When we talk about cloud transformation in law firms, the conversation often centres around infrastructure or security. But to understand the whole picture, we also need to look somewhere far more tangible: the documents that firms produce every single day.

My colleague Eric Wangler recently explored Microsoft's Office JS framework and the steady migration of legal document creation into a cloud-first environment. He outlined the benefits that firms are beginning to realize from this shift, and the momentum behind it is only growing for good reason.

Far more than a side note in a firm's cloud journey, document creation is where the firm's knowledge and reputation are captured in real-life output. If the cloud is the future of legal technology, document creation is a cornerstone that takes firms there.

The Central Role of Document Creation in Cloud Transformation

Every firm is (or certainly should be by now) navigating some form of cloud migration. After all, in the business of law, it's far better to have your head in the cloud than buried in the sand. Systems for document management, workflow, and billing are being re-engineered for a connected environment. Yet the drafting process - the everyday act of producing client work - often lags. That gap limits how much value firms can gain from their wider transformation.

Modern document creation tools built on established frameworks, such as Microsoft Office JS, change that dynamic. They connect the practical work of drafting with the systems that manage, store, and analyse it. Lawyers can work in the same environment regardless of device or location, while IT teams gain the consistency and control they need. 

Cloud-enabled document creation transforms an isolated process into part of a seamless digital ecosystem. It brings the people who create the work closer to the systems that power the firm.

Collaboration and Agility that Fit Today's Practice

The future of document creation in legal technology is being reshaped by Microsoft’s Office JS framework, and we’re embracing it fully. Our new Office JS Word add-ins bring the next generation of flexibility and agility to document creation, combining the reliability of desktop Word with the benefits of modern, cloud-based delivery.

This means firms can continue to work within the full-featured desktop experience they trust while gaining the advantages of cloud-driven deployment: faster delivery of new features, simplified updates, and seamless compatibility across devices and browsers. There’s no trade-off between innovation and familiarity, lawyers and staff can keep using Word as they always have, only now with smarter, faster, and more secure add-ins that evolve alongside Microsoft’s roadmap.

While many Document Management Systems are also transitioning their integrations to Office JS, our approach remains DMS-agnostic by design. That independence ensures firms can leverage the same document creation experience no matter where their content is stored. Our add-ins handle the creation, templating, and stamping processes that prepare documents for secure DMS storage, supporting whichever repository a firm chooses.

As well as being a clear technical upgrade, this shift positions firms for continuous innovation. By modernizing on Office JS, we’re enabling a future where new functionality can be delivered faster, integration is simpler, and collaboration feels seamless across every environment where legal work happens.

Turning Everyday Work into Intelligence

As firms transition to modern Office JS add-ins, new possibilities emerge for how AI can support document creation. We see a future where capabilities like Microsoft Copilot and other AI tools reduce the manual effort behind templating, clause selection, and document assembly, streamlining the process without compromising firm standards or control.

Our goal is to make document automation smarter and more intuitive. By enabling natural language interaction within Word, we aim to make complex templates accessible to more users, helping legal professionals work faster and with greater confidence. While these capabilities are still evolving, our strategy is clear: leverage AI thoughtfully to enhance efficiency, empower users, and protect the quality and integrity of every document that represents the firm.

Your Future Starts with Your Docs

Regardless of where you are in your journey, the concept of cloud transformation can feel daunting. But it's important to remember you're not necessarily overhauling old systems or compromising the foundations that your practice is built upon. You're challenging and rethinking how legal work happens from start to finish. It's a necessary step forward to stay competitive in a market that is becoming more tech-savvy by the day, but it's an exciting step too!

By moving your document creation processes to a modern, cloud-based framework, firms not only modernise a critical process but also unlock the potential of everything connected to it. Already there? Great. If not, take a look at our comprehensive guide on how to switch to a document creation solution fit for purpose. We're transforming everyday documents into a platform for long-term success, and we don't want you to miss out.