Chapter 6 – Distinguishing Expert Document Systems from Expert Law Systems

While both Expert Document Systems and Expert Law Systems leverage automation to enhance efficiency, their objectives and legal implications set them apart. Understanding these differences is crucial for professionals aiming to implement these systems effectively while maintaining compliance.  The dividing line is the internality v. the externality of the use.  By this I mean the use of the automatic conditional logic data collection and data-merging for the internal business purposes of a business v. the use of the very same automatic conditional logic data collection and data-merging for external clients who receive documents with specific tailored documents that have been selected and completed based on and including their information and/or prewritten explanations of more focused legal scenarios that the person’s answers to the automated conditional logic questions indicate.

Expert Document Systems primarily focus on internal processes, streamlining the management of business documents based on client-provided data. These systems automate tasks like generating invoices, contracts, and compliance reports, which are essential for smooth organizational operations. The emphasis is on efficiency and accuracy within a controlled environment. Integration to 3rd party systems generally are a part of an Expert Business Document System.

Expert Law Systems, in contrast, are designed to guide users through legal procedures. These systems analyze user inputs to select the appropriate legal documents and outline necessary steps. Whether drafting a will or setting up a business entity, they ensure users follow the correct legal protocols without direct human intervention. Any type of legal system can be encoded into an Expert Law System setup using DocupletionForms.com.

A key distinction lies in their legal implications. Interacting with an Expert Law System does not establish an attorney-client relationship, a critical aspect that users must be made aware of through clear disclaimers. Expert Document Systems, dealing with internal business documentation, do not typically require such disclaimers, focusing instead on operational workflows. Expert Law Systems do NOT violate UPL Principles, but it is possible to confuse people and become liable if a proper disclaimer is not included in the flow of presentation to the end-user of the Expert Law System.

While Expert Document Systems and Expert Law Systems share similarities in their use of automation, their purposes and implications differ significantly. Recognizing these distinctions enables professionals to use these tools effectively and responsibly.