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legal templates

Free legal templates for real-world practice

Find, preview, and download free legal templates organized by practice and jurisdiction, or instantly customize them in Clio Draft for the fastest results.

A large, blue magnifying glass centered over a document, highlighting the details against a background of faint documents.
A large, blue magnifying glass centered over a document, highlighting the details against a background of faint documents.

Find the legal template you’re looking for

Search by practice area or jurisdiction to find the legal document template you need, from intake forms to motions. Download a blank template for Word, or request a copy for your Clio Draft account to instantly autofill client data.

Save time with templates and automated workflows

  • Icon of a document with several lines of blue placeholder text, outlined in a thick blue border.
    Icon of a document with several lines of blue placeholder text, outlined in a thick blue border.

    Autofill client data

    Populate the fields of any legal document template with client and matter details from your Clio account. Reduce manual entry and cut errors.

  • Icon showing a list with a checkmark next to the first item and a question mark icon next to the third.
    Icon showing a list with a checkmark next to the first item and a question mark icon next to the third.

    Clause library

    Build a reusable clause library and insert the right language every time. Keep templates current without hunting through old files.

  • Icon of a small letter e being written by a pencil, symbolizing digital editing or drafting.
    Icon of a small letter e being written by a pencil, symbolizing digital editing or drafting.

    E-signature

    Send documents for secure e-signature, track status, and file the signed copy back to the matter automatically.

Speed up work in Clio Draft

How to choose the right legal template

  • A stylized figure with long dark hair holds binoculars, looking up at a single floating document template on a grid of dark blue templates
    A stylized figure with long dark hair holds binoculars, looking up at a single floating document template on a grid of dark blue templates

    Use this checklist to pick the best starting point for drafting legal documents.

    • Match the matter and jurisdiction. Start with a sample legal document aligned to your practice and venue.
    • Look for structured fields. Choose templates that clearly mark parties, dates, exhibits, and signature blocks for fast editing.
    • Confirm filing rules. Compare formatting to local court requirements before finalizing.
    • Decide your workflow. Download the legal document template in MS Word or open it in Clio Draft for autofill, clauses, and e-signatures.

When to customize a template vs. start from scratch

  • Two magnifying glasses, one green and one blue, overlap against a background of a white document in a browser window
    Two magnifying glasses, one green and one blue, overlap against a background of a white document in a browser window

    Customize a template when…

    • You have a proven drafting legal documents example for the type of matter
    • You only need to change key details, such as names, facts, and venue
    • Standard legal clauses apply, with minor edits required

    Start fresh when…

    • A novel issue requires unique provisions
    • Court rules or relevant statutes have recently changed
    • The client requires bespoke language throughout the document

    Clio Draft helps you work faster. Turn any blank legal document into a smart reusable template , conditional text, and automated questionnaires that collect client information for you.

Common mistakes to avoid with legal templates

  • Close-up of a person with long black hair looking through a pair of large, dark blue binoculars
    Close-up of a person with long black hair looking through a pair of large, dark blue binoculars
    • Check for outdated language and confirm current rules in your jurisdiction, match local formatting and page limits, and ensure defined terms align with your facts.
    • Remove placeholder text before export, clear tracked changes, comments, and hidden metadata, and verify citations and clause versions if you start from a legal document template in MS Word or a sample legal document.
    • Open templates in Clio Draft for consistency and fewer errors, so approved language, fields, and e-signatures are applied the same way every time.