Is a Word Macro Package still needed?

A belief that Microsoft Word is sufficient and third party software
should not be needed.

While it is certainly true that Word 2010 is more sophisticated than any previous version of Word, the critical question is whether the improvements translate to an efficient word processing and document assembly solution for legal users.

While Microsoft Word and Outlook are the most widely used applications in law firms today, it is important to remember that these solutions were not developed specifically for the needs of law firms.

When you consider the diversity of companies and industries which rely on Microsoft Office (below is a summary of vertical industries as identified on the Microsoft website), it is easy to understand why Microsoft adds new features and functionality cautiously.

While this may not come as a surprise, it does put things in perspective. Since Microsoft is focused on all these industries – are the specific needs of your attorneys and staff being met?

Take a moment to peruse the list of built-in and theme-enabled Style Sets in Word 2010. It’s impressive—and fun-- to see the virtual transformation of your open document as you roll your cursor over the Style Set choices. But will Style Sets named Fancy, Elegant, Distinctive and Black and White address your firm’s needs?

With the technology of Style Sets, a law firm could implement native Word and customize the Style Sets to suit the legal industry. The firm could also customize templates for pleadings and correspondence, and develop standard content building blocks, document id stamps, and multiple-outline numbering macros. The list goes on! In fact, the legal tools provided by a macro package (the ones that let your IT staff avoid a long list of customizations) are described later in this article.

The fact is, for most law firms, native Word 2010 is sufficient only with significant customization. This raises other important considerations such as does the firm have the necessary personnel and time required to customize the Word environment?

Next: Integration and Budget Concerns 

1. Legal Word Macro
2. More than Native
3. Integration-Budget
4. Legal Functions