Ever tried using Grammarly to polish a legal brief? It’s great for fixing grammar, but things get a little… messy when legal language enters the mix. Legal writing is a world of its own—precise, formal, and packed with jargon. Not exactly a grammar checker’s favorite playground. So, what can legal writers do?
Good news! There are alternatives. And some of them are tailored for legal writing. Want to know more? Let’s dive in!
Why Regular Grammar Tools Fall Short
Legal writing is not your average blog post. It’s all about:
- Precision – One wrong word can change everything.
- Clarity – Judges and clients need to understand you.
- Formality – This isn’t casual conversation.
Grammarly may suggest making sentences shorter or using simpler words. That’s great for emails, but can be terrible advice for a legal contract!
Here’s Where Legal Writing Tools Shine
Some tools are made just for legal professionals. These types of programs don’t just fix grammar. They understand legal conventions. They know the difference between “shall” and “will.” They might even catch overused legalese.
Top Grammarly Alternatives for Legal Writing
Let’s check out a few smart tools that go beyond basic grammar help:
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BriefCatch
This tool is built by lawyers for lawyers. It analyzes your writing and gives feedback on clarity, flow, and even persuasiveness. It suggests real-time edits and works as a plugin for Microsoft Word. -
WordRake
WordRake is all about tight and clear writing. It scans your documents for wordiness and unnecessary phrases. It’s popular among legal writers because it doesn’t bully your legal terms—it helps refine them. -
PerfectIt
Originally aimed at editors, PerfectIt has a “legal style” option. It checks consistency in formatting and usage. Want to be sure you spelled “judgment” and “judgement” consistently? PerfectIt’s got your back. -
ProWritingAid
Although it’s more general, ProWritingAid offers in-depth analysis and custom reports. It’s less targeted than BriefCatch but useful for catching general writing pitfalls.
These tools don’t just say, “Use a comma here.” They think like your audience—a judge, a partner, or a very picky opposing counsel.
Using These Tools Together
Who says you need to pick just one? Some legal professionals use a combo of tools:
- BriefCatch for deep legal writing help
- PerfectIt for style and consistency
- ProWritingAid for general grammar and readability
This tool trio can give your legal writing superpowers. You won’t just write better—you’ll feel more confident when filing that motion or sending that demand letter.
Bonus: Tips for Stronger Legal Writing
No matter which tool you use, here are a few quick tips:
- Be clear. Judges hate confusion.
- Be concise. No one wants a six-page sentence.
- Stay formal. Avoid slang and overly casual tone.
- Use precedents properly. Cite them right, and don’t misquote.
Of course, even the best AI can’t replace smart legal judgment. But they sure can cut your editing time and sharpen your style.
The Verdict?
Yes, there are Grammarly alternatives that give legal writing the love it deserves. Tools like BriefCatch and WordRake understand your legal brain. They guide rather than interfere. And they help you write in a way that’s effective and convincing.
So next time you’re staring at a 10-page memo with red squiggly lines everywhere, remember—Grammarly isn’t the only game in town. And for legal writing, it might not even be the right one.
Go ahead. Try a legal-tailored writing tool. Your future self will say, “Objection overruled!”