Casetext Compose - Detailed Review
Legal Tools
Casetext Compose - Product Overview
Introduction to Casetext Compose
Casetext Compose is an AI-driven legal tool developed by Casetext, a legal technology company, to streamline the process of drafting legal motions and briefs. Here’s a breakdown of its primary function, target audience, and key features:Primary Function
Compose is designed to automate the initial drafting of legal briefs and motions, significantly reducing the time attorneys spend on research and writing. It generates a first draft by providing a comprehensive outline of available arguments, legal standards, and relevant case law specific to the jurisdiction and type of motion.Target Audience
The primary users of Casetext Compose are attorneys and law firms, particularly those involved in litigation. This includes litigators at large firms, such as those in the AmLaw 200, as well as federal clerks and other legal professionals who need to draft motions efficiently.Key Features
Argument and Standard Selection
Compose presents lawyers with a treatise-like outline of all available arguments for a specific motion, along with the applicable legal standards. Lawyers can select these arguments and standards with a click, and the system generates fully composed paragraphs, including citations.Jurisdiction-Specific
The tool is customized to the specific jurisdiction of the case, ensuring that the arguments and legal standards provided are relevant and accurate.Parallel Search Technology
Compose uses Parallel Search, a technology that allows attorneys to add relevant cases and authorities to their draft by typing in specific language. This technology identifies cases based on the concepts rather than just the exact words used.Efficiency and Time Savings
Studies have shown that Compose can make brief drafting 76% faster, saving attorneys an average of 5.2 hours per brief. It also reduces the risk of missing relevant arguments or cases by 92%.Customization and Editing
The generated text is fully editable, both within the Compose platform and after exporting the draft to Microsoft Word. This allows attorneys to refine and customize the brief according to their needs.Specialized Collections
Compose has been expanded to cover specific areas of law, such as employment law and products liability, ensuring that the arguments and standards are highly relevant to these practice areas. By leveraging AI and machine learning, Casetext Compose aims to make the legal drafting process more efficient, predictable, and of high quality, allowing law firms to better meet client expectations and improve their profitability. Casetext Compose - User Interface and Experience
User Interface of Casetext Compose
The user interface of Casetext Compose is crafted to be user-friendly and seamlessly integrated into the workflow of legal professionals.Integration and Accessibility
Casetext Compose is built directly into Microsoft Word, allowing attorneys to access its features without leaving their drafts. This integration simplifies the process of discovering and adding arguments, legal standards, and precedents, making it highly convenient and efficient.User-Friendly Interface
The interface is intuitive, enabling lawyers to select motion types in specific jurisdictions, add arguments from a menu, and select legal standards customized to the arguments and jurisdiction. This structured approach helps in organizing arguments into groups for easy access and ensures that all necessary elements are included in the draft.Efficiency in Use
Studies have shown that Compose significantly increases efficiency in brief-drafting. For instance, a study involving 13 litigators found that using Compose made the process 76% faster, saving an average of 5.2 hours per brief. This efficiency is largely due to features like Parallel Search technology, which streamlines the process of adding facts and authorities to the draft.Features and Tools
The platform utilizes natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning capabilities to aid in legal research. Lawyers can perform sentence-based parallel research, add citations to arguments, and organize case information on a centralized portal. These features make it easier to track legal changes, practice notes, and ensure that all relevant information is included in the documents.Ease of Use
The user experience is enhanced by the simplicity of the interface. Lawyers can quickly get started with a brief 4-minute video tutorial, as demonstrated in the ROI study. This ease of use reduces the learning curve, allowing attorneys to focus on drafting high-quality briefs rather than spending time figuring out the software.Overall Experience
Overall, the user experience of Casetext Compose is characterized by its ease of use, efficiency, and seamless integration into existing workflows. It helps lawyers to draft briefs more quickly and accurately, reducing the risk of missing relevant arguments or cases. This makes it a valuable tool for legal professionals looking to streamline their workflow and improve productivity. Casetext Compose - Key Features and Functionality
Casetext Compose Overview
Casetext Compose is an AI-driven legal tool that significantly streamlines the process of drafting legal briefs and motions. Here are the key features and how they work:
Automated Brief Drafting
Compose automates the creation of the first draft of a legal brief, a process that traditionally takes 10-80 hours of billable work. By entering basic information about the brief, Compose generates a list of relevant arguments and applicable legal standards, which can be added to the brief with a single click. This reduces the drafting time to as little as 20 minutes.
Parallel Search Technology
Compose uses Parallel Search, a transformer-based neural language model, to find conceptually relevant legal precedents even if the cases do not use the same language. This technology goes beyond traditional keyword searches, identifying documents that contain matching concepts and analogies. For example, if you highlight a sentence in your brief, Parallel Search can find cases that support that argument, even if those cases use different wording.
Integration with Microsoft Word
Compose is available as an add-in for Microsoft Word, allowing lawyers to access its drafting and research functionality directly within their documents. This add-in includes all the features of the online version, such as click-to-add arguments and the Parallel Search tool. This integration makes it seamless to incorporate Compose into the workflow of any law practice.
Argument Selection and Insertion
Lawyers can select from a list of available arguments for a specific motion type and add them to their brief with a click. The system also indicates whether arguments are for or against the lawyer’s position, automatically assessing their relevance and impact.
Employment Law and Other Specialized Collections
Initially focusing on core motions related to federal civil procedure and discovery, Compose has expanded to include specialized collections, such as employment law briefs. This includes motions related to wage and hour cases and employment discrimination, with plans for further expansion into other areas of law.
Tutorial and Training
Compose can also serve as a tutorial for new lawyers assigned to draft motions for the first time. It helps them understand the structure and content of a well-supported legal brief, making it a valuable training tool.
Economic Benefits
By automating the first draft of legal briefs, Compose can significantly reduce the time and cost associated with litigation. For example, it can lower the expense of drafting a motion to dismiss a case from around $120,000 to a fraction of that cost, making it economically beneficial for law firms and large corporations.
User-Friendly and Integrated
Compose is integrated into common law firm tools and is user-friendly, making it easy to incorporate into existing workflows. It offers various pricing plans and a free trial, ensuring it is accessible and affordable for legal professionals.
Conclusion
In summary, Casetext Compose leverages AI to automate and streamline the legal brief drafting process, saving time and reducing costs, while also providing valuable training and research tools for legal professionals.
Casetext Compose - Performance and Accuracy
Evaluating the Performance and Accuracy of Casetext Compose
Performance
Casetext Compose has demonstrated significant efficiency gains in the process of drafting legal briefs. Here are some key performance metrics:- A study conducted by Casetext showed that using Compose resulted in 76% faster brief drafting compared to the estimated time without the software.
- The same study indicated that attorneys saved an average of 5.2 hours per brief drafted with Compose.
- Compose integrates seamlessly with Microsoft Word, allowing attorneys to discover and add arguments, legal standards, and precedent without leaving their drafts, further enhancing efficiency.
Accuracy
The accuracy of Compose is supported by several features:- Compose provides a menu of arguments and legal standards that are customized to the attorney’s side and jurisdiction, reducing the risk of missing critical arguments or cases. In fact, 92% of the lawyers in the study reported a reduced risk of missing an argument or case.
- The tool uses Parallel Search, a concept-based legal search that can find matching case law even if it includes none of the same language, ensuring that the legal research is thorough and accurate.
- Compose was developed in collaboration with leading experts in various fields of law, such as employment law, to ensure the arguments and legal standards provided are accurate and relevant.
Limitations and Areas for Improvement
While Compose has shown promising results, there are some limitations and potential areas for improvement:- Self-Conducted Study: The study that highlighted the efficiency gains was conducted by Casetext itself, which might raise questions about the objectivity of the results. Critics could argue that the scenarios were selected to favor the software.
- Dependence on Predefined Arguments: Compose relies on a predefined set of arguments and legal standards. While this is beneficial for common motions, it might not be as effective for highly unusual or novel legal issues that do not fit within the predefined categories.
- Potential for Overreliance: There is a concern that attorneys might rely too heavily on Compose, potentially leading to a lack of deep engagement with the legal material. This could result in attorneys missing subtle nuances or failing to develop their own legal reasoning skills.
User Experience
The integration of Compose into Microsoft Word has been praised for its ease of use and minimal training requirements. Attorneys can begin using Compose after just a few minutes of training, as it operates within a familiar environment. In summary, Casetext Compose has shown significant improvements in the efficiency and accuracy of brief drafting, but it is important to consider the potential limitations and the need for balanced use to ensure that attorneys maintain their critical legal skills. Casetext Compose - Pricing and Plans
The Pricing Structure of Casetext Compose
The pricing structure of Casetext Compose is straightforward and segmented into several tiers to cater to different needs of attorneys and law firms.
Free Trial
Compose offers a free trial, allowing users to try the service before committing to a subscription. This trial is available for both the standalone Compose application and the Microsoft Word add-in.
Pricing Tiers
$0 – Free Trial
- This tier allows users to try Compose for free, giving them a chance to experience the features and benefits before purchasing a subscription.
$200 Per Month
- This tier provides unlimited use of one specific template.
- Features include:
- Templates that work for both parties.
- Always up-to-date content.
- All citations checked for good law.
- Built-in Parallel Search, which allows users to find matching case law using sentences from their draft, even if the language is different.
$400 Per Month
- This tier offers unlimited use of all templates.
- Features include:
- All templates work for both parties.
- Always up-to-date content.
- All citations checked for good law.
- Built-in Parallel Search for concept-based legal research.
Additional Features
- The Microsoft Word add-in is available to all Compose subscribers, allowing attorneys to integrate the drafting technology directly into their existing workflows. This add-in includes features like click-to-add arguments, legal standards customized to the attorney’s side and jurisdiction, and the Parallel Search functionality.
By offering these tiers, Casetext Compose provides flexibility and scalability to meet the varying needs of legal professionals.
Casetext Compose - Integration and Compatibility
Casetext Compose Overview
Casetext Compose, a prominent AI-driven legal tool, integrates seamlessly with various platforms and tools, enhancing its usability and efficiency for legal professionals.
Integration with Microsoft Word
One of the key integrations of Casetext Compose is with Microsoft Word. The Compose Word Add-in allows attorneys to discover and add arguments, legal standards, and precedent directly from within their Word documents. This integration eliminates the need to switch between different software tools, making the brief-drafting process more efficient and streamlined.
Compatibility Across Platforms
Casetext Compose is compatible with the workflows of most law firms, integrating well with existing tools and systems. For instance, it can be used within the familiar environment of Microsoft Word, which reduces the need for extensive training. Attorneys can start using Compose after just a few minutes of familiarization, as it is embedded in a platform they are already comfortable with.
Parallel Search and Other Features
Casetext Compose also features a novel concept-based legal search called Parallel Search, which operates using a Transformer-based neural network. This search functionality allows attorneys to use full sentences as queries and find relevant case law even if the search terms do not match the exact language used in the cases. This feature is available both within the Compose application and through the Microsoft Word add-in.
GPT-3 and Large Language Models
While Casetext Compose does utilize GPT-3 in certain aspects, such as ranking judge-generated text, it does not rely on GPT-3 for text generation. Instead, it uses GPT-3 to support the assembly of precedents and legal standards within the Compose tool. This ensures that the output is based on actual judge-generated text, rather than AI-generated content.
General Compatibility
Casetext’s tools, including Compose, are widely adopted across the legal market, from large law firms to solo practices. The platform is designed to be user-friendly and integrates well with common law firm tools, making it accessible and efficient for a broad range of users.
Conclusion
In summary, Casetext Compose integrates well with Microsoft Word, uses advanced search technologies like Parallel Search, and leverages large language models like GPT-3 to enhance its functionality. This makes it a highly compatible and efficient tool for legal professionals across various platforms and devices.
Casetext Compose - Customer Support and Resources
Customer Support Options
Casetext, the legal technology company behind the AI-driven product Casetext Compose, offers several comprehensive customer support options and additional resources to ensure users can effectively utilize their tools.
Live Chat and Email Support
Casetext provides live chat and email support, available from Monday to Friday between 7 am and 10 pm Eastern Time, and on Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm Eastern Time. Users can initiate live chats directly from the Casetext website, either from the bottom right corner if not logged in, or from the left sidebar if logged in. For email support, users can contact support@casetext.com for assistance with any questions or issues related to Casetext technologies.
Help Center
The Casetext Help Center is a valuable resource available 24/7. It includes a library of tutorial videos, detailed step-by-step instructions for using Casetext technology, and substantive ethical and professional guidance. This center is accessible from anywhere with an internet connection and provides a wealth of information to help users get the most out of the platform.
Reference Attorney Training
For subscribers to the CoCounsel Core and CoCounsel All-Access plans, Casetext offers reference attorney training. This training is provided by former practitioners with real-world legal experience who are also experts in applying generative AI technology. The training focuses on helping legal practitioners craft effective prompts and follow-up refinements to maximize their interactions with generative AI. This service is available by appointment and can be requested by emailing support@casetext.com.
Compose Brief Drafting Tool
The Compose tool, integrated into Microsoft Word, allows attorneys to draft briefs more efficiently. This add-in includes features like click-to-add arguments, legal standards customized to the attorney’s side and jurisdiction, and Parallel Search, an AI-driven concept-based search tool. This integration enables attorneys to find and add arguments, legal standards, and precedent directly within their Word documents without needing to switch between different applications.
Additional Resources
Tutorial Videos and Instructions
The Help Center provides tutorial videos and step-by-step instructions to guide users through the use of Casetext technologies.
Substantive Guidance
The Help Center also offers ethical and professional guidance to support legal practitioners in their work.
Customer Service Phone Numbers
For those who prefer phone support, Casetext provides toll-free and customer service numbers, such as (833) 227-3898 and (408) 389-4154.
These resources ensure that Casetext users have multiple avenues for support and can effectively utilize the advanced features of their legal research and drafting tools.
Casetext Compose - Pros and Cons
Advantages of Casetext Compose
Efficiency and Time Savings
- Casetext Compose significantly increases efficiency in brief-drafting, with users reporting a 76% reduction in time spent on drafting briefs, saving an average of 5.2 hours per brief.
- It integrates seamlessly into Microsoft Word, allowing attorneys to work within their familiar workflow, reducing the need to switch between different tools and databases.
Streamlined Research
- Compose features Parallel Search, an AI-driven concept-search tool that uses a sentence to find matching case law, even if the cases do not contain the same words. This enhances the accuracy and speed of legal research.
User-Friendly Interface
- The tool is easy to use, with attorneys able to start using it after just a few minutes of training. This is because it is embedded within Microsoft Word, a platform most attorneys are already comfortable with.
Comprehensive Features
- Compose offers a menu of click-to-add arguments, legal standards customized to the attorney’s side and jurisdiction, and the ability to add facts and authorities directly into the draft.
Reduced Risk
- The tool reduces the risk of missing relevant arguments or cases, with 92% of lawyers in a study reporting a reduced risk of such oversights.
Support and Resources
- Casetext provides top-notch support through live chat, phone, or email, ensuring that users can get help when needed.
Disadvantages of Casetext Compose
Limited Availability
- Initially, the Microsoft Word add-in was available only to Casetext enterprise customers, although it was planned to be more widely available in the coming months.
Learning Curve for Advanced Features
- While the basic use of Compose is straightforward, fully leveraging its advanced features, such as the AI-driven Parallel Search, might require some time to get accustomed to, although this is generally minimal.
Dependence on Technology
- As with any AI-driven tool, there is a dependency on the technology working correctly. Issues such as updates and compatibility problems, although minimized by the integration with Microsoft Word, could still arise.
Cost Considerations
- While Casetext offers various benefits, the cost of the service might be a consideration for some law firms, especially smaller ones. However, the efficiency gains and potential for increased profitability could offset these costs.
In summary, Casetext Compose offers significant advantages in terms of efficiency, ease of use, and comprehensive features, but may have some limitations related to availability and cost.
Casetext Compose - Comparison with Competitors
When Comparing Casetext’s Compose with Other AI-Driven Legal Tools
Unique Features of Casetext Compose
- Parallel Search: This is a standout feature of Compose, utilizing a transformer-based neural language model to find conceptually relevant legal precedents, even if the language used in the cases differs from the search query. This capability allows lawyers to construct well-supported legal arguments quickly and efficiently.
- Efficiency in Drafting: Compose significantly reduces the time required to draft briefs, allowing lawyers to create a first draft in as little as 20 minutes, which is a 76% reduction in time compared to traditional methods.
- Comprehensive Argument Outline: Compose provides a treatise-like outline of available arguments and applicable legal standards, which can be easily added to the brief with a click. The text is fully editable, both within Compose and after export to Word.
Potential Alternatives
NexLaw AI
- Similar Functionality: Like Compose, NexLaw AI offers legal research, document drafting, and AI-driven case analysis. However, NexLaw AI may have different strengths and weaknesses depending on the specific needs of the legal practice.
- Different Approach: NexLaw AI might use different AI algorithms or have a different user interface, which could be more or less intuitive depending on the user’s preferences.
CoCounsel by Thomson Reuters
- Integrated Ecosystem: CoCounsel is part of the Thomson Reuters ecosystem and integrates with various platforms such as Microsoft 365. It offers a range of AI skills, including document review, deposition preparation, and AI-assisted research. While it does not specifically focus on brief drafting like Compose, it provides a comprehensive suite of tools for legal professionals.
- Generative AI Capabilities: CoCounsel uses generative AI to assist in tasks like drafting, research, and document review, but it may not have the same level of specialization in brief drafting as Compose.
Current Status of Casetext Compose
It’s important to note that Casetext Compose is no longer available as a standalone product. Instead, users are directed to CoCounsel, which is a more comprehensive AI-driven legal toolset offered by Thomson Reuters.
In summary, while Casetext Compose was innovative in its approach to AI-driven brief drafting, alternatives like NexLaw AI and CoCounsel by Thomson Reuters offer different sets of features and integrations that might better suit the needs of various legal practices.
Casetext Compose - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Casetext Compose?
Casetext Compose is a legal technology tool developed by Casetext that helps attorneys draft legal briefs and motions more efficiently. It integrates directly into Microsoft Word, allowing lawyers to find and add arguments, legal standards, and precedent without leaving their drafts.
How does Casetext Compose improve the brief-drafting process?
Compose significantly improves the brief-drafting process by reducing the time attorneys spend on research. It eliminates the need to switch between various resources like templates, treatises, case law databases, and document management systems. According to a study, Compose makes brief drafting 76% faster, saving attorneys an average of 5.2 hours per brief.
What features are included in Casetext Compose?
Compose includes several key features:
- A menu of click-to-add arguments
- Legal standards customized to the attorney’s side and jurisdiction
- Parallel Search, a concept-based legal search that finds matching case law even if it uses different language
- The ability to add facts and authorities directly into the draft
- Automatic citation checks to ensure good law.
How does Parallel Search work in Casetext Compose?
Parallel Search is a novel form of concept-based legal search that allows attorneys to find matching case law using a sentence, even if the case law does not contain the same language. This feature helps in quickly locating relevant legal precedents without the need for extensive keyword searches.
Is Casetext Compose available as a standalone application or only as a Microsoft Word add-in?
Compose is available both as a standalone application and as an add-in for Microsoft Word. The Microsoft Word version integrates all the features of the original Compose application directly into the Word environment.
What are the pricing options for Casetext Compose?
Casetext Compose offers several pricing options:
- A free trial
- A $200 per month plan with unlimited use of a specific template
- A $400 per month plan with unlimited use of all templates. All plans include features like built-in Parallel Search and citation checks.
Can I try Casetext Compose before committing to a subscription?
Yes, Casetext offers a free trial for Compose. Attorneys can request access to the free trial through the Casetext website or by contacting their sales team.
Does Casetext Compose integrate with other legal tools and platforms?
Yes, Casetext Compose integrates with various third-party platforms, including Clio, Priori, Gavelytics, LawPay, Tracers, SCOTUSblog, and Lawfare. This integration helps in streamlining workflows and accessing a broader range of legal resources.
What are the strategic and financial benefits of using Casetext Compose?
Using Compose can lead to several strategic and financial benefits, such as reducing write-offs, increasing the profitability of flat fee engagements, and reducing the risk of missing relevant arguments or cases. These benefits contribute to overall increased efficiency and profitability for law firms.
How do I get started with Casetext Compose?
To get started, you can request access to the free trial or contact the Casetext sales team for more information. The tool is available to any attorney or law firm with a Compose subscription.
Casetext Compose - Conclusion and Recommendation
Final Assessment of Casetext Compose
Casetext Compose is a significant innovation in the legal tools AI-driven product category, particularly for brief drafting. Here’s a comprehensive look at its benefits and who would most benefit from using it.Efficiency and Time Savings
Casetext Compose has been shown to dramatically increase the efficiency of brief drafting. A study involving 13 litigators from top law firms and federal clerkship roles found that using Compose made brief drafting 76% faster. On average, participants saved 5.2 hours per brief compared to their traditional methods.Reduced Risk
The study also highlighted that 92% of the lawyers reported a reduced risk of missing an argument or a relevant case when using Compose. This is crucial in legal work, where overlooking key points can have significant consequences.Integration and Ease of Use
Compose is integrated into Microsoft Word, making it seamless for attorneys to use within their existing workflows. This integration eliminates the need to switch between different tools and databases, further increasing efficiency. Attorneys can start using Compose after just a few minutes of training, as it leverages familiar Microsoft Word environments.Financial and Strategic Benefits
The use of Compose can lead to financial benefits such as reducing write-offs and increasing the profitability of flat fee engagements. By saving time and reducing the risk of errors, law firms can enhance their overall profitability.Who Would Benefit Most
Casetext Compose would be most beneficial for litigators and law firms that frequently draft motions and briefs. This includes:- Large law firms (AmLaw200 firms) where efficiency and accuracy are critical.
- Federal clerks and judges who need to review and draft legal documents quickly.
- Any legal professional looking to streamline their brief drafting process and reduce the risk of missing important arguments or cases.