> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.loisforword.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Draft a legal document from scratch
> Use Composer to create a first draft in Word based on your instructions, source documents, and organization context.
Starting from scratch means starting with a blank Word document. You can still ground the draft in templates, precedents, Filevine projects, existing agreements, policies, or other source material.
## Use this workflow when you need a new first draft
This workflow can help you draft:
* Agreements and amendments
* Notices and legal correspondence
* Policies and procedures
* Legal memoranda
* Board materials and resolutions
* Other documents that follow an established structure
## Gather the information LOIS will need
Before drafting, identify:
* The document type and purpose
* The parties, audience, or business stakeholders
* The jurisdiction and governing law
* The facts and business terms the draft must reflect
* Your organization's preferred positions
* Any required structure, tone, or length
* The source materials LOIS should use, such as a precedent, term sheet, existing agreement, policy, business instructions, or Filevine project
Do not assume LOIS knows facts that are not included in your prompt, Organization Profile, or source materials.
## Choose whether to draft automatically or start with a plan
Open a blank document in Microsoft Word, open LOIS for Word, and select **Composer**.
You can ask LOIS to draft the document automatically, or you can use Plan mode to map out the draft before LOIS begins writing:
* **Draft automatically:** LOIS begins drafting based on your prompt and source materials. This works well when your instructions are clear or the document is straightforward.
* **Use Plan mode:** LOIS first proposes an approach for the document so you can review its structure, sources, assumptions, and open questions. This can be helpful for longer or more complex documents.
To use Plan mode, select **Plan** from the approval menu before submitting your request. Learn more in [Working in Plan mode](/guides/using-composer/agent-chat#working-in-plan-mode).
## Tell LOIS what to draft and what should guide it
Your prompt should explain:
* What you want LOIS to draft
* Who the document is for
* What outcome the document should achieve
* Which source materials LOIS should use
* Which terms, risks, or requirements matter
* How the output should be structured
Use this prompt as a starting point:
```text Prompt template wrap theme={null}
Draft a [document type] for [audience or parties]. The purpose of the document is to [objective]. Use the attached [source materials] for the relevant facts, terms, and organization positions. The document should address [requirements or issues]. Use [jurisdiction or governing law] and follow [format, tone, or length requirements]. Identify any missing information rather than making assumptions.
```
### Example: Draft a vendor termination notice
```text Example prompt wrap theme={null}
Draft a termination notice from our company to the vendor under the attached services agreement. We are terminating for convenience. Use the agreement to identify the parties, notice provision, required notice period, delivery method, effective date, and post-termination obligations. Keep the tone direct and professional. Identify any information you need from me before drafting, and do not invent dates, addresses, or delivery details.
```
## Review and approve the plan if you use Plan mode
If you select Plan mode, LOIS prepares an approach before drafting in Word.
Review:
* The objective LOIS understood
* The proposed structure
* The source documents it plans to use
* Any assumptions or missing information
* The issues it plans to address
Respond in Composer if anything needs to change and answer any open questions. Once the plan reflects the document you want, approve it and LOIS will begin drafting.
If you choose to draft automatically, LOIS proceeds directly from your prompt to the first draft.
## LOIS produces a first draft in Word
LOIS drafts the document directly in Word based on your instructions, selected organization profile, and source materials. Review the initial output and use Composer to request any necessary changes.
## Refine the draft through Composer
You do not need to rewrite the entire prompt when you want to change the draft. Continue the conversation in Composer and give targeted instructions.
For example:
* "Revise the notice so that it preserves all rights and remedies under the agreement."
* "Shorten the background section without removing facts needed to explain the decision."
* "Identify any defined terms, dates, or cross-references that are inconsistent."
* "Revise this provision to reflect our preferred position in the attached precedent."
* "Draft a question for the business owner about the information that is still missing."
When you want LOIS to focus on one passage, highlight the text in Word before submitting your request.
## Complete your review before using the draft
LOIS can help organize source material, propose language, and revise the draft based on your instructions. Before using the document, review it to confirm that it accurately reflects the intended legal effect and business terms.
Confirm that:
* The document reflects the intended purpose
* Names, dates, amounts, and defined terms are correct
* The draft matches the underlying source documents
* Required provisions and organization positions are included
* Defined terms, cross-references, and exhibits work together
* LOIS has not filled gaps with unsupported assumptions
* Business decisions and internal approvals have been resolved
* The document complies with applicable law and organization policy
## Save recurring drafting instructions as a prompt
If your team drafts the same type of document often, save the instructions as a personal or organization prompt. Attach templates, precedents, or Filevine context so the same materials load each time you use the prompt.
Before sharing an organization prompt, test it against different fact patterns and confirm that it asks users for information that may change between matters.
## Related resources