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Document Automation Basics

If you’ve ever spent hours drafting legal documents from scratch, you’ll know how repetitive and time-consuming it can be. Document automation is here to change that. It’s a smarter way for law firms and legal teams to create documents, making the process faster, more accurate, and much less stressful.

What is Document Automation and Why Use It?

Document automation uses technology to turn your firm’s standard precedents and templates into intelligent, interactive forms. Instead of manually editing each document, you simply answer a series of questions. The system then assembles a complete, formatted document for you, tailored to your answers and ready to use.
The main purpose of document automation is to save time, reduce errors, and ensure consistency across all your documents. By automating the routine parts of drafting, lawyers can focus on higher-value work and deliver a better, faster service to clients.

How is the User Journey Different?

Traditional drafting often means copying, pasting, and editing the same clauses over and over. With document automation, the journey is much more streamlined:
  • Start with a template
    : Your firm’s knowledge team or template authors create automated templates using Contract Express Author.
  • Complete a questionnaire
    : When you need a document, you answer a guided set of questions - no need to hunt for the right clauses or worry about formatting.
  • Instant document creation
    : The system generates a finished document, inserting the correct clauses and data based on your answers.
  • Review, Approval, and Completion
    : After the document is generated, any necessary review, approval, eSignature, or other workflow steps are handled seamlessly within the platform. This ensures compliance, governance, and a smooth path to finalisation - all in one place.
This approach not only speeds up drafting but also ensures every document meets your firm’s standards.

Our Solutions: Contract Express and HighQ Document Automation

We offer two leading solutions to fit different needs:
  • Contract Express
    : Our flagship web-based platform for document automation. It’s designed for law firms and in-house teams who want powerful, flexible automation. Contract Express lets you build advanced templates, create dynamic questionnaires, and manage workflows, all within Microsoft Word and your browser.
  • HighQ Document Automation
    : For firms using HighQ Collaborate, this module brings document automation directly into your collaboration platform. It’s perfect for teams who want to combine automated document creation with project management, client collaboration, and data visualisation all in one place.
Both solutions are powered by the same trusted automation engine, so you can choose the approach that best fits your firm’s way of working.

Want to Learn More or Get Started?

If you’re interested in exploring document automation further, here’s what you can do next:
  • Browse the Help Portal
    : Explore articles, guides, and FAQs available on the Help page to learn more about how document automation works.
  • See a Demo
    : Request a demonstration of Contract Express or HighQ Document Automation to see the benefits in action.
  • Talk to Us
    : Reach out to your Thomson Reuters representative for tailored advice or to discuss your firm’s specific needs.
  • Start Small
    : Many firms begin by automating high-volume, standard documents like NDAs or engagement letters, then expand as they see the benefits.
Document automation is transforming the way legal work gets done. Whether you’re just curious or ready to take the next step, the resources on this portal are here to help you on your journey.
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This article applies to:

  • PRODUCT: Contract Express