Today's issue of TechnoLawyer NewsWire covers document assembly software (see article below), an iManage add-on, an iPhone app for deposition transcripts, computer monitoring software, and a text editor. Don't miss the next issue.
Step on the Document Gas
Life is too short to waste time writing the same old clauses over and over again rather than have a computer do the work. But that's what lawyers routinely do because getting to that automated promised land requires such a gargantuan effort that the status quo no longer seems so bad. But don't fool yourself — it's bad and getting worse. Fortunately, document assembly technology is getting better, requiring less effort to get started. Time to get with the program — or, rather, get a program.
HotDocs 10 … in One Sentence
Released last week, HotDocs 10 is a document assembly program.
The Killer Feature
Someday, you'll plug a USB cable into the back of your neck Matrix-style, and create a HotDocs template while you type. Until then, HotDocs has developed some tools for non-programmers.
For example, you can use your model documents to create templates. Just mark the blanks and HotDocs will create an interview for creating that type of document. Also, you can fill in PDF forms using PDF Advantage, which is bundled with HotDocs 10.
Other Notable Features
HotDocs 10 supports Microsoft Word 2010 and Corel WordPerfect X5 as well as earlier versions of both word processors. HotDocs also integrates with popular document and practice management programs.
Other features include support for Unicode, and the ability to answer questions directly in your document or in a dialog pane, save your progress and return later, edit your document when previewing it, and incorporate WordPerfect macros.
What Else Should You Know?
HotDocs offers HotDocs 10 in several versions — User, Developer, and Server. You can also purchase a connector for Microsoft SharePoint. Learn more about HotDocs 10.
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