A familiar document format can save you from rebuilding the same headings, paragraph order and closing sections every time you draft. Templates in JuniorLawyer let you start with a format from the library or save one of your own, then use it in Quick Draft with the facts of a new matter.
This guide explains how to find a template, use it in a draft and create a reusable format for your practice.
What is a drafting template?
A template is the reusable structure of a document. It can contain headings, numbered paragraphs, tables and placeholders for details that change between matters. For example, a format might leave spaces for [CLIENT NAME], [DATE] and [MATTER DETAILS]. These are drafting cues to check and replace when preparing the actual document.
The template supplies the structure. Your case documents, facts and instructions supply the information for the new draft. Keeping those two parts separate helps you reuse a format without carrying an earlier client's details into a new matter.
Find a template in the library
After signing in, open Templates. The library has two tabs:
- System templates: The formats provided in the library.
- My templates: The formats you have created or customised.
Use Search templates to look for a format, or narrow the list with the practice area filter. You can sort by name or last updated and switch between grid and list views.
Open a template to read its document preview. Where available, the page also shows When to use, Statutory basis and Drafting rules. Read the structure and guidance before choosing a format for your matter.
How to use a template in Quick Draft
1. Choose your starting format
In the template library, choose Use in quick draft for the format you want. This opens Quick Draft with that template selected.
You can also start in Quick Draft and select a template during the drafting flow.
2. Add the facts and supporting documents
In the first step, upload documents, type the facts, or do both. Provide the details that belong to the current matter, including relevant names, dates, events and the result you want the document to achieve.
Keep the reference format separate from these facts. A previous draft may show how you like a document arranged, but its names, amounts and factual assertions should not become facts in the new draft.
3. Complete the template step
At Follow a template?, choose the source you want to use:
| Option | How to use it |
|---|---|
| Choose from template library | Browse the library and select a system template or one of your saved templates. |
| Choose from my documents | Select a previously drafted document whose structure you want followed. |
| Paste template text | Paste the reference format directly into the text box. |
If you entered from the Templates library, check the selected template's name here. Use Choose a different template if you need another format, then select Use this template to continue.
This step is optional. If you skip it, the app indicates that the AI will pick a template from your request. Choose a format explicitly when you want to guide the document's structure.
4. Describe the draft you need
Give clear instructions about the document, language, tone and sections you want included. For example:
Prepare a first draft using the selected template's headings and paragraph order. Use the current matter's facts and uploaded documents. Write in English. Leave missing information in square brackets and do not carry over names, dates or amounts from the reference format.
Adapt these instructions to the matter, then complete the drafting flow.
5. Review the result
Check that the draft follows the intended structure and uses the correct facts. Resolve any remaining placeholders, verify references and remove text that does not apply. Treat the generated document as a draft for your review before use.
Create and save your own template
If your practice regularly uses a particular format, save it under My templates:
- Open Templates and select Create new.
- Enter a descriptive Name and choose a Practice area. Add a Description explaining when to use it if helpful.
- Choose Upload a filed document to select a PDF, DOC or DOCX from your documents or upload one. The import process converts it into editable content. Alternatively, choose Type it yourself and write the format in the editor.
- Review the body, including headings, numbered paragraphs and tables. Replace details from the old matter with clear placeholders.
- Select Save template.
Use a name you will recognise later, such as "Client update letter - English". When importing a document, check the converted text against the original before saving, especially names, numbers and table entries.
Your saved format can then be selected from My templates for future drafts. Open it and choose Edit when you need to update its wording or layout.
Customise a system template or replace it with your own
To adapt an existing system format, open the card's actions menu and choose Customise. You can also open the system template and choose Edit. The editor starts with the existing format so you can adjust it and save your own version.
If you already have a preferred format to use in place of a system template, choose Replace with my template from the card's menu, or Replace with mine on its detail page. Upload or type your replacement and save it.
These choices serve different needs: customising starts with the library's content, while replacing lets you supply your own format in its place. If you later delete a replacement template, the app indicates that the original system template will appear in your library again. Drafts already created with the deleted template are unaffected.
Example: reuse a client update letter
Suppose you regularly send clients a short update after a hearing. Create a template with sections for Matter details, What happened, Next date and Documents needed. Replace the previous client's information with placeholders before saving.
For the next matter, select that saved template in Quick Draft. Add the new hearing notes and describe the update you need. Review the generated letter against those notes, paying particular attention to the client's name, next date and requested documents.
You now have a repeatable starting format while still preparing each letter from the relevant matter's information.
Start with a format you use often
Choose one recurring document, review its structure and save a clean template. Use it for your next draft, then refine the template as your preferred wording develops.
You can also explore the public free legal templates page for downloadable starting formats. To use the in-app library and save your own formats, sign in to JuniorLawyer and open Templates.