More attorneys are using free hyperlink creation tools from Westlaw and Lexis to make all their cited authorities accessible with a click of the mouse. Hyperlinks are greatly appreciated by chambers. However, there are still a few missed opportunities.
First, some documents are converted to PDF in a way that does not preserve the hyperlinks in the PDF version of the memorandum. The hyperlinks are present in the word processing document, but not converted into PDF format when the document is prepared for filing. This may result from using a PDF converter that cannot convert hyperlinks or from improper settings on a PDF converter. The filed document contains blue text and underlines that signal links, but there are no operative links.

In Microsoft Word, the PDF printer will not convert hyperlinks.

Instead, use the special Adobe PDF menu or toolbar buttons to convert Word documents to PDF with hyperlinks.

In WordPerfect, the Publish to PDF settings must be set to convert hyperlinks and bookmarks.

In addition, filers often miss the chance to use a table of contents with internal hyperlinks to the document. Often, these tables are present, but they have not been prepared with hyperlinks or the hyperlinks have not been preserved in the PDF conversion process. Microsoft Word and WordPerfect will automatically create these tables and include hyperlinks so that a table entry can be clicked to navigate to through the memorandum. When these links are present in the PDF version of the document, they assist chambers staff.