A lawyer’s guide to document automation from Advanced
Where efficiency and billable time maximisation is an ever-pressing need, document automation has brought forth a new era in legal operations, streamlining what was once a complex and time-consuming function.
Documents are no doubt at the very core of any law firm, and even a single error within them in its drafting, distribution and execution can lead to costly consequences both in terms of time and profit margin on cases. Not to mention that time spent on manual and administrative tasks detracts from the overall profitability of a legal practice. It isn’t merely about cleaner contracts and organised folders; it’s about freeing up valuable billable hours for higher-value, client-facing work, ultimately strengthening a law firm’s bottom line.
Document management is rife with opportunities for human error, from misspelt client names to incorrect versions of contracts. Add to this the pressure of tight timelines, and the likelihood of mistakes multiplies.
Automation presents a solution to these common grievances. By its nature, it eliminates the need for manual data entry, reduces human errors, and shortens document turnaround times. More than just a convenience, it’s a tool for maintaining a sterling reputation in the industry for accuracy and reliability.
Automation, accuracy, and agility
By now, it should be clear that document automation is more than just a fleeting trend—it’s an essential cog in the machine of modern law firms.
One notable benefit is the increase in work quality. Lawyers can now direct their attention to legal strategy, building arguments, and the finer details, rather than the more general document reviews and filing. This shift from document creation to analysis and interpretation adds value to the work and results in higher-quality client service. Additionally, the data aggregated within the document automation software can provide insights and analytics, guiding the law firm’s future decisions.
The accuracy of AI systems in understanding and providing insights on documents are improving too. In an American example, Lawgeex found that their AI performed as well as the best performing lawyers when reviewing legal documents for errors, in a fraction of the time. So, you can focus on important legal matters with the peace of mind that the automation is keeping up with your quality.
Another benefit is scalability. Law firms, regardless of size, can leverage document automation to handle larger workloads without a proportional increase in labour. Whether a law firm is a solo practitioner or a multinational corporation, automation allows for the efficient scaling of document production.
For those in the legal realm, change can often come slowly—for good reason. The responsibilities of the profession demand thorough consideration before adopting new strategies or technologies. Document automation presents a unique case, one of clear benefits and measurable impact on the efficiency and quality of legal services.
