Best Legal Document Automation Software Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best legal document automation software:
Navigating the complexities of legal document management can be daunting. You’re juggling endless paperwork, tight deadlines, and the pressure to maintain accuracy. Legal document automation software is here to help, streamlining your workflow and reducing manual errors.
In my experience, choosing the right tool can transform how your team operates, saving time and headaches. I’ve independently tested and reviewed various options to bring you unbiased insights into the best solutions available.
This article will guide you through my top picks, focusing on what makes each tool unique. You'll find practical information to help you make an informed decision. Let’s dive into how these tools can support you in tackling your legal documentation challenges.
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Best Legal Document Automation Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top legal document automation software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for dynamic document generation | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for creating document templates | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 3 | Best for court-specific document compliance | Not available | From $1895/brief | Website | |
| 4 | Best for solo legal practitioners | 7-day free trial | From $49/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 5 | Best for case and practice management | 7-day free trial | From $59/user/month (billed monthly) | Website | |
| 6 | Best for all-in-one law practice management software | 14-day free trial | From $89/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 7 | Best for in-house legal automation with drag-and-drop | No | From $20/user/month, billed annually | Website | |
| 8 | Best for automated redaction | Free trial available | From $19/month | Website | |
| 9 | Best for contract lifecycle management | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 10 | Best for integrating matter management seamlessly | Not available | Pricing upon request | Website |
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CARET Legal
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Redactable
Visit Website -
Mitratech TAP Workflow Automation
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2
Best Legal Document Automation Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best legal document automation software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Best for dynamic document generation
TAP, developed by Mitratech, is a no-code workflow automation platform designed to automate legal business processes. It enables organizations to automate repetitive manual workflows, organize and structure tasks, and auto-generate content.
Why I Picked TAP: I like its dynamic document generation capability, which allows for the automatic creation of complex legal documents. This feature significantly reduces the time and effort required for manual document drafting, minimizing errors and ensuring consistency across all legal documents.
The platform's ability to integrate e-signature execution further enhances the process, making it possible to complete legal transactions securely without the need for physical presence or traditional paperwork.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Key features include robust workflow capabilities with a no-code interface. It even has configurable workflow templates for simplicity. Additional features include audit trails for full process transparency and automated reminders to ensure tasks are completed on time.
Integrations include Microsoft 365, DocuSign, Salesforce, and NetDocuments.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- No-code platform
- Customizable workflows for document processing
- Supports collaboration
Cons:
- Limitations to customization for specific needs
- Initial setup can be time-consuming
HotDocs is a comprehensive document automation solution designed to enhance the creation and management of documents for businesses of all sizes, including law firms. It transforms frequently used documents and forms into reusable templates, enabling the swift generation of documents.
Why I Picked HotDocs: I like that HotDocs has version-controlled templates, which ensure that documents generated are standardized and compliant with internal policies. This feature not only enhances accuracy but also reduces the risk of errors, which can be costly and damaging to a firm's reputation.
Additionally, HotDocs supports complex document modeling, including variable insertions and computed variables.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Key features include conditional logic, which helps users create dynamic documents by incorporating if/then statements. It also provides audit trails and workflow automation for repetitive tasks such as document review, approval, and filing.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, Sage, Microsoft 365, Microsoft Word, Tabs3, Mitratech Matter Management, Actionstep, Amicus Attorney, and AbacusLaw.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Good for end-to-end document management
- Robust document automation capabilities
- Customizable templates
Cons:
- Can be pricey for smaller firms
- Can be challenging to learn how to create templates
Best for court-specific document compliance
TypeLaw is an AI-powered legal tech platform designed to automate the creation and formatting of legal documents. It’s built for attorneys, paralegals, and legal teams who need to comply with local court rules while saving time on manual tasks.
Why I Picked TypeLaw: One of the reasons I picked TypeLaw is its built-in court-specific compliance feature. You can rely on it to automatically format your briefs according to the unique requirements of different US courts across various jurisdictions, ensuring you don’t run into issues with non-compliant filings.
On top of that, the software automatically hyperlinks your citations, which is a great way to ensure your legal references are accessible and easily verifiable.
Standout Features & Integrations:
The software builds tables of contents and authorities, keeping them updated even when you edit the document. The OCR feature ensures your exhibits are searchable, making it simpler to locate information during case prep.
Integrations are not listed online.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Keeps pagination and tables accurate with ongoing edits
- Handles exhibits and appendices
- Automates court-compliant formatting
Cons:
- Formatting customization options may be limited
- Not all local courts may be covered
Clio is a legal practice management software designed to cater to the needs of law firms of all sizes. It’s particularly appealing for solo legal practitioners due to its accessibility, easy-to-use features, and cost-effectiveness.
Why I Picked Clio: I chose Clio for this list primarily due to its scalability and intuitive interface. The tool stands out in its ability to cater to the specific needs of solo practitioners by providing an efficient, one-stop solution for case management, billing, and client communication. With this in mind, I believe Clio is an excellent choice for solo legal practitioners.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Key features include case management, document management, time tracking, and invoicing. Additionally, its client portal feature enables secure communication and document sharing with clients.
Integrations include Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, and Dropbox, enhancing its usability.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports integration with popular tools like Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, and Dropbox
- Offers a comprehensive suite of features including case management, document management, and billing
- Excellent for solo practitioners due to its scalability and intuitive interface
Cons:
- Some advanced features only available at higher pricing tiers
- Pricing could be prohibitive for some solo practitioners, particularly those just starting out
- Does not offer a permanent free plan, only a free trial
PracticePanther is a comprehensive legal software solution that provides a wide range of management tools for law practices. Its capabilities range from case management to time tracking and billing, which makes it particularly well-suited for case and practice management.
Why I Picked PracticePanther: I selected PracticePanther due to its wide array of features that cover nearly all aspects of a legal practice's needs. Its ability to centralize different functions like case management, time tracking, billing, and client communication under one platform distinguishes it from others. Consequently, I concluded that it is best for case and practice management.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Key features include robust case management capabilities, intuitive time tracking and billing systems, and client communication tools.
Integrations include Google Calendar, Gmail, QuickBooks, and Microsoft 365, thereby enhancing its functionality.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Provides a free trial for users to explore its features
- Integrates with many commonly used platforms
- Comprehensive feature set covers nearly all aspects of practice management
Cons:
- Pricing is only available when billed annually, no monthly payment option is provided
- Higher cost compared to some other options
- Does not offer a permanently free tier
CosmoLex offers a comprehensive solution for legal practitioners, integrating case management, billing, and accounting into one platform. It is specifically designed for law firms seeking a holistic approach to their daily operations, making it best for all-in-one law practice management.
Why I Picked CosmoLex: The decision to include CosmoLex on this list was straightforward. It offers a unique blend of features that span beyond legal document management software, essentially providing a one-stop shop for law practice management. This comprehensive approach makes it a standout choice. It's perfect for law firms that want a single, integrated solution for case management, billing, and accounting.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Key features include its capability to integrate billing and accounting, which helps to prevent common mistakes and oversights in these critical areas. Its comprehensive case management feature also includes task tracking and calendaring.
Integrations include LawPay for credit card processing and has a built-in e-signature or electronic signature integration with Office 365.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Feature-rich, comprehensive offering
- LawPay and Office 365 integration
- All-in-one platform integrating case management, billing, and accounting
Cons:
- Free trial has limited duration
- More expensive than some other options
- Data migration fee
Checkbox is a powerful tool designed to streamline in-house legal automation. It accomplishes this via an intuitive drag-and-drop interface which makes it simple for non-technical users to build and automate complex processes, making it ideally suited for in-house legal automation.
Why I Picked Checkbox: I picked Checkbox because of its user-friendly design and versatile functionality. What differentiates it is the intuitive drag-and-drop feature that empowers non-technical users to create automated workflows. In my judgment, Checkbox is best for in-house legal automation with drag-and-drop due to its ease of use, which allows in-house teams to focus more on legal tasks and less on technical complexities.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Key features include a no-code app builder, decision-tree logic, and data management capabilities.
Integrations include Microsoft Office, allowing users to further streamline their processes.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates with common platforms like Microsoft Office
- No-code app builder that empowers non-technical users
- User-friendly drag-and-drop feature
Cons:
- May not be suitable for small teams due to cost
- Pricing information is not fully transparent
- Lack of a free version
Redactable is a cloud-based platform that helps you securely remove sensitive information from your documents. It uses AI to detect and redact confidential data, ensuring your documents are safe for sharing.
Why I Picked Redactable: Its AI-driven technology ensures that sensitive information is permanently removed, which is vital for maintaining client confidentiality and staying compliant with legal standards. The redaction wizard is a key feature that guides you through the process, so there's less need for extensive training. This lets your team spend more time on important legal tasks instead of getting caught up in document redaction details.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Key features include document scrubbing, which permanently removes metadata and hidden elements to ensure the security of redactions. It also offers real-time collaboration tools, version control, and redaction certificates.
Integrations include Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Box.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Uses AI to enhance its redaction process
- Complies with GDPR and other privacy regulations
- Offers collaboration tools
Cons:
- Limited number of redactions per plan
- Not ideal for broader legal document management
Conga is a digital document transformation suite that excels at contract lifecycle management. It streamlines the creation, tracking, pleading, and management of contracts, making it an invaluable asset for law firms and legal professionals.
Why I Picked Conga: I selected Conga for its comprehensive approach to contract management. The tool's ability to automate and manage the full lifecycle of a contract makes it distinct. I believe it's best for contract lifecycle management because it effectively manages all stages of a contract, from creation and approval to renewal or termination.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Key features include automated client intake contract creation, approval workflows, and document generation capabilities. These streamline contract management by reducing manual input and potential errors.
Integrations include Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, and many more, making it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated document creation reduces manual errors
- Numerous integrations with platforms like Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics
- Comprehensive contract lifecycle management
Cons:
- May require a learning curve for those new to contract management software
- Pricing information is not transparent
- No free plan or trial
Assembly NEOS is a comprehensive software solution that streamlines matter management for legal professionals. Its intelligent design allows the software to effortlessly coordinate and consolidate matter information, making it best for integrating matter management seamlessly.
Why I Picked Assembly NEOS: From the array of options, I chose Assembly NEOS due to its focus on matter management integration. It excels in bringing together disparate elements of legal matter management into a unified and organized interface. This harmonization is what makes Assembly NEOS best suited for those looking for seamless integration in their matter management systems.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Key features include smart organization, collaborative tools, and powerful search functionality certainly stand out.
Integrations include other common platforms like Microsoft Office, ensuring a smooth workflow across different tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Powerful search functionality
- Strong integration capabilities with other platforms
- Consolidates all matter information in one place
Cons:
- Annual billing may not suit all budgets
- Full features not accessible on a free demo
- Pricing could be steep for smaller firms
Other Legal Document Automation Software
Here are some additional legal document automation software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Disco
For ediscovery with AI and cloud computing
- Thomson Reuters HighQ
For secure document collaboration
- Document360
For managing complex internal documentation
- Gavel
For startup legal operations
- Betty Blocks
For custom legal applications with no-code
- MyCase
For comprehensive document management
- Everlaw
For advanced litigation and discovery
- ContractSafe
Good for easy and secure contract management
- CloudLex
Good for personal injury law firms
- Filevine
Good for legal teams seeking case and project management
- Rocket Matter
Good for cloud-based legal forms and timekeeping
- Smokeball
Good for small law firms needing practice management
- iManage
Good for enhancing knowledge work productivity
- Precisely
Good for streamlined contract creation and automation
- ContractZen
Good for secure contracts and meeting management
- iCONECT
Good for handling large volume legal data
- CaseFleet
Good for timeline visualization of legal cases
- Xakia
Good for in-house legal teams needing matter management
- App4Legal
Good for comprehensive law practice management
- Centerbase
Good for customizable legal workflows
- Litify
Good for law firms seeking a Salesforce-based solution
- Lextree
Good for entity management and corporate compliance
- PDF+
Good for handling PDFs in legal settings
- Josef
Good for automating repetitive legal tasks and law firm documents
- backdocket
Good for managing legal client communications
Legal Document Automation Software Selection Criteri
When selecting the best legal document automation software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like reducing manual errors and improving document turnaround time. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Automating document creation
- Managing document templates
- Enabling electronic signatures
- Integrating with existing systems
- Ensuring compliance with legal standards
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- AI-powered document analysis
- Custom workflow automation
- Multi-language support
- Advanced data encryption
- Mobile accessibility
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Easy navigation
- Customizable dashboards
- Minimal learning curve
- Responsive design
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Access to interactive product tours
- Comprehensive onboarding webinars
- Presence of chatbots for guidance
- Ready-to-use templates
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 support availability
- Multiple contact options
- Access to a knowledge base
- Response time for queries
- Quality of support documentation
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible subscription plans
- Discounts for bulk purchases
- Cost-benefit analysis
- Transparency in pricing
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction ratings
- Feedback on customer service
- Ease of use comments
- Performance and reliability insights
- User recommendations and testimonials
How to Choose Legal Document Automation Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Can the software grow with your firm? Consider if it handles increased document volumes and users. |
| Integrations | Check if it connects with your existing tools like CRM or billing systems to avoid data silos. |
| Customizability | Does it allow you to tailor templates and workflows to fit your specific legal processes? |
| Ease of use | Is the interface intuitive? Make sure your team can navigate it without extensive training. |
| Implementation and onboarding | How long will it take to get up and running? Look for quick onboarding and training resources. |
| Cost | Compare pricing plans to your budget. Watch for hidden fees or inflexible contracts. |
| Security safeguards | Ensure it complies with data protection laws and has encryption to keep client information safe. |
| Compliance requirements | Does it meet industry-specific regulations? Check if it supports necessary legal standards. |
What Is Legal Document Automation Software?
Legal document automation software is a tool that automates the creation and management of legal documents. These tools are generally used by legal professionals, including lawyers and paralegals, to save time and reduce errors. Automated templates, electronic signatures, and integration capabilities help with efficiency, compliance, and workflow management. Overall, these tools enhance productivity and accuracy in legal practices.
Features
When selecting legal document automation software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Automated templates: Streamlines document creation by using pre-set formats, reducing manual effort.
- Electronic signatures: Facilitates the signing process, allowing for quick and secure document approvals.
- Integration capabilities: Connects with other tools like CRM and billing systems to ensure data consistency.
- Customizable workflows: Allows users to tailor processes to fit specific legal tasks and requirements.
- Data encryption: Ensures client information remains confidential and secure from unauthorized access.
- Compliance support: Helps meet industry regulations by providing necessary legal standards and updates.
- User-friendly interface: Simplifies navigation, making it easy for users to adopt and use the tool efficiently.
- Mobile accessibility: Enables document management and approvals on-the-go, enhancing flexibility.
- AI-powered analysis: Offers insights and analysis to improve document accuracy and decision-making.
- Training resources: Provides tutorials and guides for quick onboarding and effective tool utilization.
Benefits
Implementing legal document automation software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Time savings: Automating document creation reduces the time spent on manual drafting, allowing your team to focus on more important tasks.
- Error reduction: Using standardized templates minimizes the risk of errors, ensuring documents are accurate and consistent.
- Improved compliance: Built-in compliance features help your team adhere to industry regulations and avoid legal pitfalls.
- Enhanced collaboration: Integration capabilities allow for smooth data sharing and collaboration across different teams and systems.
- Increased flexibility: Mobile access means your team can manage documents and approvals from anywhere, enhancing work-life balance.
- Cost efficiency: Reducing manual labor and errors can lead to significant cost savings in both time and resources.
- Better client satisfaction: Faster document processing and accuracy lead to improved client experiences and relationships.
Costs & Pricing
Selecting legal document automation software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in legal document automation software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Legal Document Automation Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic document creation, limited templates, and email support. |
| Personal Plan | $10-$30/user/month | Document automation, electronic signatures, and basic integrations. |
| Business Plan | $30-$60/user/month | Advanced templates, workflow customization, and priority support. |
| Enterprise Plan | $60-$100/user/month | Full integrations, compliance management, dedicated account manager, and training resources. |
Legal Document Automation Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about legal document automation software:
What is the difference between legal document automation and document management software?
Legal document automation software focuses on creating and automating legal documents using templates and workflows, while document management software is about storing, organizing, and retrieving documents. If your team needs to automate repetitive legal documents, you’ll want automation software. For organizing and tracking documents, consider document management solutions.
Can legal document automation software integrate with my existing tools?
Yes, most legal document automation software can integrate with common tools like CRM systems, email, and billing software. Check the integration capabilities of each tool to ensure it connects with your current systems. This will help maintain data consistency and improve workflow efficiency.
Is legal document automation software secure?
Yes, most legal document automation software offers security features like data encryption and access controls to protect sensitive information. When evaluating options, look for compliance with data protection regulations and ask vendors about their security measures. This ensures your client data remains safe and confidential.
How do I know if my firm needs legal document automation software?
If your firm deals with repetitive legal document creation and you’re spending too much time on manual processes, then automation software might be beneficial. It can help reduce errors, improve efficiency, and allow your team to focus on more strategic tasks. Assess your current workflow to see if these improvements align with your needs.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching legal document automation software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.
