The 2025 Guide to Workflow Automation For Law Firms
The 2025 Guide to Workflow Automation For Law Firms
Law firms deal with tight deadlines, heavy workloads, and a never-ending list of admin tasks. As caseloads grow and budgets shrink, staying on top of everything gets tougher. But a lot of this work doesn’t have to be done manually anymore.
Workflow automation takes care of repetitive tasks like drafting discovery responses, tracking billable hours, and managing invoices—so lawyers can focus on legal work instead of paperwork. It speeds up processes, reduces mistakes, and keeps everything organized without the extra hassle.
Still, some firms hesitate to make the switch. But the legal industry is already moving in that direction. A recent Gartner report found that 66% of legal leaders plan to increase investments in legal tech to keep up with workloads while managing budget constraints.
This guide covers everything you need to know about workflow automation—what it is, why it matters, and the best tools to help your firm get started. If you want to save time and money, now’s the time to automate.

What Does Workflow Automation Mean For Law Firms?
Workflow automation helps law firms cut down on repetitive tasks like drafting documents, billing, case management, and client intake.
Instead of spending hours on admin work, lawyers can let automation handle the busywork while they focus on actual legal work. AI-powered tools can generate discovery responses in minutes, track deadlines, and create invoices automatically—saving time, reducing errors, and making firms more efficient.
So why aren’t all law firms using it? A lot of them stick to old-school methods simply because “that’s how we’ve always done it.”
Others hesitate because of cost concerns, even though automation often saves money in the long run. Some firms don’t have in-house IT support, which makes tech adoption feel overwhelming. There’s also the fear that automation could replace legal staff, but in reality, it just helps them work faster and smarter.
But change is happening fast. In 2024, a Thomson Reuters report found that law firms’ tech spending was growing nearly 4 percentage points faster than overall overhead—the fastest growth ever recorded. The firms embracing automation now will have the edge. Don’t get left behind.
Why Should You Start Automating Your Law Firm Now?
Law firms that stick to manual processes are wasting time and money. Automation isn’t just a convenience—it’s becoming a necessity. The firms adopting legal tech now are gaining a competitive edge, while those that don’t risk falling behind.
Here’s why you should start automating today.
Save Time on Repetitive Tasks
Many legal tasks are routine but time-consuming. Automating document drafting, billing, and case tracking frees up hours each week.
Instead of manually preparing discovery responses, tools like Briefpoint generate them in minutes. That’s time better spent on legal strategy.
Reduce Errors and Improve Accuracy
Manual processes leave room for mistakes, from misfiled documents to missed deadlines. Automation minimizes human error by keeping everything organized and ensuring tasks are completed correctly. Case management software tracks important dates automatically, so nothing falls through.
Cut Costs and Boost Profitability
Legal work is expensive, but automation helps firms run more efficiently. A streamlined workflow means fewer billable hours lost to admin work and fewer resources spent fixing mistakes.
Improve Client Satisfaction
Clients expect fast, reliable service. Automation speeds up response times, improves organization, and ensures smoother communication. Legal tech tools can send automated updates, process payments faster, and keep cases moving efficiently, leading to happier clients.
Stay Competitive in a Changing Industry
More firms are automating every day. Those that don’t will struggle to keep up. Legal technology is evolving, and firms that embrace it now will gain a long-term advantage. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to catch up.
Best Legal Workflow Automation To Achieve The Efficiency You Need
The right legal workflow automation software helps law firms reduce time spent on admin tasks, improve accuracy, and keep cases moving efficiently. Whether you need to automate document drafting, case management, billing, or client communication, there’s legal tech designed to handle it.
We’ve rounded up some of the best options you can start with:
1. Briefpoint
Briefpoint is a discovery document automation tool that helps lawyers draft responses and outgoing sets for Requests for Production, Requests for Admission, and Interrogatories.
Instead of manually drafting each document—an extremely time-consuming process—Briefpoint’s AI-powered system scans discovery requests and generates formatted responses in minutes.
Best Features
- AI-powered discovery responses: Automatically drafts responses to Requests for Production, Requests for Admission, and Interrogatories.
- Built-in formatting compliance: Applies court-specific formatting rules to make sure documents meet requirements.
- Objection selection tool: Lets users choose objections with a single click to speed up the process.
- Word document export: Allows users to download and finalize documents in Word.
Pros
- Saves hours of manual drafting per case
- Reduces costs on discovery response preparation
- Simple and user-friendly interface
- Minimizes human error in discovery responses
- Eliminates the need for manual data entry
Test out Briefpoint for yourself. Book a demo today!
2. Clio
Clio is a cloud-based legal workflow management software designed to help law firms manage cases, billing, client communication, and documents in one place. It’s widely used by firms of all sizes, offering automation features that simplify workflows and slash down time spent on administrative tasks.
Source: G2
Best Features
- Case and document management: Centralizes case files, emails, and client communications in a single platform.
- Automated billing and invoicing: Tracks billable hours, generates invoices, and supports online payments.
- Client intake and CRM tools: Manages leads, onboards new clients, and maintains client relationships.
- Cloud-based access: Enables secure remote work from any device.
- Extensive integrations: Connects with legal research tools, accounting software, and other third-party apps.
Pros
- All-in-one case and client management solution
- User-friendly interface with easy navigation
- Secure cloud storage with remote access
- Reporting and analytics for better decision-making
- Customizable workflows and task automation
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to some alternatives
- Learning curve for advanced features
- Some features require third-party integrations for full functionality
3. Smokeball
Smokeball is a cloud-based legal practice management software designed to help law firms automate daily workflows, track billable hours, and manage cases more efficiently.
Source: G2
Its standout feature is automatic time tracking, which records every action taken in the software, ensuring no billable time is lost. This makes it especially useful for firms that need a detailed breakdown of their work.
Best Features
- Automatic time tracking: Logs every action taken in the system, making billing more accurate.
- Case and document management: Stores case files, emails, and client communications in one place.
- Billing and invoicing: Generates invoices based on tracked activity and integrates with payment processors.
- Task automation: Creates workflows to standardize processes and reduce manual work.
- Microsoft Office integration: Syncs with Word and Outlook for easy document and email management.
Pros
- Tracks billable hours automatically without manual input
- Streamlines document and case management
- Improves efficiency with workflow automation
- Easy integration with Microsoft Office tools
- Helps firms reduce lost revenue from unbilled work
Cons
- Higher cost compared to some competitors
- Learning curve for firms new to automated time tracking
- Cloud-based system may require reliable internet access for full functionality
4. MyCase
MyCase is an all-in-one legal practice management software designed to help legal professionals handle case management, billing, client communication, and document storage in a single platform. It’s built for efficiency and provides tools that automate routine tasks and keep everything organized.
Source: G2
Plus, with cloud-based access and a user-friendly interface, MyCase makes it easy for legal teams to stay on top of their workload.
Best Features
- Case and document management: Organizes case files, client records, and legal documents in one place.
- Integrated billing and payments: Tracks billable hours, generates invoices, and accepts online payments.
- Secure client communication: Includes a client portal for messaging, document sharing, and updates.
- Task and workflow automation: Reduces repetitive administrative work with automated workflows.
- Mobile app: Allows attorneys to manage cases and communicate with clients on the go.
Pros
- Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
- Secure cloud-based access from any device
- Built-in payment processing for seamless billing
- Organizes client communication with a dedicated portal
- More affordable than some competitors
Cons
- Limited customization for reports and workflows
- Some integrations require additional setup
- Mobile app has fewer features than the desktop version
5. Lawmatics
Lawmatics is a legal CRM and marketing automation platform designed to help law firms streamline client intake, automate follow-ups, and manage marketing campaigns.
Source: G2
It’s a good tool for firms looking to improve client relationships and grow their business without spending hours on administrative tasks. By automating everything from email campaigns to appointment scheduling, Lawmatics helps firms stay engaged with clients while focusing on legal work.
Best Features
- Automated client intake: Simplifies onboarding with online forms and automated workflows.
- Email and marketing automation: Sends follow-up emails, appointment reminders, and drip campaigns automatically.
- CRM and contact management: Tracks client interactions and organizes leads.
- Appointment scheduling: Lets clients book meetings without back-and-forth emails.
- Analytics and reporting: Provides insights into marketing performance and client engagement.
Pros
- Saves time by automating client communication
- Improves lead tracking and conversion rates
- Helps law firms stay engaged with potential and existing clients
- Reduces the need for manual follow-ups and scheduling
- User-friendly interface with easy customization
Cons
- Focuses on marketing and intake rather than full case management
- Pricing may be high for smaller firms
- Learning curve for firms new to legal CRM software
6. LawPay
LawPay is a payment processing solution built specifically for law firms, which makes it easy to accept online payments while staying compliant with ABA and IOLTA regulations.
Source: G2
It simplifies billing by integrating with legal practice management software and providing clients with secure, convenient payment options.
Best Features
- Trust accounting compliance: Keeps client funds separate and ensures IOLTA and ABA compliance.
- Multiple payment options: Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and eChecks.
- Secure client payment portal: Lets clients pay invoices online with ease.
- Recurring and scheduled payments: Automates billing for retainers and ongoing payments.
- Integration with legal software: Connects with Clio, MyCase, and other legal management tools.
Pros
- Designed specifically for legal professionals
- Helps litigation lawyers track and collect billable hours
- Secure and compliant payment processing
- Integrates with major legal practice management platforms
Cons
- Processing fees may be higher than general payment processors
- Limited features beyond payment processing
- No built-in invoicing (relies on integrations)
Automate Your Most Tedious Workflow First
Manual processes slow law firms down and cost more than they should. Workflow automation helps legal teams work faster, reduce mistakes, and focus on case strategy instead of paperwork. From drafting discovery responses to managing cases and billing, the right tools make a difference.
One of the biggest time-savers is automating discovery responses. Briefpoint helps firms save over $20,000 per attorney per year by cutting out hours of manual drafting.
Its AI-powered system generates formatted responses in minutes, applies court-specific rules, and makes the process seamless. And all that in one easy process.
Stop wasting time on tedious tasks. Schedule a Briefpoint demo today and see how much your firm can save.
It’s Not Just About Saving Time—You’re Saving on Litigation, Too
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 Workflow Automation For Law Firms
What is legal workflow automation?
Legal workflow automation tools use software to handle repetitive tasks like document drafting, billing, case management, and client intake. It helps law firms save time, reduce errors, and improve efficiency by automating processes that don’t require manual input.
What is a workflow automation example?
A good example is automating discovery responses. Instead of manually drafting responses to discovery requests, legal document automation software like Briefpoint scans the request and generates a formatted response in minutes. Other examples include automated invoicing, client intake forms, and case deadline tracking.
What is an example of a legal workflow?
A legal workflow could be a client intake process. When a potential client fills out a form online, the system automatically creates a client profile, schedules a consultation, and sends a confirmation email—without any manual work from the firm. Other examples include contract review workflows, court filing processes, and automated time tracking.
What software do most law firms use?
Many law firms use Clio, Smokeball, MyCase, Lawmatics, and LawPay for case management, billing, client intake, and payments. Briefpoint is a top legal workflow software for automating discovery responses, helping firms cut down on drafting time and reduce costs.
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