Legal hold software solves the problem of manual, error-prone preservation processes, which frees up your team to focus on high-impact work like case strategy, compliance oversight, and client communication. Managing legal holds and preserving data integrity can be time-consuming and legally risky, but the proper support can reduce liability exposure and streamline collaboration across departments.
In this article, I compare and review the best legal hold tools to support your buying decision.
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For this guide, we evaluated tools using hands-on testing and independent research, scoring tools using our selection criteria.
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Legal Hold Software Comparison Table
This comparison table summarizes pricing details for my top legal hold software selections:
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for quick document uploads | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 2 | Best for quick data discovery and review | Free trial available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 3 | Best for continuous data backup | 14-day free trial | From $88/user/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best for complex case management with robust tracking | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 5 | Best for scalable legal eDiscovery with AI technology | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best for custom legal hold workflows | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 7 | Best for comprehensive audit trail capabilities | Pricing upon request | Website | ||
| 8 | Best for secure email monitoring | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 9 | Best for efficient eDiscovery and forensic internal investigations | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 10 | Best for data privacy and risk management | Pricing upon request | Website |
Best Legal Hold Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best legal hold 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 quick document uploads- Free demo available
- Pricing upon request
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:4.7/5
Everlaw offers a comprehensive overview of homepage views and folder management to streamline document organization. Everlaw is a cloud-native ediscovery platform that offers advanced legal hold software to simplify complex legal processes. It's designed for law firms, corporations, and government agencies, providing a range of features to enhance litigation and investigation efforts.
Why I Picked Everlaw: I picked Everlaw for its quick document upload feature, which is crucial for legal hold processes. This functionality ensures that your team can rapidly gather necessary documents without unnecessary delays, allowing for timely legal actions. Additionally, the robust analytics provide valuable insights that help in understanding the data, making it easier to make informed decisions.
Another reason for choosing Everlaw is its effective search capabilities. These allow you to pinpoint the exact information you need from vast datasets quickly. This feature is essential in legal holds where time-sensitive data retrieval is often required. The ability to efficiently search through documents ensures that nothing is overlooked during the legal process.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include the ability to create defensible audit trails, ensuring all actions taken during the legal hold process are documented. This is crucial for compliance and risk mitigation. Everlaw also offers automated notifications to keep custodians informed about their data preservation obligations. Additionally, the platform provides customizable hold notices, allowing you to tailor communications to meet specific legal requirements.
Integrations include Dropbox, Slack, Google Drive, Google Vault, Microsoft 365, Zoom, SharePoint, OneDrive, Salesforce, ShareFile, Box, and Asana.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong automation: custodian selection, reminders, escalations.
- End‑to‑end e‑discovery + legal‑hold functionality (not just holds).
- Excellent user‑ratings: e.g., 4.7/5 on G2 from hundreds of reviews.
Cons:
- Search/filtering can be unintuitive or require refinement.
- Pricing and licensing details are less transparent publicly.
Learn more about Everlaw:
Best for quick data discovery and review- Free trial available
- Pricing upon request
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:4.6/5
A look at the Logikcull files dashboard Logikcull is a cloud-based or SaaS legal hold software designed for straightforward eDiscovery. It simplifies the process of identifying, preserving, and analyzing potentially relevant information in a legal case.
Why I Picked Logikcull: I chose Logikcull because its intuitive interface and powerful eDiscovery capabilities differentiate it from other options. In my opinion, Logikcull is best for users who value simplicity without compromising on advanced eDiscovery features.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include its user-friendly design and efficient search capabilities. You can apply filters, tag documents, and automate repetitive tasks to accelerate eDiscovery.
Integrations include popular platforms such as Google Workspace and Office 365, and Slack, which allows easy access to data across various sources.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Integrates with popular platforms
- Efficient search capabilities
- Intuitive interface
Cons:
- Pricing could be a factor for small firms or teams
- Limited customization options
- Advanced features may require a learning curve
Best for continuous data backup- 14-day free trial
- From $88/user/month
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:4.4/5
CrashPlan let's you retain multiple versions of files for easy recovery. CrashPlan is a data protection software that focuses on providing continuous backup and recovery solutions for businesses. It ensures that your data is securely stored and easily accessible, making it a reliable choice for legal hold scenarios.
Why I Picked CrashPlan: I picked CrashPlan as a strong candidate for legal hold software because of its ability to automatically retain data. This feature ensures that all necessary files are preserved without manual intervention, which is crucial during legal proceedings. By maintaining continuous backups, CrashPlan helps your team avoid data loss and ensures compliance with legal requirements.
Another reason for choosing CrashPlan is its secure data storage capabilities. With security measures in place, you can be confident that your data remains protected from unauthorized access. This ensures that sensitive information is kept safe, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of legal holds and safeguarding your organization's interests.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include secure data storage, which ensures that your files are protected from unauthorized access. Automated data retention allows you to maintain necessary files without manual intervention, providing a hands-off approach to data management. Easy retrieval of information means that when you need to access data for legal purposes, it's readily available, saving you time and effort.
Integrations include Axonius, ITBoost, Liongard, Zapproved ZDiscovery, Exterro, BackupAssist, Acronis Cyber Protect, Agility Recovery, CloudAlly, Catalogic DPX, Amazon Drive, and Google Cloud.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Dedicated “Legal Hold” interface: matters, custodians, policies.
- Continuous endpoint backup preserves data automatically.
- Captures metadata, versions, deleted files to support chain‑of‑custody.
Cons:
- Primarily an endpoint backup tool—not a full eDiscovery platform.
- For very complex legal workflows (e.g., deep eDiscovery review, analytics) might need supplementing tools.
Learn more about CrashPlan:
Best for complex case management with robust tracking- Free demo available
- Pricing upon request
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:4.2/5
OpenText's dashboard has a user friendly interface. OpenText is a powerhouse tool designed to simplify the legal hold process. It offers an array of functionalities to manage holds with accuracy, ensuring you never miss a beat. OpenText excels in handling intricate case management scenarios, providing a robust tracking system that suits complex legal environments.
Why I Picked OpenText: In my quest to find the perfect legal hold software, OpenText was a clear standout. I picked it for its impressive handling of complex case management scenarios, a feature I found to be unrivaled in its class.
This feature makes OpenText perfect for law departments and corporations dealing with multiple intricate cases simultaneously. The robust tracking capabilities make it easier to keep track of holds, ensuring compliance and reducing potential legal risks.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features go beyond basic hold notifications or messaging, offering advanced tools like hold reminders, escalations, surveys, and status reports. The software also boasts an intuitive interface that's easy to navigate.
Integrations include the broader OpenText eDiscovery applications, ensuring a smooth transition of information from one process to another.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Intuitive interface
- Excellent for complex case management
- Robust tracking capabilities
Cons:
- Learning curve for non-technical users
- Higher cost compared to some alternatives
- Might be overkill for smaller firms
Learn more about OpenText:
Best for scalable legal eDiscovery with AI technology- Free demo available
- Pricing upon request
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:4.9/5
A look at Casepoint's features. Casepoint is an eDiscovery platform that provides comprehensive features for legal hold management. Its powerful features make it an effective tool for legal teams that need to manage and preserve electronically stored information (ESI) for potential litigation.
Why I Picked Casepoint: I selected Casepoint because of its strong emphasis on legal hold management, a crucial aspect of litigation. It not only provides robust functionality for this purpose but also adds a layer of intelligence that differentiates it from many other tools.
Considering its unique set of features tailored for legal hold scenarios, I judged it as the best for legal hold management.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include customizable legal hold notices, automatic reminders, and a user-friendly dashboard for easy tracking.
Integrations include a variety of data sources to manage holds effectively across diverse sets of data.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Able to integrate with multiple data sources for more effective holds
- User-friendly dashboard for easy tracking of legal holds
- Comprehensive set of features designed for legal hold management
Cons:
- Interface may not be as modern as some alternatives
- May have a learning curve for those unfamiliar with eDiscovery software
- Pricing information not readily available
Learn more about Casepoint:
Best for custom legal hold workflows- Free demo available
- Pricing upon request
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:4.2/5
TAP lets you view all workflows within a single interface, including those for the legal hold process. Mitratech TAP Workflow Automation is a flexible workflow automation platform designed to serve legal and compliance teams. It supports organizations in structuring their operations to reduce administrative overhead and improve efficiency across various business functions.
Why I Picked Mitratech TAP Workflow Automation: It simplifies legal hold procedures by enabling fully automated workflows tailored to legal needs. It offers a customizable platform that supports the complete lifecycle of legal holds, from initiation to release. This ensures that your team can quickly trigger, monitor, and track holds without manual intervention.
TAP’s reporting and notification capabilities also allow you to keep stakeholders informed throughout the process and prevent hold-related oversights. The system also includes document preservation functions that support your team’s record-keeping responsibilities.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include audit trail, compliance tracking, and document management capabilities that can provide robust support for handling sensitive case data. These features allow your team to stay organized while adhering to strict privacy and compliance regulations.
Integrations include DocuSign, Adobe eSignature, TeamConnect, and VendorInsight.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Facilitates real-time collaboration
- Capable of scaling across various functions
- Customizable, automated workflows
Cons:
- Could offer more integrations
- Advanced features can be complex to implement
Learn more about Mitratech TAP Workflow Automation:
Best for comprehensive audit trail capabilities- Pricing upon request
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:4.2/5
LegalHold provides an overview of active holds, compliance status, and key metrics. Mitratech's LegalHold is a comprehensive SaaS solution designed to automate and manage the legal hold process for organizations. LegalHold ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements by overseeing the entire lifecycle of a legal hold, from issuance to release.
Why I Picked LegalHold: LegalHold maintains detailed logs of all actions taken within the system, from the issuance of legal holds to the acknowledgment of notices by custodians. This feature is invaluable for demonstrating compliance during audits and legal proceedings.
By providing a transparent and easily accessible record of all activities, LegalHold helps organizations mitigate risks associated with legal holds and ensures that they can respond accurately to any inquiries or challenges.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include a notification system that allows users to send automated, trackable notices to custodians, ensuring that all relevant parties are informed and compliant with legal hold requirements. The tool includes workflow automation capabilities and a dedicated portal for custodians.
Integrations include Active Directory, TeamConnect, and eCounsel.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Portal for custodians
- Audit trail capabilities
- Compliance reporting
Cons:
- Could offer more robust customization
- Potential learning curve for new users
Learn more about Mitratech LegalHold:
Best for secure email monitoring- Free demo available
- Pricing upon request
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:4/5
Kiteworks Kiteworks is a platform designed to help you manage secure and compliant data exchanges. It offers tools that make handling sensitive information straightforward and secure, especially in fields like legal, healthcare, and finance.
Why I Picked Kiteworks: I picked Kiteworks for legal hold because it offers email monitoring and secure file sharing, which are crucial for managing sensitive legal information. These features ensure your team can handle data securely, meeting compliance standards like eDiscovery. The platform’s web forms also help manage sensitive data, making it an excellent choice for legal hold processes.
Another reason Kiteworks stands out is its managed file transfer capabilities, providing a secure way to exchange data across communication channels. This centralizes data exchange, helping your organization manage compliance risks. Additionally, Kiteworks’ customizable secure web forms enhance data governance, reducing the time and resources needed for managing disparate logs.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include least-privilege access, zero-trust policy management, and double encryption, which enhance your data security posture. The platform also employs AI-enabled anomaly detection to identify and mitigate potential threats. These features collectively ensure your data is well-protected and compliant with regulations like HIPAA and GDPR.
Integrations include iManage Plugin, Salesforce Plugin, Integration Suite, MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication), Antivirus, DLP (Data Loss Prevention), ATP (Advanced Threat Protection), CDR (Content Disarm and Reconstruction), SIEM (Security Information and Event Management), and SOAR (Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response).
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Effective integration with security tools like ATP, SIEM, and DLP.
- Offers compliance with various regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR.
- Provides visibility and control over third-party communications.
Cons:
- Limited features compared to some competitors.
- Customer support is reported to be fair but not exceptional.
Learn more about Kiteworks:
9Best for efficient eDiscovery and forensic internal investigationsNuix
- Free demo available
- Pricing upon request
Visit WebsiteCustomer Rating:4.2/5
NUIX's dashboard shows its legal hold capabilities. NUIX serves as a comprehensive eDiscovery platform with dedicated legal hold capabilities. It is specifically designed to simplify the process of identifying, preserving, and analyzing data in legal cases.
Why I Picked NUIX: When it came to selecting NUIX, the tool's eDiscovery-centric focus made it stand out from the crowd. This specificity is what leads me to believe that it's best for firms seeking a legal hold solution tied tightly with eDiscovery solution.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include advanced search, analytics, document review, and metadata reporting capabilities, all support the intricate process of eDiscovery.
Integrations include various data sources, which allows it to capture and preserve data relevant for legal hold.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Wide range of data source integrations
- Advanced analytics and reporting
- Specialized in eDiscovery
Cons:
- Potential overcomplexity for smaller organizations
- May not be suitable for firms not engaged heavily in eDiscovery
- Pricing information is not transparent
Learn more about Nuix:
Best for data privacy and risk management- Pricing upon request
A look at OpenText EnCase Information Assurance's unique messaging feature OpenText EnCase Information Assurance is a powerful tool designed to help businesses manage and secure their data effectively. It is a comprehensive data governance solution, making it an excellent choice for organizations seeking a wide-ranging approach to data control and security.
Why I Picked OpenText EnCase Information Assurance: I selected OpenText EnCase Information Assurance because of its comprehensive nature and its deep capabilities in the realm of data governance. This tool presents an effective blend of data search, classification, and security features, making it different from other legal hold tools.
That's why I believe it is best suited for comprehensive data governance.
Standout Features & Integrations:
Features include extensive search capabilities, sophisticated classification of data, and robust security features, including data loss prevention.
Integrations include a variety of other data systems and platforms, enabling organizations to manage data across multiple sources.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Robust data loss prevention features
- Offers extensive search and classification capabilities
- Comprehensive data governance solution
Cons:
- Setup and deployment may be complex compared to simpler tools
- The extensive suite of features may be overwhelming for small teams
- Pricing information is not readily available
Learn more about OpenText EnCase Information Assurance:
Other Legal Hold Software Tools
Below is a list of additional legal hold software I shortlisted but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.
- 11DrataBest for continuous security compliance and certification
- 12AcuityBest for process visibility with its comprehensive dashboards
- 13PagefreezerBest for web content archiving and preservation
- 14RelativityBest for advanced AI in e-discovery
- 15OnitXBest for streamlining legal operations through automation
- 16ConcourseBest for ensuring regulatory compliance with strong governance
- 17DISCO HoldBest for litigation holds and data retention
- 18ZDiscoveryBest for litigation response with its pre-built hold templates
- 19Legal Hold ProBest for automated legal hold notifications
- 20ThreadBest for Microsoft 365 integration
- 21Alt LegalGood for intellectual property professionals seeking legal hold capabilities
- 22ExterroGood for managing complex e-discovery processes
- 23ConsilioGood for cross-border legal hold scenarios
- 24IPROGood for efficient data streamlining
- 25
- 26Venio SystemsGood for automating legal hold notification process
- 27Jarvis LegalGood for solo lawyers and small firms looking for legal hold features
- 28ZyLABGood for multi-language legal hold management
- 29KnovosGood for a comprehensive approach to legal hold management
- 30HaystackIDGood for risk mitigation and compliance management
How I Evaluate Legal Hold Software
I evaluate legal hold tools in two layers: the baseline—issuing notices, tracking acknowledgments, court-defensible audit logs—and the differentiators that determine the right fit for your team.
Core Functionality (Table Stakes For This List)
When I'm selecting tools for my list, I rank each one on a scale from 0 (does not offer the functionality) to 5 (excels in this area) for each core functionality listed below. Then, I calculate the tool's total score into a percentage. Each tool needs to achieve a minimum total score of 65% to be considered for inclusion.
- Hold Notice Distribution: I look for templated, multi-channel notice delivery—tools that let you send targeted holds via email, portal, or SMS rather than relying on manual outreach.
- Custodian Acknowledgment Tracking: Each tool should capture custodian responses and surface compliance status in a dashboard so you can spot who hasn't acknowledged a hold at a glance.
- Automated Reminders & Escalations: Configurable reminder cadences matter here—I check whether you can set escalation paths that route to a custodian's manager after a set number of missed responses.
- Audit Trail & Reporting: Defensibility depends on immutable, timestamped logs. I evaluate whether the tool produces exportable reports you could present to a court or regulator if challenged.
- Custodian & Matter Management: Managing custodians across overlapping matters gets messy fast. I look for centralized directories that track hold history, release dates, and cross-matter associations.
- Data Source Preservation Integration: I check for connectors to common data repositories like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, since the ability to map and preserve ESI in place reduces spoliation risk.
Once I have a list of tools that meet this criteria, I consider what sets each platform apart.
Differentiating Factors (What Sets Vendors Apart)
Here's how I compare and contrast different vendors:
Standout Features
HR and directory sync is a big differentiator. When a custodian leaves the organization or changes roles, the platform should flag that change automatically so you can reassign hold responsibilities before data is lost. I also evaluate built-in custodian interview questionnaires, which let you capture device inventories and data source details during the acknowledgment step itself. Tools that hand off directly into an eDiscovery workflow save real time when a matter moves from preservation to collection and review.
Beyond Features
Defensibility is where legal hold software lives or dies in practice, so I check for SOC 2 Type II certification and documented chain-of-custody protocols that hold up under judicial scrutiny. The integration ecosystem matters just as much—your hold tool needs to connect with the platforms where your data actually lives, from Microsoft 365 to Slack to your matter management system. I also evaluate pricing models closely, since per-custodian licensing can get expensive fast when you're managing a large portfolio of active matters.
How to Choose Legal Hold 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:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| FactorScalability | What to ConsiderCan the software grow with your needs? Consider user limits and data volume. |
| FactorIntegrations | What to ConsiderDoes it work with your existing tools? Look for API support and compatibility. |
| FactorCustomizability | What to ConsiderCan you tailor it to fit your workflows? Check for flexible settings and options. |
| FactorEase of Use | What to ConsiderIs it user-friendly? Ensure minimal training is needed for your team. |
| FactorImplementation and Onboarding | What to ConsiderHow smooth is the transition? Evaluate training resources and support. |
| FactorCost | What to ConsiderDoes it fit your budget? Compare pricing plans and watch for hidden fees. |
| FactorSecurity Safeguards | What to ConsiderHow does it protect your data? Look for encryption and compliance certifications. |
| FactorCompliance Requirements | What to ConsiderDoes it meet legal standards? Verify adherence to relevant regulations. |
What is Legal Hold Software?
Legal hold software is a tool that automates the preservation of electronically stored information for litigation or investigation.
It’s used by legal teams, compliance officers, and HR professionals to manage legal holds efficiently, eliminating manual tracking, reducing risk of spoliation, and ensuring defensible processes.
Features
When selecting legal hold software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Automated notifications: Alerts users about legal holds and deadlines, ensuring timely compliance.
- Data preservation: Safeguards electronic data to prevent loss during legal proceedings.
- Audit trails: Tracks all actions within the system, providing a clear record for accountability.
- Integration capabilities: Connects with existing tools and systems for seamless data management.
- Customizable dashboards: Allows users to tailor views and reports to fit specific needs.
- Compliance tracking: Monitors adherence to legal requirements, reducing risk of non-compliance.
- User-friendly interface: Ensures ease of use, minimizing the learning curve for legal teams.
- Scalability: Grows with your organization's needs, accommodating increasing data volumes.
- Security safeguards: Protects sensitive information with encryption and other security measures.
- Training resources: Provides support through videos, webinars, and guides for effective onboarding.
Benefits
Implementing legal hold software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Improved compliance: Automated notifications and compliance tracking help ensure adherence to legal requirements.
- Data security: Security safeguards protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
- Efficiency boost: Automated processes and user-friendly interfaces reduce time spent on manual tasks.
- Enhanced accountability: Audit trails provide a clear record of actions, improving transparency.
- Scalability: The software grows with your organization, accommodating increased data needs.
- Customizable insights: Customizable dashboards allow tailored views and reports for better decision-making.
- Seamless integration: Integration capabilities ensure compatibility with existing tools, enhancing workflow continuity.
Costs and Pricing
Selecting legal hold 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 hold software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Legal Hold Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Plan TypeFree Plan | Average Price$0 | Common FeaturesBasic data preservation, limited notifications, and basic support. |
| Plan TypePersonal Plan | Average Price$10-$30/user/month | Common FeaturesAutomated notifications, compliance tracking, and customizable dashboards. |
| Plan TypeBusiness Plan | Average Price$30-$60/user/month | Common FeaturesIntegration capabilities, audit trails, and enhanced security safeguards. |
| Plan TypeEnterprise Plan | Average Price$60-$100/user/month | Common FeaturesAdvanced analytics, priority support, and full customization options. |
Legal Hold Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about legal hold software:
What is the main purpose of legal hold software?
The main purpose of legal hold software is to manage and automate the preservation of electronic data for legal cases. It ensures that data is securely stored and easily retrievable during legal proceedings. This helps your team comply with legal requirements and reduces the risk of data loss.
Can legal hold software integrate with existing systems?
Yes, most legal hold software can integrate with existing systems. These integrations often include email platforms, document management systems, and other legal tools. Check for API support to ensure compatibility with your current setup, which can enhance workflow and data management.
How do I know if legal hold software meets compliance standards?
You can verify if legal hold software meets compliance standards by checking for certifications and compliance with relevant regulations. Look for features like audit trails and data encryption. It’s important to ensure the software aligns with the legal requirements applicable to your industry or region.
Is training required to use legal hold software?
Yes, training is often needed to use legal hold software effectively. Many providers offer resources like training videos, webinars, and product tours to help users get started. Investing time in training can help your team maximize the software’s potential and ensure compliance with legal holds.
How long does it take to implement legal hold software?
Implementation timelines vary, but cloud-based solutions can typically be deployed in a few days, depending on data volume, integrations, and internal approval processes.
Are there any free options for legal hold software?
As of my last review, there were no free legal hold software options available. Most providers offer a paid service due to the specialized nature of the tools and the high level of customer support often required.