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Legal Drafting Tools Compared: 5 Picks for Discovery & More

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Legal Drafting Tools Compared: 5 Picks for Discovery & More

Drafting is one of the most time-consuming parts of legal practice. Every contract, pleading, or discovery document demands precision, and even small mistakes can create setbacks.

For years, legal professionals relied on manual drafting in Microsoft Word and endless copy-and-paste routines to get the job done. That approach still works (for some), but it drains time and leaves plenty of room for inconsistency.

Today, legal drafting tools offer another path. These platforms combine templates, document automation, and AI to take routine work off your plate and make legal writing faster, more accurate, and far less frustrating.

Whether you’re in a law firm managing contract drafting at scale or a litigator buried in discovery documents, the right tool can lighten the load and improve document quality.

That brings us to the big question: which type of tool fits your work best?

Types of Legal Drafting Tools

Legal drafting tools come in many forms, and the right choice often depends on the kind of work your practice handles.

For example, some are built for transactional lawyers focused on contract drafting, while others support litigation tasks like discovery documents or pleadings. Broadly, these tools can be grouped into a few categories:

  • Template-based drafting platforms: These replace manual drafting with pre-set templates and clause libraries, which makes legal writing faster and more consistent.
  • Document automation systems: Useful for routine agreements, these tools let legal teams set up document workflows where staff can generate complete drafts by filling in key details.
  • AI tools and generative AI assistants: Powered by large language models, these can suggest clauses, reword sections, or review drafts for risks and inconsistencies.
  • Litigation support software: These help create discovery documents, motions, and responses with automated formatting and objections.
  • Contract lifecycle platforms: Broader systems that combine drafting with approvals, collaboration, and storage in one place.

In short, legal drafting tools range from simple workflow automation to advanced AI assistants. The main difference is how much support you want.

Best Tools For Different Types of Legal Drafting

Now that we’ve covered the main categories, let’s look at some of the best tools in action. Each platform approaches drafting in its own way, but the key is matching the tool to the type of drafting work your legal team handles most.

1. Briefpoint

Briefpoint is one of the best AI tools built specifically for litigation drafting. Fundamentally, it takes the repetitive, time-consuming work out of preparing discovery documents so you can focus on high-value work that holds more weight for your case.

briefpoint

Instead of spending hours in MS Word cutting, pasting, and reformatting, you can upload discovery requests, apply objections, and download polished drafts in just a few minutes.

For many legal teams, this means better document quality, fewer errors, and a consistent voice across every case. It’s also a relief for transactional lawyers who occasionally face litigation, since the platform makes complex drafting tasks feel more manageable.

With SOC 2 certification, HIPAA compliance, and no data retention AI, you don’t have to worry about security either—compliance is built into the process.

Best Features

  • Automated discovery drafting: Upload requests for admission, requests for production, or interrogatories and get full drafts back in minutes.
  • AI-driven objections and responses: Suggestions make it easier to maintain firm-wide consistency.
  • Compliance built in: SOC 2 certification, HIPAA compliance, and secure infrastructure keep sensitive data protected.
  • Customizable templates: Update language once and roll it out across your team instantly.
  • Seamless integrations: Works with Clio, MyCase, and Smokeball to keep your document workflows connected.

If you’re ready to stop wasting time on manual drafting and start producing discovery documents at lightning speed, Briefpoint is the tool to try. Book a demo today and see how much time you can save.

2. Ironclad

Ironclad is a contract lifecycle management platform designed to help in-house teams manage every step of the contract process in one place.

Ironclad

Source: G2

Contract drafting and approvals are the biggest time drains for many legal departments. Ironclad basically tackles that problem by pulling everything (document drafting, compliance checks, reviews, and storage) into a single workflow.

Best Features

  • Clause and template libraries: Keep language consistent and cut drafting time.
  • Automated workflows: Move contracts across teams without manual follow-ups.
  • Compliance checks: Highlight risks early so agreements stay aligned with company policies.
  • Integrations with business tools: Connect with Salesforce, Google Drive, and more for smoother legal document management.

3. CoCounsel

CoCounsel is an AI assistant that helps with legal document drafting and review. Lawyers often deal with large volumes of documents, and keeping track of key information can be overwhelming.

But with CoCounsel, legal teams can handle that challenge more efficiently through draft reviews, risk checks, and clear editing suggestions.

cocounsel

Source: ThomsonReuters.com

The result is greater accuracy in less time. Documents that once took hours to read through can be processed in minutes, and, in turn, this frees attorneys and in-house teams to spend more time on higher-level strategy and client work.

Best Features

  • AI document review: Reads and analyzes drafts to highlight risks and gaps.
  • Legal document drafting support: Generates clauses and standard agreements when needed.
  • Faster turnaround: Handles large volumes of text quickly without sacrificing accuracy.
  • Focus on key information: Pulls out the most relevant details for attorneys to act on.

4. PandaDoc

PandaDoc is a document management platform that helps legal teams and business departments handle drafting, approvals, and e-signatures in one place.

While it’s often used for sales contracts and proposals, it also supports legal workflows that require efficiency and clear compliance checks.

pandadoc

Source: G2

For lawyers, the main benefits come from building contracts faster through drag-and-drop templates and tracking documents once they’re sent out. 

Automated processes reduce back-and-forth, and built-in tools for contract analysis give teams a better view of obligations after signing.

Best Features

  • Document automation: Create and edit contracts quickly with ready-to-use templates.
  • Approval workflows: Route contracts through legal and business teams for faster reviews.
  • Compliance tools: Add audit trails and permissions to help ensure compliance.
  • Contract analysis: Track terms, signatures, and obligations in real time.
  • Integrations: Connects with CRMs, storage apps, and other business systems for smooth legal workflows.

5. Spellbook

Spellbook is an AI drafting assistant that works directly inside Microsoft Word, which makes it a practical option for legal professionals who don’t want to switch to a new platform.

Spellbook

Source: Spellbook.Legal

It helps with legal work by suggesting clauses, spotting gaps, and flagging inconsistencies while you draft. Firms that want to save time while maintaining document accuracy will find it a simple yet powerful add-on.

One of its strengths is how it supports data privacy and compliance. Drafts never leave Word, and AI suggestions are delivered in a way that lets attorneys stay in control of the final text. This approach helps mitigate risk while still giving lawyers the benefits of AI-driven legal documents.

Best Features

  • Works inside Microsoft Word: No need to learn a new platform.
  • Real-time drafting support: Suggests clauses, edits, and corrections as you write.
  • Data privacy focus: Keeps sensitive information secure while you work.
  • Risk reduction: Flags missing or inconsistent terms to help mitigate risk.
  • Designed for legal professionals: Built specifically around the needs of lawyers and contract drafters.

Briefpoint Rethinks How You Draft Discovery Documents

Legal drafting tools change the day-to-day reality of legal work. They cut down on manual drafting, improve accuracy, and help legal teams keep documents consistent without draining hours.

The real advantage is simple: less time fixing formatting or rewriting the same language, and more time spent on the work that actually requires your judgment.

Briefpoint

For litigators, discovery is where the workload can pile up fast. Briefpoint reduces that burden with AI-driven drafting that produces polished responses in minutes while maintaining compliance standards.

Of course, it’s not going to replace your work. Rather, it focuses on removing the parts that slow you down.

If you want a clearer way forward, book a demo today and see how much lighter discovery drafting can feel!

FAQs About Legal Drafting Tools

Can ChatGPT write a legal contract?

ChatGPT can help generate draft language or suggest clauses, but it shouldn’t be relied on as the final version of a contract. Legal professionals still need to review, edit, and approve the document to make sure it meets the client’s needs and complies with the law.

What are the four types of drafting tools?

The main categories include template-based platforms, document automation systems, AI drafting assistants, and contract lifecycle management software. Each supports a different part of legal writing and document workflows.

What software is used to write legal documents?

Lawyers commonly use Microsoft Word alongside specialized legal drafting tools like contract drafting software, discovery document platforms, and AI assistants that improve accuracy and consistency.

What is the most important tool of the legal profession?

The most important tool isn’t just a piece of software; it’s the lawyer’s judgment. Drafting tools support that judgment by handling repetitive tasks, but decisions about strategy, negotiation, and compliance always rest with the attorney.

How can a law firm improve contract drafting?

A law firm can improve contract drafting by using AI tools, template libraries, and automation platforms that cut down on manual work. These tools not only save time but also help maintain consistency and reduce the chance of errors.

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