Common Mistakes in Developing LegalTech Chatbots and Expert Systems on Low-Code Platforms

1. Lack of Legal Definitions in Questions

Example: A probate bot asks, “Are you a close relative of the deceased?” without clarifying the legal definition (Art. 14 of the Russian Family Code).
Solution:

  • Embed explanations directly in prompts (e.g., “Close relatives include parents, children, siblings”).

  • Add hyperlinks to official sources or video tutorials.

  • Use multiple-choice questions with a “None of the above” option.


2. Ignoring User Context

Example: A divorce bot asks about child custody disputes even after the user states they have no minor children.
Solution:

  • Implement conditional logic to skip irrelevant questions.

  • Use variables to track user responses and adjust workflows.


3. Missing Reference Links

Example: A trademark registration bot requests a “WIPO ST.3 code” without providing guidance.
Solution:

  • Link to Rospatent’s database or Ministry of Economic Development guidelines.

  • Include buttons for real-time examples or templates.


4. Ineffective Feedback in Legal Quizzes

Example: A compliance test bot only states “Some answers are incorrect” without specifics.
Solution:

  • Generate personalized reports citing relevant laws (e.g., Civil Code Art. 196).

  • Provide visual scorecards and corrective action steps.


5. Oversimplifying Legal Scenarios

Example: A leave management bot denies vacation rights if no schedule exists, ignoring exceptions under Labor Code Art. 123.
Solution:

  • Add branching logic for edge cases (e.g., pregnancy, hazardous work conditions).

  • Validate user status before applying default rules.


6. Incomplete User Support

Example: A workplace injury bot explains compensation rules but doesn’t generate a claim form.
Solution:

  • Integrate document builders with pre-approved templates (e.g., accident report forms per Labor Code Art. 229.1).

  • Include deadlines and jurisdiction-specific requirements.


7. Overusing Yes/No Questions

Example: A bankruptcy bot forces users through endless binary prompts instead of multi-select options.
Solution:

  • Replace with multiple-choice questions (e.g., “Select applicable bankruptcy grounds: Art. 213.4, Federal Law No. 127”).

  • Allow multi-select checkboxes for complex cases.


8. Poor Project Structuring

Mistake: Cluttering all entities (documents, variables) into a single workspace.
Solution:

  • Organize modules by legal domain (e.g., “Family Law,” “IP Rights”).

  • Apply naming conventions like “Client_BirthDate” or “Case_Status.”


9. Incomplete Answer Options

Example: A tax status question lacks a “None of the above” option, causing logic errors.
Solution:

  • Add an “Other” choice with a free-text field.

  • Configure auto-reset rules for conflicting selections.


10. Flawed Calculation Logic

Example: A penalty calculator lacks a branch for amounts equal to RUB 5 million.
Solution:

  • Use inclusive operators (≥, ≤) instead of >/<.

  • Validate inputs (e.g., integer-only fields for “Days Overdue”).


11. Redundant Questions

Example: A leave bot starts with, “Do you want advice about vacation?”
Solution:

  • Eliminate obvious onboarding steps.

  • Use progress bars to indicate consultation stages.


Key Takeaway: Low-code platforms democratize LegalTech development, but success requires meticulous attention to legal accuracy and user experience. Always test bots against real-world scenarios and update them alongside regulatory changes.