6 Best Legal Proofreading Software Options for 2025: Top Picks for Law Firms

Each case, no matter its origin, is rife with authorized paperwork. For example, when drafting authorized motions, it’s essential to catch grammar, punctuation, and quotation errors that might weaken an argument or undermine credibility. Whether or not you’re a lawyer, a paralegal, or in teachers, authorized proofreading software program can go above and past generic proofreading instruments and apply the nuance regulation requires.

That will help you discover one of the best authorized proofreading software program, we’ve examined the highest six. Each has its personal strengths and weaknesses, highlighted under, to make sure you can also make probably the most knowledgeable resolution attainable.

The significance of authorized proofreading

There’s no room for error within the authorized course of, paperwork included. Even minor errors in a written movement, temporary, contract, and many others., can delay proceedings, result in unfavorable outcomes or dissmissals, and may depart you wanting unprofessional and unprepared. Whereas fostering a workforce of robust authorized writers is important, having the precise software program to proofread your authorized paperwork could be a game-changer.

How proofreading software program enhances effectivity

Earlier than software program devoted to proofreading authorized paperwork existed, authorized consultants had been in a position to full paperwork precisely. However, this doesn’t imply the method wasn’t, and isn’t, with out its difficulties. Correct completion of authorized paperwork, irrespective of the shape, requires flawless accuracy and an excessive consideration to particulars. The most effective authorized proofreading software program can expedite all of this.

Authorized paperwork are chock-full of technical phrases. On high of this, authorized paperwork usually prioritize precision over all else, which works in opposition to the expectations of generic proofreading software program (which regularly search for readability as an alternative). Lastly, authorized paperwork require exact formatting and in-depth citations for all data.

The most effective authorized proofreading software program can save time by:

Robotically formatting paperwork to satisfy authorized requirements
Pull from an unlimited library of authorized phrases to make sure accuracy
Robotically cite supplemental paperwork and data
Batch course of a couple of doc at a time

Bear in mind, this listing is certainly not exhaustive. Authorized proofreading software program choices range in capabilities, however most of them can do the above, at minimal. 

The highest 6 authorized proofreading software program choices

There are quite a few choices for authorized proofreading software program—none of them providing the very same options. That will help you determine which one most closely fits your wants, we’ve pulled six of one of the best and examined what makes them distinctive.

PerfectIt™

PerfectIt is a plug-in for Microsoft Phrase that helps expedite the authorized proofing course of, from modifying to citations, and catching widespread errors.

Execs

Complete—with 13,000 totally different authorized checks
Built-in fashion manuals make it versatile
Able to correcting each error with a single click on

Cons

Requires Microsoft Phrase to perform
Struggles with readability when using a number of kinds
Restricted performance for Mac techniques

When you’re utilizing Home windows computer systems and comfy with Phrase, PerfectIt may very well be an incredible match to your workplace.

Litera Test

Litera, or Litera Test, gives proofreading, fashion, quotation, formatting, and modifying help.

Execs

Examine a number of doc varieties, from spreadsheets to shows, and Phrase docs, and many others.
Microsoft Copilot integration permits for workflow streamlining
iManage integration for additional workflow effectivity positive factors

Cons

PDF comparability software is missing and never all the time dependable
Reporting is proscribed when in comparison with some software program choices
Costlier than many authorized proofreading choices

General, Litera Test is a strong software for proofreading authorized paperwork. When you don’t want many seats, it’s an incredible choice. 

Lexis for Microsoft Workplace 

LexisNexis provides Lexis for Microsoft Workplace, a strong authorized proofreading software program that leverages machine studying and pure language processing (NLP) to boost authorized writing and analysis inside Microsoft Phrase and Outlook.

Execs

Entry to Shepard’s® Citations Service to make sure correct citations and correct formatting.
Integrates with Lexis+ AI to allow sooner resolution making and doc creation
In-depth analytics and media highlights by way of Nexis Newsdesk
Achieve fast, high-level overviews with computerized authorized summaries

Cons

Many customers say the search engine delivers an excessive amount of data
Abundance of options make navigation tough for some

Lexis for Microsoft Workplace is a strong, sturdy authorized proofreading software program. However, that very same abundance of options, and a excessive price, may make it a tough promote for smaller companies or solo practitioners.

LexCheck

LexCheck is a plug-in that makes use of AI to streamline authorized contracts drafted in Microsoft Phrase. In contrast to different software program choices, LexCheck is sort of fully AI-powered.

Execs

Highly effective AI permits fast modifying and strategies
Able to integrating with present authorized techniques in your agency
Actual-time analytics retains your workforce within the loop always

Cons

Restricted language help for something apart from English
Customers report some points with formatting at instances
The interface is just too busy for some customers, offering an excessive amount of data

In case your workplace makes use of Microsoft Phrase and isn’t averse to a hefty subscription price, LexCheck is one to contemplate.

Drafting Assistant by Thomson Reuters

Drafting Assistant, by Thomson Reuters, is an AI-powered proofreading assistant that focuses on effectivity and danger mitigation.

Execs

Find Authority perform makes it straightforward to contact lead for a case
Aggressive evaluation permits fast comparability inside transactional docs
Desk of Authorities technology automates quotation, saving important time

Cons

Many options particular to Thomson Reuters/Westlaw
Restricted in performance when in comparison with main software program choices
Larger studying curve than different software program

Drafting Assistant isn’t as costly as some choices on this listing, particularly should you go together with the annual contract. When you’re already utilizing different merchandise from Thomson Reuters, Drafting Assistant is a superb selection.

Definely Proof

Definely Proof, part of the Definely software program suite, is an AI-powered authorized proofreading software that prioritizes simplicity and velocity.

Execs

Computerized detection of placeholders and markups ensures clear paperwork
Cross-reference functionality makes it straightforward to examine exterior paperwork
Integration with your complete Definely Suite permits for additional effectivity positive factors

Cons

Not as feature-rich as some authorized proofreading software program options
Full good thing about the software program requires use of Definely Suite
Some customers report the educational curve is pretty giant

When you’re already utilizing another piece of the Definely Suite, Definely Proof is well worth the consideration. When you’re not utilizing another Definely software program, it’s price buying round first.

Key standards for selecting proofreading software program to your regulation agency

What makes one authorized proofreading software program the only option for one agency, might make it a poor selection for yours. Issue within the following when contemplating which software program to go together with.

Observe dimension & doc quantity: In case you have a big observe with a large doc output, examine whether or not the software program can help a big library of authorized documentation, and if the worth goes to bloat too shortly.
Accuracy & reliability: Make certain the choice you go together with has a popularity for accuracy and reliability, in any other case you danger paperwork going out with errors.
Authorized-specific options: Any instruments use for proofreading authorized paperwork ought to have the flexibility to make use of widespread kinds, audit and embody citations, and extra. If an choice doesn’t embody these legal-specific options, you’re lacking out on the total time-saving and accuracy-related advantages.
AI & automation: Many choices will use AI and automation. Test if the providing makes use of AI and/or automation, and the way they go about it. And, be sure that reviewers don’t have points with hallucinations (False/inaccurate readings or output from AI).
Integration & usability: Pay attention to any software program you’re already utilizing, and whether or not a possible proofreading resolution integrates with them. This, coupled with a low studying curve, can permit your observe to realize much more advantages out of your resolution.
Affordability & help: Make certain the answer you select has a popularity for nice help, as you’ll inevitably need assistance sooner or later. When evaluating costs, take into consideration what number of customers or seats you’ll want, and see which options provide an annual low cost.

Can conventional proofreading software program work for authorized paperwork?

Conventional proofreading software program, just like the ever fashionable Grammarly, can technically proofread a authorized doc to some extent. Whereas a standard proofreading software will catch some errors, it may additionally miss these which are particular to the authorized world. 

On high of this, the authorized world comprises complicated terminology that generally conflicts with conventional grammar, to not point out the in-depth citations and numerous kinds of formatting.

These problems make it tough for non-specialized proofreading software program to do a radical, correct job with authorized paperwork.

Maximizing the advantages of authorized proofreading instruments

Even one of the best authorized proofreading software program can solely go to this point except backed by the precise implementation and finest practices. When you’ve picked an answer, take the next steps to get probably the most out of it.

Comply with implementation finest practices

Determine which workflows are holding your workforce again probably the most. Is there a specific workflow that’s resulting in extra errors than others, or consuming extra time?

When you’ve discovered one or two problematic workflows, make these your first focus with the software program. When you’ve discovered lots of your individuals lose a major period of time to correct citations, select a software program that excels with this and study the method inside and outside.

Learn to cite AI in authorized analysis.

Practice your workforce

A software is just useful if it’s used. Whether or not your self or an assigned stakeholder, have somebody take level on the software program and grasp it. Then, maintain ongoing coaching classes that guarantee your workforce is aware of learn how to get probably the most out of the software.

If attainable, and if provided by the software program supplier, have an onboarding specialist practice your workforce and/or reply any questions they may have on it.

Optimize your workflows and software program use over time

Software program implementation isn’t a one-and-done course of. Set a daily cadence throughout which you examine your workforce’s efficiency. Gauge whether or not the software program is benefiting your workforce, pay attention to any positive factors, after which search for areas the place you possibly can additional refine workflows.

For example, after optimizing the processes recognized in step one, transfer on to the following problematic workflows.

A extra environment friendly, correct future with one of the best authorized proofreading software program

Your workforce can overview and proofread drafted paperwork with out software program. However, with every second your workforce spends reviewing or proofing a authorized doc, they may as an alternative concentrate on attracting extra leads, resolving extra circumstances, and making a higher influence.

With cautious analysis of the authorized proofreading software program choices out there, and a strategic method to implementation, your workforce can save time, scale back errors, and guarantee shoppers have a smoother expertise all through.

We printed this weblog submit in March 2025. Final up to date: March 10, 2025.

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