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Utilizing Document Automation Software on a Legal Hotline

Utilizing Document Automation Software on a Legal Hotline. Lizzie L. Johnson, Esquire Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. 315 Magnolia Avenue Sanford, Florida 32771 LIZZIEJ@CLSMF.ORG (407) 322-8983. An Overview of Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida Legal Advice Helpline:.

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Utilizing Document Automation Software on a Legal Hotline

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  1. Utilizing Document Automation Software on a Legal Hotline Lizzie L. Johnson, Esquire Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida, Inc. 315 Magnolia Avenue Sanford, Florida 32771 LIZZIEJ@CLSMF.ORG (407) 322-8983

  2. 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)

  3. 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

  4. What is HotDocs? • Document assembly program such as ProDocs or TurboTax • Client interview questions • Produces the necessary forms and related forms

  5. An overview of our HotDocs Simple Demo Using Document Automation to Develop A Client Letter

  6. The Benefits of Using Document Automation to Assist Pro Se Clients • Saves time • Consistency • All blanks are filled in • No privacy breach • Related forms can be produced quickly based on the original client interview answers • Templates can be updated for all users in several minutes.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

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