Your Guide to Legal Innovation

Product Update: A better way to start drafting

Written by Smarter Drafter | May 6, 2026 1:29:45 PM

When starting a document, lawyers need to confirm one thing: the data is right. Who’s involved. What roles they play. What’s being used. 

If that’s clear at the start, everything that follows becomes simple - the document just populates. Drafting time drops significantly.

What’s new

The latest update to Smarter Drafter Pro introduces a more structured way to manage matter data at the start of drafting - making it easier to confirm what’s being used before the document is generated.

In this release:

  • Clear visibility of matter data: See all relevant parties and details in one place, with roles clearly defined.
  • More control when it matters: Adjust, replace, or remove data before drafting begins - without reworking it later.
  • Support for more complex matters: Use the same record across multiple roles, reducing duplication.
  • Guided resolution where needed: Where multiple data points exist, users are prompted to confirm what should apply.

 

Why it matters

This is about getting the start right. When data is confirmed upfront:

  • Less rework: Information flows into the document correctly the first time.
  • Fewer errors: Users can see exactly what’s being applied before drafting begins.
  • Better adoption: A clear starting point makes the workflow easier to trust and repeat.
  • Faster drafting: Once confirmed, the document populates automatically.

How it works

Matter data is surfaced at the start of drafting in a structured view that reflects how the matter is organised.

From there, users can:

  • Review all data in context
  • Make quick adjustments where needed
  • Pull in additional records where required

Once confirmed, that data flows directly into the document — whether drafting in Word, or working from connected systems like iManage or practice management platforms.

No rekeying. No switching between systems. Just a clean transition from data to document.

Where this is going

This is part of a broader direction. As automation becomes more embedded in legal workflows, the focus shifts to getting inputs right - so outputs take care of themselves.

We’re continuing to build towards a platform where data, documents, and workflows stay connected - so drafting scales without adding complexity.

👉 Explore the full release here