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Navigating the complexities of legal practice can be overwhelming. You might find yourself buried under mountains of paperwork, struggling to keep track of deadlines and client information. That's where legal tracking software comes in.

In my experience, these tools can be a game-changer for your team. They help you manage tasks efficiently, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks.

I've spent time testing and reviewing the best options out there, and I'm here to share my findings. You'll get an unbiased look at top solutions that can help your practice run more smoothly.

Best Legal Tracking Software Summary

Best Legal Tracking Software Reviews

Best for automated legal forms and document assembly

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

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

Best for customization with its project management approach

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

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

Best for law firms needing all-in-one management and accounting

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

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

Best for seamless legal accounting integration

  • Free demo available
  • From $129/user/month (billed annually)
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Rating: 3.2/5

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

Best for no-code platform enabling quick software creation

  • Pricing upon request

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 comprehensive case management and client communication

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

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

Best for non-profit legal teams managing multiple grants

  • Free demo upon request
  • From $49/user/month (billed annually)

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

Other Legal Tracking Software Tools

  1. PracticePanther Legal Software

    For robust mobile access for lawyers on-the-go

  2. Clio Manage

    For comprehensive case management and client communication

  3. Thomson Reuters Legal Tracker

    For enterprise-level legal department ops and spend management

  4. LegalTrack

    For non-profit legal teams managing multiple grants

  5. Mitratech Casecloud

    For Salesforce-native case tracking

  6. Rocket Matter

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

  7. MyCase

    Good for online payment processing for law firms

  8. App4Legal

    Good for intuitive matter management and document automation

  9. Jarvis Legal

    Good for seamless law firm collaboration

  10. PracticeEvolve

    Good for detailed reporting and analytics

Legal Tracking Software Selection Criteria

When selecting the best legal tracking software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like managing complex case files and ensuring data security. 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:

  • Manage case files
  • Track deadlines
  • Store client information
  • Generate reports
  • Handle billing

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

  • AI-driven insights
  • Customizable dashboards
  • Mobile app access
  • Integration with third-party tools
  • Automated document generation

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
  • Responsive design
  • Clear organization of features

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

  • Availability of training videos
  • Interactive product tours
  • Access to templates
  • Webinars for new users
  • Chatbot assistance

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
  • Quick response times
  • Knowledge base access
  • Personalized support

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

  • Competitive pricing
  • Transparent pricing plans
  • Discounts for annual subscriptions
  • Free trial availability
  • Features offered for the price

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 reported issues
  • Praise for specific features
  • Feedback on customer support
  • Recommendations by users

How to Choose Legal Tracking 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 user limits and the ability to handle increasing data volume. Look for tools that can expand as needed.
IntegrationsDoes it work with your existing tools? Check compatibility with other software like document management systems and email platforms.
CustomizabilityCan you tailor it to your needs? Evaluate the ability to adjust workflows, fields, and reports to fit your specific processes.
Ease of useIs it user-friendly? Test the interface for intuitiveness and simplicity. Avoid tools with a steep learning curve.
Implementation and onboardingHow quickly can you get started? Assess the time and resources needed for setup. Look for tools with guided onboarding and training resources.
CostDoes it fit your budget? Compare pricing plans and watch for hidden fees. Consider the value offered for the price.
Security safeguardsAre your data protected? Verify encryption standards and data protection measures. Ensure compliance with legal data requirements.

Legal tracking software is a tool that helps law firms and legal professionals manage case files, track deadlines, and organize client information. Lawyers, paralegals, and legal assistants typically use these tools to enhance efficiency and maintain organization. Features like case management, deadline tracking, and billing support the daily operations of a legal practice. Overall, these tools simplify legal workflows and improve productivity.

Features

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

  • Case management: Organizes and tracks all case-related documents and communications, keeping everything in one place.
  • Deadline tracking: Alerts you to important dates and deadlines, reducing the risk of missed court dates or filings.
  • Billing support: Simplifies invoicing and time tracking, making it easier to manage client billing and payments.
  • Document management: Stores and organizes legal documents, allowing quick access and retrieval when needed.
  • Client communication: Facilitates secure messaging and updates with clients, ensuring clear and timely communication.
  • Integration capabilities: Connects with other software tools like email and document management systems for seamless operations.
  • Customizable workflows: Allows you to tailor processes and fields to fit your firm's specific needs and preferences.
  • Security safeguards: Protects sensitive legal data with encryption and compliance with data protection standards.
  • Mobile access: Provides access to case information and tools from mobile devices, enabling work on the go.
  • Reporting and analytics: Generates reports and insights on case progress and firm performance, aiding in decision-making.

Benefits

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

  • Improved organization: Centralizes case files and documents, making it easier to find and manage information.
  • Enhanced efficiency: Automates routine tasks like billing and deadline tracking, freeing up time for more important work.
  • Better communication: Facilitates secure and timely communication with clients, improving relationships and satisfaction.
  • Increased accessibility: Offers mobile access to case information, allowing you to work from anywhere.
  • Data-driven decisions: Provides reporting and analytics features that help you make informed decisions based on case progress and firm performance.
  • Cost savings: Reduces manual errors and inefficiencies, helping your firm save money in the long run.
  • Security compliance: Ensures data protection with encryption and compliance with legal standards, safeguarding sensitive information.

Costs & Pricing

Selecting legal tracking 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 tracking software solutions:

Plan Comparison Table for Legal Tracking Software

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0Basic case management, limited document storage, and basic reporting.
Personal Plan$10-$30/user/monthCase management, deadline tracking, client communication, and limited integrations.
Business Plan$40-$70/user/monthAdvanced document management, billing support, customizable workflows, and enhanced security.
Enterprise Plan$80-$150/user/monthComprehensive reporting, full integration capabilities, mobile access, and dedicated customer support.

Most Common Questions Regarding Legal Tracking Software (FAQ’s)

Can legal tracking software integrate with other tools?

Most legal tracking software solutions offer integration capabilities with various tools like email platforms, document management systems, and billing software. Before choosing a tool, check its compatibility with your existing systems to ensure a smooth workflow.

What should you consider for security in legal tracking software?

When evaluating security, look for encryption standards and compliance with data protection regulations. Make sure the software offers features that protect sensitive legal data and meets industry standards for security to keep your information safe.

How can legal tracking software improve client communication?

Legal tracking software can enhance client communication by providing secure messaging and updates. It enables you to keep clients informed about their cases and ensures that all communications are organized and easily accessible. This can lead to better client relationships and satisfaction.

What’s Next:

If you're in the process of researching legal tracking 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.