Sagebrush Standards - Building Open Source Legal Automation
The legal industry's digital transformation has been notoriously slow, but what if we could accelerate it using the same tools and principles that power modern software development? Sagebrush Standards is a computable contract format that brings determinism to legal document generation, making it easier for AI to ground itself on legal templates and workflows. This project, developed through collaboration between Neon Law Foundation and UNLV Law School, proves that complex legal automation doesn't require proprietary systems or expensive platforms.
Starting with the simplicity of YAML and Markdown formats every developer knows, we've built a comprehensive legal technology stack that transforms how legal services are delivered. Our incremental approach demonstrates a fundamental principle: begin with human-readable, version-controllable text files, then layer on structure and rules to create powerful automation.
You'll see live demonstrations of how a simple YAML configuration can generate complex estate planning documents, business formation packages, and compliance questionnaires—all while maintaining the nuance and customization that legal work demands.
Beyond the technical implementation, we'll discuss the broader implications of open-source legal technology. Just as Linux democratized computing infrastructure, projects like Sagebrush Standards can democratize access to justice. We'll explore how the open-source community's values of transparency, collaboration, and accessibility align perfectly with the legal profession's highest ideals of equal justice under law.
Attendees will leave with practical insights on building domain-specific automation tools, an understanding of how structured data formats can transform traditional industries, and inspiration for applying open-source principles to social justice challenges. Whether you're interested in document automation, YAML/Markdown applications, or using technology for social good, this session offers valuable lessons from the intersection of law and open source.
