The 14 Best Legal Tracking Software To Streamline Your Practice In 2024
9 Best Legal Tracking Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 9 best software from the 14 tools reviewed.
Get free help from our project management software advisors to find your match.
You're probably dealing with an overwhelming number of cases, deadlines, documents, and bills. Keeping track of matter management, data, analytics, e-billing and more is no easy task. This is where the magic of legal tracking software comes in. It’s a SaaS practice management solution designed to help organize your workflow, manage case files, track deadlines, and even handle billing with ease.
But the cherry on top? Legal tracking software is incredibly relevant in tackling the biggest challenges we face in our practice. Whether it's the constant need for collaboration within the law office,, maintaining client communication, or ensuring compliance with legal procedures, these tools have got you covered. So, join me as we delve into the top 10 legal tracking software that can truly transform your work life. It's time to move from surviving to thriving!
What Is Legal Tracking Software?
Legal tracking software is an indispensable tool primarily utilized by law firms, independent lawyers, and legal departments in various industries. It is designed to manage, streamline, and automate several aspects of legal practice, allowing legal professionals to focus more on their core work and less on administrative tasks. This software aids in organizing case files, tracking deadlines, managing client communication, handling billing, and ensuring compliance with legal procedures. Moreover, it serves as a central repository for all legal documents and data, thereby promoting better collaboration and efficiency within the team. In essence, legal tracking software has become the digital backbone of modern legal operations, enabling a smoother, more productive legal practice.
Best Legal Tracking Software Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Smokeball | Pricing upon request | Website |
| Filevine | Pricing upon request. | Website |
| CosmoLex | From $79/user/month (billed annually). | Website |
| Clio Manage | From $39/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| PracticePanther Legal Software | From $39/user/month (billed annually). | Website |
| LEAP | From $129/user/month (billed annually). | Website |
| LegalTrack | From $49/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| BRYTER | Pricing upon request. | Website |
| Thomson Reuters Legal Tracker | Pricing upon request. | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareBest Legal Tracking Software Reviews
Smokeball shines in automating legal forms and document assembly, easing one of the most time-consuming aspects of legal practice. Its rich, automated form library can significantly cut down the time spent on paperwork.
Why I Picked Smokeball: In selecting tools for this list, I gravitated towards Smokeball because of its powerful automation capabilities, especially in forms and document assembly. This focus on automation, coupled with its extensive library of legal forms, makes it an efficient tool for law firms that handle large volumes of paperwork. Its emphasis on document automation makes it the best choice for law practices that wish to streamline their document processes.
Standout features & integrations:
Smokeball impresses with its features like task tracking, full legal billing, and case management. It boasts one of the largest libraries of automated legal forms, which is a game-changer for document-heavy practices. Key integrations include Microsoft Word and Outlook, allowing for efficient document creation and email management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrations with Microsoft Word and Outlook
- Large library of legal forms
- Strong automation for forms and documents
Cons:
- Some users might find the software complex initially
- No disclosed free trial or free plan
- Higher starting price might not be suitable for smaller firms
Filevine is a legal project management tool, blending the needs of case management with a flexible and customizable interface. Its project management approach allows for granular control over workflows, offering a custom-fit for every law practice.
Why I Picked Filevine: I selected Filevine because of its distinctive project management orientation, which makes it a powerful tool for customization. In my judgment, the flexibility Filevine offers is unparalleled, giving users the ability to tailor the software to their specific needs. This is precisely why I believe Filevine is best for those looking for a highly customizable legal tracking tool grounded in project management principles.
What do you get for free?
Filevine offers a free demo to get a feel for their software, but they do not provide a completely free plan or trial period.
Standout features & integrations:
Filevine stands out with features like custom case workflow design, document automation, and deep reporting capabilities. It provides strong communication tools with in-app text and email features. Moreover, Filevine integrates with popular platforms like QuickBooks, Dropbox, and Google Drive, enhancing document storage, sharing, and financial tracking capabilities.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Effective integrations with popular platforms like QuickBooks and Google Drive
- Strong communication tools with in-app text and email
- Highly customizable for specific workflow needs
Cons:
- Lack of a completely free plan or trial period
- Requires a minimum of five users
- Higher starting price may be a barrier for smaller firms
CosmoLex
Best for law firms needing all-in-one management and accounting
CosmoLex is a cloud-based legal practice management software that incorporates law practice management and legal accounting all in one platform. This combined feature set is especially beneficial for law firms aiming to streamline their processes by having case management and accounting integrated into a single system.
Why I Picked CosmoLex: I chose CosmoLex due to its powerful all-in-one system that combines both case management and legal accounting. In comparison to other tools, CosmoLex stands out with its integrated accounting feature, making it a superior option for law firms that need to handle their finances and cases in the same platform.
Standout features & integrations:
Notable features of CosmoLex include time and expense tracking, billing and invoicing, calendar and task management, as well as comprehensive accounting capabilities. It also offers integrations with essential legal software such as LawPay and Office 365 for seamless operations.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Useful integrations with essential legal software
- Broad set of features for thorough law practice management
- Integrates case management and accounting in one system
Cons:
- Higher cost compared to some other options
- Interface could be more intuitive
- Limited customization options
Clio Manage is a robust law practice management software that supports various aspects of legal work, including case and document management, billing, and client communication. Its strongest suit lies in providing comprehensive case management and seamless client communication tools, making it an excellent choice for law firms that prioritize organization and client relationships.
Why I Picked Clio Manage: I selected Clio for its strong emphasis on case management and client communication. It offers a unique blend of features that stand out from the rest, including detailed case tracking, scheduling, and direct messaging. Its ability to keep cases organized and maintain smooth communication with clients makes it the best tool for law firms aiming to improve client service and manage cases efficiently.
Standout features & integrations:
Clio Manage offers a wide range of web-based features such as time tracking, billing, document management, and scheduling. It also integrates with a variety of other software, including Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and Dropbox, allowing for easier document access and management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Extensive integrations with other software
- Seamless client communication tools
- Comprehensive case management features
Cons:
- Customization options could be improved
- Additional cost for more advanced features
- The learning curve can be steep for new users
PracticePanther is a comprehensive legal practice management software designed to streamline law firms' operations. It particularly shines for its robust mobile application, facilitating easy access to case files, billing, and client communication from anywhere, making it perfect for busy lawyers always on the move.
Why I Picked PracticePanther Legal Software: I selected PracticePanther for its exemplary mobile interface. Compared to other solutions, PracticePanther sets itself apart by offering a full-featured mobile application that doesn't skimp on functionality, providing lawyers the same usability on their mobile devices as they would have on their desktops. It's particularly well-suited for attorneys on-the-go who need to access their practice management tools from any location.
Standout features & integrations:
PracticePanther's advanced features include time tracking, invoicing, payment processing, and matter management. It integrates seamlessly with tools such as LawPay, QuickBooks, and Microsoft 365, extending its usability and making data management a breeze.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive features including time tracking and invoicing
- Integrations with useful tools such as LawPay and QuickBooks
- Robust mobile application offering seamless access from anywhere
Cons:
- Advanced features require more in-depth understanding
- User interface may take time to learn
- Can be expensive for small firms
LEAP is a comprehensive legal management software that does more than just track cases; it seamlessly integrates with accounting software. This aspect makes it a one-stop solution for law firms that want to manage cases and finances in one place.
Why I Picked LEAP: In picking LEAP, I valued its integrated approach to legal case and financial management. Many legal tracking software options exist, but LEAP stands apart with its integrated legal accounting solution. For firms that deal with a high volume of cases and financial transactions, LEAP's seamless integration with legal accounting makes it an exceptional choice.
Standout features & integrations:
LEAP offers comprehensive case management features, document automation, and time recording, but the standout is its integrated legal accounting. It streamlines the entire process from billing to reconciliation. The tool also integrates well with Microsoft 365, providing seamless access to files, emails, and calendars.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive case management features
- Seamless integration with Microsoft 365
- Integrated legal accounting
Cons:
- The broad scope of features might involve a steep learning curve
- Billed annually, which might be a large upfront cost for some
- May be expensive for solo practitioners
LegalTrack is an innovative software that specializes in the needs of non-profit legal teams. It provides an efficient way to manage multiple grants, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of each case's progress.
Why I Picked LegalTrack: I chose LegalTrack because of its unique focus on non-profit legal teams, a niche that often goes unnoticed in the wider legal software market. The tool's ability to adeptly handle multiple grants and associated tasks makes it truly stand out. Its specialty in managing and tracking grants justifies why it's the best pick for non-profit legal teams that handle a multitude of grants.
What do you get for free?
LegalTrack offers a free demo upon request, allowing potential users to experience the software's capabilities. However, they do not offer a completely free plan or tier.
Standout features & integrations:
LegalTrack provides comprehensive grant management features like grant tracking, budgeting, and reporting, which are particularly beneficial for non-profit organizations. It also offers matter management, timekeeping, and document management features. LegalTrack integrates seamlessly with popular software like Microsoft Office 365, streamlining document creation and collaboration.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Seamless integration with Microsoft Office 365
- Offers unique features like grant tracking and reporting
- Specializes in managing multiple grants, ideal for non-profit legal teams
Cons:
- Lacks a completely free plan or tier
- The interface may require a learning curve
- It may be cost-prohibitive for smaller non-profit teams
Bryter is a no-code platform that empowers legal professionals to swiftly create their unique applications without any coding expertise. Its interactive interface allows for the design and launch of custom-built software tailored to your law firm's needs.
Why I Picked Bryter: I chose Bryter due to its unique approach of enabling non-tech savvy users to create their own legal tech solutions. This stands out because not all firms have the same needs and having a tool that adapts to those needs is invaluable. Furthermore, Bryter is best for firms or individuals interested in creating customized software solutions quickly without needing in-depth IT knowledge.
Standout features & integrations:
Bryter's user-friendly interface and robust logical modelling set it apart. It offers a suite of features that facilitate data analysis, decision-making, and process automation. Integrations with common services like Microsoft 365, Salesforce, and Zapier further augment its capabilities.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Useful integrations with services like Microsoft 365 and Salesforce
- Robust logical modelling for data analysis
- No-code platform allows for quick custom software creation
Cons:
- Advanced features may require more training to utilize effectively
- Some learning curve for non-technical users
- Pricing may be higher for smaller firms
Best for enterprise-level legal department ops and spend management
Thomson Reuters Legal Tracker is a comprehensive legal operations system that provides enterprise-level legal departments with the tools they need for efficient and effective operations and budget management. With its robust feature set, Legal Tracker makes it easier for large-scale legal departments to manage operations and legal spend.
Why I Picked Thomson Reuters Legal Tracker: I chose Thomson Reuters Legal Tracker for its advanced functionalities tailored specifically for enterprise-level operations. Its ability to handle legal spend management with ease and efficiency, as compared to other tools, makes it a standout. Furthermore, it's excellent for managing large-scale, complex legal department operations, hence, it being the best for enterprise-level operations and spend management.
Standout features & integrations:
Thomson Reuters Legal Tracker offers various features such as matter management, e-Billing, analytics, and reporting, which are crucial for large organizations. It integrates seamlessly with other Thomson Reuters products and also supports integrations with other business systems, aiding the streamlining of processes across the organization.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Seamless integrations with other business systems
- Robust spend management capabilities
- Tailored for enterprise-level operations
Cons:
- Learning curve might be steep for some users
- May be complex for smaller organizations
- Pricing is not transparent
Other Legal Tracking Software Tools
- LEAP
Best for seamless legal accounting integration
- LegalTrack
Best for non-profit legal teams managing multiple grants
- BRYTER
Best for no-code platform enabling quick software creation
- Thomson Reuters Legal Tracker
Best for enterprise-level legal department ops and spend management
- MyCase
Good for online payment processing for law firms
- Rocket Matter
Good for mobile time and expense tracking on-the-go
- App4Legal
Good for intuitive matter management and document automation
- Jarvis Legal
Good for seamless law firm collaboration
- PracticeEvolve
Good for detailed reporting and analytics
Other Legal Software Reviews
Here are some other popular types of legal software you might be interested in.
How I Picked The Best Legal Tracking Software
Choosing the right legal practice case management software can make a significant difference in the operation of a law firm. It can streamline your daily tasks, simplify communication, and improve your firm's overall efficiency. Having personally tried and evaluated dozens of legal software tools, I found a few key criteria to consider that specifically cater to the unique needs of a legal practice. These are the factors I was really focusing on while testing these tools:
Core Functionality
- Case and matter management: The tool should enable you to track every aspect of your cases efficiently.
- Document management: There should be a feature that helps in organizing, storing, and retrieving documents swiftly.
- Time tracking and billing: A crucial functionality that allows you to keep accurate records of billable hours and generate invoices.
Key Features
- Integration capabilities: The software should have the ability to integrate with other tools such as email clients, calendars, and accounting software for a smooth workflow.
- Security: As legal firms handle sensitive client information, the software must adhere to high security and privacy standards.
- Client portal: A secure and user-friendly client portal that allows clients to access their case information, communicate, and make payments.
Usability
- User-friendly interface: The software must have an intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, reducing the time it takes for staff to get accustomed to the software.
- Accessibility: The tool should be accessible from any device, anytime, especially beneficial for lawyers who are often on-the-go.
- Customer support: Timely and effective customer support is crucial in case of any issues or queries regarding the tool.
- Training resources: The software provider should offer comprehensive training resources such as webinars, tutorials, or a learning library to assist users in making the most of the tool.
Common Features Of Legal Tracking Software
Case Management: The main purpose of legal tracking software is to handle case management efficiently. This feature provides an organized system for managing client cases and client management including tracking case progress, setting and monitoring deadlines, personal injury, managing tasks and appointments, and storing case-related information. Case management system enables lawyers to have all essential details at their fingertips, saving time, contact management, billable time, and improving end-to-end productivity.
Document Management: With legal practices producing large volumes of documents and records, a document management feature is essential. It allows law firms to securely store, organize, and retrieve files. It often includes features such as automatic document creation using templates, version control, and full-text search, all of which help to streamline document handling processes.
Time Tracking and Billing: Accurate tracking of billable hours is crucial for law firms. Time tracking and billing features help record all billable activities efficiently. They often include timers that can be started and stopped as you work, as well as the ability to create and send invoices directly to clients, improving the accuracy of billing and speeding up the payment process.
Client Portal: A secure client portal is another key feature to look for. It allows clients to access case files, invoices, appointments, client intake, crm, and communication securely. Legal billing software encourages transparency and improves the client-lawyer relationship by keeping the client updated about their case progress.
Calendar Management: Managing appointments and deadlines is a key task for lawyers. Legal tracking software with an integrated calendar helps you schedule appointments, set reminders, and track deadlines, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. This feature often integrates with popular calendar apps, ensuring you can sync your schedule across all your devices.
Task Management: Task management features help you assign tasks to team members, set priorities, deadlines, and keep track of the task progress. They can increase productivity by ensuring that everyone knows what their responsibilities are and helps prevent any task from being overlooked.
Secure Communication: Secure communication is essential in the legal industry due to the sensitive nature of information exchanged. Look for software with built-in secure messaging that allows for confidential communication between you and your clients or team members.
Mobile Access: Lawyers are often on the move, so mobile access to their case files and information can be a huge benefit. Look for legal tracking software with a robust mobile application or a responsive design that enables you to access and manage your cases from anywhere, at any time.
Integration Capabilities: The ability to integrate with other software like email clients, accounting tools, or document signing apps can streamline workflows significantly. It eliminates the need to switch between different applications and manually transfer information, saving both time and effort.
Compliance Management: Law firms must comply with numerous regulations, including data protection and privacy laws. A compliance management feature can help law firms ensure they are meeting their legal obligations. This may include features like data encryption, audit trails, two-factor authentication, and more to protect client data and maintain privacy.
Most Common Questions Regarding Legal Tracking Software (FAQ’s)
What are the benefits of using legal tracking software?
Legal tracking software offers several benefits.
1) Improved Efficiency: It automates many administrative tasks, freeing up valuable time.
2) Better Organization: It helps manage and organize all case-related data in one place.
3) Accurate Billing: It enables accurate tracking of billable hours, ensuring clients are billed correctly.
4) Enhanced Communication: It often includes a client portal and secure messaging for improved communication with clients.
5) Compliance: It helps maintain compliance with legal regulations, particularly around data security.
How much does legal tracking software typically cost?
The pricing for legal tracking software can vary greatly based on the size of the law firm, the number of users, and the specific features required. It can range from around $20/user/month for basic plans to over $100/user/month for advanced or enterprise solutions.
Can you explain the typical pricing models for legal tracking software?
Most legal tracking software providers operate on a subscription model, charging a monthly or annual fee per user. Some may offer tiered pricing, with different levels of functionality available at different price points. Others may offer unlimited user pricing or have one-time purchase options.
What is the typical range of pricing for legal tracking software?
Legal tracking software generally starts at around $20/user/month for basic packages and can go up to several hundred dollars per user per month for more advanced features or larger firms. This does not include potential setup or implementation fees that some providers may charge.
What are the cheapest and most expensive legal tracking software options?
As of my knowledge cut-off in 2021, some of the more affordable legal tracking software options include PracticePanther and Clio, with starting prices around $20-$40/user/month. On the higher end, software like Thomson Reuters Legal Tracker can be more expensive due to their extensive features and enterprise-level capabilities.
Are there any free legal tracking software options?
There are limited free options available for legal tracking software. While some may offer a free trial or a very basic free plan, these often have limitations in terms of features or the number of users or cases that can be managed. Most firms will likely find they need a paid plan to meet their needs effectively.
Other Case Management Software Reviewed
Here are some other tools you may need if you are looking for matter and case management software solutions.
Summary
- Understand your requirements: Every law firm has unique needs, so it's important to start by outlining what you specifically require from a legal tracking software. Consider the size of your firm, the number of cases you handle, your communication needs, and your budget. You might prioritize features such as automated time-tracking, client portals, or comprehensive case management, depending on your firm's workflow.
- Consider the usability and support: Legal tracking software should simplify your work, not complicate it. Consider the tool's user interface, ease of onboarding, and the customer support the company provides. A software with a steep learning curve may not be the best choice, especially if you have a team to train. Similarly, responsive and helpful customer support can be a lifesaver when you run into problems.
- Think about scalability: As your firm grows, you want a legal tracking software that can grow with you. The tool should be able to handle an increasing number of cases and users, and the company should continually update and improve its software. Look for a solution that offers a range of plans or customization options, so you can start small if needed and scale up as your needs grow.