The Top 8 Gavel Alternatives for Faster, Smarter Legal Document Automation

Legal work is already complicated enough. The last thing you need is software that adds extra steps instead of simplifying your workflow.

While Gavel is a popular choice for legal document automation, it’s not without its challenges.

Some users find it limiting when handling complex workflows, while others feel restricted by its customization options. And if your firm deals with high-volume or highly specialized documents, you might be looking for a tool that gives you more control.

The good news? There are better alternatives out there.

In this guide, we’ll share the top eight Gavel alternatives. We’ll break down their features, pricing, and what makes each one stand out so you can find the best fit for your practice.

What Is Gavel?

Gavel is a legal document automation platform designed to help law firms, financial institutions, and businesses streamline how they create, manage, and share legal documents.

Key features

• Template automation – Turn your frequently used legal documents into reusable templates that auto-fill based on client or case data.
• Conditional logic – Include or exclude sections of a document based on the answers provided, so you don’t have to edit manually.
• Client-facing interfaces – Collect information through branded, fillable forms, making intake and collaboration smoother.
• Data integration – Sync with tools like Zapier and CRMs to pull in client details without extra manual work.
• Workflow automation – Streamline the process of creating, reviewing, and finalizing legal documents.

Pricing

• Lite – $83/month (1 builder seat, 10 templates, basic automation)
• Standard – $210/month (1 builder seat, 50 templates, data management, integrations)
• Pro – $290/month (2 builder seats, 100 templates, Stripe payments, custom branding)
• Scale – Starts at $417/month (custom usage, API access, SSO, dedicated support)

Why Look for a Gavel Alternative?

Gavel is a well-known name in legal document automation, but it’s not without its limitations. Here are some reasons why you might consider exploring alternatives:

No ready-to-use templates

Unlike some legal automation tools that come with pre-built templates, Gavel requires you to create everything from scratch. While this offers customization, it also means a longer setup process, especially if you don’t have the time to build out an entire template library before getting started.

Workflow automation has gaps

Gavel helps automate document creation, but when it comes to more complex workflows – like multi-step approvals, conditional routing, or collaboration across different teams – it has its limits. If you need a tool that can handle more advanced automation without workarounds, you might find Gavel restrictive.

Integrations aren’t as robust as they could be

Gavel does offer some integrations, but users have noted that connecting it with other legal tools, CRMs, or databases isn’t always seamless. If you rely on a tech stack that includes specific case management software or internal systems, you may find yourself doing more manual data transfers than you’d like.

Top Gavel Alternatives (8 Tools You Need to Know)

If Gavel isn’t checking all the boxes for your legal document automation needs, you’re not out of options. Plenty of other platforms offer more flexibility, deeper automation, and smoother integrations – without the same roadblocks.

Here are our top picks:

1. Knackly

Knackly is the leading legal document automation platform for creating documents faster and with fewer errors. Instead of copy-pasting client details or adjusting templates manually, Knackly automates the entire process – helping firms cut document drafting time by up to 80%.

It’s a go-to choice for teams that handle complex legal paperwork and want a smarter, more automated workflow without sacrificing accuracy or security.

Key features

• Client intake automation – Clients enter their own details through guided forms on any device, and Knackly automatically fills in the correct legal documents. No more manual data entry or back-and-forth emails.
• Adaptive forms – Instead of static templates, Knackly’s forms adjust based on responses, ensuring the right questions are asked for each case. This means fewer errors and no missing fields.
• Multi-document generation – Need multiple documents for a single case? Knackly generates and formats everything in Word or PDF, pre-filling details across all required forms.
• Data integration – Syncs with platforms like Clio, Curo365, and OneDrive to pull in client information seamlessly.
• Security & compliance – Uses AWS-powered encryption, real-time monitoring, automated backups, and role-based access to keep sensitive legal data secure.

Pricing

• Plus – $250/month for up to 4 users, ideal for small teams. Includes client intake forms, PDF automation, and integrations. Extra users: $40/month each.
• Do It For You – $500/month for up to 4 users, with Knackly handling the automation setup for you. Extra users: $40/month each.
• Professional – $999/month for up to 12 users, designed for larger firms needing advanced features like API access. Extra users: $50/month each.

Best for

Knackly is perfect for law firms, loan companies, and businesses that deal with high-volume, complex legal paperwork. It’s especially useful for teams that want to automate client intake, reduce manual work, and generate documents faster and more accurately.

2. Clio

Clio is one of the biggest names in legal practice management. It keeps everything organized – cases, billing, client communication, and documents – all in one place, and is best known for its easy-to-use interface.

Key features

• Case management – Keep all your case details, documents, and communications in one place so nothing slips through the cracks.
• Billing and payments – Track billable hours, send invoices, and accept online payments without jumping between different tools.
• Document management – Store, organize, and share legal documents securely, with unlimited cloud storage.
• Client intake and CRM – Use online intake forms to collect client details and manage relationships from day one.

Pricing

• EasyStart – $39/user/month (billed annually) – Best for solo lawyers who need basic case and task management.
• Essentials – $79/user/month – Adds a client portal and more communication tools.
• Advanced – $119/user/month – Includes advanced task management and business insights for growing firms.
• Complete – $149/user/month – All features, including client intake forms, e-signatures, and priority support.

Best for

Clio is a great fit for small to mid-sized teams that want an all-in-one practice management solution. But when it comes to document automation, Clio has its limits. While it offers some basic automation, firms that deal with complex or high-volume legal documents often find it lacking.

Note: If you’re looking for stronger document automation alongside Clio, it integrates with tools like Knackly, which is built specifically for automating legal documents. By using Clio with Knackly, firms can reduce manual data entry, ensure data accuracy, and cut down on repetitive tasks.

Learn more about the integration here.

3. HotDocs

Many law firms rely on HotDocs for its ability to handle complex, highly customized legal documents, making it a trusted tool for those with structured workflows and strict compliance requirements.

Key features

• Template automation – Turn frequently used legal documents into smart templates that automatically populate with case details.
• Conditional logic – Include or exclude sections of a document based on the answers provided, so you don’t have to manually edit every case.
• Intelligent interviews – Gather client or case information through dynamic forms that guide users through the process.
• Integrations – Connect HotDocs with other business tools to pull in client data and keep workflows running smoothly.

Pricing

HotDocs doesn’t make its pricing public, so you’ll need to contact them for exact numbers.

It’s said that entry-level plans start at around $75 per user per month, but larger setups with enterprise-level features can cost significantly more. Pricing also depends on whether you choose cloud-based or on-premise deployment.

Best for

HotDocs is a good fit for mid-to-large law firms that need serious customization and automation for their legal documents. But many users say it has a steep learning curve – setting up templates can be time-consuming, technical, and not as intuitive as newer alternatives.

Note: If you’re thinking about moving away from HotDocs but don’t want to start over, Knackly makes it easy to convert your existing HotDocs templates so you can switch without losing work.

Learn more about converting HotDocs templates to Knackly here.

4. Clio Draft (formerly Lawyaw)

Clio Draft, previously known as Lawyaw, is a legal document automation tool that is especially popular among firms that need quick access to court forms and want a simpler way to handle document creation.

Key features

• Document automation – Convert Word documents into reusable templates so you don’t have to start from scratch each time.
• Client intake forms – Gather information from clients through online forms that feed directly into your documents.
• Court forms library – Access a collection of state-specific, up-to-date court forms that auto-fill with client data.
• E-signature integration – Send documents for electronic signing without leaving the platform.

Pricing

• Cloud-Based Court Forms – $70/user/month – Access to a court forms library with auto-fill capabilities.
• Intelligent Document Automation – $110/user/month – Advanced document automation for faster drafting.
• PDF Court Form & Document Automation – $150/user/month – Includes both court forms and document automation.

Best for

Clio Draft is best for law firms that need quick, efficient document automation, especially those handling court filings. But while it’s great for basic automation, firms that deal with more complex or high-volume legal documents might find it too limited – especially if they need advanced workflow automation or deeper integrations.

5. DoxFlowy

DoxFlowy is a no-code legal document automation platform built for law firms that want a simple, fast way to generate contracts, agreements, and other legal documents. It’s best known for its ease of use and quick setup.

Key features

• Simple template builder – Create and edit document templates without coding or advanced setup.
• Bulk document generation – Generate multiple documents at once instead of drafting them one by one.
• Real-time collaboration – Work on documents with your team and track changes easily.
• E-signatures – Send documents for signing without needing a separate tool.

Pricing

DoxFlowy offers a free plan, which makes it easy to test out. Pricing for advanced features and higher usage isn’t publicly listed, so you’ll need to contact them for details.

Best for

DoxFlowy is a good fit for small to mid-sized law firms that want straightforward document automation without a steep learning curve. But if your firm needs more advanced customization, integrations, or workflow automation, DoxFlowy might feel a bit limited.

6. Briefpoint

Briefpoint is a legal document automation tool that uses AI to generate responses, translate legal jargon into plain English for clients, and streamline the entire discovery process.

Key features

• Discovery response automation – Auto-drafts responses for requests for production, interrogatories, and admissions, cutting down on manual work.
• Client-friendly questionnaires – Translates complex legal requests into easy-to-understand questions, collects client responses, and fills out discovery documents automatically.
• AI-powered document analysis – Scans incoming discovery requests and extracts key information for faster, more accurate responses.
• Integrations – Works with practice management tools like MyCase and Smokeball to keep everything organized.

Pricing

Briefpoint offers a free trial, but it doesn’t list exact pricing on its website. If you’re interested, you’ll need to contact them for a quote or schedule a demo.

Best for

Briefpoint is best for litigation law firms that deal with a high volume of discovery documents and want to speed up the process without sacrificing accuracy. But since it’s focused on discovery, firms needing broader document automation for contracts, wills, or other legal paperwork may find it too limited.

7. Woodpecker

Woodpecker is a legal document automation tool built for law firms that want to generate documents without leaving Microsoft Word. Instead of switching between platforms, it lets users turn Word documents into smart templates, making drafting faster and more consistent.

Key features

• Works inside Microsoft Word – Automate documents without leaving Word, so there’s no need to learn a new tool.
• Smart templates – Add conditional logic, formulas, and drop-down menus to auto-populate documents with the right information.
• Online questionnaires – Collect client details through web-based forms that feed directly into your templates.
• Reusable data – Store and reuse client details across multiple documents instead of entering the same information repeatedly.

Pricing

Woodpecker is no longer available as a standalone product. It has been fully integrated into MyCase’s Advanced Tier, so if you want to use Woodpecker, you’ll need a MyCase subscription. Pricing details aren’t listed separately, so you’ll need to check MyCase’s website for more info.

Best for

Woodpecker is a great fit for solo and small law firms that want document automation inside Word without extra complexity. However, since it’s now part of MyCase, it may not be the best choice for firms looking for a standalone document automation tool or more advanced integrations.

8. Legito

Legito is a no-code document automation platform designed to help businesses and legal teams draft, manage, and track documents without manual effort.

Key features

• Smart document automation – Turn legal documents into reusable templates that adapt based on user input.
• Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) – Track documents from drafting to approval, with automated reminders and workflows.
• AI-powered features – Use AI to analyze contracts, flag risks, and speed up document reviews.
• Custom business apps – Create custom workflows and applications without coding.

Pricing

Legito offers a 30-day free trial, but it doesn’t publicly list pricing for its paid plans. You’ll need to contact them directly for a quote based on your firm’s needs.

Best for

Legito is great for businesses, legal teams, and back-office operations that need a mix of document automation and contract management tools. However, if your firm is looking for more specialized legal document automation with deeper customization options, Legito may not be the best fit.

Choose the Best Alternative to Gavel Today

While Gavel can get the job done, it falls short for many legal teams. Building templates from scratch is time-consuming, workflow automation feels restrictive, and the lack of built-in client communication can add unnecessary back-and-forth.

The good news? There are better Gavel alternatives.

If your firm needs a platform that easily handles complex legal documents, adapts to your workflows, and reduces manual data entry, Knackly is the best choice.

Its smart intake forms collect client information and instantly populate documents, so you don’t waste time on repetitive work. Plus, it ensures accuracy by automatically selecting and formatting the right documents for every case – no extra effort required!

Book a 30-minute demo to find out how Knackly can save you up to 80 hours every week.