Pitfall #2: Attempting to modularize the end product

Another common mistake is the desire to include all variants of a document in a module. Most lawyers like an intellectual challenge and try to make the ultimate module. As a result, there is too much time in its development. In addition, the end user will have to answer too many questions in order to create a good basic document.

2 tips to avoid this:

1. Cut the document into commonly used parts
Are there parts of the document that are also used separately? Modularize them first. The smaller the steps, the faster you can start using the module. By using the module, progressive insights will arise with which you will improve the module. When all the separate parts have been made you can connect the parts together to create a well-functioning total module.

2. Apply the 80/20 rule
When creating the modules, ask yourself which clauses appear in 80% of the cases and modularize only those clauses. Clauses that fall in the remaining 20% category are (for the time being) better added by hand in Word. This way you can use the module to generate a good version of the document which you can finetune to the client’s need in Word.