Here’s a list of the top writing features and tools most valuable for law students, especially for legal research, drafting, and academic writing.
1. Research and Citation Management
Legal writing depends on precise referencing and source control.Essential features:
- Automatic citation generation (Bluebook, AGLC, APA, etc.)
- Case and statute linking (direct integration with legal databases) [todo]
- Reference libraries (organize journal articles, cases, legislation)
- Annotation tools (highlight and comment on PDFs) [todo]
- Collaboration sync (shared reference lists for group projects)
- A wide range of records for Judicial, Legislative, Government, and International matters. See the full list here.
2. Legal Drafting and Formatting
Legal writing has strict structure and formatting rules.Essential features:
- Automatic table of authorities and table of cases/statutes [wip]
- Cross-referencing tools for sections, clauses, and exhibits
- Numbered headings and clause management
- Track changes [done] and version history [todo]
- Precedent management (store and reuse standard clauses)
- Can use section templates
- Styles and templates for legal memos, contracts, submissions
3. Clarity, Grammar, and Readability
Law students benefit from precision and conciseness.Essential features:
- Grammar and style checker (focus on formal tone and accuracy)
- Legal plain-language suggestions (simplify dense sentences)
- Passive voice detection [todo]
- Complexity and readability scoring [todo]
4. Research Note-Taking and Argument Building
Organising research into structured arguments is crucial.Essential features:
- Outline and structure mapping
- Argument trees or flow diagrams
- Use pinboard or planner
- Linked notes between sources and arguments
- View library records and notes while writing [todo]
- Searchable annotations [todo]
- Integrated citation while drafting
5. Collaboration and Feedback
Group projects and supervisor feedback rely on clear version control.Essential features:
- Real-time co-authoring
- Comment and suggestion tracking
- Version comparison (highlighting revisions)
- Cloud sync[not required]
6. Compliance and Citation Verification
Law schools and journals require strict citation accuracy.Essential features:
- Citation format validation (e.g., AGLC4/Bluebook checker)
- All citations and references are up-to-date with latest citation style
- Bibliography auditing (detect missing references)
- Not possible; if it is cited, it is in the bibliography
- Link verification (ensure case citations are live/accurate)
- Online access to WorldLii [todo]
7. Workflow and Integration
Connecting tools for a seamless writing experience.Essential features:
- Integration with legal databases (WorldLii) [todo]
- Export to Word or PDF with preserved formatting
- Reference sync between writing and citation software
- Built-in; synch not required
- Cloud-based storage and backup
ToDo
- Case and statute linking (direct integration with legal databases) [todo]
- Annotation tools (highlight and comment on PDFs) [todo]
- Automatic table of authorities and table of cases/statutes [wip]
- Readability score [todo]
- Passive voice detection [todo]
- Version history [todo]
- Version comparison (highlighting revisions)
- View library records and notes while writing [todo]
- Integration with legal databases (WorldLii) [todo]