7 Key Considerations When Choosing Legal Document Automation Software

Updated: September 18, 2025

For today’s legal professionals, efficiency is essential. This makes selecting the right document automation software for your law firm a critical decision. Yet, with so many legal technology solutions for improving productivity now available, the process of choosing the right one can feel daunting.

To help you make a confident and well-informed decision, here are some key factors you should consider when evaluating a legal document automation platform for your firm.

1. Legal Document Customization Options

Every law practice is different, and your document automation software should reflect that. The right platform should offer flexible customization options that allow your firm to create, edit, and manage templates specific to your practice. This adaptability helps ensure your documents remain consistent, compliant with jurisdictional requirements, and aligned with your firm’s branding, practice areas, and preferences.

By choosing a solution that allows you to customize templates to your needs, you can improve efficiency, reduce the risk of errors, and spend less time on manual edits while still delivering documents tailored to your firm’s needs.

2. User-Friendly Interface and Software

A user-friendly interface, designed for the fast-paced nature of legal work, is essential for encouraging smooth adoption throughout your firm. The best document automation platforms offer intuitive navigation, pre-built templates, and a minimal learning curve so your team can quickly adapt and stay productive without relying heavily on IT support. Features such as clear workflows, logical design, and accessible onboarding and training resources can also reduce frustration and help keep your team focused on client work.

When evaluating software, scheduling a live demo can be especially valuable. A demo allows you to see the platform in action, experience how intuitive it feels, connect with the provider directly, and ask questions related to your firm’s specific workflows. This first-hand experience can reveal how well the product may fulfill your day-to-day needs.

3. Scalable Document Automation Features

Consider investing in document automation tools that go beyond basic template management. While it may seem appealing to select a simple solution, think about scalability. As your firm grows and finds additional ways to leverage legal technology, you’ll likely need a more robust toolset. Choosing a platform that you won’t quickly outgrow can save you from having to relearn an entirely new system later.

Look for software that allows you to not only manage templates but also automate data entry from client files or case records. Additionally, some platforms provide access to extensive form and template libraries, AI tools for legal drafting, and functionality to generate documents tailored to your jurisdiction and practice area. You may also want to explore platforms that extend beyond document creation to support broader law firm efficiency strategies, such as those with tools for enhanced case management, task workflows, online billing, and legal accounting.

4. Client Confidentiality & Data Security

Security is of the utmost importance when evaluating document automation software. Your platform should protect client confidentiality and sensitive information with features such as data encryption, secure cloud storage, and robust access controls. These protections help safeguard client files, case records, and firm documents during drafting, when sharing or collaborating, and in storage.

Equally important is compliance with industry-recognized security standards. Look for a platform that maintains SOC 2 Type 2 compliance, which verifies that systems are continuously monitored, tested, and proven to protect client data over time. This not only demonstrates a provider’s commitment to security but also gives your firm peace of mind when it comes to regulatory compliance and client trust.

5. Legal Document Collaboration & Accessibility

With legal teams increasingly working across multiple locations, collaboration and secure cloud accessibility are essential. The best tools will provide secure remote access through a reliable cloud infrastructure. Platforms should also support client collaboration by enabling secure document sharing, feedback collection, and eSignature workflows—reducing reliance on back-and-forth email threads.

Think beyond the drafting stage and consider tools that support the entire lifecycle of a legal document. From creation and collaboration to secure storage, sharing, and archiving, the right platform will help you streamline every step.

6. High-Quality Customer Support and Training

When adopting new legal technology, some learning curve is inevitable. To minimize it, look for providers that offer guided, personalized onboarding and hands-on training tailored to your firm’s needs.

Additionally, the LEAP Client Success team can help your law firm leverage the platform with one-on-one training, video tutorials, and live webinars. If issues arise, LEAP’s customer support team can help to provide quick resolutions and minimal downtime.

7. Integrations with Other Systems

Another factor in selecting legal document automation software is evaluating its ability to integrate with the programs and apps your firm already relies on. For example, many legal professionals use software like Microsoft 365 and QuickBooks Online. Can the document automation software integrate seamlessly with the tools your team already uses?

The ideal solution should allow you to continue using the systems you trust while also making your law firm more efficient.

Choose the Best Document Automation Platform for Your Firm

Ultimately, choosing a legal document automation platform should be a strategic, well-considered decision. The wrong fit can lead to wasted time, added costs, and unnecessary setbacks. The right solution, however, can save valuable time, improve accuracy, and allow your team to focus more on what matters most—serving clients.

Explore how LEAP’s document automation can help law firms work faster. Schedule a personalized demo to see the software in action.