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Managing legal documents can be a daunting task. You might find yourself drowning in paperwork, struggling to keep everything organized and accessible. That's where legal document management software comes in. These tools are designed to help you and your team manage documents efficiently, ensuring compliance and saving time.

I've spent years researching and testing these solutions. I understand the challenges you face in the legal practice industry. In this article, I'll share my top picks for the best legal document management software. You'll find unbiased, well-researched reviews to help guide your decision. Whether you're looking for specific features or overall ease of use, there's something here for everyone.

Best Legal Document Management Software Summary

This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top legal document management software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.

Best Legal Document Management Software Review

Below are my detailed summaries of the best legal document management software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.

Best for AI-powered document search

  • 30-day free trial
  • From $18/user/month
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Rating: 4.6/5

Guru is an AI-powered knowledge management solution designed to enhance collaboration and efficiency within organizations of various industries, including legal.

Why I Picked Guru: Guru offers unique document management capabilities for legal teams with its ability to create pages for internal process documentation and integrate with various sources for knowledge retrieval. If you are looking for a specific contract, case, or internal policy, you can type a question using its AI-powered search, which will pull up all relevant documents.

Standout features & integrations:

Guru offers additional features like knowledge verification processes to ensure the accuracy of information and collections and boards to help users organize and structure their information. Integrations include Slack, Salesforce, Microsoft Teams, Google Drive, GitHub, Jira, HubSpot, Dropbox, Asana, Trello, BambooHR, Freshdesk, Notion, ServiceNow, Airtable, and Adobe Workfront.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides a system for verifying information
  • AI suggestions improve information relevancy and retrieval
  • Analytics to track knowledge usage and identify gaps

Cons:

  • Can become overwhelming if not properly organized
  • Requires ongoing updates and maintenance to keep information accurate

Best for smart case management

  • Free demo available
  • From $149/user/month
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Rating: 4.8/5

Smokeball is a legal document management software tailored specifically for law firms. It aims to enhance operational efficiency and productivity through a suite of advanced features designed to meet the unique needs of legal practices.

Why I Picked Smokeball: I picked Smokeball because of its smart case management feature, which automates time tracking and integrates calendaring to help you manage cases more effectively. This means you can focus more on your clients and less on administrative tasks. Additionally, the software's legal billing and trust accounting capabilities simplify the billing process and manage trust accounts, which is crucial for getting faster payments and maintaining accurate financial records.

Another reason I chose Smokeball is its client intake and onboarding feature. This allows you to facilitate smooth client onboarding with electronic signatures and email integrations, making the whole process more straightforward for both you and your clients. The software also offers dashboards and reporting tools that provide insights into your firm's performance, helping you make informed decisions to improve your practice.

Standout Features & Integrations

Features include document automation, which reduces manual entry by auto-populating frequently used documents, minimizing errors. The software also has AI integration, utilizing Smokeball AI and Archie AI Matter Assistant to enhance document management and workflow automation. Mobile accessibility is another key feature, allowing you to manage cases on-the-go through a mobile app, even in low connectivity areas.

Integrations include Microsoft Outlook, OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, NetSuite, Salesforce, HubSpot, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, QuickBooks, and RingCentral.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Strong document automation and legal‑forms library.
  • Seamless integration with Microsoft Word & Outlook.
  • Automatic time‑tracking helps ensure billing accuracy.

Cons:

  • Limited customization of templates or workflows for niche use‑cases.
  • Reporting/analytics may not be as robust for larger firms.

Best for full spectrum legal practice management

  • 7-day free trial
  • From $49/user/month (billed annually)
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Rating: 4.6/5

Clio is a comprehensive platform that provides a variety of document automation tools and features for legal practice management. As it covers practice area and a wide range of tasks, from case management to billing, it's ideally suited to firms seeking a holistic solution for their practice management needs.

Why I Picked Clio: I selected Clio for this list because of its comprehensive range of features that tackle multiple aspects of legal practice management with its team members. Its ability to streamline a multitude of tasks, from document management to client communication, distinguishes it from other platforms. Consequently, I believe it's "Best for full spectrum legal practice management". The mobile app works for both iOS and Android devices.

Standout features & integrations:

Clio's robust features include case management, document management, time tracking, and billing. It stands out for its integration capabilities, linking with other essential legal tools such as Dropbox, QuickBooks, and Microsoft Office 365.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers a free trial for users to evaluate the platform
  • Integrates with various essential legal tools, full Windows file system and Mac OS compatibility
  • Comprehensive suite of tools for legal practice management

Cons:

  • The platform may be complex for small practices with straightforward needs
  • Premium features require additional cost
  • The starting price is relatively high compared to some other tools

Best for robust case management

  • 14-day free trial + free demo available
  • Pricing upon request.
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Rating: 4.7/5

Filevine is an easy-access comprehensive legal practice management software, known for its robust case management capabilities. With features specifically tailored for legal firms, it helps manage case files, collaborate, and stay on top of deadlines.

Why I Picked Filevine: In my search for the most effective or the best legal document management software, Filevine stood out due to its robust case management functionality. It offers a highly customizable system that can handle the most complex of cases, providing a clear snapshot of case progress at a glance. This distinctive feature is why I deem Filevine "best for robust case management" - it allows practitioners to manage and track numerous case files with ease, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.

Standout features & integrations:

Filevine excels with its dynamic case management features, offering customizable case templates, advanced reporting, and deadline management. Its task management system enables easy delegation and tracking of tasks, improving team coordination. Notable integrations include Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace, making it easy to incorporate Filevine into existing workflows.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Seamless integration with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
  • Advanced reporting tools
  • Customizable case management

Cons:

  • Could have a steep learning curve for some users
  • Quote-based pricing lacks transparency
  • No free tier or trial period

Best for client communication management

  • 10-day free trial + free demo available
  • From $39/user/month (billed annually)
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Rating: 4.4/5

MyCase is a web-based comprehensive law practice management software equipped with robust features to manage client communication effectively. Its standout communication features ensure that every interaction with clients is tracked and organized, which led me to designate it as the best tool for managing client communication.

Why I Picked MyCase: In my assessment, MyCase is a case management software that showed clear advantages in facilitating efficient client communication. The platform's features, including secure messaging, automated reminders, and shared calendars, made it stand out among its competitors. These attributes justify my opinion that MyCase is "Best for client communication management."

Standout features & integrations:

MyCase excels with its client communication features, such as secure client portals, case messaging, and document sharing. The software integrates well with popular tools like QuickBooks, Dropbox, and Microsoft Outlook, which adds to its utility.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
  • Integrates with widely used platforms
  • Excellent client communication management features

Cons:

  • High cost compared to some competitors
  • The user interface advanced search and access control could be more intuitive
  • No permanent free plan, only a trial period

Best for AI-driven document management

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
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Rating: 4.3/5

iManage is a comprehensive legal management software that heavily leverages artificial intelligence to optimize document management. The platform's emphasis on AI-driven systems ensures efficient handling, organization, and analysis of various types of legal documents, making it an ideal choice for document-heavy law practices.

Why I Picked iManage: The reason I selected iManage for this list is its emphasis on AI-driven document management. In comparing numerous options, iManage stood out due to its innovative use of AI to streamline document handling processes. These intelligent features are what set iManage apart and why I deem it the "Best for AI-driven document management". These AI functionalities save users significant time, thereby increasing efficiency.

Standout features & integrations:

iManage's key features include AI-driven document and email management, secure metadata file sharing, permission, and knowledge management. It provides seamless integrations with Microsoft Office 365, Gmail, and Adobe Acrobat, ensuring easy document import and export, as well as fluid workflow.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Secure file-sharing capabilities
  • Seamless integrations with Office 365, Gmail, and Adobe
  • Exceptional AI-driven document management

Cons:

  • Might be over-complicated for smaller firms with simpler needs
  • No free plan offered
  • Pricing is not transparent

Best for automation of daily tasks

  • 7-day free trial
  • From $59/user/month (billed monthly)
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Rating: 4.2/5

PracticePanther is a legal management software designed to streamline day-to-day activities with its powerful automation features. From case management to billing, this software takes the heavy lifting out of many routine tasks, which positions it as an excellent tool for automation.

Why I Picked PracticePanther: I chose PracticePanther for this list due to its strong emphasis on automation. In my selection process, PracticePanther distinguished itself with its robust automation capabilities, which not only streamline workflows but also significantly reduce manual labor. This efficiency is why I perceive it to be the "Best for automation of daily tasks.”

Standout features & integrations:

Key features of PracticePanther include automated billing, case management, and task tracking. This platform integrates smoothly with apps like QuickBooks, LawPay, and Microsoft Office, thus enhancing its utility and workflow efficiency.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Seamless integration with various apps
  • Comprehensive case management features
  • Strong emphasis on automation

Cons:

  • Higher cost compared to some alternatives
  • The interface might be overwhelming for first-time users
  • No permanent free plan, only a 7-day trial

Best for AI-assisted document drafting

  • Yes
  • From $83/user/month (billed annually)
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Rating: 4.8/5

Gavel is designed to simplify the creation and management of legal documents for professionals in the field. It offers features that cater to various practice areas, making document-related tasks more manageable.

Why I Picked Gavel: I picked Gavel for its AI-assisted redlining, analysis, and drafting capabilities in Microsoft Word, which are essential for maintaining accurate and up-to-date documents. This feature minimizes errors, ensuring that your documents meet professional standards. Additionally, Gavel's ability to automate Word and PDF documents using custom rules stands out, as it lets you handle complex legal documents with ease.

Another reason for choosing Gavel is its secure client intake through a white-labeled portal, which enhances client interactions and data handling. The platform supports the creation of proprietary templates, giving you the freedom to tailor documents to specific needs. Gavel also provides access to pre-built court forms and workflows, streamlining the generation of error-free documents without any setup.

Standout Features & Integrations

Features include the ability to create proprietary templates, allowing you to customize documents for your specific legal needs. It also offers secure client intake through a white-labeled portal, ensuring client information is handled with care. Additionally, you can access pre-built court forms and workflows, which simplifies the process of generating accurate and compliant legal documents.

Integrations include Clio, Docusign, Zapier, LegalServer, NetDocuments, Calendly, Microsoft Word, LawPay, QuickBooks, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Salesforce.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Highly capable no‑code/low‑code legal document automation.
  • Strong client‑intake workflows and guided interviews included.
  • Integrates with Word, PDF automation, conditional logic, calculations.

Cons:

  • Some integration or Zapier connections are weaker/more limited.
  • Primarily focused on document generation/automation rather than full‑document lifecycle (storage, archival) management.

Best for secure document storage

  • Free demo available
  • From $30/user/month (billed annually)
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Rating: 4.3/5

Tabs3 is a legal document management software designed to assist law firms in handling their practice management needs. With features that focus on security, organization, and collaboration, it helps legal professionals manage documents effectively within their teams.

Why I Picked Tabs3: I picked Tabs3 because of its secure document storage feature, which ensures that your sensitive legal documents are kept safe and accessible only to authorized users. This is crucial for maintaining client confidentiality and compliance with various legal standards. Another reason is its customizable templates, which allow you to tailor documents to fit the specific needs of your cases, reducing the time spent on repetitive tasks.

Additionally, Tabs3 offers efficient tracking of document versions, which is invaluable in a legal setting where multiple revisions and approvals are common. This feature helps you keep track of changes and ensures that everyone on your team is working with the most current version of a document. These functionalities make Tabs3 a reliable choice for managing legal documents.

Standout Features & Integrations

Features include billing and financial management tools that allow for quick billing processes and online payments, making financial tasks easier for your team. PracticeMaster is another feature that organizes case files and client interactions, helping you keep track of important details and deadlines. The software also integrates with tools for client intake and marketing, supporting the broader scope of law firm operations beyond document management.

Integrations include PracticeMaster, General Ledger Software, Accounts Payable Software, Trust Accounting Software, Taskbill Software, Cost Recovery Software, QuickBooks®, PenSoft® Payroll Solutions, LexShare, NetDocuments, ProCirrus, and Worldox.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Strong billing/time‑tracking features built for law firms.
  • Good trust accounting and law‑specific financial modules.
  • Document & matter‑management integrated (with matter files, contacts).

Cons:

  • User interface and navigation are considered outdated.
  • Some integration limitations with third‑party tools and APIs.

Best for integrated accounting features

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $89/user/month (billed annually)
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Rating: 4/5

CosmoLex is a cloud-based document management software that marries firm document management and legal accounting in one platform. It's designed to handle legal case management, billing, and accounting with exceptional efficiency, standing out particularly for its integrated accounting features.

Why I Picked CosmoLex: My selection of CosmoLex was guided by its unique feature: integrated legal-specific accounting. Unlike many other solutions that require additional software for accounting tasks, CosmoLex offers this capability in-house. It shines in managing client funds, tracking billable hours, and generating invoices. This unique blend of features qualifies CosmoLex as "Best for integrated accounting features" – it eliminates the need for third-party accounting software and integrates seamlessly with legal document management.

Standout features & integrations:

Key features of CosmoLex include its built-in accounting and billing modules, file storage, matter management, task tracking, and calendar syncing. It's notable for its integrated LawPay for payment processing and legal-specific accounting. CosmoLex integrates seamlessly with popular platforms like Office 365 and Box for enhanced functionality.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Seamless integration with Office 365 and Box
  • Comprehensive legal practice management tools
  • Integrated accounting features

Cons:

  • Requires a yearly commitment
  • Some users may find its interface less intuitive
  • Slightly higher starting price

Best for contract automation

  • Free trial available
  • From $49/user/month (billed annually)
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Rating: 4.2/5

Precisely is a platform that specializes in contract automation and document management, providing tools to create, manage, and store legal documents. It aims to simplify the contract lifecycle by offering features that enhance productivity and compliance.

Why I Picked Precisely: I chose Precisely for its intelligent contract automation features that are essential for legal document management. You can create compliant contracts quickly using customizable templates, which means your team doesn't need to rely heavily on legal resources. This feature alone can significantly reduce the time spent on document creation. Another appealing aspect is the automated approval workflows. With Precisely, you can set up contract structures and permissions that simplify the signature and approval processes, minimizing errors and improving efficiency across departments.

Precisely offers unlimited legally binding electronic signatures with a digital audit trail. This feature allows you to close deals faster and keep track of document statuses. The centralized archive with smart search capabilities is another standout feature, giving you easy access to all your contracts and ensuring you never miss important contract milestones. Smart reminders alert you to renewals and terminations, helping you manage contracts more effectively.

Standout Features & Integrations

Features include automated contract creation through customizable templates, which helps you generate compliant contracts without legal resource allocation. The platform supports e-signing with a digital audit trail, allowing for faster deal closures and document tracking. Additionally, a centralized archive offers unlimited storage for contracts with smart search capabilities, enabling easy access and visibility of contract statuses. These features collectively aim to transform contract management into a more efficient and reliable process.

Integrations include Microsoft Outlook, Custom SMTP, Precisely reminders + Calendar integration, Precisely + Microsoft Teams integration, Precisely's Zapier App, Precisely + Salesforce integration, Precisely + HubSpot integration, Precisely + Slack integration, Dropbox Sign, DocuSign, Universign, and Scrive.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Automated contract creation through customizable templates is highly praised.
  • The e-signature feature is noted for speeding up the signing process.
  • Smart reminders help users stay on top of contract renewals and deadlines, minimizing risks.

Cons:

  • Some users have reported challenges with the initial setup.
  • Some users feel it lacks seamless integration with niche legal software.

Best for intuitive timeline visualizations

  • 14-day free trial
  • From $30/user/month (billed annually)
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Rating: 4.5/5

CaseFleet is a cloud-based system or on-premise legal case management solution, focusing on the distinctive capability of timeline visualizations. It allows legal professionals to manage cases, contacts, tasks, and billing, but where it truly shines is its timeline feature, transforming complex data into easily digestible visuals.

Why I Picked CaseFleet: I chose CaseFleet not only for its comprehensive case management features but particularly for its standout timeline visualizations. These timelines empower you to visualize case facts in a chronological format, making it simpler to analyze complex scenarios. This innovative approach to presenting case details earns CaseFleet the title of "Best for intuitive timeline visualizations". It sets CaseFleet apart from many other legal document management system (DMS) on the market.

Standout features & integrations:

CaseFleet provides a unique fact management tool, intuitive timeline visualizations, comprehensive case management, and robust reporting. For integrations, it works smoothly with Google Calendar, Office 365, Dropbox, OneDrive and Zapier to expand its functionality.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Robust reporting
  • Seamless integrations with popular tools
  • Unique timeline visualization feature

Cons:

  • Requires an annual commitment
  • No native accounting or billing module
  • Steeper learning curve due to unique features

Best for document organization

  • $64/user/month
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Rating: 4.8/5

Xakia is a legal document management software designed to improve the way you handle legal operations. Its suite of features aims to centralize and simplify various aspects of legal work, offering a platform for managing documents, contracts, and more.

Why I Picked Xakia: I picked Xakia because of its document management capabilities. It allows you to store, search, and retrieve documents with ease, making it a great choice for legal teams looking to keep their files organized and accessible. The software's contract management feature is also noteworthy, as it manages the entire contract lifecycle, from creation to review, ensuring that nothing slips through the cracks.

Another reason I chose Xakia is its spend management functionality. This feature gives you real-time insights into your legal spending, helping you keep track of budgets and make informed financial decisions. The data and analytics tools further support this by providing actionable insights into your legal team's performance, allowing you to make data-driven decisions to enhance productivity.

Standout Features & Integrations

Features include intake and triage, which streamlines the process of handling legal requests by prioritizing and categorizing them for you. Automation and intelligence are integral to Xakia, reducing the burden of administrative tasks and improving workflow efficiency. Additionally, dashboards and reporting offer quick insights into your legal work and performance, helping you stay on top of your responsibilities.

Integrations include NetDocuments, iManage, SharePoint, Ironclad, Checkbox, Brightflag, Microsoft Outlook, Gmail, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Salesforce, and DocuSign.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Effective tracking of time and expenses related to legal cases.
  • Customizable workflows to fit specific organizational needs.
  • Strong reporting features that provide valuable insights.

Cons:

  • Pricing may be considered high for smaller firms.
  • Some users desire more advanced customization options.

Best for automated redaction

  • Free trial available
  • From $19/month

Redactable is an automated redaction software tailored for professionals in industries like legal, finance, and healthcare to efficiently remove sensitive information from documents. It provides a user-friendly redaction wizard, enabling secure and permanent redactions.

Why I Picked Redactable: It offers automated redaction, driven by AI technology, which enables users to identify and redact sensitive information significantly faster than conventional methods, such as Adobe. This feature is crucial for legal professionals who need to ensure compliance with privacy laws and protect client confidentiality. Redactable's user-friendly interface, including the redaction wizard, guides users through the redaction process, accommodating both scanned and digital files.

Standout features & integrations:

Standout features include document scrubbing, which permanently removes metadata and hidden elements to ensure the security of redactions. It also offers real-time collaboration tools, version control, and redaction certificates. Integrations include Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and Box.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Uses AI to enhance its redaction process
  • Complies with GDPR and other privacy regulations
  • Offers collaboration tools

Cons:

  • Limited number of redactions per plan
  • Not ideal for those looking for broader document management capabilities

Best for customizable workflows

  • Free demo available
  • From $52/user/month

Centerbase is a fully integrated legal management platform that provides firms with an array of tools for managing their practices. Its standout feature is its customizable workflows, which allow law firms to tailor the software to their unique needs and processes.

Why I Picked Centerbase: I picked Centerbase because of its highly adaptable and customizable workflows. The flexibility it offers allows law firms to set up unique workflows and automate processes, which is crucial in the dynamic world of legal practice. This distinct feature positions Centerbase as the "Best for customizable workflows". It brings a new level of versatility and efficiency that many other tools lack.

Standout features & integrations:

Centerbase provides a variety of features including billing and invoicing, document and case management, and a client portal. The real magic, however, is in its customizable workflows which can be tailored to suit the unique needs of each firm. It also offers integration with Microsoft Office and QuickBooks, amongst others, to facilitate seamless workflow.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Comprehensive feature set
  • Seamless integration with Microsoft Office and QuickBooks
  • Highly customizable workflows

Cons:

  • Priced higher than some competitors
  • Steeper learning curve due to customization options
  • No free plan, only a demo

Best for contract automation and analytics

  • Free demo available
  • From $35/user/month (billed annually)

Ontra is a legal tech software focusing on automating contract workflows and offering advanced contract analytics. The platform enables law firms to streamline their contract processes, reduce administrative workload, and gain valuable insights from contract data, which is why it is best for contract automation and analytics.

Why I Picked Ontra: I chose Ontra due to its impressive capabilities in contract automation and data analysis. Its unique ability to extract and analyze key contract data points sets it apart from other platforms, confirming my decision to consider Ontra as the "Best for contract automation and analytics".

Standout features & integrations:

Ontra excels in automated contract creation, tracking, and analytics. With AI-driven data extraction, it provides actionable insights from contracts, assisting in risk mitigation. Ontra integrates smoothly with other business tools like Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, and various document storage platforms.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrates with major CRM and document storage tools
  • Offers detailed contract analytics
  • Powerful contract automation capabilities

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • Interface may seem complex for non-technical users
  • No free tier available

Best for in-house legal team collaboration

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

LawVu is a comprehensive legal operations platform designed for in-house teams to manage all aspects of legal work. The focus on facilitating collaboration and coordination within legal teams makes it especially apt for managing in-house legal team collaborations.

Why I Picked LawVu: When evaluating various platforms, LawVu stood out for its focus on enhancing team collaboration within legal departments. It fosters streamlined communication, task tracking, and overall project management, which led me to select it as the "Best for in-house legal team collaboration."

Standout features & integrations:

LawVu offers features such as contract management, matter management, and legal request management, all of which foster effective teamwork. It integrates with various tools, including Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Google Drive and DocuSign, allowing for a unified and efficient workflow.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrates with commonly used office tools
  • Robust set of features for comprehensive legal work management
  • Fosters effective in-house legal team collaboration

Cons:

  • Requires some learning curve for efficient use
  • Higher price point compared to other tools
  • No free tier available

Best for content and data migration

  • Pricing upon request

Assembly NEOS is a software solution specifically designed for handling content and data migration. Its focus on reducing complexity and the time involved in migrating content between systems makes it particularly suited to content and data migration tasks.

Why I Picked Assembly NEOS: When I examined various data migration tools, Assembly NEOS stood out due to its focus on minimizing migration complications. I chose this tool because of its adaptability, functionality, and its unique attribute of being built to handle migrations of any size, which positions it as the "Best for content and data migration."

Standout features & integrations:

Assembly NEOS provides features like comprehensive mapping, validation, and reporting capabilities, making it ideal for content and data migration. It integrates smoothly with major platforms like WordPress, Drupal, and Joomla, thus ensuring efficient migration across diverse systems.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrates with popular content management systems
  • Provides comprehensive migration features
  • Designed specifically for content and data migration

Cons:

  • May be over-featured for small scale migrations
  • Pricing details are not transparently listed
  • Does not offer a free tier

Best for time tracking and billing

  • Yes
  • From $55/user/month

RocketMatter is a cloud-based legal billing and management solution designed to cater to the needs of law firms. Its principal function revolves around its robust time tracking and billing system, which is designed to simplify and optimize the timekeeping and invoicing process.

Why I Picked RocketMatter: I chose RocketMatter for its prowess in time tracking and billing. The application has effectively honed in on these elements, providing an easy-to-use and efficient system for managing legal firm's billable hours. This specialty led me to identify RocketMatter as the "Best for time tracking and billing". It helps law firms accurately track their time and generate invoices promptly, which is an essential component of their revenue cycle.

Standout features & integrations:

RocketMatter shines in its time tracking and billing capabilities, allowing for immediate billing, contingency, and batch billing. It also features calendaring, document management, and task tracking functionalities. The platform integrates well with Dropbox, QuickBooks, and Evernote, allowing users to manage their workflows effectively.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Offers a variety of additional features like calendaring and document management
  • Integrates with Dropbox, QuickBooks, and Evernote
  • Exceptional time tracking and billing features

Cons:

  • Some users may find it has more features than needed
  • Higher price point compared to some competitors
  • No permanent free tier, only a 7-day trial

Best for role-based internal content

  • 14-day free trial available
  • Pricing upon request
Visit Website
Rating: 4.8/5

Document360 is an AI-powered documentation platform designed to help teams create, manage, and share internal knowledge bases and manuals. While not built solely for legal teams, it stands out for legal documentation needs thanks to its structured workflows, content analytics, and glossary tools that ensure consistency across complex SOPs and case-related materials.

Why I Picked Document360: I chose Document360 for this list because it gives legal teams a clean, role-based environment to manage internal content. You can assign editorial roles (like editors, reviewers, and publishers), use customizable workflows to mirror approval processes, and leverage analytics to identify which documents are being used—or ignored. I especially liked the decision tree builder for guiding staff through layered procedures or compliance tasks.

Standout features & integrations:

Features includes features like a custom workflow builder, centralized SOP repository, analytics dashboard, health check metrics, and multilingual glossary management. Its AI writing assistant (“Ask Eddy”) can draft or summarize internal content on demand.

Integrations include Zendesk, Freshdesk, Intercom, Drift, Slack, GitHub, Make, Salesforce, and Microsoft Teams.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Provides robust version control with audit trails
  • Offers powerful reporting and analytics
  • Smart file management features

Cons:

  • Most integrations are only available on higher-tier plans
  • Can be pricey for teams on a budget

Other Legal Document Management Software

Here are some additional legal document management software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:

  1. iCONECT

    Good for legal teams handling large volumes of data and documents

  2. Litify

    Good for law firms seeking an all-in-one platform powered by Salesforce

  3. Lexbe

    Good for law firms dealing with litigation and eDiscovery

  4. Zapa Client Portal

    Good for law firms seeking secure client communication and collaboration

  5. backdocket

    Good for law firms aiming to automate and streamline their docketing

  6. Contra

    Good for streamlining contract lifecycle management

  7. Colligo

    Good for firms seeking SharePoint-based document management

  8. Hanzo

    Good for legal teams needing web archiving and compliance features

  9. LegalHold

    Good for companies in need of litigation hold management

Legal Document Management Software Selection Criteria

When selecting the best legal document management software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like data security and ease of document retrieval. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair: 

Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:

  • Document storage
  • Version control
  • Access permissions
  • Search functionality
  • Integration with other tools

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:

  • AI-powered search
  • Automated document tagging
  • Mobile access
  • Customizable workflows
  • Compliance tracking

Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:

  • Intuitive interface
  • Easy navigation
  • Minimal learning curve
  • Clear instructions
  • Responsive design

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:

  • Availability of training videos
  • Interactive product tours
  • Pre-built templates
  • Webinars and workshops
  • Access to chatbots for support

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:

  • 24/7 availability
  • Multiple support channels
  • Knowledgeable staff
  • Quick response times
  • Comprehensive FAQ section

Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:

  • Competitive pricing
  • Flexible subscription plans
  • Free trial availability
  • Discounts for annual payments
  • Cost-benefit ratio

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • User satisfaction ratings
  • Commonly mentioned issues
  • Praise for specific features
  • Feedback on customer support
  • Overall recommendation rates

How to Choose Legal Document Management Software

It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
ScalabilityWill the software grow with your firm? Consider your firm's future size and document volume. Ensure the tool can handle increased data without performance issues.
IntegrationsDoes it work with your existing tools? Check compatibility with software like email clients, CRMs, and billing systems to ensure seamless workflow integration.
CustomizabilityCan you tailor it to your needs? Look for flexible settings that let you adjust workflows, permissions, and document templates to match your firm's specific processes.
Ease of useIs it user-friendly for your team? Evaluate the interface and navigation. A steep learning curve can slow down adoption and efficiency.
Implementation and onboardingHow long does it take to get started? Consider the time and resources needed for setup, training, and data migration. Look for quick-start guides and support options.
CostDoes it fit your budget? Compare pricing plans, hidden fees, and total cost of ownership. Consider long-term value over initial cost savings.
Security safeguardsHow secure is your data? Look for encryption, access controls, and compliance with legal standards like GDPR or HIPAA to protect sensitive information.
Compliance requirementsDoes it meet industry regulations? Ensure the software supports compliance with legal obligations specific to your jurisdiction or practice area.

What Is Legal Document Management Software?

Legal document management software is a tool designed to organize, store, and manage legal documents efficiently. Lawyers, paralegals, and legal teams generally use these tools to improve access to documents and ensure compliance. Search functionality, access permissions, and version control help with organizing files, maintaining security, and tracking changes. Overall, these tools save time and reduce errors in document handling.

Features

When selecting legal document management software, keep an eye out for the following key features:

  • Document storage: Securely stores files in a centralized location for easy access and retrieval.
  • Version control: Tracks changes to documents over time, allowing users to see previous versions and edits.
  • Access permissions: Controls who can view or edit documents, ensuring confidentiality and compliance.
  • Search functionality: Provides powerful search tools to quickly locate documents based on keywords or metadata.
  • Integration capabilities: Connects with other software tools like email or billing systems to streamline workflows.
  • Compliance support: Ensures that document handling meets industry regulations and standards.
  • Customizable workflows: Allows users to tailor document processes to fit their specific needs and practices.
  • Mobile access: Enables users to access and manage documents from mobile devices, offering flexibility and convenience.
  • Automated tagging: Automatically categorizes documents with relevant tags for easier organization and retrieval.
  • Security safeguards: Implements encryption and other security measures to protect sensitive legal information.

Benefits

Implementing legal document management software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Increased efficiency: Automates document handling, reducing manual tasks and saving time.
  • Improved security: Protects sensitive information with encryption and access controls.
  • Better organization: Centralizes document storage, making it easy to find and manage files.
  • Enhanced collaboration: Allows team members to work on documents simultaneously with version control.
  • Regulatory compliance: Supports adherence to industry standards and legal regulations.
  • Cost savings: Reduces paper usage and storage costs by digitizing documents.
  • Flexibility: Provides access to documents from anywhere, thanks to mobile and cloud capabilities.

Costs & Pricing

Selecting legal document management software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in legal document management software solutions:

Plan Comparison Table for Legal Document Management Software

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0Basic document storage, limited search functionality, and basic access permissions.
Personal Plan$5-$25/user/monthEnhanced document storage, version control, basic integrations, and improved search functionality.
Business Plan$30-$100/user/monthAdvanced integrations, customizable workflows, enhanced security features, and compliance support.
Enterprise Plan$100+/user/monthComprehensive security safeguards, full customization options, premium support, and mobile access.

Legal Document Management Software FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about legal document management software:

Can legal document management software integrate with other tools?

Yes, many legal document management software solutions can integrate with other tools like email clients, billing systems, and CRMs. This can help streamline your workflows by keeping everything connected and accessible from one place. When choosing software, check for compatibility with your existing tools to avoid disruptions.

How long does it take to implement legal document management software?

Implementation time varies depending on the software’s complexity and your firm’s needs. Some tools offer quick-start guides and templates that can help you get up and running in a few days. Others might require more setup time, especially if you need to migrate a lot of existing data. Evaluate the resources and support offered to ensure a smooth transition.

Is training provided when purchasing legal document management software?

Most providers offer training resources such as webinars, tutorials, and user guides. Some may include personalized training sessions as part of their package, especially for larger firms. Take advantage of these resources to help your team get comfortable with the software and maximize its benefits. Always check what training options are available before purchasing.

What’s Next:

If you're in the process of researching legal document management software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.

You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.

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.