Utilizing Document Automation Software on a Legal Hotline

Lizzie L. Johnson, EsquireCommunity Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc.

315 Magnolia AvenueSanford, Florida 32771

LIZZIEJ@CLSMF.ORG(407) 322-8983

An Overview of Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida Legal Advice Helpline:

Covers 11 counties

Serves a diverse population

Provides centralized intake as well as Legal Advice.

Multiple portals for clients to submit an application: At any local office By telephone Online (we have an online intake system)

Before producing Pro Se Documents via Document Automation Software

The attorney should Speak to the client Assess the merit of the client’s claims and

defenses Provide legal advice Consider the pro se client’s ability to draft the pro

se pleadings (or complete a pro se form) Use document automation technology to draft

pro se forms

What is HotDocs?

Document assembly program such as ProDocs or TurboTax

Client interview questions

Produces the necessary forms and related forms

An overview of our HotDocs

Simple Demo

Using Document Automation

to Develop A Client Letter

The Benefits of Using Document Automation to Assist Pro Se Clients

1. Saves time

2. Consistency

3. All blanks are filled in

4. No privacy breach

5. Related forms can be produced quickly based on the original client interview answers

6. Templates can be updated for all users in several minutes.

The Challenges of Using Document Automation to Assist Pro Se Clients

Fear of attorneys using something new or unfamiliar. You must maintain and update forms as the laws

change. Some attorneys prefer to use their own forms.

Practice Tips . . .

If possible, have the client pick up the completed pro se forms in a local office

Have access to HotDocs to revise the documents during the client call

Suggest that the client write the information down on a piece of paper.