Automating Legal Document Content

The automation of legal documents can be categorized into three types based on the content's ability to be automated. The first type, canned text, includes straightforward elements like document titles and party names, which can be easily automated without the need for AI. This involves utilizing field variables in software such as Word to ensure efficient document generation while maintaining the document's effectiveness. The second type is mechanical writing content, which requires some level of legal analysis to filter relevant information, like affirmative defenses in a legal complaint. Here, automation can incorporate AI, particularly through conditionalized content based on specific legal theories or facts. Historically, bespoke writing content was thought to be non-automatable; however, advancements in technology suggest it may now be possible. Notably, automation technologies such as natural language processing, object-based recognition, and computer vision can effectively handle canned and mechanical writing content with minimal variability. Consequently, this approach allows legal professionals to focus their expertise solely on the bespoke writing content, which necessitates deep legal knowledge and analysis.