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Law firm software is an essential practice management system that can streamline your law office, boosting billable time and productivity. It's a suite of digital tools designed specifically for law firms to help manage their day-to-day operations. Features typically include case management, document management, contact management, CRM, time tracking, bookkeeping, and legal billing to help your law firm improve efficiency, accuracy, and profitability.

What Is Law Firm Software?

Whether you're a solo practitioner or part of a large firm, you know that managing the myriad of details can be overwhelming. Law firm software can help you stay on top of everything and take your practice to the next level.

Law firm software is a suite of digital tools designed specifically for law firms to help manage their day-to-day operations. It is typically used by attorneys, legal assistants, and office staff to streamline tasks such as case management, document management, billing, and time tracking. This software is essential for law firms looking to improve efficiency, accuracy, and profitability, and is used by both solo practitioners and large firms alike.

Best Law Firm Software Summary

Tools Price
CARET Legal From $29/user/month (billed annually)
Filevine Pricing upon request.
MyCase From $49/user/month (billed annually)
Rocket Matter From $65/user/month (billed annually)
Clio From $39/user/month (billed annually)
CosmoLex From $79/user/month (billed annually).
Tabs3 From $32/user/month (billed annually).
PracticePanther Legal Software From $39/user/month (billed annually).
Litify From $150/user/month.
Mitratech Pricing upon request
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Best Law Firm Software Reviews

Best for document management and collaboration for remote teams

  • From $29/user/month (billed annually)
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Rating: 4.8/5

CARET Legal is a cloud-based document management and collaboration platform designed specifically for law firms. It helps legal teams streamline their workflows, improve collaboration, and maintain secure access to critical files from any location.

Why I Picked CARET Legal: I picked CARET Legal for this list because it offers a comprehensive solution for document management and collaboration, with features specifically tailored for the needs of legal teams. Its cloud-based approach is ideal for remote teams who need to access files securely from any location.

Standout Features and Integrations: CARET Legal's most important features include document management, collaboration tools, email management, and task management. Its document management features include version control, access controls, and tagging to help you easily organize and find files. Its collaboration tools allow teams to collaborate on documents in real-time and communicate within the platform. CARET Legal integrates with Microsoft Office 365, Outlook, and G Suite, making it easy to access and work with files from these applications.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrates with popular office applications like Microsoft Office 365 and G Suite.
  • Excellent collaboration tools, including real-time co-authoring.
  • Easy to use interface and intuitive document management features.

Cons:

  • No mobile app currently available.
  • Limited integrations with other legal software.
  • Pricing is not publicly available on their website.

Best for personal injury law firms with built-in settlement tools

  • Pricing upon request.
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Rating: 4.7/5

Filevine is a legal case management software designed for personal injury law firms with built-in settlement tools to help streamline their workflow.

I chose Filevine for this list because of its unique features and focus on personal injury law firms. The settlement tools are especially helpful in this area of law, making it stand out from other case management software. This focus and attention to detail make it the best option for personal injury law firms.

Standout features and integrations: Filevine offers many features to help streamline the workflow for personal injury law firms. It offers a built-in settlement tool that allows users to calculate settlement amounts, manage offers and negotiations, and track payments. It also has a robust task management system, document automation, and advanced reporting features.

Filevine has integrations with many popular legal tools, including QuickBooks, DocuSign, and LawPay.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Strong document management capabilities, including e-signatures and OCR text recognition
  • Robust workflow automation and project management features
  • Intuitive and customizable interface

Cons:

  • Some users have reported slow loading times and occasional glitches
  • Steep learning curve for some features
  • Limited integrations compared to some competitors

Best for online payment processing for law firms

  • 10-day free trial + free demo available
  • From $49/user/month (billed annually)
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Rating: 4.4/5

MyCase is a cloud-based practice management solution designed to help law firms manage their cases, clients, documents, and billing. It offers a range of features, including online payment processing, making it an ideal tool for law firms looking to streamline their payment processes.

Why I Picked MyCase: I chose MyCase for this list because of its robust payment processing capabilities, which allow law firms to easily and securely accept online payments from clients. Its integration with LawPay, a payment processing platform designed specifically for law firms, sets it apart from other practice management solutions.

Standout Features and Integrations: MyCase's online payment processing capabilities are its standout feature, allowing law firms to easily and securely accept payments from clients. It also offers a range of other useful features, including document management, time tracking, and calendar management. MyCase integrates with LawPay, QuickBooks, Dropbox, and Microsoft Office, among others.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface with intuitive navigation and customizable dashboard
  • Mobile app available for iOS and Android devices, allowing users to manage cases and communicate with clients on-the-go
  • Robust matter management system with features such as document management, time tracking, and invoicing

Cons:

  • Pricing may be a concern for smaller firms or solo practitioners, as MyCase is priced per user and can become expensive with larger teams
  • Some users have reported issues with slow loading times and glitches in the system
  • Limited integrations with third-party software, potentially requiring manual data entry and duplicative efforts

Best for mobile time and expense tracking on-the-go

  • 10-day free trial + free demo available
  • From $65/user/month (billed annually)
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Rating: 4.3/5

Rocket Matter is a cloud-based legal practice management software designed to help law firms streamline their operations. It offers a wide range of features that help lawyers manage their workflow, collaborate with team members, and track billable hours, among other things.

Why I Picked Rocket Matter: I picked Rocket Matter for the list because of its focus on mobile time and expense tracking. This tool makes it easy for lawyers to manage their practice on-the-go, which is a key consideration for many busy attorneys who are constantly on the move. Its intuitive user interface, robust feature set, and mobile app make it a great choice for law firms of all sizes.

Standout Features and Integrations: Rocket Matter's most important features include time and expense tracking, billing and invoicing, matter management, document management, and integrations with popular tools like QuickBooks, LawPay, and Dropbox. Its mobile app is also a standout feature, as it allows lawyers to manage their practice from anywhere.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrations with popular tools like QuickBooks, LawPay, and Dropbox
  • Robust feature set, including billing and invoicing, matter management, and document management
  • Easy-to-use mobile app for on-the-go time tracking and expense management

Cons:

  • Limited customization options for invoices and other templates
  • Some users have reported issues with customer support
  • Higher pricing compared to some other tools on the market

Best for cloud-based legal practice management with AI-powered assistance

  • 7-day free trial
  • From $39/user/month (billed annually)
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Rating: 4.6/5

Clio is a cloud-based legal practice management tool that offers AI-powered assistance to streamline law firm operations. It allows legal professionals to manage cases, clients, documents, and billing from a single platform.

Why I Picked Clio: I chose Clio for the list because it is a well-known and reputable legal practice management tool that offers an AI-powered assistant to automate repetitive tasks and enhance productivity. Clio's strong brand recognition, extensive feature set, and focus on automation make it stand out in the market.

I think Clio is best for cloud-based legal practice management with AI-powered assistance because of its ability to help legal professionals streamline their workflows, increase efficiency, and improve client service.

Standout features and integrations: Clio's AI-powered assistant, dubbed 'Clio Assistant,' is a standout feature that can help automate routine tasks such as document generation and time tracking. It also offers robust time and expense tracking, custom workflows, and document management.

Clio offers many integrations with other legal and productivity tools, including QuickBooks, LawPay, and Microsoft Office. It also has an open API, allowing users to build custom integrations.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface with mobile app for on-the-go access
  • Integrations with popular apps such as G Suite, QuickBooks, and Zapier
  • Robust features for case management, including time tracking, billing, and document management

Cons:

  • Limited customization options for invoices and document templates
  • Some users report occasional glitches and slow loading times
  • Expensive compared to some other options on the market

Best for fully integrated practice management and accounting

  • From $79/user/month (billed annually).
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Rating: 4/5

CosmoLex is a cloud-based practice management and accounting software designed specifically for law firms. It offers a fully integrated solution for managing day-to-day law firm operations, including timekeeping, billing, accounting, trust accounting, and document management.

Why I Picked CosmoLex: I chose CosmoLex for its comprehensive practice management and accounting features, all available in one platform. It stands out from other tools because of its all-in-one design, which helps reduce data entry and duplication errors. I believe CosmoLex is best for law firms looking for a one-stop solution for managing their operations.

Standout Features and Integrations: CosmoLex offers a wide range of features, including time and expense tracking, billing, trust accounting, document management, and financial management. Its standout feature is its fully integrated accounting system, which allows law firms to manage their finances without the need for a separate accounting tool. CosmoLex integrates with a number of popular third-party tools, including QuickBooks, LawPay, Dropbox, and Box.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface: CosmoLex has a simple and easy-to-use interface that is intuitive and customizable to suit your needs.
  • Built-in accounting: Unlike many other legal practice management software, CosmoLex includes an integrated accounting system that allows you to track your firm's finances and manage your books all in one place.
  • Comprehensive features: CosmoLex offers a wide range of features including time and expense tracking, billing and invoicing, matter management, document management, and trust accounting.

Cons:

  • No mobile app: Currently, CosmoLex does not offer a mobile app, which may be inconvenient for attorneys who need to access information while on the go.
  • Steep learning curve: Some users have reported that CosmoLex can take some time to get used to due to its extensive features and functions.
  • Limited integrations: While CosmoLex offers some integrations, it may not have the integrations you need for your firm.

Best for billing and accounting for small to mid-sized firms

  • From $32/user/month (billed annually).
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Rating: 4.3/5

Tabs3 is a billing and accounting software designed for small to mid-sized law firms. It offers features specifically tailored to the legal industry, such as time tracking and trust accounting.

Why I Picked Tabs3: I chose Tabs3 for this list because it is a popular choice for small to mid-sized firms due to its focus on billing and accounting. It stands out for its user-friendly interface and features that make it easy for firms to manage their finances.

Tabs3 is best for small to mid-sized law firms that need a billing and accounting software that is easy to use and tailored to the legal industry.

Standout features and integrations: Tabs3's standout features include time tracking, billing, trust accounting, and general ledger accounting. It also offers integrations with popular legal software such as PracticeMaster, which allows for seamless data sharing.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Flexible pricing options to suit the needs of small to mid-sized law firms.
  • Tailored specifically for the legal industry, with features such as trust accounting and time tracking.
  • User-friendly interface and easy to use for accounting and billing tasks.

Cons:

  • Add-ons such as e-billing and credit card processing can add up and become costly.
  • Not ideal for larger law firms with more complex financial needs.
  • Limited features compared to other legal practice management software.

Best for customizable workflows for different practice areas

  • From $39/user/month (billed annually).

PracticePanther Legal Software is a cloud-based practice management software designed for lawyers, paralegals, and other legal professionals to help them manage their daily tasks efficiently.

I believe PracticePanther Legal Software is the best choice for customizable workflows for different practice areas because it allows legal professionals to create custom workflows that are specific to their area of practice, ensuring that their workflow is tailored to their unique needs.

Why I Picked PracticePanther Legal Software: I chose PracticePanther Legal Software because of its powerful and flexible workflow customization capabilities. This feature sets PracticePanther Legal Software apart from its competitors and makes it the best choice for legal professionals who need to manage their tasks and workflows across different practice areas.

Standout features & integrations: PracticePanther Legal Software offers a wide range of features, including client management, time tracking, billing and invoicing, document management, and much more. One of its standout features is its customizable workflows, which allows legal professionals to create workflows that are tailored to their specific needs. The software also offers integrations with popular tools like Quickbooks, Dropbox, and Zapier.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Affordable pricing options, with a starting price of $49/user/month, and no additional fees for support or training
  • User-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate and customize workflows to fit specific needs
  • Wide range of features and integrations to manage all aspects of a law firm's operations

Cons:

  • Mobile app has limited functionality compared to the desktop version
  • Limited customization options for reports and invoicing
  • Customer support can be slow to respond to inquiries or issues

Best for end-to-end legal management from intake to resolution

  • From $150/user/month.

Litify is a comprehensive legal management platform that streamlines end-to-end processes from intake to resolution. Its intuitive features and integrations make it ideal for small to large law firms seeking to improve efficiency and productivity.

Why I Picked Litify: I chose Litify for its ability to integrate multiple functions into a single, user-friendly platform. Its intuitive case management, workflow automation, and robust reporting capabilities make it stand out among other legal management tools. I believe it is best for firms seeking a comprehensive solution to improve their legal operations.

Standout Features and Integrations: Litify's most important features include an intuitive case management system that includes custom fields and workflows, a client portal for communication and document sharing, and a robust reporting engine for data analysis. It also provides integrations with popular tools such as Microsoft Office, DocuSign, and Adobe Sign.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides integrations with popular tools such as Microsoft Office, DocuSign, and Adobe Sign
  • Robust reporting engine for data analysis
  • Intuitive case management system with custom fields and workflows
  • Comprehensive legal management platform that streamlines end-to-end processes

Cons:

  • Pricing upon request, making it difficult to determine the full cost without contacting the sales team
  • Minimum of 10 users required
  • Relatively high starting price of $150/user/month

Best for enterprise legal management with robust automation

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
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Rating: 4/5

Mitratech is an enterprise legal management platform that offers a range of features for automating legal workflows and managing legal operations. The tool is designed to handle the complexities of large-scale legal operations and is best suited for enterprise-level organizations.

Why I Picked Mitratech: I chose Mitratech for this list because of its extensive automation capabilities and ability to handle the demands of large-scale legal operations. Mitratech's focus on enterprise-level operations makes it stand out from other legal management tools that may not have the same level of scalability or automation.

Standout Features and Integrations: Mitratech's most important features include automated legal workflows, contract management, e-billing, and matter management. The platform also offers advanced reporting and analytics capabilities that allow users to gain insights into their legal operations. Key integrations include Microsoft Office, Adobe Sign, and DocuSign.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrates with a range of commonly used tools such as Microsoft Office and DocuSign
  • Advanced reporting and analytics for gaining insights into legal operations
  • Extensive automation capabilities for large-scale legal operations

Cons:

  • User interface may be overwhelming for those not familiar with enterprise-level legal operations.
  • Minimum number of licenses required may not be feasible for smaller organizations
  • Pricing is not transparent and is customized for each organization

Common Features Of Law Firm Software

There are several key features to look for when choosing law firm software. Here are ten essential features to consider:

  1. Case Management: A robust case management system should be able to handle case intake, document management, task assignments, and deadlines. This feature can help lawyers keep track of the status of a case, prioritize tasks, and avoid missing important deadlines.
  2. Billing and Accounting: A good billing and accounting system can automate billing and invoicing, track expenses, and handle payments. This feature can help lawyers save time on administrative tasks and ensure that their firm’s financials are accurate.
  3. Time Tracking: Time tracking software can help lawyers accurately capture billable hours. This feature can also assist lawyers in identifying areas where they may be spending too much time and make adjustments to optimize their workflow.
  4. Document Management: Document management software can help lawyers organize, store, and access important documents. This feature can improve collaboration, increase efficiency, and ensure that documents are secure.
  5. Communication Tools: Communication tools such as email integration, client portals, and messaging systems can help lawyers communicate with clients and colleagues. This feature can also improve the client experience, increase transparency, and reduce the need for in-person meetings.
  6. Task Management: Task management software can help lawyers keep track of their to-do lists and manage their time efficiently. This feature can improve productivity and reduce the risk of missing important deadlines or appointments.
  7. Mobile Access: Mobile access allows lawyers to access their software from anywhere. This feature can improve flexibility, enable remote work, and ensure that lawyers can stay on top of their tasks even when they’re out of the office.
  8. Analytics and Reporting: Analytics and reporting tools can provide lawyers with valuable insights into their firm’s performance. This feature can help lawyers make data-driven decisions and optimize their practice.
  9. Security: Law firm software should have robust security features to protect sensitive information. This feature can help lawyers avoid data breaches, reduce the risk of cyber attacks, and ensure compliance with regulations.
  10. Integration: Integration with other software tools can help lawyers streamline their workflow and reduce the need for manual data entry. This feature can improve efficiency and reduce the risk of errors.Overall, choosing the right law firm software can have a significant impact on a lawyer’s productivity, efficiency, and profitability. By considering these ten key features, lawyers can select software that meets their specific needs and helps them achieve their goals.

How I Picked The Best Law Firm Software

When it comes to choosing the right law firm software, it can be overwhelming to navigate the many options available. As someone who has personally tested and researched these tools, I know how important it is to consider the right criteria. Here are the key factors to consider when choosing law firm software:

Core Functionality: The software should have the necessary functions that enable you to manage your legal practice. This includes document management, time and billing tracking, case management, and client management.

Key Features: There are certain features that are critical to have when it comes to law firm software. For example, the ability to track billable hours, generate invoices, and accept online payments is essential. Other features to consider include customizable workflows, matter templates, and integrations with other tools such as accounting software.

Usability: The software should have a user-friendly interface that's easy to use and navigate. Additionally, it should be easy to onboard new users and have adequate customer support in case issues arise. Other factors to consider include the ability to customize the dashboard and the level of permissions for different users.

  • Integration: Integration with other tools is important for efficiency and accuracy. Some law firm software comes with built-in integrations for accounting software, document management tools, and time-tracking apps. Look for software that has open APIs, as this makes it easier to connect with other tools that may be specific to your needs.
  • Customization: Law firms often have unique needs, and the software should allow for customization to meet those needs. Look for software that allows you to customize workflows, forms, and templates, as well as the ability to add custom fields.
  • Security: The software should have robust security features to protect sensitive client data. This includes features such as role-based access control, two-factor authentication, and data encryption.
  • Reporting: The ability to generate custom reports is important for tracking metrics and evaluating the performance of your legal practice. Look for software that has robust reporting capabilities, including customizable reports, real-time data visualization, and the ability to export data to other tools.
  • Mobile Access: Many law firms have mobile workforces, and the software should be accessible from mobile devices. Look for software that has a mobile app or is mobile-responsive.
  • Ease of Collaboration: The software should make it easy for team members to collaborate and share information. This includes features such as shared calendars, real-time notifications, and the ability to assign tasks to team members.
  • Automation: Automation can save time and improve efficiency. Look for software that has built-in automation features such as document assembly, automated workflows, and email automation.

Overall, the key to choosing the right law firm software is to consider your specific needs and look for a tool that has the necessary features and functionality to support your legal practice. By taking the time to evaluate your options, you can find a tool that will help streamline your workflow, improve collaboration, and increase productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Law Firm Software (FAQs)

Here are some commonly asked questions about law firm software:

What are the benefits of using law firm software?

The benefits of using law firm software include improved productivity and efficiency, streamlined workflows, better organization, enhanced client communication and collaboration, increased data security, and the ability to track and manage financials more effectively.

How much do law firm software tools cost?

Law firm software tools can range from free to several hundred dollars per user per month. Pricing models can vary, with some tools offering a one-time fee, others a monthly or annual subscription, and others charging based on the number of users or amount of usage.

What are some pricing models for law firm software?

Some pricing models for law firm software include per-user pricing, per-matter pricing, and usage-based pricing. Some tools may offer a one-time fee for perpetual use or a monthly or annual subscription.

What is the typical range of pricing for law firm software?

The typical range of pricing for law firm software can vary widely depending on the tool and its features. Some tools may be free or have a low monthly cost, while others can be several hundred dollars per user per month.

What are some free law firm software options?

Some free law firm software options include Google Workspace, Trello, Evernote, and Asana. These tools offer basic features and functionality, but may not have all the capabilities of paid software options.

What features should I look for in law firm software?

Key features to look for in law firm software include document management, time tracking and billing, matter management, client management, task management, calendar and scheduling, integrations with other tools, and reporting and analytics.

Can law firm software be customized to fit my specific needs?

Many law firm software tools offer customization options, allowing you to tailor the software to your specific needs. Some tools may require coding or technical expertise to customize, while others offer more user-friendly customization options.

What kind of customer support do law firm software providers offer?

Law firm software providers may offer a variety of customer support options, including phone and email support, live chat, knowledge base articles, and user forums. Some providers may also offer personalized onboarding and training.

Can I try law firm software before committing to it?

Many law firm software providers offer a free trial or demo period, allowing you to try the software before committing to a purchase. This can be a great way to test the software’s features and see if it’s a good fit for your needs.

How secure is law firm software?

Law firm software providers should prioritize security and data protection, with measures such as data encryption, secure data storage, access controls, and regular software updates. It’s important to carefully review a provider’s security measures before choosing a software tool.

What Do You Think?

In conclusion, choosing the right law firm software can be a challenging task, but considering the key features, core functionalities, and usability can help make an informed decision.

We understand that this list may not be exhaustive, and we invite readers to suggest additional tools that we may have missed.

Here are three key takeaways to keep in mind when choosing a law firm software:

  1. Identify your specific requirements: Consider the core functionalities you need, such as case management, billing, and document management, and look for tools that cater to those needs.
  2. Look for integrations: Ensure that the software you choose can integrate with other tools you use, such as accounting software, email clients, and document management tools.
  3. Consider pricing and scalability: Choose a tool that aligns with your budget and can scale with your practice's growth. Understand the pricing models and any additional costs associated with the tool.

By keeping these key takeaways in mind and evaluating the software based on the criteria we have discussed, you can make an informed decision and select the best law firm software for your practice.

Ben Aston
By Ben Aston

Ben Aston is an online media entrepreneur and founder of Black & White Zebra, an indie media company on a mission to help people and organizations succeed.

Since 2011, he has been evaluating, reviewing, and helping to recommend software through hundreds of articles across the company's influential digital publications, seeking to make technical workplace topics fun and easier to understand.