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Proofreading a Document

How to run legal-specific checks across a document

Written by Shreya

Proofread runs structured legal-specific checks across the open document. It is not a spell checker. It catches issues a spell checker cannot, including broken cross-references, undefined terms, and inconsistent numbering.

How to Run

  1. Open the document.

  2. Switch to Proofread in the bottom toolbar.

  3. Select the checks you want to run, or click Select All.

  4. Click Run.

You get a flagged list per check, with the location and context for each issue.

Available Checks

Defined Terms: Checks that defined terms are used consistently. Flags:

  • Terms that are capitalised but never formally defined

  • Terms that are defined but never used

  • Definition lists that are not in alphabetical order

Clause References: Identifies typed cross-references that will break if clauses are renumbered. Flags:

  • References pointing to clauses that no longer exist

  • Descriptive text around a reference that does not match the actual heading of the target clause

Placeholder Check: Scans the document for unfilled placeholders. Returns every instance with surrounding context. Catches:

  • []

  • [Date]

  • [●]

  • Blank lines

  • Similar markers

Punctuation: Checks that clauses and list items end with the right punctuation. Validates semicolons and periods across nested list levels. Flags double or conflicting punctuation sequences.

Numbering: Flags issues with list numbering

  • Manually typed list numbers that are not using Word's list structure

  • Nesting or indentation that does not match the underlying list level

  • Gaps and duplicates in sequence (1, 2, 2, 4)

  • Mixed numbering formats at the same level

When to Use It

Run Proofread before sending any draft externally. It catches the small issues that slip past a manual review.

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