12 Best Legal Drafting Software Shortlist
Having thoroughly evaluated various tools, I've handpicked the 12 best legal drafting software just for you. Let's conquer those challenges together!
- TypeLaw - Best for effortless legal document formatting
- Practical Law - Best for comprehensive legal knowledge base access
- Henchman - Best for dynamic law firm management
- ContractPodAi - Best for streamlining contract lifecycle management
- LollyLaw - Best for immigration practitioners seeking an all-in-one solution
- HOTdocs - Best for automated document assembly
- LexWorkplace - Best for cloud-based document and email management
- Conga - Best for intelligent contract lifecycle automation
- Checkbox - Best for no-code legal document automation
- Everlaw - Best for cutting-edge ediscovery and litigation
- Clio - Best for seamless law practice management
- MyCase - Best for integrated case and document management
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.
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.
Overviews of the 12 Best Legal Drafting Software
1. TypeLaw - Best for effortless legal document formatting
TypeLaw is an innovative software solution designed to simplify the often time-consuming task of legal document formatting. By focusing on document formatting, TypeLaw ensures that your documents always look professional and comply with court rules.
Why I Picked TypeLaw:
When selecting the best legal drafting software, I considered user-friendliness, specific feature sets, and ease of integration. TypeLaw stood out due to its specific focus on document formatting, a process that can consume a lot of time and energy in a law firm. I chose TypeLaw as it excels in making this task effortless, with an intuitive interface and powerful formatting tools. It's especially beneficial for attorneys who need their legal documents formatted to perfection in less time and more efficient manner.
Standout features & integrations:
TypeLaw excels with features such as auto-pagination, table of contents automation, and line numbering. Its capacity to format documents according to specific court rules is also impressive. When it comes to integrations, TypeLaw supports a wide range of document types and works seamlessly with popular word processing tools such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs.
Pricing:
TypeLaw offers its services from $29/user/month, with a one-time setup fee. Here's the pricing context you should consider:
- You'll pay a one-time setup fee of $200
- The minimum purchase is a single user license
Pros:
- Powerful formatting tools
- Complies with court rules
- Works with popular word processors
Cons:
- Time-limited free trial
- One-time setup fee is required
- It might be more feature-rich than necessary for small firms
2. Practical Law - Best for comprehensive legal knowledge base access
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.
Pricing:
Practical Law pricing starts from $79/user/month (billed annually). Here's the pricing context you should consider:
- The monthly pricing is calculated based on an annual subscription
Pros:
- Access to a comprehensive legal knowledge base
- Provides expertly crafted templates
- Integrates with other Thomson Reuters solutions
Cons:
- Relatively high cost for small firms
- Subscription is billed annually
- No permanent free option available
3. Henchman - Best for dynamic law firm management
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.
Pricing:
The pricing for Henchman starts from $39/user/month (billed annually). Here's the pricing context you should consider:
- The monthly pricing is calculated based on an annual subscription.
Pros:
- Comprehensive law firm management features
- Secure client communication channels
- Integrates with popular productivity tools like Office 365
Cons:
- Limited functionality in the demo version
- No permanent free option available
- Relatively high cost for solo practitioners and small firms
4. ContractPodAi - Best for streamlining contract lifecycle management
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.
Pricing:
ContractPodAi operates on a pricing-upon-request model. This means you would need to contact them directly for a quote based on your specific needs.
Pros:
- Uses AI for automated contract drafting and review
- Seamless integration with CRM, ERP, and productivity tools
- Comprehensive contract lifecycle management
Cons:
- No free tier or trial available
- Pricing isn't transparent
- Might be overkill for smaller firms or solo practitioners
5. LollyLaw - Best for immigration practitioners seeking an all-in-one solution
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.
Pricing:
Pricing for LollyLaw starts at $59/user/month. This is the cost for their basic package, which includes all the essential case management features.
Pros:
- Specialized tool for immigration law
- Integration with email and calendar systems
- Comprehensive case management system
Cons:
- Might not be suitable for non-immigration law practices
- Lack of a free version
- Some advanced features only available in higher-priced tiers
6. HOTdocs - Best for automated document assembly
HOTdocs is a leading tool in the space of document automation, providing a platform for generating sophisticated, error-free legal documents. The software is engineered to translate legal expertise into intelligent templates that substantially less time and potential inaccuracies in document creation, which justifies it being a prime choice for automated document assembly.
Why I Picked HOTdocs:
I picked HOTdocs because its strength lies in its robust document automation capabilities. This system stands out due to its intelligent templates and customization features that ensure each document meets specific needs. In comparing and evaluating different tools, I judged HOTdocs to be the best for automated document assembly based on its advanced automation features and the reliability of its templates.
Standout features & integrations:
HOTdocs offers impressive document automation features that facilitate the quick and accurate drafting of complex legal documents. The software's templates are easily customizable, allowing legal professionals to tailor documents to their specific needs. It integrates smoothly with Microsoft Office Suite, ensuring seamless workflow between document creation and other office functions.
Pricing:
Pricing for HOTdocs starts from $20/user/month (billed annually).
Pros:
- Robust document automation capabilities
- Customizable templates
- Integration with Microsoft Office Suite
Cons:
- Lack of a free version
- Pricing may be on the higher side for smaller law firms
- Learning curve for mastering template creation and customization
7. LexWorkplace - Best for cloud-based document and email management
LexWorkplace provides a comprehensive, cloud-based document and email management solution specifically designed for law firms. The tool facilitates efficient organization, search, and collaboration, making it the ideal choice for firms that require a solid system for managing their documents and emails in the cloud.
Why I Picked LexWorkplace:
In the selection process, LexWorkplace stood out to me due to its all-inclusive nature as a legal document and email management tool. It offers a single, integrated solution for managing various legal forms of legal communication, which is a trait I found to be unique. Moreover, based on my analysis and comparisons, LexWorkplace is best for cloud-based document and email management because it combines these functionalities with rigorous data security measures.
Standout features & integrations:
Key features of LexWorkplace include its cloud-based document and email management system, powerful search capabilities, and intuitive collaboration tools. The software works natively on Windows and Mac computers, and integrates well with popular platforms like Microsoft Office and Outlook, enabling efficient workflows.
Pricing:
LexWorkplace pricing starts from $49/user/month.
Pros:
- Integrated document and email management system
- Robust search functionality
- Seamless integration with Microsoft Office and Outlook
Cons:
- Absence of a free plan
- Potentially costly for smaller firms
- Could take time to fully implement into daily workflows
8. Conga - Best for intelligent contract lifecycle automation
Conga is a robust solution that offers intelligent end-to-end contract lifecycle automation. The software is designed to streamline and simplify the contract process, from creation and negotiation to signing and renewals. With its high level of automation, Conga is particularly effective for managing complex contract lifecycles.
Why I Picked Conga:
I chose Conga for this list due to its unique blend of automation, flexibility, and intelligence in contract management. I discerned that its capabilities extend beyond basic contract management, enabling users to automate and optimize every stage of the contract lifecycle. In terms of contract lifecycle automation, I believe Conga is the top choice because it integrates AI capabilities to provide intelligent automation, thus streamlining contract management procedures.
Standout features & integrations:
Conga provides a myriad of impressive features, including its automated contract lifecycle management, AI-powered analytics, and comprehensive contract repository. The software also integrates smoothly with Salesforce, which enables seamless data exchange and maximizes the utility of CRM data in contract management.
Pricing:
Conga pricing begins from $20/user/month.
Pros:
- Intelligent automation of the contract lifecycle
- AI-powered analytics
- Strong integration with Salesforce
Cons:
- No free plan available
- May be too complex for small businesses
- Potential learning curve for less tech-savvy users
9. Checkbox - Best for no-code legal document automation
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.
Pricing:
Checkbox's pricing starts from $30/user/month. Note that this is the starting cost, and advanced features may require a higher-priced plan.
Pros:
- No coding knowledge required for creating legal documents
- Integrations with Salesforce and Microsoft Office
- User-friendly interface and design
Cons:
- No free plan is available
- Might not be as flexible as coding-based solutions
- Advanced features may require higher-priced plans
10. Everlaw - Best for cutting-edge e-discovery and litigation
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.
Pricing:
Everlaw operates on a “Pricing upon request” model. Due to its tailored pricing, potential users need to contact the company for specific pricing details according to their needs.
Pros:
- Advanced analytics for e-discovery
- User-friendly interface
- Predictive coding feature that uses machine learning
Cons:
- No free plan or trial available
- Pricing is not transparent
- Limited integrations as it's a standalone solution
11. Clio - Best for law practice management
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.
Pricing:
Pricing starts from $39/user/month (billed annually). This pricing is for the Starter plan, and it offers a solid set of features suitable for smaller law firms.
Pros:
- Comprehensive law practice management features
- Integration with popular platforms for enhanced productivity
- Tailored specifically for the needs of legal professionals
Cons:
- The free trial is time-limited
- The lowest-tier plan might not include all advanced features
- The interface may be overwhelming for new users due to its feature-richness
12. MyCase - Best for integrated case and document management
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.
Standout features & integrations:
Key features of MyCase include case management, legal document storage, time tracking, and billing. These tools are designed to support legal firms' daily operations effectively. Important integrations include QuickBooks for accounting and numerous email platforms for streamlined communication.
Pricing:
MyCase pricing begins at $49/user/month. This is the starting price for their solo plan, and it offers a comprehensive set of features for individual law practitioners.
Pros:
- Consolidated case and document management system
- Comprehensive feature set for law practice management
- Supports integration with popular platforms for added convenience
Cons:
- No permanent free tier available
- May be too complex for smaller practices or solo practitioners
- Pricing may be high for individual users or small firms
Other Legal Drafting Software
Below is a list of additional legal drafting software that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 12. Definitely worth checking them out.
- Woodpecker - Good for Microsoft Office integration
- Lawyaw - Good for automated legal drafting
- Smarter Drafter - Good for advanced document automation
- Motionize - Good for automating repetitive legal tasks
- Lexis - Good for comprehensive legal research
- App4Legal - Good for full-suite law practice management
- PracticePanther - Good for secure document management
- Xpublisher - Good for content management in legal drafting
- Infoware - Good for improving law firm productivity and profitability
- Arken - Good for estate planning document creation
- Knackly - Good for customized document assembly
- Filevine - Good for collaborative legal project management
- BoostDraft - Good for AI-powered document drafting
- Access - Good for document management in case handling
- Edilex - Good for streamlining contract drafting
- Templafy - Good for law firm document assembly and brand compliance
- AXDRAFT - Good for efficient contract drafting and negotiation
- Wolters Kluwer - Good for creation of smart legal documents
- Cobblestone Software - Good for document assembly in contract management
- Xcential - Good for legislative and regulatory drafting
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.
Related Legal Drafting Software Reviews
- Legal Case Management Software
- Legal Practice Management Software
- Matter Management Software
- Immigration Case Management
- Family Law Software
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.
What do you think?
I hope this guide has been helpful in your search for the perfect legal drafting software. Of course, the technology landscape is ever-evolving and there may be fantastic tools out there that I haven't come across yet. If you've had a great experience with a legal drafting tool not listed here, I'd love to hear about it. Please feel free to share your recommendations and experiences. Your insight could help others in their search for the right tool.