Q&A: Josh Levy, Co-Founder and CEO of Document Crunch

How does Document Crunch identify critical risk provisions in construction contracts? 

We utilise advanced technology to identify critical risk provisions in construction contracts and simplify them for enhanced project management.

We direct our users’ attention to the most important clauses and provisions within their contracts. This helps them quickly pinpoint the areas of risk that require their utmost focus.

In addition to highlighting these critical issues, we offer insights and guidance on why these provisions matter. While we don’t interpret whether a provision is good or bad, we empower users with relevant information. This information could include insights from their company’s playbook or off-the-shelf advice, all aimed at educating them about the context of these provisions.

Our goal is to answer the two fundamental questions that decision-makers often face: ‘What should I be looking for?’ and ‘Why does it matter?’ We believe that the ultimate decision should rest with our users, who can make informed choices thanks to the context we provide. We acknowledge that while technology is rapidly advancing, it won’t fully automate the need for human judgment and decision-making.

Instead, we aim to humanise the experience by arming decision-makers with critical information more efficiently. 

What methods or tools does Document Crunch use to identify the key risk factors within construction contracts?

We employ a range of methods and tools to streamline the process of identifying key risk factors within construction contracts. Our goal is to empower project managers and executives, who may not have previously been involved in the contract process, to take a more active role. This is achieved through our platform that provides insights and guidance, helping them to stay compliant with the contract during project execution.

Furthermore, our commitment to identifying unclear legal language goes hand-in-hand with our data analytics and benchmarking efforts. While we are in the early stages of this endeavour, our aim is not just to highlight flaws based solely on the letter of the law. We want to provide our users with a broader perspective, showing how their contracts compare to industry standards and best practices. 

Was there a gap in the market for this service and are there any other legal-related issues in the construction field that technology could help rectify?

Prior to starting Document Crunch, I worked as a Senior Counsel for the 8th largest domestic general building contractor in the United States, which gave me insight into some of the unique challenges of the contract review process within construction. My co-founders and I recognised a significant gap in the construction industry, where there was a divide between the frontline team members and the back office workers. For one, many professionals in the back office were often signing contracts without a deep understanding of the contract terms. This lack of understanding could often lead to risks and potential disasters in construction projects.

Furthermore, there was often a disconnect between the back office and project teams in the field, resulting in project managers seeking assistance with contract compliance and other issues that often resulted in project delays.

To bridge this gap, Document Crunch aims to empower construction professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to understand and manage contract complexities effectively. Our contract intelligence platform seeks to reduce the divide between the back office and those working in the field by empowering them with the tools needed to communicate better. By integrating technology and insights into construction teams’ daily workflows, we strive to make project teams more effective, reduce risks, and improve project outcomes.

Do you think that artificial intelligence could be used instead of lawyers for drafting construction contracts?

I do not believe that artificial intelligence will entirely replace lawyers in drafting construction contracts. Instead, AI can be a valuable tool to assist and enhance the efficiency of the legal profession. It can automate specific routine tasks in the contract drafting process, which are currently carried out by non-lawyer professionals under lawyers’ supervision. This automation can help legal experts focus their time and expertise on more complex legal issues and provide oversight.

AI can be especially useful for tasks such as document review, standard clause generation, and contract template customisation. It can expedite these processes, reduce human error, and ensure consistency in contracts. However, when it comes to intricate legal matters, interpretation of complex legal language, and addressing unique project requirements, the human touch and legal expertise provided by lawyers remain essential.

About the interviewee

Josh Levy currently serves as the CEO of Document Crunch, a contract intelligence platform for the construction industry. With a strong leadership background and expertise in construction law, Josh co-founded Document Crunch to bring his experience to the field. Throughout his career, he has worked for top-ranking construction firms and led departments with annual revenues of $1 billion.