32 Best Legal Drafting Software To Power Your Practice In 2024
10 Best Legal Drafting Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 32 tools reviewed.
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As an experienced attorney turned tech expert, I know the needs and challenges you face in the legal industry, and I'm here to provide solutions. The practice of law can sometimes feel overwhelming, that's where legal drafting software steps in. This tool streamlines the creation, real-time editing, formatting, and organization of your legal documents. By using it, you'll experience improved efficiency, accuracy, and a smooth workflow, leaving you with more time to focus on the bottom-line aspects of your practice.
With legal drafting software, say goodbye to those endless hours spent on manual document drafting, potential human errors, and the organizational nightmare of dealing with volumes of paper files. I've assessed various tools and compiled a list of the 12 best legal drafting software. Trust me, these tools are game-changers! So go ahead, check out these options, and prepare to transform your legal practice.
What Is Legal Drafting Software?
Legal drafting software is an indispensable tool primarily used by legal professionals, including attorneys, paralegals, and law firm support staff, as well as corporations with in-house legal team members. It functions as a digital platform designed to streamline the creation, formatting, management, and revision of various legal documents. These documents could range from contracts, pleadings, and motions, to wills, trusts, and more.
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Through automation, templates, and artificial intelligence, legal drafting software helps to expedite these tasks while enhancing accuracy and consistency. This software significantly reduces the time-consuming aspect of manual drafting and provides a systematized approach to managing vast volumes of legal documents, thus allowing users to focus more on the substantive aspects of their legal work.
Best Legal Drafting Software Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Mitratech Hotdocs | Pricing upon request | Website |
| TypeLaw Automated Brief Formatting | From $895/brief | Website |
| Everlaw | Pricing upon request. | Website |
| Clio | From $39/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| MyCase | From $49/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| ContractPodAi | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Checkbox | From $20/user/month, billed annually | Website |
| LollyLaw | From $49/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| Practical Law | From $79/user/month. | Website |
| Henchman | From $39/user/month | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareBest Legal Drafting Software Reviews
HotDocs is an advanced document software designed to reduce the time needed to generate client or customer-specific documents by automating the creation, generation, assembly, and preparation of complex documents, ensuring they are custom and error-free.
Why I Picked HotDocs: I picked HotDocs for its ability to transform frequently used documents and forms into reusable templates. This functionality significantly speeds up the document creation process by automating repetitive tasks, which traditionally consume a lot of time. Furthermore, HotDocs offers advanced features like version control, built-in e-signing, and metadata scrubbing, which are essential for maintaining compliance and ensuring document security.
Standout features & integrations:
The platform also includes optical character recognition (OCR) capabilities, which help in converting different types of documents, such as scanned paper documents, PDFs, or images, into editable and searchable data. Important integrations for HotDocs include Microsoft 365, Microsoft Word, Tabs3, CARET Legal, Actionstep, BHL Insight, Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, and Sage.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable templates
- Robust document automation capabilities
- Good for end-to-end document management
Cons:
- Challenging to learn how to create templates
- Can be pricey for smaller firms
Best for US court-specific compliance
TypeLaw is a tool tailored for legal professionals to efficiently prepare and format legal briefs. It employs advanced AI technology to ensure documents adhere to help teams create accurate legal briefs quickly.
Why I Picked TypeLaw: TypeLaw offers automatic formatting of legal briefs, ensuring compliance with local court rules across U.S. federal and state courts. Additionally, the software's automatic hyperlinking of citations is another critical feature, which ensures that all references are accurately linked, therefore improving document readability and navigability for the court and other legal parties.
Standout features & integrations:
Other helpful features include the ability to create OCR-searchable PDFs, which ensures that your scanned documents can be searched and referenced easily. You also get a final quality check from a human expert before submitting your brief, offering an extra layer of assurance. Lastly, TypeLaw’s pagination feature keeps your documents updated, even after multiple rounds of revisions. Integrations are not listed on TypeLaw's official website.
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
Everlaw is a powerful legal tech tool that focuses on enhancing the e-discovery process and facilitating litigation activities. It provides a cloud-based platform where legal teams can collaboratively review, analyze, and organize evidence, which is why it's especially apt for those in need of cutting-edge e-discovery and litigation services.
Why I Picked Everlaw: I chose Everlaw for its cutting-edge technology that streamlines e-discovery and litigation. Compared to its counterparts, Everlaw brings a unique combination of user-friendly design and advanced analytics that allows for the effective management of legal documents and information. Considering its strong focus on e-discovery and litigation, I judged Everlaw to be the best fit for these specific tasks.
Standout features & integrations:
Everlaw shines with features like predictive coding, which uses machine learning to streamline the legal document review process, and a story builder for chronologically organizing facts and evidence for a case. Its integrations are limited as the tool primarily focuses on being a standalone comprehensive solution for e-discovery and litigation.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Predictive coding feature that uses machine learning
- User-friendly interface
- Advanced analytics for e-discovery
Cons:
- Limited integrations as it's a standalone solution
- Pricing is not transparent
- No free plan or trial available
Clio is a comprehensive law practice management software offering a platform for legal professionals to manage cases, track time, bill clients, and more. Its focus on creating a cohesive and efficient practice management experience makes it an ideal choice for law firms looking for smoother operations.
Why I Picked Clio: In my comparison, Clio stood out due to its extensive set of features aimed at simplifying the complexities of law practice management. I chose Clio not only for its rich feature set but also for its dedicated focus on law practice management, which sets it apart from other general project management tools. Given its capabilities and specialization, I determined that Clio is the best legal document management software for law practice management.
Standout features & integrations:
Clio comes with a robust set of features, including case management, billable time tracking, electronic signature (e-signature), billing and invoicing, and client communication tools. It integrates with popular platforms like Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Dropbox, and QuickBooks, enabling law firms to synchronize their operations with other necessary tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Tailored specifically for the needs of legal professionals
- Integration with popular platforms for enhanced productivity
- Comprehensive law practice management features
Cons:
- The interface may be overwhelming for new users due to its feature-richness
- The lowest-tier plan might not include all advanced features
- The free trial is time-limited
MyCase is a legal management software that offers case management and legal document management in one platform. Its integrated approach is tailored for legal firms, ensuring all relevant case information and documents are organized and accessible, making it best for this purpose.
Why I Picked MyCase: I selected MyCase for this list because of its comprehensive approach to the case and document management platforms. It stands out due to its capacity to organize and consolidate vital case-related data and documents in one accessible location. I deemed MyCase best for integrated case and document management due to its ability to streamline these typically separate areas of law practice management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports integration with popular platforms for added convenience
- Comprehensive feature set for law practice management
- Consolidated case and document management system
Cons:
- Pricing may be high for individual users or small firms
- May be too complex for smaller practices or solo practitioners
- No permanent free tier available
ContractPodAi is a robust software that simplifies the entire contract lifecycle. It integrates artificial intelligence for intelligent legal drafting, review, and management of contracts.
Why I Picked ContractPodAi: I selected ContractPodAi for this list because of its unique approach to contract management. It integrates artificial intelligence to automate the most tedious parts of the contract lifecycle. I firmly believe it's best for streamlining contract lifecycle management because it's not just about legal drafting; it uses AI to automate the review and management of contracts too, which saves you considerable time and effort.
Standout features & integrations:
ContractPodAi comes with key features like automatic contract drafting, review, and lifecycle management. Furthermore, it integrates seamlessly with CRM and ERP systems, and with productivity tools such as Microsoft Office and GSuite, making it even easier to manage contracts.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive contract lifecycle management
- Seamless integration with CRM, ERP, and productivity tools
- Uses AI for automated contract drafting and review
Cons:
- Might be overkill for smaller firms or solo practitioners
- Pricing isn't transparent
- No free tier or trial available
Checkbox is an innovative tool that empowers users to create legal documents without any coding knowledge. The platform utilizes drag-and-drop and rule-based workflows, simplifying legal processes and making it particularly suitable for those looking for no-code legal document automation software.
Why I Picked Checkbox: I selected Checkbox because of its unique no-code approach to legal document automation. Amongst its peers, Checkbox stands out due to its ease of use and accessible interface. It encourages non-technical users to engage with legal document automation, thereby simplifying complex processes. I determined that Checkbox is best for no-code legal document automation as it democratizes the process and makes it accessible to a wider range of users.
Standout features & integrations:
Checkbox's notable features include a drag-and-drop interface, rule-based workflow creation, and a user-friendly design. It integrates with popular platforms like Salesforce and Microsoft Office, making it easier to merge data across different applications.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface and design
- Integrations with Salesforce and Microsoft Office
- No coding knowledge required for creating legal documents
Cons:
- Advanced features may require higher-priced plans
- Might not be as flexible as coding-based solutions
- No free plan is available
LollyLaw is a comprehensive case management software designed specifically for immigration law practitioners. This platform not only offers a robust client management system but also includes functionalities for managing court dates, tasks, and document generation.
Why I Picked LollyLaw: I chose LollyLaw for its niche focus on immigration law. The software is not just a case management platform; it is designed to handle the unique aspects of immigration cases, setting it apart from more generic legal tools. I determined it to be the best for immigration practitioners seeking an all-in-one solution because it integrates all functionalities needed in an immigration law practice into a single, easy-to-use platform.
Standout features & integrations:
LollyLaw has various features to aid immigration practitioners, including task and court date management, client profiling portals, questionnaires, and automated document generation. The software integrates well with email and calendar systems, facilitating efficient communication and scheduling.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive case management system
- Integration with email and calendar systems
- Specialized tool for immigration law
Cons:
- Some advanced features only available in higher-priced tiers
- Lack of a free version
- Might not be suitable for non-immigration law practices
Practical Law is a digital platform that delivers expert legal know-how and resources. It provides a treasure trove of pre-prepared templates, checklists, and guides that simplify your legal drafting process.
Why I Picked Practical Law: In my search for outstanding legal drafting software, Practical Law caught my attention due to its unparalleled access to a comprehensive legal knowledge base. I selected it because its resources, prepared by legal experts, make it unique in the marketplace. It's 'best for' those seeking extensive legal knowledge access because it grants its users a vast array of professional resources, eliminating the need for starting drafts from scratch.
Standout features & integrations:
Practical Law provides legal professionals with expertly crafted templates, how-to guides, and up-to-date legal information. It offers features such as legal updates, jurisdictional comparisons, and topic-specific resources. On the integration front, Practical Law integrates smoothly with Westlaw and other Thomson Reuters legal solutions, creating a cohesive and comprehensive legal research and drafting environment.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates with other Thomson Reuters solutions
- Provides expertly crafted templates
- Access to a comprehensive legal knowledge base
Cons:
- No permanent free option available
- Subscription is billed annually
- Relatively high cost for small firms
Henchman is a powerful tool designed to streamline law firm management. It offers comprehensive features to aid in case management, client billing, and drafting legal documents.
Why I Picked Henchman: In my quest to find the top legal drafting software, Henchman stood out due to its dynamic law firm management capabilities. I chose this tool because it offers more than just drafting - it's a comprehensive management tool. In my opinion, it's the 'best for' dynamic law firm management because it doesn’t just assist with drafting, it encompasses multiple practice areas such as case management and billing, making it an all-in-one solution.
Standout features & integrations:
Henchman comes loaded with features to simplify law firm management. These include secure client communication channels, time tracking, invoicing, and legal document drafting. Furthermore, it integrates seamlessly with popular apps like Office 365, improving your workflow and efficiency.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrates with popular productivity tools like Office 365
- Secure client communication channels
- Comprehensive law firm management features
Cons:
- Relatively high cost for solo practitioners and small firms
- No permanent free option available
- Limited functionality in the demo version
Other Legal Drafting Software
Below is a list of additional legal drafting software that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.
- Conga
For intelligent contract lifecycle automation
- LexWorkplace
For cloud-based document and email management
- Filevine
Good for collaborative legal project management
- PracticePanther
Good for secure document management
- AXDRAFT
Good for efficient contract drafting and negotiation
- App4Legal
Good for full-suite law practice management
- Lawyaw
Good for automated legal drafting
- Xcential
Good for legislative and regulatory drafting
- Arken
Good for estate planning document creation
- Xpu
Good for content management in legal drafting
- Woodpecker
Good for Microsoft Office integration
- Access
Good for document management in case handling
- Motionize
Good for automating repetitive legal tasks
- Edilex
Good for streamlining contract drafting
- Cobblestone Software
Good for document assembly in contract management
- Knackly
Good for customized document assembly
- Infoware
Good for improving law firm productivity and profitability
- Smarter Drafter
Good for advanced document automation
- Wolters Kluwer
Good for creation of smart legal documents
- BoostDraft
Good for AI-powered document drafting
- Templafy
Good for law firm document assembly and brand compliance
- Lexis
Good for comprehensive legal research
Other Legal Software Reviews
Here are some other popular types of legal software you might be interested in.
Selection Criteria Of Legal Drafting Software
In my journey to find the best legal drafting software, I evaluated a variety of options, scrutinizing each for specific functionalities that I believe are critical for the field. Having tested over 30 tools, there were certain traits that consistently made a difference in usability, efficiency, and effectiveness.
Core Functionality
The core functionalities for legal drafting software should include:
- Document creation: Enables users to create, format, and edit legal documents.
- Automation: Ability to automate repetitive tasks, thus saving time and reducing errors.
- Collaboration: Facilitates teamwork by allowing multiple people to work on a document simultaneously.
- Version control: Tracks all changes and versions of documents to maintain history.
Key Features
Some key features to look for in this kind of software include:
- Template library: Provides a selection of customizable legal document templates to streamline work.
- Legal research tools: Incorporates resources for legal research to ensure that documents are compliant and accurate.
- Integration: Compatibility with other software or platforms that law firms may be using, such as Microsoft Office or certain case management systems.
- Security: Robust security measures and permission access controls to protect sensitive legal information.
Usability
For legal drafting software to be genuinely useful, it needs to offer:
- Intuitive interface: Should be user-friendly and simple to navigate. Icons and menus should be self-explanatory, allowing users to find the features they need without excessive clicking or searching.
- Easy onboarding: Quick and uncomplicated setup process. Tutorials, walkthroughs, or a comprehensive help center can be very beneficial.
- Responsive customer support: Fast and helpful assistance for any issues that arise, ideally with multiple ways to reach out such as live chat, email, or phone.
- Customizable settings: Ability to adjust the software to meet the specific needs and workflow of the firm. This can include customizable templates, automated workflows, or personalized notification settings.
- Mobile compatibility: With the rise of remote work, access to software on mobile devices (Android, iOS) is an asset, allowing users to draft and edit documents on the go.
Most Common Questions Regarding Legal Drafting Software
What are the benefits of using legal drafting software?
Legal drafting software provides multiple benefits. These include increased efficiency through automation of repetitive tasks, such as formatting and template filling. They also facilitate collaboration by allowing multiple users to work on a document simultaneously.
These tools often come with a library of legal templates, saving users time in creating documents from scratch. Additionally, they provide version control for tracking all changes to documents. Lastly, most legal drafting software offer security measures to protect sensitive legal information.
How much do legal drafting tools typically cost?
Pricing for legal drafting software varies greatly depending on the features, functionalities, and scale of usage. Some solutions offer tiered pricing models, where the cost per user decreases as the number of users increases. Others may charge a flat fee per user.
What are the typical pricing models for legal drafting software?
The most common pricing models for legal drafting software are monthly or yearly subscriptions. Some companies also offer pay-per-use pricing or custom pricing for larger law firms or corporate legal departments.
What is the typical range of pricing for legal drafting software?
Legal drafting software can range from free basic tools to premium solutions that cost several hundreds of dollars per user per month. Most options fall within the $20 to $100 per user per month range.
Which legal drafting software is the cheapest?
The cheapest legal drafting software is often those with a free plan, such as AXDRAFT, which provides a basic level of service at no cost.
Which legal drafting software is the most expensive?
High-end solutions like Lexis for Microsoft Office and Smokeball can be more expensive, with pricing often determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the size of the firm and the specific functionalities required.
Are there free options available for legal drafting software?
Yes, there are free options available. For instance, AXDRAFT offers a free plan, but it comes with limited features and may not be suitable for larger firms with more complex needs.
What's the best way to determine which legal drafting software is right for my firm?
It depends on your firm’s specific needs. Consider the size of your firm, the complexity of your cases, your budget, and the features you find most critical. You should also consider trying out a few options (many offer free trials) to get a feel for their usability and to see if they integrate well with your existing systems.
Other Legal Document Solutions Reviewed
Here are some other tools you may need if you are looking for legal document solutions.
Summary
In conclusion, selecting the best legal drafting software requires an understanding of your firm's specific needs, budget, and workflow. Whether it's efficiency, collaboration, or detailed document control you're after, there is a tool out there for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand your needs: The best software for you will depend on your unique requirements. Factors such as the size of your firm, the types of cases you handle, and the existing systems you use all play a role in determining the ideal solution.
- Consider the total cost: Pricing for legal drafting software can vary greatly. While the monthly or yearly subscription cost is important, also consider potential costs for implementation, training, and any additional features you may need in the future.
- Test before you buy: Many legal drafting tools offer free trials. Use these opportunities to test out different solutions, assess their usability, and determine if they integrate well with your existing systems. This way, you can make an informed decision that will serve your firm well in the long run.