How to Automate Legal Document Generation with AI

Counsel Crest® Lite follows the "Work Where You Work™" philosophy - a suite of intelligent plugins and extensions that integrate with your existing tools (Word, Chrome, Gmail) rather than forcing you to adopt a new platform.

Time Required: 20 minutes | Difficulty: Intermediate

What You'll Learn

• How AI document generation works in the platform
• Using the platform's AI Chat for document drafting
• Leveraging the platform's rich text editor for rich text documents
• Generating demand letters, discovery, and motions with context-aware AI
• Using the platform's snippets library for reusable clauses
• Customizing AI-generated drafts in the platform's modern editor
• Quality control and verification in the platform workflow
• Advanced features: templates, variables, and multi-AI providers

Prerequisites

• Counsel Crest the platform account (paid plan recommended for document generation)
• Active case with uploaded documents at /the platform/cases/[id]
• Basic understanding of legal document structure
• 20-30 minutes for initial setup

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the platform's Document Generation Approach

the platform takes a modern approach to AI document generation, different from legacy systems:

the platform Document Generation:

• AI Chat on every case/note page
• AI has access to all case documents, notes, tasks automatically
• Uses rich text editor for rich text with code blocks, tables, formatting
• Multiple AI providers (GPT-4, Claude, Azure, Bedrock)
• Real-time streaming responses via advanced AI
• Snippets library for reusable clauses and legal text

What Makes the platform Different: Instead of separate document generation tools, AI is embedded in your workflow via the AI Chat.

[Screenshot placeholder: the platform case page with AI Chat and rich text editor]

the platform Advantage: AI sees your entire case context-no manual data entry for document generation.

Pro Tip: Upload key documents (complaint, contracts) before generating. AI Chat AI uses them for context-aware drafting.

Step 2: Open AI Chat for Document Drafting

Navigate to any case at /the platform/cases/[id]. Click the chat icon on the right side to open the AI Chat.

The AI Chat has access to:

• Case title, number, status
• Custom fields (court info, parties, dates)
• All uploaded documents (full text)
• All notes and tasks
• Previous chat sessions

Start Document Generation: In AI Chat, ask:

• "Draft a demand letter for this personal injury case"
• "Generate interrogatories based on the complaint"
• "Create a motion for summary judgment outline"
• "Write a client status update email"

[Screenshot placeholder: the platform AI Chat with document generation request]

the platform Innovation: No forms to fill out. AI Chat uses case context automatically.

Pro Tip: Be specific: "Draft a formal demand letter citing the uploaded police report and medical records." AI will reference those documents.

Step 3: Use document Editor to Refine AI-Generated Drafts

AI Chat generates documents in markdown. Copy the output to the platform's rich text editor.

document Editor Features:

• Rich text formatting (bold, italic, headings, lists)
• Code blocks for citations and legal text
• Tables for organizing damages, evidence
• Markdown shortcuts (type # for heading, - for list)
• Auto-save every 30 seconds
• Collaborative editing ready

Workflow:

1. AI Chat drafts document
2. Copy text to rich text editor (or create new note at /the platform/notes/new)
3. Edit inline with formatting toolbar
4. Use markdown shortcuts for speed
5. Ask AI Chat to revise sections: "Make paragraph 3 more aggressive"

[Screenshot placeholder: the platform rich text editor with AI-generated draft and formatting]

the platform Advantage: document stores content as structured JSON, making it searchable and AI-friendly.

Pro Tip: Use headings (# Heading) to organize drafts. AI Chat can reference sections: "Revise the damages section."

Step 4: Generate Demand Letters with Case Context

Let's generate a demand letter using the platform's integrated approach.

Preparation:

1. Open case at /the platform/cases/[id]
2. Verify case details filled in (parties, incident date, jurisdiction)
3. Upload key documents: police report, medical records, correspondence

In AI Chat:

Draft a personal injury demand letter for this case. Include:
- Facts from the uploaded police report
- Medical treatment from uploaded records
- Damages calculation
- 30-day response deadline
- Formal but firm tone

AI Response: AI Chat generates complete demand letter with:

• Professional header (using your firm info from settings)
• Formal salutation
• Chronological fact narrative (from case documents)
• Legal basis for liability
• Itemized damages (from case details)
• Demand for payment
• Response deadline

[Screenshot placeholder: the platform AI Chat generating demand letter with case context]

the platform Context Awareness: AI includes specific facts from YOUR documents, not generic placeholders.

Pro Tip: After generation, ask follow-up: "Add a paragraph about comparative negligence" or "Make the tone more conciliatory."

Step 5: Save to the platform Snippets Library for Reuse

After perfecting a document section, save it to the platform's snippets library for future use.

Create Snippet:

1. Select excellent paragraph in rich text editor
2. Right-click > "Save to Snippets"
3. Or use snippets sidebar (click icon in editor)
4. Categorize: Quote, Clause, Template, Code

Snippet Categories:

• Quotes: Legal holdings for citations
• Clauses: Reusable legal language
• Templates: Full document outlines
• Code: Citation formats, formatting

Later, in any note or case, open snippets sidebar and insert saved content.

[Screenshot placeholder: the platform snippets sidebar with saved clauses]

the platform Innovation: Snippets sync across all cases and notes via secure cloud storage. Available everywhere.

Pro Tip: Build a snippets library of your best legal writing. Insert into AI drafts to maintain your voice.

Step 6: Generate Discovery with Uploaded Complaint Context

the platform excels at discovery generation because AI Chat reads your complaint.

Upload Complaint:

1. Go to case Files tab
2. Upload complaint PDF
3. Wait for indexing (30-60 seconds)

In AI Chat:

Based on the uploaded complaint, generate 25 interrogatories for the defendant. Focus on:
- Liability for the accident
- Medical treatment and damages
- Insurance coverage
- Witnesses

AI Response: AI Chat analyzes complaint and generates:

• Numbered interrogatories (1-25)
• Properly formatted
• Jurisdiction-specific language (reads case custom fields)
• Objection-resistant phrasing
• Definitions and instructions

[Screenshot placeholder: the platform chat showing interrogatories generated from complaint]

the platform Advantage: AI reads the actual complaint, not a summary you type. More accurate, less work.

Pro Tip: Generate more than you need (50 interrogatories), then select the best 25. Easier than drafting from scratch.

Step 7: Use Multi-AI Providers for Better Drafts

the platform supports multiple AI providers. Different providers have different strengths.

Provider Selection: Navigate to Settings > AI Providers. Configure:

• GPT-4: Excellent for complex legal reasoning
• Claude: Best for long documents (briefs, contracts)
• Azure OpenAI: Enterprise customers with Azure accounts
• AWS Bedrock: Custom model deployments

Workflow:

1. Generate document with GPT-4
2. Create new chat session (click "+ New Session")
3. Switch to Claude in settings
4. Ask Claude to revise GPT-4 draft
5. Compare outputs, combine best elements

[Screenshot placeholder: the platform AI provider settings]

the platform Innovation: Switch providers without leaving the interface. All sessions save to same case.

Pro Tip: Use GPT-4 for drafting, Claude for editing/refining. Each has strengths.

Step 8: Generate Motion Outlines with Case Strategy

Motions require more attorney input. Use the platform AI Chat for outlines, then flesh out.

In AI Chat:

Create an outline for a motion for summary judgment in this case. Structure:
- Statement of facts (reference uploaded documents)
- Legal standard (California state court)
- Argument (why no triable issue)
- Conclusion

Do not write the full motion-just outline with key points.

AI Response: AI Chat generates:

• I. Introduction
• II. Statement of Undisputed Facts A. [Key fact from document 1] B. [Key fact from document 2]
• III. Legal Standard A. Summary judgment standard B. Burden of proof
• IV. Argument A. Element 1 - No triable issue B. Element 2 - No triable issue
• V. Conclusion

[Screenshot placeholder: the platform AI Chat with motion outline]

the platform Approach: Start with AI outline, then write substantive arguments yourself. Best of both worlds.

Pro Tip: Copy outline to rich text editor, then ask AI Chat to draft individual sections: "Write section IV.A about Element 1."

Step 9: Create Email Templates with the platform Variables

the platform AI Chat can draft email templates for common scenarios.

In AI Chat:

Create an email template for client status updates. Include variables for:
- [Client Name]
- [Case Name]
- Recent developments (AI should summarize from case timeline)
- Next steps (AI should identify from tasks)

AI Response:

Subject: Update on [Case Name]

Dear [Client Name],

I wanted to provide you with an update on [Case Name].

Recent Developments:
[AI: Summarize recent activity from case notes and tasks]

Next Steps:
[AI: List upcoming tasks and deadlines]

Timeline:
[AI: Project next 30 days based on case status]

Please let me know if you have questions.

Best regards,
[Your signature]

Save Template: Copy to the platform settings at /the platform/settings/email-templates and save as reusable template.

[Screenshot placeholder: the platform email template with AI variables]

the platform Feature: When using template, AI fills variables automatically from case context.

Pro Tip: Create templates for: engagement letters, discovery extensions, settlement offers, client updates.

Step 10: Implement Quality Control Workflow

AI drafts require attorney review. Use the platform features to ensure quality.

Enable Pre-Flight Checks: Settings > Document Generation > Quality Control

the platform Quality Checks:

• ✅ Citation verification: Flags unverified citations
• ✅ Fact consistency: Checks facts against case documents
• ✅ Date logic: Ensures dates make sense
• ✅ Party names: Verifies names match case details
• ✅ Jurisdiction: Confirms legal standards match custom fields

Review Checklist: the platform generates checklist for each document type:

For Demand Letters:

• All facts verified against source documents
• Damages calculation reviewed
• Legal theories appropriate for jurisdiction
• Recipient name and address correct
• Response deadline appropriate

For Motions:

• All citations verified (using the platform citation verification)
• Facts supported by evidence
• Argument addresses all elements
• No strategic weaknesses
• Proposed order included

[Screenshot placeholder: the platform quality control checklist]

the platform Advantage: Automated checks catch errors before documents leave the system.

Pro Tip: Create task in the platform for document review: "Review AI-generated motion" with checklist attached.

Step 11: Export Documents from the platform

After review and approval, export documents for filing.

Export from document Editor: Click "Export" in editor toolbar:

Format Options:

• Word (.docx): For further editing and e-filing
• PDF: For printing or email
• Markdown: For version control

the platform Export Features:

• Preserves formatting (bold, italic, headings)
• Includes tables and code blocks
• Maintains proper citation format
• Embeds document metadata

[Screenshot placeholder: the platform export dialog]

the platform Version Control: All document versions auto-saved in secure cloud storage. View history at any time.

Pro Tip: Always keep Word version in case files. Often need to adapt documents later.

Step 12: Train AI Chat on Your Writing Style

the platform's AI Chat learns from your edits over time (within your account only, privacy-protected).

How It Works:

1. Generate document with AI Chat
2. Edit in rich text editor
3. Mark as "Final" when approved
4. System analyzes your edits:
   • Preferred word choices
   • Sentence structure
   • Tone and formality
   • Citation style preferences

After 10-15 documents, AI Chat mimics your style. After 50+, output closely matches your voice.

Style Preferences: Configure in Settings > AI > Writing Style:

• Formality level (formal, business, conversational)
• Sentence length preference
• Paragraph length
• Legal citation format (Bluebook, ALWD, local)

[Screenshot placeholder: the platform writing style preferences]

the platform Privacy: Your style training stays in your account. Never shared with other users or used for public model training.

Pro Tip: Mark your best manually-written documents as "Style Examples" in settings. AI Chat learns from them.

the platform Document Generation Benefits

Why the platform's Approach is Superior:

Integrated, Not Separate: AI Chat is on every page, not a separate document generation tool. AI in your workflow.

Context-Aware: AI has access to all case documents automatically. No manual data entry.

document Editor: Modern rich text editor built by Meta. Better than legacy editors.

Multi-AI Providers: Switch between GPT-4, Claude, Azure, Bedrock based on task.

Real-Time Streaming: See AI responses as they're generated via advanced AI.

Snippets Library: Save and reuse your best legal writing across all documents.

Built on modern technology: Fast, modern, secure platform with modern web technology for optimal performance.

Tips & Best Practices

1. Upload Documents First: AI Chat generates better drafts when it has source materials to reference.

2. Start with Outlines: For complex documents (motions, briefs), ask for outlines first, then flesh out sections.

3. Use Specific Prompts: "Draft demand letter using uploaded police report" beats "draft demand letter."

4. Leverage Snippets: Build a library of excellent clauses. Insert into AI drafts to maintain quality.

5. Review Everything: AI drafts are starting points. Always review for accuracy, strategy, and tone.

6. Verify Citations: Use the platform's citation verification. Never file without verification.

7. Use Multi-Provider System: GPT-4 for complex reasoning, Claude for long documents. Experiment.

8. Create Templates: After perfecting a document, save as template in snippets for future use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Filing Without Review: AI drafts require attorney review. Never file unedited.

• ❌ Trusting AI Citations: All citations must be verified. Use the platform verification panel.

• ❌ Generic Prompts: "Draft motion" is generic. "Draft summary judgment motion using uploaded deposition excerpts" is specific.

• ❌ Not Using Case Context: Upload documents to cases. Let AI use them for better drafts.

• ❌ Ignoring Quality Checks: the platform flags issues. Address them before exporting.

• ❌ Not Building Snippets Library: Retyping the same clauses wastes time. Save to snippets.

• ❌ Single-Provider Reliance: Different AI providers have different strengths. Use the platform's multi-provider system.

What's Next in the platform?

Explore more the platform AI features:

• Email Drafting: Use AI Chat to draft legal correspondence
• Contract Analysis: Upload contracts for AI review
• Deposition Prep: AI generates questions from case documents
• Legal Research: AI research with built-in verification
• Brief Writing: Long-form document generation with Claude

Recommended Next Guides:

• How to Use AI for Legal Research in the platform Without Hallucinations
• How to Integrate Gmail with the platform for Email Automation
• How to Set Up the platform Case Management in 5 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where is the "Generate Document" button in the platform? A: the platform uses AI Chat for document generation, not a separate button. Open AI Chat and ask it to draft.

Q: Can AI write entire briefs in the platform? A: AI can draft complete documents, but think of them as strong first drafts. Expect to spend 40-60% of normal drafting time on editing.

Q: How accurate are AI-generated citations in the platform? A: About 75-85% accurate. Always verify using the platform's citation verification panel. Verification is mandatory.

Q: Does the platform support contract drafting? A: Yes. Upload existing contracts to cases, then ask AI Chat to draft similar agreements. Works well for standard contracts.

Q: Can I use the platform for transactional documents? A: Absolutely. AI Chat handles NDAs, service agreements, employment contracts, settlement agreements. Transactional docs often more standardized than litigation.

Q: What if AI includes wrong facts in the platform? A: Always verify facts against uploaded documents. the platform quality checks flag inconsistencies, but human review essential.

Q: Can I customize AI writing style in the platform? A: Yes. Settings > AI > Writing Style. System also learns from your edits over time.

Q: How much time does the platform document generation save? A: Typical savings: Demand letters (70%), discovery (60%), simple motions (50%), complex motions (30%). Average: 5-10 hours weekly.

Q: Is my work product used to train public AI in the platform? A: No. Zero-retention AI processing. Your documents never used to train public models. All data stays confidential.

Q: Can multiple attorneys collaborate on AI-generated documents in the platform? A: Yes. the platform includes real-time collaboration in rich text editor (team plans). Multiple attorneys can review and edit simultaneously.

Conclusion

AI document generation in the platform transforms legal drafting from hours to minutes.

What you've learned: ✅ Using the platform's AI Chat for drafting ✅ Leveraging rich text editor for rich text documents ✅ Generating demand letters with case context ✅ Creating discovery from uploaded complaints ✅ Using multi-AI providers (GPT-4, Claude, Azure, Bedrock) ✅ Building reusable snippets library ✅ Implementing quality control workflows ✅ Exporting documents in multiple formats ✅ Training AI on your writing style ✅ Best practices for attorney review

The the platform Advantage:

• AI Chat on every page
• Context-aware AI with access to all case documents
• rich text editor for modern rich text editing
• Multiple AI providers for best results
• Snippets library for reusable content
• Built on modern technology + modern web technology for speed and reliability

The Reality: AI won't replace attorneys, but attorneys using the platform will outpace those who don't. Document generation saves 5-10 hours weekly.

Use saved time for:

• Higher-value client work
• Business development
• Better work-life balance
• Pro bono service

Action Item: Right now, open a case in the platform, click the AI Chat, and ask it to draft a simple document (status update email or discovery request). Experience the workflow.

The future of legal practice is AI-assisted drafting in the platform-where AI handles routine tasks so you focus on strategy, judgment, and client relationships.

Questions or need help? Visit /the platform/help or email support@counselcrest.com.