The contracting world is full of the Word style users and the Word style non-users. Who is staffed on your contract could mean the difference between a formatting work of art or a dumpster fire. Using the Prisoner's Dilemma framework, let's look at how Kim Wexler and Saul Goodman are impacted by different approaches to use of Word styles in contract drafting. 

Their Contract Drafting Strategies

If Everyone Uses Word Styles

The ideal scenario: Kim and Saul both use Word styles. The document looks polished and professional with minimal effort. No inconsistent fonts, no surprise bullet-point disasters, no frustrating extra work. Just smooth collaboration and a contract that’s easy to update.

If Saul Edits Willy-Nilly

Now the trouble begins. Kim sets up the styles properly, but Saul? He ignores them. He applies direct formatting—random fonts, inconsistent spacing, and rogue indents. Kim has no choice but to clean it up, doubling her workload. She sighs, wonders why she even bothers, and fixes it… again.

If Kim Edited Willy-Nilly (But Let’s Be Real…)

Some things just don’t happen. Kim, known for her precision, wouldn’t let a contract spiral into formatting mayhem. If she did abandon structure, the results would be unpredictable. But that’s hypothetical—because Kim wouldn’t be Kim without her attention to detail.

If Nobody Uses Styles—Welcome to Formatting Hell

This is the scenario that keeps legal drafters up at night. No styles, no consistency—just a patchwork of misaligned text, bizarre line spacing, and unpredictable numbering. Formatting takes longer than reviewing the actual contract. The document is a dumpster fire, but at least it’s their dumpster fire.

The Takeaway

Different drafters take different approaches. Some believe in structure and predictability. Others embrace a more flexible, free-form style. Each method has its consequences. What works best? That’s for contract drafters to decide.