This article gives an overview of what automation software is, and explains how it can be applied in the context of a law firm.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic and shift to flexible working, more law firms than ever have invested in technology to facilitate essential business tasks including videoconferencing, communication platforms and virtual document collection, to name just a few. We can expect that the adoption of new technology and innovation will continue to shape how practitioners deliver legal services in an efficient and consistent way.
A key emerging tool for practitioners is automation software, which can be utilised to streamline a broad range of day to day legal tasks such as generating legal documents, correspondence, and simple client communications. It can also be used to provide general legal guidance and respond to frequently asked questions on legal topics. Automation coupled with human quality assurance can reduce the time and cost involved, and the potential for errors and exposure to professional negligence claims.
How does automated document creation work?
Legal document automation tools typically ask the practitioner or client a series of questions in a Q&A style format. Based on their responses, the software will generate a draft legal document or correspondence which is customised to a matter. That document can be sent to the practitioner for review before ultimately provided to the client.
Automation technology is distinct from some practice management software that populates existing precedent documents with client information. Legal automation software takes information provided by the user to select the relevant text and clauses to be used from a precedent, and creates a new document specifically tailored to a particular transaction or matter.
The right automation tools are easy to use and can streamline processes
Many automation platforms are user friendly and practitioners do not need to be an expert in technology or engage external consultants to use it. Law firms can purchase and use the software and build the tailored questions and precedent content within the platform that are applicable to their practice area.
Automation is an effective way to maintain precedents for frequently performed tasks and ensure key issues are always addressed, rather than relying on the practitioner to remember. It overcomes the problem where a practitioner reuses a document from a previous matter as a precedent for the next matter, but it doesn’t contain all the necessary content.
Using automation in practice
To learn more about how automation can be used in practice, the different automation solutions that are available and how to go about selecting the right ones for your firm, the Centre for Legal Innovation is hosting an Automation Mini-Series of webinars in collaboration with leading automation software providers. There are seven sessions in the mini-series seven spanning June to October 2021 and the events will be recorded and available to watch again later.
