Lawyers and their staff know that lawyering sometimes requires mind-numbing and soul crushing paperwork. Enter document automation/assembly software.
Document automation allows you to quickly and accurately create your documents using—in our case, professionally designed automated legal forms made specifically for your practice area and jurisdiction.
One of the main benefits of document automation is that it provides a fast and easy way to draft motions, pleading, letters, agreements, and other legal documents. And it does it the same way every single time, which helps to eliminate costly and embarrassing mistakes.
So, if you are interested in bringing these benefits to your practice, here are four (4) things to consider when evaluating the pros and cons of different document automation/assembly software systems.
1. Cost
Let’s be realistic: price is one of the most important considerations for any new software program. For document automation/assembly systems, the cost also includes any other benefits that come along with product. Does it have any other features? For example, does it include ongoing updates and upgrades to keep up with changes in the law? Ours does, absolutely.
2. Time/Effort Needed to Switch Over
Inertia is a huge factor in running your law firm. The time and effort needed to install and set up another program—time you cannot bill—can be the deciding consideration for whether or not to buy or upgrade automated document assembly software.
Here are some questions to consider while exploring different document assembly software for your practice:
How much billable time are you willing to spend to set up and install the system?
How much do you have to be directly involved in this process?
Do you need to pay for setup and installation, or can you or someone in your office take care of it?
If you need outside help, what will that cost?
This is why you should look into automated document assembly software that can be up and running in minutes simply by logging into your personalized online portal. Once again, like ours.
3. How the Software Fits Into Your Workflow
Every law office has a multitude of software applications, office procedures, tasks, and deadlines—especially deadlines. So, you should think about how any new document automation/assembly software will fit into your office’s existing workflow. A good fit is critical to keeping your practice running smoothly during and after the installation and transition.
4. Security
When using cloud-based software, your client’s data will be kept on a third-party server. You know better than anyone that you have ethical obligations to protect your client’s information and take reasonable precautions to prevent unauthorized disclosure. This means that you should understand who is hosting and storing your data, how it will be managed and handled, and who has access to it.