What word processor do lawyers use?

Asked by: Marilyne Kub  |  Last update: January 23, 2026
Score: 4.1/5 (53 votes)

As you've likely heard, Microsoft Word for lawyers is a robust word processing software that provides lawyers with a wide range of features for creating and editing legal documents.

What kind of software do lawyers use?

Cloud-based practice management software like Clio Manage centralizes and streamlines running your firm, organizing cases, and collaborating with clients. Clio also integrates with many other apps, making it an even more useful tech tool for lawyers.

Do lawyers use Microsoft Word?

90% of legal professionals use Word every day

This isn't surprising considering Word is used for legal document creation, and legal professionals are constantly creating and formatting documents.

What format do lawyers use?

The Bluebook style guide is used in the American legal profession for citation of all relevant sources. Additionally, the Chicago Manual of Style recommends its use for all citation of legal material.

What is a legal word processor?

As a legal word processor, your responsibilities include producing written legal correspondence and other documentation, such as communications to clients and copies of notes or other work property. You may also receive other duties as assigned and provide assistance on paralegal, legal, or secretarial projects.

Spotlight On | Today's Lawyers as Word Processors

39 related questions found

What is the 3 types of word processors?

The concept of word processing arose from the more general data processing, which since the 1950s had been the application of computers to business administration. Through history, there have been three types of word processors: mechanical, electronic and software.

Which word processor dominates the legal environment?

Nowadays, MS Word is - indeed, for decades has been - the dominant word processor used in U.S. law firms as well as corporate law departments.

What text do lawyers use?

While there's no one “official” font style for preparing legal documents, there are a few court-approved fonts that are considered most easily readable: Arial. Century (and Century-related fonts like Century Schoolbook) Verdana.

How to set up a legal document in Word?

Resize your documents to legal paper size

Instead of using letter size set your Word document to legal paper size. Legal paper is preferred by lawyers because it allows lengthy details like you see in contracts. To set this up, go to Layout >Size> Legal.

What kind of folders do lawyers use?

Legal folders are the most common size for law firms. We also have mini folders and 9" x 12" folders. If you're looking for a different kind of branded supply item, we also offer document pouches and custom notepads.

What is the most popular word processor?

10 Best Word Processing Software in 2024
  1. ClickUp. Try ClickUp Docs. Create shared Docs that connect to your workflows using ClickUp Docs. ...
  2. Microsoft Word. via Microsoft Word. ...
  3. Google Docs. via Google Docs. ...
  4. Grammarly. via Grammarly. ...
  5. WPS Office. via WPS Office. ...
  6. Dropbox Paper. via Dropbox Paper. ...
  7. Notion. via Notion. ...
  8. Coda. via Coda.

Do lawyers use Google Docs?

Google Docs

It offers real-time collaboration, automatic saving, and seamless integration with other Google Workspace applications, making it a popular choice for lawyers who work in teams or prefer cloud-based solutions.

Will Microsoft Word transcribe?

Word transcribes in the background as you record; you won't see text on the page as you would when dictating. You'll see the transcript after you save and transcribe the recording. Go to Home > Dictate > Transcribe. In the Transcribe pane, select Start recording.

Do lawyers use Excel?

Lawyers use Excel to crunch financial data, track billable hours, and assign and manage cases—among a host of other tasks.

What are 3 tools of a lawyer?

From managing documents to staying connected in our digital age, lawyers rely on an array of equipment to thrive in their profession, such as:
  • High-Speed Scanners. ...
  • Laptops, Smartphones, and Tablets. ...
  • eFax Solutions. ...
  • Video Conference Equipment. ...
  • Legal Case Management Software. ...
  • Virtual Receptionists. ...
  • Time Tracking Software.

Why do lawyers use Microsoft Word?

Ultimate Tool for Creating Work Product

Even in practice areas where the document is not the final product (such as litigation), most of the work still involves creating documents. In view of this, efficient use of the tool we use to create documents (Microsoft Word) is extremely important.

Does Microsoft Word have legal templates?

Currently it is possible for the user to generate document templates through Microsoft Word, by using a pre-defined list of Legal One tags. These tags are presented and managed by this add in, in which the user can use the available Legal One fields and save the changes in the document template.

Can I create my own legal document?

Can I write my own contract? Yes, you can write your own contract. However, including all necessary elements is crucial to make it legally binding.

What is the font size for legal documents?

What size font is used for legal documents? The type in your legal documents should be font size 12 at the minimum and higher if required by court rules. Increasing the font size to 14 will make a huge positive impact on readability, especially for those reading on screens.

What format do lawyers write in?

Whether they call it IRAC (Issue, Rule, Application, Conclusion), CRAC (Conclusion, Rule, Application, Conclusion), or CREAC (Conclusion, Rule, Explanation, Application, Conclusion), all lawyers write in the same way: by laying out the issue to be discussed, the legal rule relevant to the issue, the analysis of the ...

What is the lawyer font in word?

Times New Roman is the industry standard for legal documents created for court. Be sure to check with your local courts for other requirements, such as font size or spacing. When broadening the scope of legal documents to include letters to clients and emails, Helvetica and Calibri are also popular with lawyers.

What are words that lawyers use?

The following definitions will make it easier for you to understand common legal words and phrases used frequently during a trial.
  • Action, Case, Suit. A legal dispute brought into court for a hearing or trial.
  • Answer. ...
  • Acquit. ...
  • Cause of Action. ...
  • Challenge for Cause. ...
  • Closing Argument. ...
  • Complaint. ...
  • Counterclaim.

Does WordPerfect still exist?

The latest version is WordPerfect Office 2021, released May 2021. The suite is offered in three editions: Home and Student, Standard, and Professional, with only the last of these including Paradox.

Is Google Docs a word processor?

Google Docs, first released in 2006, is a free web-based word processor in which documents can be created, edited and stored as part of the Google Docs Editors suite of free web applications.

What is the most commonly used word processor?

One of the most widely used is Microsoft Office. This includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. Originally developed for the Windows operating system, this office suite also has a version for Mac OS. OpenOffice by Apache is a free and open source office suite.