12 Best Legal Calendaring Software Shortlist
After rigorous evaluation, I've selected the top 12 legal calendaring software that perfectly addresses your needs. Let's dive in!
- Clio - Best for comprehensive legal practice management
- MyCase - Best for intuitive user interface and accessibility
- CosmoLex - Best for integrated legal accounting and calendaring systems
- CARET Legal - Best for customization and user-specific workflows
- Alt Legal - Best for automated updates and notifications
- Legal Track - Best for legal matters management within Microsoft Outlook
- SmartAdvocate - Best for large law firms seeking advanced features
- TimeSolv Legal Billing - Best for seamless billing and calendaring integration
- Practice Panther - Best for its robust set of features and client portal
- CloudLex - Best for personal injury attorneys and paralegals with its specialized platform
- Docket Enterprise - Best for docketing and legal calendaring in large firms
- Westlaw Legal Calendaring - Best for integration with Firm Central case management system
As a legal professional, I understand the chaos that managing appointments, court dates, deadlines, and statutes of limitations can bring. Trust me, the right legal calendaring software can make all the difference. In essence, this tool organizes and integrates your scheduled due dates, client appointments, and legal deadlines into one accessible platform.
By harnessing its power, you open doors to improved productivity, profitability, increased client satisfaction, and a more balanced work life. It effectively eliminates the headaches of missed appointments, double bookings, and the anxiety of juggling multiple Outlook calendars. The options
I've compiled here for you the cream of the crop, and I firmly believe you'll find the perfect fit for your needs among them. So go on, explore these solutions, and take your legal practice to the next level.
What Is Legal Calendaring Software?
Legal calendaring software is a digital tool designed to aid legal professionals in managing their time and tasks effectively. Utilized by law firms, solo practitioners, legal departments, and even courts, it serves as a one-stop solution for scheduling appointments, setting reminders for important rule-based deadlines, tracking court dates, and coordinating with team members.
Beyond just keeping a calendar, this software solution often integrates with case management systems, email, and billing platforms, providing an all-encompassing view of every case and every client.
The aim is to alleviate the stress of manual scheduling and reduce legal malpractice risk of costly mistakes, allowing legal professionals to focus more on their core duties - delivering top-notch legal services.
Overviews of the 12 Best Legal Calendaring Software
1. Clio - Best for comprehensive legal practice management
Clio is a cloud-based software that offers a complete package for managing legal practices, including scheduling, client communication, case management, and billing. With its in-depth features, it allows attorneys to stay organized, managing all aspects of their practice in one place.
Why I Picked Clio:
I chose Clio for its comprehensive nature and excellent user experience. While comparing various tools, it stood out for its extensive feature set, covering every aspect of legal practice management.
I believe Clio is best for comprehensive practice management because it offers more than just calendaring; it combines all elements of managing a legal practice - from communication to billing - making it an all-in-one solution.
Standout features & integrations:
Clio's core features include task management, document management, time tracking, timekeeping, and legal billing, among others. Its robust calendaring function supports deadline calculation, event reminders, and calendar sharing. Clio integrates with over 200 apps and services, including Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Dropbox, and QuickBooks, providing a less time work environment.
Pricing:
The pricing starts from $39/user/month (billed annually). This is the cost for their Boutique plan, which includes the core features necessary for running a law practice.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set covering all aspects of legal practice
- Integration with numerous other services and apps
- User-friendly interface with excellent customer support
Cons
- Advanced features require more expensive plans
- Learning curve can be steep for non-tech-savvy users
- Mobile app features are limited compared to the desktop version
2. MyCase - Best for intuitive user interface and accessibility
MyCase is a robust, end-to-end legal case management software designed to streamline your law practice. Its emphasis on a user-friendly interface and easy access across devices makes it a strong contender for professionals on the go.
Why I Picked MyCase:
I selected MyCase for its simplicity and intuitive nature. Its modern, clean interface makes navigation and usability straightforward, even for those not technically inclined. This accessibility is why I determined MyCase to be best for intuitive user interface and accessibility—it facilitates ease of use, no matter your tech expertise or where you choose to access it.
Standout features & integrations:
MyCase offers a wide array of features, including case management, time tracking, billing, and client intake online payments. Its calendaring function supports sharing, reminders, and syncing with other calendars. Notably, it provides a client portal for secure communication and document sharing. Key integrations include QuickBooks for accounting and Google Calendar for scheduling.
Pricing:
Pricing starts from $49/user/month, with no minimum seat requirement. This includes full access to all MyCase features.
Pros
- Clean and user-friendly interface
- Client portal for secure communication and document sharing
- No minimum user requirement for subscription
Cons
- Limited integrations compared to some other tools
- The mobile app could benefit from more features
- Some users may find the pricing a bit steep for solo practitioners or small firms
3. CosmoLex - Best for integrated legal accounting and calendaring
CosmoLex offers a unified platform for legal practice management, including the critical functions of legal accounting and calendaring. It's a single solution designed to manage cases, client records, billing, and, importantly, legal-specific accounting needs.
Why I Picked CosmoLex:
CosmoLex caught my attention because of its comprehensive integration of legal accounting and calendaring—a rare but powerful combination. This integrated approach means you can avoid the juggle between multiple tools for different needs, making CosmoLex the best for an all-in-one solution.
Standout features & integrations:
CosmoLex excels in offering a complete practice management solution—from tracking billable hours and generating invoices to detailed financial reporting and trust accounting. Its built-in calendar can schedule tasks, manage deadlines, and even send automated reminders. Notably, CosmoLex integrates with LawPay for processing payments and has a secure client portal.
Pricing:
CosmoLex pricing starts from $59/user/month. This price includes all features, and there are no additional setup fees.
Pros
- Integrated accounting and calendaring
- Extensive features including trust accounting and client portal
- No additional setup fees
Cons
- Lack of a permanent free tier
- The user interface could be more intuitive
- Limited integrations with other software tools
4. CARET Legal - Best for customization and user-specific workflows
CARET Legal is a comprehensive legal practice management tool designed with an emphasis on customization and individual workflow management. Its robust feature set provides a tailored experience for legal professionals, catering to their unique needs and preferences.
Why I Picked CARET Legal:
In my search for legal calendaring software, CARET Legal distinguished itself with its customizable options and user-centric approach. This tailoring to the user's workflows makes it the best choice for those seeking an experience that aligns with their specific work patterns and needs.
Standout features & integrations:
The key features of CARET Legal include matter management, time and expense tracking, and a calendar with automated reminders. These make it easy to manage tasks and deadlines effectively. Additionally, it integrates well with other tools, including popular office applications such as Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
Pricing:
The pricing for CARET Legal starts at $39/user/month, billed annually. This gives access to all of its features and capabilities, ensuring you get the full benefits of the software.
Pros
- Highly customizable, catering to individual workflows
- Comprehensive feature set including automated reminders
- Seamless integration with common office applications
Cons
- No permanent free tier available
- Pricing can be somewhat steep for small firms
- It may take time to fully configure the platform due to its customizable nature
5. Alt Legal - Best for automated updates and notifications
Alt Legal is a streamlined legal practice management software designed to simplify the complexities of IP practice. It specializes in providing automated updates and notifications to keep legal practitioners informed and on track with their case developments.
Why I Picked Alt Legal:
Alt Legal was a clear choice in my selection process due to its remarkable focus on automated updates and notifications. Its automatic docketing capabilities, combined with automated reminders, stand out in a crowded marketplace. In this context, I found Alt Legal to be best suited for legal practitioners who prefer to stay informed automatically about their cases and deadlines.
Standout features & integrations:
One of the major features of Alt Legal is its automatic docketing capability, which can save practitioners significant time and reduce the risk of missing deadlines. Additionally, it offers automated email updates, providing real-time information about case developments. Integration with major patent, trademark, and copyright databases ensures accurate and updated information.
Pricing:
The pricing for Alt Legal starts from $65/user/month, with a requirement for a minimum of one user. This cost covers all of the features, integrations, and services provided by the platform.
Pros
- Robust automatic docketing feature reduces the risk of missed deadlines
- Real-time updates via email help keep practitioners informed
- Integrates with major patent, trademark, and copyright databases
Cons
- No permanent free plan, only a limited trial
- Pricing may be high for solo practitioners or small firms
- May offer more features than needed for those not specializing in IP law
6. Legal Track - Best for legal matters management within Microsoft Outlook
Legal Track is a law practice management software designed to function within the familiar interface of Microsoft Outlook. It is optimized for managing legal matters and streamlining the process of tracking communications, documents, and billing information.
Why I Picked Legal Track:
I chose Legal Track for its unique approach to legal matters management - functioning within Microsoft Outlook. This ability to integrate fully with an already widely-used platform sets Legal Track apart. For legal professionals accustomed to Microsoft Outlook, it's easy to see why Legal Track is the best choice for managing their legal affairs without leaving their trusted email interface.
Standout features & integrations:
Legal Track's primary feature is its seamless integration with Microsoft Outlook, converting the familiar email client into a full-fledged law practice management tool. It also offers robust document and email management capabilities, making it easier to keep track of all communication related to a case. Integration with Microsoft 365 allows Legal Track to offer cloud storage, collaborative tools, and accessibility from any device.
Pricing:
Legal Track pricing starts at $40/user/month. This pricing only applies when the user opts for annual billing.
Pros
- Fully integrates with Microsoft Outlook, offering a familiar interface to many users
- Robust document and email management capabilities
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 features
Cons
- Does not offer a permanent free tier or plan, only a limited trial
- Pricing might be higher for smaller firms or solo practitioners
- Less versatile for those who don't use Microsoft Outlook or Microsoft 365 regularly
7. SmartAdvocate - Best for large law firms seeking advanced features
SmartAdvocate is a comprehensive legal management software aimed at improving efficiency and organization in large law firms. Equipped with advanced features, it is primarily designed to handle high volumes of cases and manage complex legal proceedings, making it ideal for larger law firms.
Why I Picked SmartAdvocate:
I selected SmartAdvocate for this list due to its comprehensive suite of advanced features specifically designed to cater to the needs of larger law firms. The richness of its functionality, from document automation to detailed analytics, separates it from other tools. Considering these aspects, it's clear that SmartAdvocate is a top choice for large law firms seeking advanced features.
Standout features & integrations:
SmartAdvocate is known for its wide array of advanced features, including document automation, robust reporting, and detailed analytics. These features provide in-depth insights into firm performance and streamline various administrative tasks. Moreover, SmartAdvocate integrates with many other software tools, such as Microsoft Outlook, Dropbox, and QuickBooks, making it a versatile addition to any law firm's toolkit.
Pricing:
SmartAdvocate pricing is upon request. The pricing is not publicly available on their website, which is often the case for advanced and customizable tools like SmartAdvocate.
Pros
- Comprehensive suite of advanced features to streamline operations
- Robust reporting and analytics capabilities
- Offers a variety of software integrations
Cons
- Does not provide a free tier or plan
- Pricing information is not readily available
- Might be too advanced or complex for smaller firms or solo practitioners
8. TimeSolv Legal Billing - Best for billing and calendaring integration
TimeSolv Legal Billing is a powerful time-tracking and legal billing software tool developed specifically for the legal profession. Its prowess lies in the ability to efficiently integrate billing and calendaring activities, making it an ideal choice for professionals who prioritize organized and streamlined invoicing workflows.
Why I Picked TimeSolv Legal Billing:
I chose TimeSolv Legal Billing because of its distinct focus on time tracking and billing, which are fundamental needs in any legal practice. The tool stands out for its capability to smoothly connect billing with calendaring, providing a unified platform to handle these crucial tasks. This uniqueness qualifies TimeSolv Legal Billing as the best choice for those seeking effective billing and calendaring integration.
Standout features & integrations:
TimeSolv Legal Billing shines with features like comprehensive time tracking, invoicing, and most notably, the integration of calendaring with billing. These features offer a balanced mix of functionality and usability. The tool also integrates well with other platforms such as LawPay, QuickBooks, and Dropbox, adding more value and versatility to its users.
Pricing:
Pricing for TimeSolv Legal Billing starts from $34.95/user/month, billed annually. This price applies to their lowest-tier plan and offers a comprehensive set of features aimed at optimizing billing and calendaring for legal practices.
Pros
- Excellent billing and calendaring integration
- Comprehensive time tracking features
- Integrates well with other platforms like LawPay and QuickBooks
Cons
- Does not provide a permanently free tier
- Pricing can be relatively high for smaller firms
- The focus on billing may limit the comprehensiveness of other features
9. PracticePanther - Best for its robust set of features and client portal
PracticePanther is a comprehensive legal practice management tool known for its wide range of features and a very useful client portal. This tool integrates case management, billing, calendaring, and client communication into a single platform, making it ideal for firms seeking a comprehensive feature set and a dedicated client portal.
Why I Picked PracticePanther:
I selected PracticePanther for its comprehensive nature and the inclusion of a client portal. Its breadth of features makes it stand apart from many other legal management tools, offering an all-encompassing solution for various legal practice needs. Therefore, I regard PracticePanther as the top choice for those who need a tool with a robust set of features and a client portal.
Standout features & integrations:
Key features of PracticePanther include case management, time tracking, billing, and particularly a client portal. This client portal provides a unique selling point by facilitating transparent communication between lawyers and their clients. PracticePanther also integrates seamlessly with several third-party applications, including QuickBooks, Gmail, and Microsoft Calendar.
Pricing:
Pricing for PracticePanther starts from $39/user/month, billed annually. This cost covers the base plan, which offers access to all core features.
Pros
- Comprehensive feature set
- Dedicated client portal
- Integration with third-party applications
Cons
- Short free trial period
- Higher cost for smaller practices
- Might be overly complex for smaller firms or solo practitioners
10. CloudLex - Best for personal injury attorneys with its specialized platform
CloudLex is a legal practice management tool that primarily focuses on personal injury law. By streamlining the litigation process with its robust features, it serves as an efficient platform for personal injury attorneys.
Why I Picked CloudLex:
I chose CloudLex due to its specialization in personal injury law. Most legal practice management tools attempt to cater to a wide range of legal practices, but CloudLex distinguishes itself by focusing exclusively on personal injury. This specialization makes it the ideal choice for personal injury attorneys seeking a tool designed with their unique needs in mind.
Standout features & integrations:
CloudLex offers a variety of features designed for personal injury attorneys, such as matter management, medical record ordering, and referral management. Furthermore, its integration with popular third-party tools like Microsoft Office 365 and Outlook enhances user convenience and productivity.
Pricing:
Pricing for CloudLex starts from $85/user/month, making it a more premium offering. It's important to note that the cost aligns with its niche focus and the value it provides for personal injury attorneys.
Pros
- Specializes in personal injury law
- Robust set of features tailored for personal injury attorneys
- Integrates with popular third-party tools
Cons
- No permanently free plan
- Pricing is higher compared to more general legal practice management tools
- Its focus on personal injury law might limit its usefulness for attorneys in other practice areas
11. Docket Enterprise - Best for docketing and legal calendaring in large firms
Docket Enterprise is a legal practice management tool with a strong focus on docketing and calendaring. Tailored to the requirements of large law firms, it offers robust features that promote effective and efficient management of large volumes of legal cases and schedules.
Why I Picked Docket Enterprise:
I selected Docket Enterprise due to its proficiency in docketing and legal calendaring. For large law firms dealing with numerous clients and cases, this tool stands out with its ability to handle complex scheduling and docketing requirements efficiently. Its unique blend of functionalities ideally suits the workflow of large firms, making it best for this use case.
Standout features & integrations:
Docket Enterprise excels in scheduling and docketing features, helping law firms maintain case deadlines and track court dates effectively. In terms of integrations, it can connect with various legal research and document management systems, adding value to its users.
Pricing:
Pricing for Docket Enterprise starts from $40/user/month. Given its specialized features and its suitability for large law firms, this pricing is quite competitive.
Pros
- Strong focus on docketing and legal calendaring
- Designed to handle the requirements of large law firms
- Integrates with legal research and document management systems
Cons
- No free tier or trial
- May be too complex for small firms or solo practitioners
- Could be costly for firms with a large number of users
12. Westlaw Legal Calendaring - Best for integration with Firm Central case management system
Westlaw Legal Calendaring is a solution designed to assist law firms in tracking court rule sets and deadlines effectively. It shines in its capacity to fully integrate with Firm Central, the case management system from Thomson Reuters, making it an excellent choice for law firms using that system.
Why I Picked Westlaw Legal Calendaring:
I picked Westlaw Legal Calendaring for its seamless integration with Firm Central. It stood out because of its compatibility with this popular case management system, which can help law firms streamline their case management and docketing processes. In my judgment, its close integration with Firm Central makes it the best choice for law firms using that system.
Standout features & integrations:
Westlaw Legal Calendaring offers automatic updates of court rules, helping to prevent missed deadlines. In terms of integrations, the most notable is its full compatibility with Firm Central, allowing for synchronized updates of case events and deadlines.
Pricing:
Westlaw Legal Calendaring pricing starts from $30/user/month (billed annually). Considering its features and the enhanced workflow it can provide to firms already using Firm Central; this pricing is reasonable.
Pros
- Seamlessly integrates with Firm Central case management system
- Automatic updates of court rules
- Helps prevent missed deadlines
Cons
- No free plan or trial
- Limited utility for firms not using Firm Central
- Yearly billing cycle may be a con for some users
Other Legal Calendaring Software
Below is a list of additional legal calendaring software I shortlisted but did not make it to the top 12. Definitely worth checking them out.
13. Jarvis Legal - Good for small law firms seeking all-round practice management
- Bigle Legal - Good for automating complex legal document workflows
- LEAP - Good for seamless LawToolBox integration for matter management
- Thread Legal - Good for enhancing team productivity through collaboration
- MatterSuite - Good for firms requiring customizable workflow templates
- Easy Legal Billing - Good for easy-to-use legal billing and invoicing
- Rolling Legal - Good for expense tracking in a user-friendly platform
Selection Criteria for Legal Calendaring Software
Choosing the right legal software for your firm is no small feat, and it's crucial to pick a tool that aligns with your firm's needs and work processes. Having tested and researched several of these tools, there are specific criteria I used to evaluate their effectiveness.
Core Functionality
A reliable legal software should enable you to:
- Manage cases and clients in a centralized database
- Schedule appointments and deadlines
- Create, edit, and store legal documents
- Track billable hours and generate invoices
Key Features
The key features that enhance the utility of legal software include:
- Integration capability: This allows the software to work seamlessly with other tools that the firm already uses, like email clients, calendars, or accounting software.
- Security measures: Since legal documents are sensitive, the software needs robust security features such as encryption and two-factor authentication.
- Customization: The tool should be able to adapt to the specific jurisdiction and procedures of your law firm.
- Compliance management: The software should assist in adhering to legal regulations and standards.
- Document automation: This feature enables the quick creation of legal documents using predefined templates.
Usability
Usability is crucial for legal software. This ensures a smooth workflow and efficient use of the tool:
- Intuitive design: Legal professionals should be able to navigate through the software without technical difficulties. Features and functions should be clearly labeled and accessible.
- Accessible customer support: Legal work is time-sensitive. It is vital that customer support can be reached promptly for any issues or queries.
- Training and onboarding resources: Due to the specialized nature of legal software, having a comprehensive set of training materials or onboarding programs can significantly shorten the learning curve.
- Mobile access: Being able to access the software from a smartphone or tablet allows lawyers to work from anywhere.
- Search capability: With the vast amount of data that legal software holds, a sophisticated search feature will aid in quickly retrieving necessary information.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What are the benefits of using legal calendaring software?
Legal calendaring software offers several benefits including:
- Efficient Time Management: It helps legal professionals keep track of appointments, court dates, deadlines, and other important events all in one place. This greatly reduces the risk of missing important dates.
- Improved Collaboration: These tools often allow multiple users to access and update the calendar, facilitating better team collaboration.
- Integration with Other Tools: Many legal calendaring software can integrate with other tools such as email clients, case management systems, and document management systems. This provides a streamlined workflow.
- Reminders and Alerts: The software typically offers automated reminders and alerts, ensuring no important dates or deadlines are overlooked.
- Document Linking: You can often link calendar entries to relevant case files or documents, which provides context and saves time when preparing for appointments or deadlines.
How much do these tools usually cost?
Pricing for legal calendaring software varies significantly depending on the features, the size of the firm, and whether the software is stand-alone or part of a larger practice management system. The pricing model typically falls into a per-user/month structure.
What are the pricing models for these tools?
Most legal calendaring software operates on a subscription-based model, typically charged per user on a monthly or annual basis. Some software may offer a one-time purchase option, but this is less common. There might also be additional costs for premium features or additional storage.
What is the typical range of pricing?
The pricing for legal calendaring software typically starts from around $20/user/month for basic plans and can go up to hundreds of dollars per user per month for advanced plans with more comprehensive features. Keep in mind that many providers require a minimum number of users or offer volume discounts for larger firms.
Which is the cheapest and the most expensive software?
Easy Legal Billing is one of the more affordable options, with prices starting from around $20/user/month. On the other hand, tools like LEAP, which offer more comprehensive legal practice management functionalities, can be on the higher end of the spectrum.
Are there any free tool options?
Yes, some legal calendaring tools offer a free version or a free trial. However, these free options may come with limited features or usage restrictions. Always check the specifics of what is offered in the free plan.
Other Legal Practice Software Reviews
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- Paralegal Power Players: 10 Best Software For Paralegals to Transform Your Workflow
- Guide To The 12 Best Legal Case Management Software In 2023
- Top 10 Picks: The Best Legal Case Analysis Software for Modern Law Practices
Summary
In this guide, we've delved into the world of legal calendaring software, a critical tool to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of legal practices. We've explored several top-tier options, each with unique selling propositions that make them suited for varying needs.
Key Takeaway
- Key Takeaway 1: Prioritize Core Functionality Regardless of the software you choose, ensure that it caters to the core functionality expected from legal calendaring software. This includes event and task management, deadline tracking, reminders and alerts, and integration capabilities with legal software tools.
- Key Takeaway 2: Consider Pricing and Usability Balancing cost and usability is essential. The software should fall within your legal team’s budget and also provide a user-friendly interface, an easy onboarding process, and reliable customer support.
- Key Takeaway 3: Scrutinize Key Features and Integrations Different software excels in different areas, so consider your firm's specific needs. If you require extensive integrations or a focus on collaboration, choose software that shines in those areas. Always assess your firm's specific needs and workflow when deciding which tool to adopt.
Selecting the right legal calendaring software can be a pivotal decision that greatly impacts the efficiency of your legal practice. It's well worth the time and effort to choose wisely.
What do you think?
I hope you found this guide helpful in your search for the perfect legal calendaring software. Of course, the legal tech field is vast and continuously evolving, so there's always a chance I missed some noteworthy tools.
If you have any suggestions or recommendations that you believe should be on this list, I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to share your thoughts and experiences. Your insights might be what another reader needs to make their choice.