If you're a small law firm or solo practitioner today, the legal landscape looks dramatically different than it did a decade ago, largely due to innovators like Marla Miller. After years as an international tax attorney, Miller experienced firsthand the limitations of traditional law practice when she opened her own firm in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The constant repetition and the grueling consultation process led her to seek a better way to serve her clients without the exorbitant costs typically associated with legal services.

The breakthrough came during a trip to South by Southwest (SXSW), where Miller witnessed the potential of automating legal processes. Inspired, she launched 9To5Docs.com, a platform currently in soft launch, aimed at simplifying and automating standard legal procedures for startups. This platform is designed to handle routine legal tasks like forming LLCs, drafting SAFE notes for funding, and creating standard employment agreements — all of which are typically predictable and ripe for automation.

9To5Docs.com isn't just about replacing lawyers with technology; it's about enhancing their efficiency. The platform includes a "data room" backend for managing corporate records, e-signatures, and document storage, effectively combining the functionalities of Dropbox and DocuSign into a cohesive legal workflow. The real innovation, however, is slated for release in 2026 with "Hey Jane," an AI agent trained specifically in business tax and startup law, poised to answer complex queries at any hour.

This hybrid model allows solo lawyers to focus on high-level strategic advice, while their AI counterparts handle basic inquiries, thus alleviating the bottleneck of billable hours. Transitioning from a specialized tax practice to a tech startup wasn't straightforward for Miller. It required a shift from the safety of structured legal work to the precarious nature of entrepreneurship — a leap from the proverbial cliff into the unknown.

Miller's journey is also reflective of a larger trend in the legal tech field, where a growing number of women founders are making significant contributions. Miller believes that women's efficiency and organizational skills naturally align with the capabilities of AI, making them ideal leaders in this space.

As 9To5Docs.com prepares for its next phase, Miller continues to refine the platform, running her practice through it to ensure it meets the real-world needs of modern legal professionals. Her efforts not only signify a shift in how legal services are provided but also highlight the potential for technology to democratize access to legal support, making it more affordable and accessible for startups and small businesses.

Marla Miller's innovative approach at 9To5Docs.com is setting the stage for the future of legal services, where technology enhances the human element, making legal support more efficient and far-reaching than ever before. As the platform evolves, it promises to redefine the role of attorneys in the startup ecosystem, proving that the future of legal tech is not just about replacing lawyers, but empowering them to serve better.