Between LexWorkplace and SharePoint, most law firms should pick LexWorkplace, because SharePoint isn’t a document management system until someone builds one on top of it. SharePoint is the storage and toolkit your Microsoft 365 license already includes, and with metadata columns, retention rules, a Power Automate flow for filing email and someone to set it all up, it can do most of what the LexWorkplace column below does. That build is the real cost, and it’s the one this table can’t show.
Overview
| Feature | SharePoint | LexWorkplace |
|---|---|---|
| Cloud ApplicationIs the application natively cloud-based? | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| OrganizationHow are files, folders and data organized? | Libraries / Folders Only | By Client / Matter |
| Configuration Required Before Use as a DMSDoes the software require configuration before it can be used as a document management system? | Yes | No |
| Windows & Mac SupportDoes the software work on both Windows and Mac OS, without Parallels/virtualization? | Windows and Mac | Windows and Mac |
| Storage IncludedHow much storage is included by default, without having to pay for more? | 1 Terabyte | 1 TB (Core) · 2 TB (Advanced) |
| Built Specifically for Law FirmsWas the software designed specifically for law firms? | ✗ No (general-purpose) | ✓ Yes |
| Transparent PricingDoes the company provide clear, publicly-available pricing? | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Contract TermWhat is the commitment? Are you stuck with the product if you do not like it? | Annual (billed monthly); month-to-month costs about 20% more | Month-to-Month |
Migration & Support
| Feature | SharePoint | LexWorkplace |
|---|---|---|
| Setup EffortHow much work is needed to set up the software for your firm? | Significant (in-house or a consultant) | Handled by LexWorkplace |
| Migration Performed ByWho handles the conversion and migration of your firm's data? | Your team or a consultant | LexWorkplace Team |
Features
| Feature | SharePoint | LexWorkplace |
|---|---|---|
| Store & Manage Documents Store, organize and manage documents within the software. | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Full-Text Document + Email Preview Preview entire documents and email without opening the entire document. | Documents: Yes. Email: only if filed to SharePoint | ✓ Yes |
| Email Management / Outlook Integration Save emails to a matter from within Microsoft Outlook. | Saves to SharePoint; not filed by matter without a custom build | ✓ Yes |
| Automatic / Integrated OCR Built-in OCR for all documents stored in the software. | Paid add-on, billed per page | ✓ Yes (Advanced plan) |
| Flexible, Full-Featured Search Full-text search plus search by client, matter, document type and status. | Yes, once metadata is configured | ✓ Yes |
| External Sharing Securely share documents with outside parties. | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Document Version Management Automatic versioning, review prior document versions. | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Document Profiling & Tagging Apply custom document types, statuses and tags. | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Document Check-Out / In Check documents out to keep them locked from editing. | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Favorite & Recent Docs Quick access to recent and favorite documents. | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| One-Click Open, Edit & Save Open documents and save back with one click (no manual re-upload required). | Yes via OneDrive sync; browser editing Office files only | All Doc Types (Including PDF) |
Security
| Feature | SharePoint | LexWorkplace |
|---|---|---|
| User & Group PermissionsDefine who can (and cannot) access certain matters and data. | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Data Encryption in TransitYour data is encrypted in transit (on the Internet). | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Data Encryption at RestYour data is encrypted at rest (on the server). | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Native Two-Factor AuthenticationTFA / MFA for additional data security (optional). | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Built-In Geographic RedundancyData automatically backed up to multiple data centers / regions. | Included (paired datacenters); multi-region is an add-on | Included |
Options
| Feature | SharePoint | LexWorkplace |
|---|---|---|
| Exchange Email IncludedHosted Exchange email service included / available. | Optional | Optional |
| Additional IT SupportExtended / unlimited IT support for your law firm. | ✗ No | Optional |
So which should you pick?
Stay on SharePoint if
Your firm has an IT lead who will own the build, and you can live without filing email by matter. You’re already paying for it, and the gap is smaller than this table makes it look.
Choose LexWorkplace if
You want documents, email and matters in one place on day one, with nobody in-house maintaining the structure.
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