With that in mind, let’s talk about why templates are essential to good document formatting. Naturally, every one of these documents has different rules about formatting, which can create a first-rate mess for your attorneys. Instrument (a formal legal document that grants rights, i.e.Affidavits (a statement made under oath claiming that a fact is true to the best of the affiant’s knowledge).Briefs (arguments as to why the filer should win their case or see their motion approved).Pleadings (the beginning stages of a lawsuit, when parties submit their claims and defenses).Whether you have estate-planning attorneys, criminal attorneys, or corporate attorneys, most firms deal with at least a few of the same basic legal documents. Here’s how you should format some of the most common legal documents, and how a document software can ensure you do it right.įirst, let’s take a look at some of the most common legal documents you’ll have to deal with. This is where a great document software can save the day.

A perfectly-formatted document could fall apart, or an administrative assistant could pull up an outdated template for a document. The problem is, between cases and meetings and document preparation, building those documents can get a bit hairy. So it’s safe to say that legal formatting is an incredibly important part of the business. In a single case, a lawyer and their team can generate a whole library of documents from briefs to affidavits to court filings.Įvery single one of these documents needs to be in pristine condition, not just for the sake of professionalism but for the documents to be accepted as valid.

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