download your document into Microsoft Word, which probably integrates better into your workflow.

You can see the edited document at any production stage, allowing you to add or subtract from it whenever you want.

Automating Legal Discovery

AI tools can also automate the creation of legal discovery documents, such as requests for admission, requests for production, and interrogatories. These facilities mean you can automate the initiation aspect of legal discovery work, not just the response.

Designing Your Document

The first step is to draft your propounding discovery document. Solutions begin by collecting essential information to populate the request. For example, Briefpoint asks for information about the case name, request type (request for admission, request for production, or interrogatory), and the responding party.

You can also link it to an existing case or client or a new one.

Add Requests

The next step is to add your requests. Automation software accelerates this process by including pre-built requests grouped by case type and theories of law.

For example, Briefpoint lets you select interrogatories related to “auto torts” with a click and add them to your request.

Download And Review

The final step is to download and review your newly generated request document. Again, Briefpoint lets you edit it in Word, ready to attach in an email or print.

Understanding The Benefits Of Automating Legal Discovery

While automating legal discovery work can save you time and money, it also offers a multitude of additional benefits. For instance, using tools properly can help reduce errors in discovery responses.

These tools can quickly identify key themes in the documents you receive and offer permissible retorts that reduce the risk of unnecessarily revealing privileged information.

Furthermore, such tools can also help you improve your relationship with your client. Instead of poring over paperwork, you can focus more on your case and building healthy client relationships.

Ultimately, these tools shift the balance of focus of your work. Briefpoint reduces drudgery, helping you operate more efficiently and spend time on the most enjoyable aspects of your job.

Briefpoint Automates Legal Discovery

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

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

FAQs In Relation to How to Automate Legal Discovery

How do you automate legal work?

The degree to which you can automate legal work depends on the tools you use. Next-generation software, like Briefpoint, uses advanced AI to extract relevant information from discoveries and provides a template, legally permissible, and editable responses you can include.

Can AI write a legal brief?

AI can write legal briefs. However, due to problems around hallucination (including false information), the industry doesn’t believe the current generation of large language models (LLMs) is ready for prime time. However, such tools can help generate content for professional attorneys to review.

What is e-discovery in law?

E-discovery is simply the electronic version of conventional discovery. It involves submitting requests for production, requests for admission, and interrogatories via digital means (over the Internet) instead of by hand or mail.

Are lawyers safe from automation?

While there is significant hype around AI’s potential, lawyers are probably safe from automation. Tools like Briefpoint speed up their work and enable them to do their jobs faster without as much repetitive work.

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The Best Legal Technology Trends of 2024

1. Automation

2. Legal Case Management Software

3. Artificial Intelligence

4. Litigation Management

5. Virtual Legal Assistants

6. Identity Management

7. Client Data Protection

8. Smart Legal Contract Management

9. Advanced Computing

10. Immersive Technology

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Utilization Rate

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Accounts Receivable

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Revenue Per Lawyer

Billing & Collection Turnover

Profit Margin

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Improve Client Selection and Retention

Monitor Key Financial Metrics

Enhance Attorney Performance

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Focus on Client Satisfaction

Develop a Strategic Marketing Plan

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Top 5 Legal AI Tools in the Industry (2024)

1. Briefpoint

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2. Clio

3. PatentPal

4. Spellbook AI

5. Casetext

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FAQs about Legal AI Tools

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

Can law firms replace lawyers with AI tools?

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Better Decision Making

Customer Service

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Privacy Matters

Antitrust

Liability

Discrimination

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