13 Matter Management Software For In-House Legal Teams In 2024
9 Best Matter Management Software Shortlist
As a legal tech expert, I’ve handpicked the top 10 matter management software to tackle your challenges head-on. Dive in!
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As a seasoned legal tech enthusiast with decades of experience in the practice of law, I understand the unique challenges and needs that come with managing a law firm or legal department. You're in the right place, because I've spent countless hours researching, testing, and evaluating the best matter management software solutions on the market. A matter management software is a comprehensive platform that streamlines and automates various aspects of a law firm's operations. The main benefits of these tools include enhanced organization, improved efficiency, and better collaboration.
I know that juggling multiple cases, deadlines, and documents can be overwhelming, and the best matter management software is designed to alleviate these pain points. By addressing the most significant challenges faced by legal professionals, such as staying compliant, managing tasks, and tracking billable hours, these tools are not only relevant but indispensable. Trust me, as you explore the options I've recommended, you'll discover solutions that have the power to transform your legal practice for the better.
What Is Matter Management Software?
Best matter management software is a powerful tool designed to streamline and automate various aspects of a law firm's operations, such as case and document management, time tracking, billing, and client communication. It is used by legal professionals, including attorneys, paralegals, and law firm administrators, to efficiently manage their day-to-day tasks and stay organized.
By offering a centralized platform for all crucial aspects of legal work, these software solutions enable users to enhance productivity, improve collaboration, and optimize their workflows, ultimately providing a more effective and organized approach to handling legal matters.
Best Matter Management Software Summary
| Tools | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| MyCase | From $49/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
| CosmoLex | From $79/user/month (billed annually). | Website |
| Checkbox | From $20/user/month, billed annually | Website |
| Xakia | From $29/user/month (billed annually). | Website |
| MerusCase | From $49/user/month (billed annually, with a minimum of 5 seats) | Website |
| Centerbase | From $52/user/month | Website |
| Moxo | From $50/user/month | Website |
| BRYTER | Pricing upon request. | Website |
| Prevail Case Management System | From $69/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
Compare Software Specs Side by Side
Use our comparison chart to review and evaluate software specs side-by-side.
Compare SoftwareBest Matter Management Software Reviews
MyCase is a legal practice management software designed to streamline client communication and collaboration. Its user-friendly interface and emphasis on client engagement make it the ideal choice for law firms looking to enhance their interactions with clients.
Why I Picked MyCase: I chose MyCase for this list due to its strong focus on client communication and collaboration. The platform offers features that facilitate easy communication and collaboration between law firms and their clients, setting it apart from other legal practice management tools.
Standout features & integrations: MyCase's standout features include a client portal, document sharing and collaboration, and integrated messaging. These tools help improve client engagement and communication. MyCase also offers integrations with popular applications such as QuickBooks Online, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace, allowing users to sync data and streamline their workflow.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrations with QuickBooks Online, Microsoft Office, and Google Workspace
- User-friendly interface
- Strong focus on client communication and collaboration
Cons:
- Can be expensive for smaller firms
- Limited customization options
- No mobile app for Android users
CosmoLex is a comprehensive legal practice management solution that covers everything from case management to accounting and billing. Its all-in-one approach simplifies law firm operations, making it ideal for legal teams seeking a unified platform for managing their practice.
Why I Picked CosmoLex: I chose CosmoLex for its ability to provide a wide range of features within a single platform, streamlining the management of legal practices. Its all-in-one functionality sets it apart from other options, making it the best choice for legal teams that prefer a unified solution for their daily operations. CosmoLex's comprehensive approach is what makes it stand out as an exceptional choice for legal practice management.
Standout features & integrations: CosmoLex offers robust case management, document management, time tracking, billing, and integrated accounting features. Additionally, it includes trust accounting capabilities, ensuring compliance with legal regulations. CosmoLex integrates with popular tools like Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, and LawPay for seamless data syncing and payment processing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Seamless integration with popular productivity tools
- Integrated accounting and trust accounting capabilities
- Comprehensive all-in-one legal practice management solution
- Seamless integration with popular productivity tools
- Integrated accounting and trust accounting capabilities
- Comprehensive all-in-one legal practice management solution
Cons:
- Limited customization options for more specific needs
- No native mobile app for on-the-go access
- Higher starting price compared to other solutions
- Limited customization options for more specific needs
- No native mobile app for on-the-go access
- Higher starting price compared to other solutions
Checkbox is an AI-driven platform that helps law firms streamline their legal operations, automate tasks, and reduce manual work. By leveraging artificial intelligence, it effectively improves efficiency and productivity, making it the best choice for streamlining legal operations through AI.
Why I Picked Checkbox: I chose Checkbox for this list because of its powerful AI capabilities, which differentiate it from other legal management tools. The tool's focus on utilizing artificial intelligence to automate and optimize legal processes makes it the top choice for streamlining legal operations through AI.
Standout features & integrations: Key features of Checkbox include AI-driven document automation, decision tree builder, and workflow automation. These features enable law firms to automate repetitive tasks, create custom decision trees, and design efficient processes. Important integrations provided by Checkbox include Salesforce, Microsoft Office 365, and Zapier, which enhance collaboration and data management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrations with Salesforce, Microsoft Office 365, and Zapier
- Customizable decision tree builder for tailored solutions
- AI-driven document automation for increased efficiency
Cons:
- Limited customer support options
- May have a steep learning curve for some users
- Pricing information not readily available
Xakia is a legal operations platform designed to provide law firms and in-house legal teams with data-driven insights for better decision-making. With a strong focus on data analytics and visualization, Xakia streamlines the management of legal matters while ensuring you stay on top of key performance indicators.
Why I Picked Xakia: I chose Xakia for its powerful data analytics capabilities that set it apart from other solutions. Its emphasis on data-driven insights makes it the best choice for legal professionals who want to make informed decisions and optimize their operations. This focus on data-driven legal insights is what makes Xakia a strong contender in the matter management software space.
Standout features & integrations: Xakia offers intuitive matter dashboards, real-time reporting, and customizable data visualization to keep users informed about their legal practice's performance. It also provides matter intake and triage tools, helping teams prioritize and allocate resources effectively. Xakia integrates seamlessly with popular productivity tools like Microsoft Office 365, G Suite, and Trello, as well as document management systems like NetDocuments and iManage.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Seamless integration with popular productivity tools
- Customizable matter dashboards and real-time reporting
- Robust data analytics and visualization tools
Cons:
- Lacks a native mobile app for on-the-go access
- Pricing may be higher for small teams
- No built-in document management system
MerusCase is a cloud-based legal practice management solution designed to streamline workflow and enhance collaboration among team members. Its seamless integration of case management, document management, and communication tools make it perfect for legal professionals seeking an efficient cloud-based solution.
Why I Picked MerusCase: I chose MerusCase for its cloud-based architecture and smooth workflow capabilities. Its seamless integration of essential features into a single platform simplifies collaboration and organization, setting it apart from other options. MerusCase's cloud-based approach is what makes it the best choice for legal teams aiming to optimize their workflow processes.
Standout features & integrations: MerusCase offers a variety of features, including case management, document management, time tracking, billing, and reporting. Its built-in email and calendar integrations facilitate team communication and organization. MerusCase also integrates with popular tools like Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and QuickBooks for seamless data syncing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive feature set for practice management
- Smooth integration with popular productivity tools
- Efficient cloud-based solution for legal workflow
Cons:
- No native trust accounting functionality
- Limited customization options
- Lacks mobile app for on-the-go access
Centerbase is a cloud-based law firm management platform that provides comprehensive tools for billing, case management, and document management. Its scalable nature allows it to adapt to growing law firms, making it the best choice for scalable cloud-based law firm management.
Why I Picked Centerbase: I selected Centerbase for this list because of its adaptability to the needs of law firms of different sizes. The platform's ability to scale with the growth of a firm sets it apart from other legal management tools, making it ideal for scalable cloud-based law firm management.
Standout features & integrations: Important features of Centerbase include time and expense tracking, customizable invoicing, and a robust document management system. These tools help law firms streamline their operations and enhance efficiency. Key integrations provided by Centerbase include QuickBooks, Office 365, and Dropbox, which contribute to a seamless workflow.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrations with QuickBooks, Office 365, and Dropbox
- Customizable invoicing options
- Scalable to accommodate growing law firms
Cons:
- Limited customer support hours
- No monthly billing option available
- Pricing may be on the higher side for smaller firms
Moxo is a legal process automation tool that offers highly customizable solutions for law firms. Its adaptability and flexibility make it ideal for those looking to automate their legal processes to meet specific requirements.
Why I Picked Moxo: I selected Moxo for this list because of its extensive customization capabilities, which set it apart from other legal process automation tools. This feature allows law firms to tailor the tool to fit their unique needs, making it the best choice for customizable legal process automation.
Standout features & integrations: Moxo's most notable features include its drag-and-drop workflow builder, form builder, and case management system. These tools allow users to create custom workflows and forms, ensuring an efficient and seamless process. Moxo offers integrations with popular applications like Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, and Zapier, enhancing productivity and collaboration.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly drag-and-drop interface
- Integrations with Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, and Zapier
- Extensive customization options for workflows and forms
Cons:
- Limited customer support options
- Potential steep learning curve for some users
- Pricing information not readily available
Bryter is a no-code platform that enables legal professionals to create and deploy automated processes, workflows, and applications. As a tool that doesn't require any coding skills, Bryter empowers legal teams to design custom solutions that streamline their legal services.
Why I Picked Bryter: I chose Bryter for its unique no-code approach, which allows users to create custom legal applications without any coding knowledge. This feature makes it an excellent option for legal professionals looking to automate their services without relying on developers. Bryter's emphasis on no-code automation sets it apart and makes it the best choice for legal teams seeking to streamline their services.
Standout features & integrations: Bryter offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface to create custom applications, decision trees, and workflows. The platform also includes built-in compliance and auditing features, ensuring your legal processes meet industry standards. Bryter integrates with a variety of tools, including document management systems like iManage and NetDocuments, as well as data sources like Microsoft Excel and SQL databases.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Built-in compliance and auditing features
- Drag-and-drop interface for seamless user experience
- No-code platform for easy custom application creation
Cons:
- Limited native integrations with other software
- Might have a learning curve for non-technical users
- Pricing information not readily available
Prevail Case Management System is a comprehensive legal case management software designed specifically for disability and injury law practices. Its tailored features and robust functionality make it a perfect fit for firms focusing on these specialized areas of law.
Why I Picked Prevail Case Management System: I chose Prevail Case Management System because of its focus on disability and injury law, which sets it apart from other generic legal management tools. Its specialized features and functionality cater specifically to the unique needs of these practices, making it the best choice for disability and injury law firms.
Standout features & integrations: Prevail offers essential features for disability and injury law practices, including case tracking, document management, and customizable workflow templates. It also provides seamless integrations with Microsoft Office and QuickBooks, allowing users to easily sync data and manage financial aspects of their practice.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrations with Microsoft Office and QuickBooks
- Customizable workflow templates
- Tailored to disability and injury law practices
Cons:
- May not suit smaller firms due to pricing structure
- No mobile app available
- Limited options for non-disability and injury law practices
Other Best Matter Management Software Tools
- Actionstep
Good for end-to-end law practice management
- Coyote Analytics
Good for comprehensive financial and practice analytics
- LegalEdge
Good for government-focused legal case tracking
Other Legal Software Reviews
Here are some other popular types of legal software you might be interested in.
How I Picked The Best Matter Management Software
When it comes to selecting the right matter management software for your law practice, it's crucial to find a tool that best fits your needs and enhances your productivity. I've personally tried and researched numerous tools in the market, and have identified specific criteria that matter most for this type of software. I've tested each of these tools and narrowed down the list based on the following criteria:
Core Functionality:
- Case and matter tracking
- Document management
- Time tracking and billing
- Task management and workflow automation
- Client communication and collaboration
- Reporting and analytics
Key Features:
- Customizable templates: Pre-built templates for common legal processes to streamline workflows and improve efficiency
- Integration with popular legal research tools: Seamless integration with tools such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Casetext for easy access to relevant information
- Secure client portal: A dedicated portal for clients to access their case information, communicate with attorneys, and securely share documents
- Conflict checks: Automated conflict of interest checks to ensure ethical and professional compliance
- Mobile app: A dedicated mobile app for on-the-go access to case files and communication with clients and team members
- Calendar and docket management: Centralized calendar system to manage deadlines, appointments, and court dates
Usability:
- Intuitive user interface: A clean and modern interface designed to make it easy for users to navigate and perform tasks quickly
- Easy onboarding and training: Comprehensive training resources and support documentation for new users to quickly learn and adopt the software
- Role-based access control: Customizable user roles and permissions to ensure the right team members have access to appropriate case information
- Responsive customer support: A dedicated support team to address any issues or questions that arise during the use of the software
- Scalability: The ability to easily scale the software as your law practice grows, both in terms of users and features
Common Features Of Best Matter Management Software
- Case and matter tracking: Efficient case and matter tracking features are essential for any matter management software. These features allow you to monitor the progress of each case, assign tasks to team members, and set deadlines. This level of organization helps streamline your law practice and keeps everyone on the same page, ensuring that no details are missed and deadlines are met.
- Document management: Document management features allow you to securely store, organize, and access important case documents in a centralized location. This eliminates the need for manual document handling and helps you maintain a paperless office. Features like version control and access control ensure that your documents are up-to-date and only accessible to authorized users, reducing the risk of miscommunication and data breaches.
- Time tracking and billing: Time tracking and billing features enable you to efficiently record billable hours and generate accurate invoices for clients. This helps to streamline the billing process, reduce errors, and ensure that your law firm is fairly compensated for the work done. Additionally, these features can provide insights into the efficiency of your team and help identify areas for improvement.
- Task management and workflow automation: Task management and workflow automation features help you create and assign tasks to your team members, set priorities, and track progress. Workflow automation allows you to create standardized processes for routine tasks, ensuring consistency and reducing the chance of errors. These features help you stay organized, save time, and increase overall productivity.
- Client communication and collaboration: Effective client communication and collaboration tools allow you to maintain a strong relationship with your clients. These features enable secure messaging, document sharing, and real-time updates on case progress. By providing a centralized platform for communication, you can ensure that your clients stay informed and engaged throughout the legal process.
- Reporting and analytics: Reporting and analytics features give you insights into your law firm's performance, helping you make data-driven decisions to improve efficiency and profitability. By analyzing metrics such as billable hours, case status, and team productivity, you can identify trends, monitor performance, and uncover areas for improvement.
- Customizable templates: Customizable templates for common legal processes help you streamline workflows and improve efficiency. By having pre-built templates available, you can save time and ensure consistency across your team. This reduces the likelihood of errors and allows your team to focus on more complex tasks.
- Integration with popular legal research tools: Integration with popular legal research tools like Westlaw, LexisNexis, and Casetext can significantly improve your team's productivity. By having easy access to relevant information, your team can conduct legal research more efficiently and make better-informed decisions.
- Secure client portal: A secure client portal allows your clients to access their case information, communicate with your team, and securely share documents. By providing a dedicated platform for client interaction, you can improve client satisfaction and strengthen your professional relationships.
- Calendar and docket management: Centralized calendar and docket management features help you stay on top of deadlines, appointments, and court dates. By having all important dates in one place, your team can avoid missed deadlines and stay organized. This ensures that your law practice runs smoothly and reduces the risk of costly mistakes.
Most Common Questions Regarding Best Matter Management Software (FAQ's)
What is Matter Management vs Case Management?
Matter Management vs. Case Management:
- Matter Management:
- Definition: Matter management involves handling all aspects of a legal matter from initiation to completion, focusing on administrative and financial aspects.
- Scope: Encompasses tasks like tracking budgets, expenses, documents, billing, deadlines, and ensuring compliance with client guidelines.
- Primary Users: Often utilized by law firms and corporate legal departments to manage both legal and non-legal matters.
- Key Features: Financial management, time tracking, document management, and workflow automation.
- Case Management:
- Definition: Case management is more specific to handling the details and workflow of individual cases within a legal context, particularly related to litigation.
- Scope: Includes organizing case information, court dates, evidence, legal documents, and communications related to a specific client or legal action.
- Primary Users: Commonly used by law firms, solo practitioners, and legal aid organizations focused on client representation and court proceedings.
- Key Features: Case tracking, scheduling, document storage, collaboration tools, and task management.
Differences:
- Focus: Matter management has a broader focus, including financial and administrative details, while case management is more tailored to the workflow and lifecycle of litigation and legal cases.
- Application: Matter management can cover non-litigation tasks (e.g., contract review), whereas case management is centered around managing specific client cases, especially those involving court.
- Purpose: Matter management aims to streamline all aspects of handling legal matters, while case management zeroes in on the progress and management of individual cases.
Both systems often complement each other, with matter management providing a higher-level overview and financial tracking, while case management drills down into the specifics of handling a particular legal case.
How much do matter management software tools typically cost?
The pricing for matter management software tools can vary greatly depending on the features, scalability, and level of customization offered. Most tools offer a subscription-based pricing model, with costs ranging from around $20/user/month to over $100/user/month. Some tools also have a base fee or one-time setup fee in addition to the per-user cost.
What are the different pricing models for matter management software?
The most common pricing model for matter management software is a subscription-based model, where users pay a monthly or annual fee based on the number of users and the features included. Other pricing models may include a one-time setup fee, a base fee per month, or a pay-as-you-go model where you are charged based on usage.
What is the typical range of pricing for matter management software?
The typical range of pricing for matter management software varies depending on the features and customization options offered. Generally, prices can range from $20/user/month for basic plans to over $100/user/month for more comprehensive and feature-rich plans.
What is the cheapest matter management software available?
The cheapest matter management software options typically start around $20/user/month for basic plans. However, some tools may offer limited functionality or fewer features at lower prices. It is important to consider your specific needs and requirements when comparing prices to ensure you choose the software that offers the best value for your law practice.
What is the most expensive matter management software available?
The most expensive matter management software options can cost over $100/user/month, offering advanced features, customization options, and scalability for larger law practices. These premium plans may also include dedicated support and training resources to help your team maximize the software’s potential.
Are there any free options for matter management software?
While there are some free options available for basic legal practice management, these tools often lack the specialized features and functionality required for effective matter management. However, some paid tools may offer free trials or limited-time promotions, allowing you to try the software before committing to a subscription. It is important to thoroughly evaluate any free options to ensure they meet your needs before relying on them for your law practice.
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
In conclusion, when choosing the best matter management software for your use case, consider the following key takeaways:
- Identify your specific needs: Understand the unique requirements of your law practice, including the size of your team, the types of cases you handle, and your workflow preferences. This will help you determine which features and functionalities are essential for your practice and narrow down your options accordingly.
- Evaluate the software's usability and support: A user-friendly interface and responsive customer support are crucial for ensuring a smooth onboarding process and ongoing user satisfaction. Look for tools that offer an intuitive design, easy-to-use features, and dedicated support resources to help you make the most of the software.
- Consider the pricing and scalability: As your law practice grows and evolves, you need a matter management software that can scale with your needs. Carefully assess the pricing models and plans offered by each tool to find the best value for your current situation, while also keeping future growth and expansion in mind.