Revolutionizing Document Automation with Generative AI: A New Era for Contract Express Users
Contract Express has long been recognized as a leader in the realm of document automation, particularly for its ability to create complex suites of legal documents. However, many users have expressed challenges when it comes to utilizing the platform for simpler contracts. Understanding these pain points, my team has dedicated the past year to enhancing usability for both complex and straightforward documents by harnessing the power of generative AI. This article explores how these advancements are transforming the way legal professionals support their clients.
Understanding Document Automation Challenges
In the legal profession, drafting contracts is a routine task. Lawyers often create templates that can be easily customized with client-specific information, such as names and addresses. Document automation aims to streamline this process, allowing legal professionals to quickly generate and update templates for various cases.
However, the traditional approach to document automation can be cumbersome. Manually creating and customizing contract templates is not only time-consuming but also prone to human error. Lawyers often find themselves entering code or syntax line-by-line, which can lead to mistakes that pose compliance risks. This inefficiency can detract from the time and energy that legal professionals could otherwise devote to more strategic tasks.
The Generative AI Advantage
Enter generative AI—a technology that is revolutionizing document automation. By leveraging generative AI, Contract Express has significantly accelerated the document creation process. This innovative approach eliminates the need for manual code entry, allowing the AI to handle the heavy lifting.
For instance, a typical three-page contract that might take a human author 30 to 60 minutes to complete can now be automated in approximately two minutes using Contract Express. This remarkable time-saving capability not only enhances productivity but also reduces the likelihood of errors, thereby mitigating compliance risks.
Real-World Impact: Customer Feedback
The response from customers who participated in our beta program has been overwhelmingly positive. A senior developer at a prominent UK law firm remarked that our document automation feature “takes the drudgery out of that first-stage creation.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend among legal professionals who are eager to streamline their workflows and focus on higher-value tasks.
Moreover, a director at a UK-based legal automation consultancy noted that Contract Express stands out due to its “sophistication in the suggested fields” compared to other document automation solutions. This sophistication is particularly beneficial for documents that involve numerous obvious questions, ultimately saving time and enhancing the overall user experience.
A Collaborative Effort
The development of generative AI-powered document automation has been a collaborative effort, and I am immensely proud of my team’s dedication to this innovation. Their hard work has resulted in a solution that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of our customers.
Availability and Future Prospects
Currently, generative AI-powered document automation is available to Contract Express Cloud and HighQ customers. Additionally, customers of CoCounsel Drafting who also subscribe to Contract Express can access this functionality in the United States. For users in the UK, CoCounsel Drafting will be available in Q4, with Practical Law customers expected to gain access by the end of 2024.
This integration of generative AI into document automation represents a significant leap forward for legal professionals. By simplifying the document creation process, we are empowering lawyers to better serve their clients and focus on what truly matters—delivering exceptional legal services.
As we continue to innovate and refine our offerings, we remain committed to addressing the evolving needs of our customers, ensuring that they have the tools necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex legal landscape.