Types of Legal Documents in Australia (Full Guide)

There are five main types of legal documents in Australia: court documents, transactional law firm documents, personal and estate documents, property and financial instruments, and regulatory or government documents. Each serves a distinct legal function and is governed by different legislation and procedural rules.

This article covers the main types of legal documents used across Australian courts, law firms, and everyday legal practice—giving you a practical reference you can return to throughout your career. 

TL;DR

Australian legal documents span court filings, contracts, wills, and government instruments—each with distinct purposes, preparers, and legal effects. This guide breaks them all down with plain-English explanations and practical examples so you can navigate legal practice with confidence.

What is a Legal Document in Australia?

A legal document is any written instrument that records, creates, transfers, or extinguishes a legal right, obligation, or relationship between parties. 

In the Australian context, this includes everything from a simple statutory declaration to a complex commercial contract or a Supreme Court pleading. 

What distinguishes a legal document from an ordinary piece of writing is its legal effect—that is, its capacity to be enforced, relied upon, or admitted in a proceeding under Australian law.

Not every document with legal implications is a formal legal document in the technical sense. A text message may be admitted as evidence, but it is not drafted as a legal document. 

A legal document is typically prepared in accordance with applicable legislation, court rules, or professional standards. It is often executed in a prescribed form—signed, witnessed, sealed, or filed—depending on its type and jurisdiction.

In Australia, the validity and form of legal documents are governed by a patchwork of federal and state legislation. 

For example, requirements for wills are set out in state-based Succession Acts, while court documents must comply with rules such as the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 (NSW) or the Federal Court Rules 2011 (Cth). Understanding which laws apply to which document is one of the first practical skills a junior practitioner must develop.

Why Getting Document Types Right Matters in Practice

Misidentifying or mishandling a legal document can have serious consequences—from a court filing being rejected to a will being declared invalid. 

For junior lawyers and paralegals, document errors are among the most common sources of professional negligence claims and disciplinary action in Australia. 

The stakes are real, and they begin with something as foundational as knowing what type of document you are dealing with.

Beyond risk management, understanding document types makes you a more effective practitioner. When you know the purpose and structure of each document, you can draft more accurately, review more critically, and advise more confidently. 

It also helps you communicate clearly with clients, counsel, and courts—which is a core competency expected of every member of a legal team, regardless of seniority.

Main Types of Legal Documents: An Overview

Australian legal documents fall broadly into five categories based on their function and context:

Digital vs. Wet-Ink Execution

How a document is executed is just as legally significant as what it says. The Electronic Transactions Act 1999 (Cth), mirrored by state and territory equivalents, establishes that a signature cannot be denied legal effect solely because it is electronic, provided the method identifies the signatory and indicates their intention to sign. 

This technology-neutral framework gave Australian practitioners the foundation to shift away from wet-ink execution for the majority of commercial documents, and that shift is now firmly embedded in standard practice.

For companies, the position was clarified permanently by the Corporations Amendment (Meetings and Documents) Act 2021, which amended s 127 of the Corporations Act 2001 to expressly permit electronic execution, including the execution of deeds, without a witness, regardless of whether the document is in physical or electronic form. 

A company can now satisfy s 127 using platforms such as DocuSign or Adobe Sign, provided the method identifies the person and their office. Critically, there is no requirement for the entire document to be signed in the same sitting, removing a common practical obstacle in multi-party transactions.

The important carve-out for practitioners is state-based instruments, particularly Powers of Attorney. In New South Wales, wet-ink signatures remain mandatory for enduring Powers of Attorney, even where audio-visual witnessing is permitted. 

Following the implementation of Victoria’s updated Powers of Attorney Regulations, remote witnessing remains valid under defined conditions, but still requires a special witness, a lawyer or Justice of the Peace, to be present. Practitioners should confirm execution requirements jurisdiction by jurisdiction, as the patchwork of reforms means a method valid in one state may render a document defective in another.

Court-Related Legal Documents 

Court-related legal documents are formal, written instruments filed within a judicial registry—such as pleadings, affidavits, and subpoenas—that initiate civil proceedings, present admissible evidence, or compel legal action under jurisdiction-specific court rules. 

Documents must comply with jurisdiction-specific rules, such as the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules (UCPR) 2005 (NSW) for state matters, or the Federal Court Rules 2011 for matters involving federal jurisdiction. Familiarity with these documents is essential for anyone working in litigation, even in a supporting role.

Each court document serves a distinct procedural purpose—initiating a claim, presenting evidence, compelling attendance, or communicating a decision. The sections below set out the most common types used in Australian civil proceedings.

Pleadings

What it is: A pleading is a formal written statement filed by a party to civil litigation that sets out their version of the facts and the legal basis of their claim or defence. Pleadings define the scope of the dispute and frame the issues the court must decide.

When it is used: Pleadings are filed at the commencement of proceedings and in response to an opposing party's claims. Common pleadings include a statement of claim, defence, reply, and cross-claim.

Who prepares it: Pleadings are typically drafted by a solicitor or barrister, often with the client's input. In self-represented matters, parties may draft their own pleadings, though courts strongly encourage professional assistance.

Example snippet:

'The Plaintiff claims damages for breach of contract arising from the Defendant's failure to deliver goods as agreed under the contract dated 14 March 2023, particulars of which are set out below.'

Affidavits

What it is: An affidavit is a written statement of fact sworn or affirmed by a deponent (the person making the statement) before an authorised witness, such as a solicitor or justice of the peace. It is evidence and carries the same weight as oral testimony given under oath.

When it is used: Affidavits are used in interlocutory applications, hearings, and trials where written evidence is required. They are also used in non-contentious matters such as probate applications and Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) proceedings.

Who prepares it: The affidavit is prepared by the solicitor acting for the deponent, but it must be sworn or affirmed by the deponent personally. The authorised witness confirms the deponent's identity and witnesses the oath or affirmation.

Example snippet:

'I, Jane Smith, of 42 Harbour Street, Sydney, NSW, Solicitor, make oath and say as follows: 1. I am the solicitor for the Plaintiff in these proceedings. 2. The facts deposed to in this affidavit are within my own knowledge, except where otherwise stated.'

Subpoenas

What it is: A subpoena is a court order compelling a person to attend court to give evidence (subpoena to attend) or to produce documents (subpoena to produce), or both. The court issues it upon a party's request.

When it is used: Subpoenas are issued during litigation when a party needs evidence from a third party who is not otherwise obliged to provide it voluntarily. They are common in both civil and criminal proceedings.

Who prepares it: The requesting party's solicitor prepares the subpoena, which is then filed with the court and issued under the court's seal. The subpoena must be personally served on the recipient.

Example snippet:

'YOU ARE COMMANDED to attend before the Court at the place, date and time specified below to give evidence and/or to produce the documents or things described in the Schedule to this subpoena.'

Law Firm Documents: Transactional & Advisory

Law firms produce a vast range of documents beyond the courtroom. These transactional and advisory documents form the backbone of commercial, property, employment, and corporate legal practice. 

While they may not be filed with a court, they are equally binding and equally essential to get right.

Junior lawyers and paralegals working in non-litigious practice areas will spend most of their time working with the documents described below. Understanding their structure, purpose, and execution requirements is critical to providing practical legal support.

Contracts

A contract is a legally binding agreement between two or more parties that creates enforceable obligations. Under Australian common law, a valid contract requires offer, acceptance, consideration, intention to create legal relations, and certainty of terms. Contracts can be written, oral, or partly written and partly oral, though written contracts are strongly preferred in practice.

Common types of contracts encountered in law firms include:

• Employment contracts—governing the relationship between employer and employee

• Service agreements—setting out terms for the provision of professional or commercial services

• Supply agreements—covering the sale and delivery of goods

• Shareholders' agreements—regulating relationships between company shareholders

• Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs)—protecting confidential information

Deeds

A deed is a special type of legal document that is binding without consideration, making it distinct from a standard contract. In Australia, deeds must be in writing, signed, witnessed, and delivered. They are used when the parties want to create a particularly solemn obligation or where consideration is absent.

Common examples include deeds of settlement, release, guarantee, and novation. The requirements for valid execution of deeds differ between states and between individuals and corporations. They are governed by legislation such as the Conveyancing Act 1919 (NSW) and the Property Law Act 1974 (Qld).

Retainer Agreements

A retainer agreement (also called a costs agreement or client agreement) is the document that formalises the relationship between a law firm and its client. It sets out the scope of work, fee arrangements, billing frequency, and each party's obligations. Under the Legal Profession Uniform Law 2015 (applicable in NSW and Victoria), law practices must provide clients with certain cost disclosures in writing before commencing work.

A well-drafted retainer protects both the firm and the client by setting clear expectations from the outset. Paralegals often assist in preparing and updating retainer agreements, and understanding their components is an integral part of legal administration.

Personal, Estate & Family Legal Documents

Personal legal documents govern the rights and affairs of individuals outside of commercial or litigation contexts. They are among the most commonly encountered legal documents in everyday life, and mistakes in their preparation can have lasting consequences for individuals and their families.

These documents are vital in estate planning, family law, and personal administration. Many Australians are unaware of their rights and obligations regarding these documents, creating both a legal education need and a professional opportunity for practitioners in this space.

Wills

A will is a legal document in which a person (the testator) sets out their wishes for the distribution of their estate after death. In Australia, the requirements for a valid will are governed by state and territory legislation, including the Succession Act 2006 (NSW), the Succession Act 1981 (Qld), and equivalent legislation in other jurisdictions.

A valid will must generally be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by two adult witnesses who are not beneficiaries. Courts have the discretion to admit informal wills to probate in some circumstances, but strict compliance with formal requirements is strongly preferred.

Powers of Attorney

A power of attorney is a legal document in which a person (the principal) authorises another person (the attorney) to act on their behalf in legal and financial matters. Powers of attorney can be general (covering all issues) or specific (limited to a particular transaction or period). An enduring power of attorney remains valid even if the principal later loses mental capacity.

In Australia, powers of attorney are governed by state and territory legislation, including the Powers of Attorney Act 2003 (NSW) and the Powers of Attorney Act 1998 (Qld). The document must be executed in a prescribed form and witnessed by an authorised witness such as a solicitor or JP.

Statutory Declarations

A statutory declaration is a written statement of fact that a person declares to be true in the presence of an authorised witness. Unlike an affidavit, a statutory declaration is not made for use in court proceedings. Still, it is instead used for administrative and non-litigious purposes—such as confirming identity, supporting a licence application, or declaring that specific facts are accurate.

In Australia, statutory declarations are governed by the Statutory Declarations Act 1959 (Cth) at the federal level, with state equivalents applying in specific contexts. The authorised witnesses who can witness a statutory declaration include solicitors, JPs, and certain other prescribed persons.

Property, Financial & Commercial Legal Documents

Property and financial documents are central to some of the highest-value transactions a law firm will handle. Errors in these documents can expose clients to significant economic loss or legal liability, making precision and compliance with applicable legislation essential.

A combination of common law, state property legislation, and federal financial services regulation governs these documents. Junior practitioners working in property or commercial teams will encounter these documents regularly and should understand their core components.

Contracts for Sale of Land

A contract for the sale of land is the primary document governing the purchase and sale of real property in Australia. In NSW, for example, a contract for sale must comply with the Conveyancing Act 1919 (NSW) and include prescribed disclosure documents such as a zoning certificate and title search. The agreement sets out the purchase price, deposit, settlement date, and any special conditions agreed between the parties.

Mortgages and Loan Agreements

A mortgage is a security interest granted by a borrower (mortgagor) to a lender (mortgagee) over real property to secure the repayment of a loan. In Australia, mortgages over real property are registered on the relevant state or territory land titles register. The National Credit Code, contained in the National Consumer Credit Protection Act 2009 (Cth), governs consumer credit arrangements, including most residential mortgages.

A loan agreement sets out the terms of the lending arrangement, including the principal amount, interest rate, repayment schedule, and events of default. In commercial lending, loan agreements can be highly detailed documents running to hundreds of pages, with numerous conditions precedent and covenants.

Leases

A lease is a contract that grants a tenant the right to occupy and use a property for a specified period in exchange for rent. Commercial and retail leases are often governed by state-based legislation such as the Retail Leases Act 1994 (NSW) or the Retail Shop Leases Act 1994 (Qld), which impose mandatory protections for retail tenants. Residential leases are governed by separate residential tenancy legislation in each state and territory.

Government & Regulatory Documents

Regulatory and government documents operate at the intersection of public law and private rights. They include instruments issued by government bodies that affect the legal rights and obligations of individuals and organisations, as well as documents lodged by individuals or organisations with government agencies as part of a compliance or approval process.

Junior practitioners working in administrative law, planning, environmental law, or corporate regulation will frequently encounter these documents. Understanding their legal character—whether legislative instruments, administrative decisions, or formal notices—is essential to providing accurate advice to clients.

Common examples include:

• Licences and permits—issued by government agencies authorising specific activities (e.g., an Australian Financial Services Licence issued under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth))

• Notices and directions—formal communications from regulators requiring compliance, correction, or response

• Environmental impact statements—documents lodged as part of planning approval processes under legislation such as the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW)

• Submissions—formal written responses lodged with government bodies, courts, or inquiries

• Legislative instruments—delegated legislation made under a parent Act, such as regulations, determinations, and standards

Other Common Legal Documents in Australia

Australian legal practice covers a wide range of document types beyond the core categories already discussed. 

The following documents appear frequently in legal work and are worth understanding early in your career—both for practical purposes and because they attract significant search and research interest among junior practitioners and law students.

Notices of Motion

A notice of motion is a formal application filed by a party during ongoing court proceedings seeking a specific order or relief. 

It is used for interlocutory matters such as seeking an injunction, varying existing orders, or applying for summary judgment, and must be supported by an affidavit setting out the factual basis for the application.

Writs

A writ is a formal court document commanding a person or entity to do or refrain from doing a specific act or to initiate certain types of proceedings. 

While statements of claim have replaced writs in many civil contexts, writs remain relevant in enforcement proceedings—such as a writ of execution to recover a judgment debt—and in constitutional matters such as writs of habeas corpus.

Court Orders

A court order is a binding directive issued by a judge or magistrate that determines the rights of parties or manages the conduct of proceedings. 

Orders may be made by consent or following a contested hearing, and non-compliance can result in contempt of court proceedings or enforcement action.

Trust Deeds

A trust deed is the founding document of a trust, setting out the identity of the trustee and beneficiaries, the trustee's powers and obligations, and the rules governing the management and distribution of trust property. 

Trust deeds are commonly used in estate planning, asset protection, and commercial structuring, and must be carefully drafted to comply with applicable state trust legislation and tax requirements.

Company Constitutions

A company constitution is the governing document of a company that sets out the rules for its internal management, including shareholders' rights, directors' powers, meeting procedures, and rules for issuing and transferring shares. 

Under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), a company may adopt a constitution, rely on the replaceable rules set out in the Act, or adopt both.

Terms and Conditions

Terms and conditions (also called terms of service or standard form contracts) are the legal rules and requirements a user or customer agrees to when accessing a product, service, or platform. 

In Australia, terms and conditions must comply with the Australian Consumer Law, contained in Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth), including protections against unfair contract terms in standard-form consumer and small-business contracts.

Share Sale Agreements

A share sale agreement is a contract governing the purchase and sale of shares in a company, setting out the purchase price, conditions precedent, representations and warranties, and post-completion obligations of each party. 

These agreements are central to mergers and acquisitions work and are among the most complex transactional documents a junior commercial lawyer will encounter.

Parenting Orders

Parenting orders are orders made by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) that determine arrangements for the care, welfare, and development of a child—including who the child lives with, spends time with, and how decisions about the child are made. 

They can be made by consent of the parties or following a contested hearing, and contravention of a parenting order is a serious matter that can result in penalties, including fines or imprisonment.

Do Legal Document Requirements Differ Between States?

One of the most important—and frequently misunderstood—aspects of Australian legal practice is that the law is not uniform across the country. Australia operates under a federal system in which legislative power is divided between the Commonwealth and the six states and two territories. 

This means that the legal requirements governing many types of documents differ depending on where the document is executed, where the transaction occurs, or where proceedings are commenced.

Understanding which jurisdiction's law applies to a given document is a threshold question that every junior practitioner must ask before drafting, reviewing, or advising on any legal instrument.

Wills and Estate Documents

Will-making requirements are governed by state and territory legislation, and while the requirements are broadly similar across jurisdictions, there are meaningful differences in how each jurisdiction handles informal wills, witnessing requirements, and the treatment of certain testamentary gifts. 

For example, the Succession Act 2006 (NSW), the Succession Act 1981 (Qld), the Wills Act 1997 (Vic), and equivalent legislation in other states each contain their own provisions governing testamentary capacity, revocation, and the court's power to dispense with formal requirements. 

A will valid in one state may face challenges if the testator's assets are held in multiple jurisdictions, underscoring the importance of considering domicile and asset location when advising on estate planning.

Property Law

Property transactions are governed by the legislation of the state or territory in which the land is located. 

This means that a contract for the sale of land in NSW must comply with the Conveyancing Act 1919 (NSW) and include prescribed statutory disclosure documents, while a comparable transaction in Queensland is governed by the Property Law Act 1974 (Qld) and the Land Title Act 1994 (Qld). 

Stamp duty rates, land tax obligations, and the electronic conveyancing requirements administered through platforms such as PEXA also vary between jurisdictions, making state-specific knowledge essential for property practitioners.

Court Rules and Procedure

Each court in Australia operates under its own procedural rules, which directly govern the form, content, and filing requirements of court documents. 

For example, civil proceedings in NSW are governed by the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 (NSW), while federal proceedings are subject to the Federal Court Rules 2011 (Cth) or the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (Division 2) Rules 2021 (Cth), depending on the court. 

Practitioners must always identify the correct rules for the court in which they are appearing before preparing any court document, as non-compliance can result in documents being rejected or struck out.

Where Federal Law Applies

While state law governs many areas of document practice, federal legislation applies uniformly across all Australian jurisdictions in specific areas. Key examples include:

• Corporations law—the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) governs company constitutions, share sale agreements, and the execution of documents by companies nationwide

• Consumer protection—the Australian Consumer Law applies to terms and conditions and standard form contracts across all states and territories

• Family law—parenting orders and financial agreements under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) are made by a federal court and apply nationally

• Privacy—the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) applies to the handling of personal information in legal documents across all jurisdictions

• Bankruptcy and insolvency—governed federally by the Bankruptcy Act 1966 (Cth) and the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) respectively

As a general rule of thumb: if a document touches on land, succession, or state court procedure, check state law first. If it touches on companies, consumer contracts, family law, or privacy, federal law is likely to be the primary source of applicable requirements.

AI-Assisted Document Review: How CaseChat Fits In

AI tools are changing the way legal documents are researched, reviewed, and understood—and for junior practitioners in Australia, this shift represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. 

Used well, AI can dramatically reduce the time spent on routine research tasks and help identify issues that might otherwise be missed under time pressure.

Unlike general-purpose AI, CaseChat utilises RAG technology to ground document analysis in 900,000+ verified Australian sources. This ensures that when you check the execution requirements for a Trust Deed in Victoria, the advice is sourced directly from the Trustee Act 1958 (Vic) and current judicial precedents. 

This makes it a reliable starting point for researching the legal requirements that govern specific document types, from the execution requirements for deeds under the Conveyancing Act 1919 (NSW) to the formal requirements for wills under the Succession Act 2006 (NSW).

CaseChat supports legal document workflows in three practical ways:

• Legal Research: When you need to understand the legal framework governing a particular document—such as what makes a mortgage enforceable or what the formal requirements for a power of attorney are—CaseChat provides answers grounded in verified Australian cases and legislation, complete with AGLC citations.

• Study Buddy: For law students and junior practitioners building their understanding of document types, CaseChat explains legal concepts in plain English with reference to landmark Australian cases—making it easier to understand why a document works the way it does, not just what it says.

• Fresh Eyes Check: Before finalising a document or advice, practitioners can upload files and ask CaseChat to check for anything that may have been missed. This serves as a second pair of eyes review grounded in Australian law—particularly useful when working under time pressure or in an unfamiliar area of practice.

It is important to note that AI tools support—but do not replace professional legal judgment. Ultimately, the responsibility for compliance, accuracy, and strategic execution remains with the supervising legal practitioner.

Ethical Obligations, Privacy & Accuracy in Legal Documents

Every legal document carries ethical weight. Australian solicitors are bound by the Legal Profession Uniform Law 2015, which requires honesty, candour, and competence in all dealings—including the preparation of legal documents. 

Paralegals and law clerks, while not directly subject to the same professional obligations, are expected to uphold the same standards under the supervision of their principal solicitor.

Privacy is a critical consideration when handling legal documents that contain personal information. In Australia, the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) govern the collection, storage, and disclosure of personal information. Legal practitioners must ensure that documents containing sensitive client information are stored securely, shared only with authorised parties, and disposed of appropriately at the end of a matter.

Accuracy in legal documents is not merely a matter of professional pride—it is a legal and ethical obligation. A document that misstates a party's name, describes the wrong property, or contains an incorrect legal description can have serious consequences for a client's rights. Junior practitioners should always:

• Cross-check names, dates, and identifying details against source documents

• Verify that cited legislation is current and correctly referenced

• Confirm that execution requirements have been met before a document is filed or relied upon

• Raise any concerns with a supervising solicitor promptly

Key Takeaways

• Legal documents in Australia serve distinct functions depending on their category. Court documents manage litigation, law firm documents govern transactions and advice, and personal documents protect individual rights—understanding these differences is foundational to competent legal practice.

• Court-related documents are among the most technically demanding. Affidavits, pleadings, subpoenas, notices of motion, writs, and court orders each have strict procedural requirements under applicable court rules, and errors can have serious consequences for a client's matter.

• Execution requirements vary significantly across document types. A deed executed by a company requires two directors or a director and secretary under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), while a will requires two independent witnesses—getting these requirements wrong can render a document invalid.

• AI tools like CaseChat can support document workflows, but do not replace professional judgment. Used responsibly, AI research tools verified against Australian law can help junior practitioners research requirements, check their work, and build their legal knowledge—all within an ethical framework that prioritises accuracy and client protection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a legal document in Australia? 

A legal document is any written instrument that creates, records, transfers, or extinguishes a legal right or obligation under Australian law. Its defining characteristic is its legal effect—that is, it can be enforced, relied upon in court, or used in an official administrative process.

What types of legal documents are used in court? 

The most common court-related legal documents in Australia include pleadings (such as a statement of claim or defence), affidavits, subpoenas, notices of motion, writs, and court orders. Each serves a distinct procedural purpose and must comply with the rules of the relevant court.

Are affidavits and statutory declarations the same thing? 

No, while both involve a sworn or declared statement of fact made before an authorised witness, they serve different purposes. An affidavit is prepared for use as evidence in court proceedings. In contrast, a statutory declaration is used for administrative and non-litigious purposes such as confirming identity or supporting a government application.

What makes a legal document valid in Australia? 

Validity depends on the document type, but standard requirements include that the document be in writing, signed by the relevant parties, and executed in the prescribed form (including witnessing or attestation where required). Additional steps, such as registration or filing, may also be necessary for the document to take full legal effect.

Can AI help with reviewing or understanding legal documents in Australia? 

Yes—AI tools like CaseChat, which is verified against more than 900,000 Australian cases and statutes, can help practitioners research the legal requirements governing specific document types, check their work for gaps, and understand legal concepts in plain English. However, AI tools should always be used as a supplement to—not a replacement for—qualified legal advice and professional supervision.

Build Your Document Knowledge—and Your Legal Career

Understanding the types of legal documents used across Australian courts, law firms, and everyday practice is not an optional extra for junior practitioners—it is the baseline. From a Supreme Court affidavit to a simple statutory declaration, every document you handle carries legal weight and professional responsibility.

The good news is that document literacy is a skill you can build systematically. Start with the categories and examples in this guide, apply them to the factual matters you encounter in practice or study, and keep your knowledge current as legislation and court rules evolve.

To support your legal research and document review, explore CaseChat. Whether you are researching execution requirements, checking a precedent, or trying to understand a legal concept in plain English, CaseChat is built for precisely the kind of work you do every day. Subscribe to CaseChat and give yourself the research advantage that modern legal practice demands.