Law Firm Software: Your 2024 Guide to Building Your Tech Stack

Top Law Firm Software (secondary)Law firm software can be difficult to navigate with how many options are out there.

Law firms, specifically, require software that is tailored to their unique needs.

These 2 parts alone can leave law firms feeling overwhelmed and a little lost.

This guide is meant to serve as a mediator between law firms and their many choices, so you can proceed with confidence that your firm is getting the best software to suit your needs and improve your workflow.

As you go through each category we’ve laid out, evaluate the features they offer against what means the most to you.


We hope this guide provides what you require to make informed decisions, but we understand that this can feel daunting. We’re here to help! Contact us if you have any questions, and we would be glad to help guide you down the right path.


Introduction to Law Firm Software

Law Firm Software entails many things.

Whether it’s ancillary software, such as productivity software or note-taking apps, or software necessary for operations, such as Practice Management or Document Management Software, we cover it in this article.

One of the important things to remember is that you are creating a technology strategy for your firm. In doing so, you are looking to build a more streamlined workflow, give way to better collaboration, and become a more productive, successful law firm.

Software For Lawyers

In our list of software for lawyers, I’ll explain and cover each of the main categories of Law Firm Software that your firm may need, a shortlist of the top software for that category, detailed features to make good decisions, and suggestions about choosing the best software for your firm’s needs.

As you go along, I recommend taking notes about the applications that speak to the needs you’re looking to fulfill. There are numerous applications that you can utilize, and with this article, you’ll have a better idea of where to start and what to pursue.

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Related: Building Out Your Law Firm Tech Toolbox

Watch the talk with Uptime Legal and Clio on how to build out your law firm software toolkit.

RelatedEssential Law Firm Technology: From hardware, to software, to implementation and management, we guide you through choosing technology.

As you evaluate your law firm’s software and Tech Toolbox, you may have noticed that most law firms can benefit from having a robust technology strategy.

However, if we take it a step further, we can evaluate the future of your law firm altogether.

As your firm develops a better utilization of the software out there, it becomes easier to transition to a Virtual Law Firm. This means that you and your law firm has the capacity to work remotely.

Having a Virtual Law Firm gives way to better flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and overall happiness of both your firm and your clients.

Learn more below.

Related – Virtual Law Firm: A Complete Guide: Explore the possibilities of a Virtual Law Firm – the why and how.


Server-Based vs. Cloud-Based Software

When it comes to any software you use, an important consideration is whether you go with sever-based software or cloud-based software.

They both have their benefits, and ultimately, it’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons of both to determine the best route for your law firm.

Here, I’ll briefly discuss the general differences between the two.

Since LexWorkplace is a cloud-based platform, we clearly promote cloud-based software over server-based software. As we were determining how we can best server law firms, we understood that cloud technology is the way of the future.

With that being said, server-based software isn’t without its advantages and reasons to pursue it, such as:

  • Do you already have servers and don't mind the operation and maintenance of onsite servers?
  • Do you have software that you love for its functionality over mobility?
  • Do you have a large network already set up that you're not willing to part with?
  • Are there some robust features of server-based software you require?

With those reasons outlined, I do want to caution you about a few things if you decide to pursue server-based software.

For example, server ownership can be an involved, expensive, and irritatingly ongoing process.

Refer to this chart for an understanding of the lifecycle of servers. Backing up data and replacing servers is a necessity to avoid the risk of data loss.

Frequency of Server Failure by Year

Cloud-Based Document Management

If we’re talking about Document Management specifically, you’ll find that you run into the same issues.

Dinosaur DMS platforms are difficult to use, expensive to implement, and painful to maintain.

I understand that you may have used Legacy Document Management for most of your career, but the future holds a better option — Cloud-Based Document Management.

Watch the video below to understand the difference and why I, and many others, are favoring this newer form of software.

On the other hand, choosing Cloud-Based Software provides you with great benefits:

LexWorkplace Top Features

as a Cloud-based DMS

  • Seamless Collaboration
  • No Server Responsibility
  • Better Data Security
  • Lessened Need for Paid IT Support
  • User Access/Permissions
  • Work-Life Balance
  • Ability to Pursue a Virtual Law Firm and a Paperless Law Firm

Other Cloud-Based Software

Similar to Document Management, the conversation continues when it comes to other forms of software you’ll use.

The pros and cons that you encounter when deciding between server-based and cloud-based software are important in considering all aspects of your workflow.

We’ve already discussed what it’s like to deal with servers — it goes beyond this.

When you have software, you will undoubtedly face issues that require IT Support. It doesn’t matter how good the software is or how trained your staff is. Issues happen.

What is important is that you understand the process for getting help when you need it the most.

For example, this is what IT Support looks like when you’re using server-based software.

IT Support On-Premise

As you can see, the process is a bit lengthy and wrought with unexpected costs. The burden is on you to stay on top of your software and to know when to seek the proper help.

In contrast, this is what IT Support looks like with a Cloud-Hosted solution, where you delegate the hosting and operation of your software to an authorized cloud provider, like Uptime Practice:

IT Support for Cloud-Hosted Solutions
Uptime Practice Next

Uptime Practice Next

IT Support for Modern Law Firms

  • Legal Software Support
  • Office 365
  • Cloud Storage
  • Collaboration Tools
  • Security & Compliance
  • IT Help Desk

Need Legal-Centric IT Support?

Practice Next is a suite of legal software + IT support services, just for law firms.

RelatedIT Support for Law Firms: Good IT Support goes a long way in the world of technology. Learn how to get the best support.


Categories of Law Firm Software

Here at Uptime Legal, we spend considerable time helping law firms navigate the world of small law firm legal software. A recurring theme is confusion around the different types of law firm software, and specifically which categories of software do what. 

Often we’ll hear that a law firm is disappointed because their newly-acquired law firm software product wasn’t meeting their needs or expectations… only to find out that they purchased the wrong category of software.

law firm software categories

For instance, a law firm might be exploring Practice Management software and see Document Management listed as an included feature for a contender only to find out that the included “Document Management” is little more than built-in basic online storage.

Similarly, Practice Management products that purport to include “Accounting” may be limited to billing and a general operating account.

While this article will cover numerous categories of software for lawyers, it’s important to understand that the core of law firm software generally falls into one of three categories:

Practice Management, Document Management, and Accounting

We call this the Three-Legged Stool of Law Firm Software. The confusion comes in that each of these three discreet and differentiated categories of software do overlap with one another.

Law Firm Software

It’s important to understand the differences (and the overlap) in these three primary silos of law firm software. Before spending time evaluating small law firm legal software, clearly identify which of these three categories of functionality your firm requires.

Legal Matter Management Software

You may have heard this term passed around and used interchangeably with Case Management, Practice Management, and Document Management. There’s a reason for this.

Legal Matter Management broadly covers both Case/Practice Management and Document Management functionalities. Therefore, Law Practice Management (LPM) software and Document Management Systems (DMS) can be considered subsets of Legal Matter Management.

These are vast categories that can be broken down into more specific tasks, which is where they overlap.

Matter Management Software Venn Diagram

For example, Practice Management and Document Management Software may both have features that are intended to boost productivity.

While this may not be ideal for some, and it can seem misleading, it’s not without reason.

The software that claim to handle multiple tasks that would fall under more than one of the main categories we mentioned above tend to be limited in their functionality.

But that may be ideal for a law firm that needs a full-featured practice management software with limited accounting features.

RelatedLegal Matter Management:  Understanding the terminology used by law firm software helps make more informed decisions.


Productivity Software

Documents, Email, Collaboration

Productivity is the bedrock of law firm software. Productivity software generally encompasses the tools your team will use day-to-day, and includes word processing, spreadsheets and presentation, email, and sometimes tools to keep these resources organized.

In addition to providing basic word processing, spreadsheet and email apps, some law firm productivity platforms serve as the working hub of your law firm.

Office-365-Logo

Office 365

Office 365 Screenshot

Office 365 (now called Microsoft 365) is Microsoft’s cloud-based package of the Office suite and online services such as Exchange email, SharePoint and OneDrive.

Highlight: MS Teams for Chat & Collaboration

Free Trial: Office 365 Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Data Security

Popular Quality

Users enjoyed Office 365's various offerings, as well as how it compared to other cloud storage solutions.

Featured Complaint

Users felt that Office 365 was buggy, resulting in freezing, downtime, and forced restarts.

Office 365 GuideMS Teams Guide
google-workspace-logo

Google Workspace

Google Workspace Screenshot

Google Workspace (formerly Google Apps and G-Suite) is a suite of lightweight web-based apps for documents, spreadsheets and email. Google Workspace is very easy to use, but users may find it’s features limiting.

Highlight: Browser-based Document Editing

Free Trial: Google Workspace Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Data Security

Popular Quality

Users love the one-stop approach Google offers, as well as its various integrations and functionality.

Featured Complaint

Users felt that the customer support lacked efficacy and the support resources were unhelpful. This means that if you have issues, you may find yourself stuck.

Explore Google WorkspacePricing
LexWorkplace Logo

LexWorkplace

LexWorkplace DMS Screenshot

LexWorkplace is a document management & productivity platform for law firms. LexWorkplace allows you to store and manage documents, email and notes by client and matter.

Highlight: Save Documents & Emails to Matters

Free Trial: LexWorkplace Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Data Security

Popular Quality

Users enjoyed the ease of operations—both in initial setup and regular use within daily workflows. They also enjoyed the tech support and intuitive user experience.

Featured Complaint

Some have found that LexWorkplace might not be the best fit for solo law firms. Its robust structure and team-focused features can feel excessive for those seeking a more streamlined solution with only the core functionalities.

Explore LexWorkplacePricing

LexWorkplace Demo + Free Trial

Use this trial to fall in love with our:

  • Helpful Demonstration and Assisted Setup
  • Optimal Organizational Tools
  • Seamless Email Integration
  • Effective Document Management
  • Ready-to-Help Consultants

Ready to Try the Last DMS You’ll Ever Want?

RelatedLegal Project Management Software: Leverage technology to keep your company on track and progressing.


Note-Taking Software

Taking, Organizing & Searching Notes

Next in our roundup of the best law firm software, we’ll cover popular note-taking software.

Note-taking apps do more than just replace the old legal pad: they bring a new level of organization, functionality and note-taking on the go.

Features of note-taking applications often include the following functionality:

  • Digital Note-taking
  • Handwriting with a Stylus
  • Organize by Notebooks and Tags
  • Create Tags and Annotations
  • Document Scanning
  • Save Web Pages (Web Clipper)
  • Search Across All Notes
  • Web Interface
  • Sync to Multiple Devices
  • Note Templates
Evernote logo

Evernote

evernote for law firms

Evernote is a pioneer in cloud-based note-taking, and a favorite among law firms. Evernote allows you to take, organize and manage notes in a web browser or in a mobile app. Evernote has a beautifully clean interface and is easy to learn and to use.

Cloud and Desktop-based Apps

Highlight: Customizable Home Screen

Free Trial: Evernote Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Sync

Popular Quality

Users enjoyed enhanced organization through the help of Evernote to store, organize, and access data and notes.

Featured Complaint

Some users don't like the updates and trajectory of this platform, stating that it has gotten worse over time.

Explore EvernoteEvernote for Law Firms
Microsoft OneNote logo

OneNote

Onenote screenshot

OneNote is an application to take and organize notes, and part of the Office 365 suite. OneNote also integrates with the Office suite including Outlook for powerful meeting integration.

Cloud and Desktop-based Apps

Highlight: Part of Office 365 Suite

Free Trial: OneNote Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Sync

Popular Quality

Users enjoyed the ease of use, functionality, and integrations with the Microsoft Office environment.

Featured Complaint

Users expressed issues with syncing and general hinderance of workflows while using this software.

OneNote ReviewExplore OneNote

Digital Signature Software

Document Signing, Editing, and Updates

In today’s digital landscape, ensuring the authenticity of documents and transactions is paramount. Digital signatures provide this assurance, acting as a cryptographic stamp of approval.

Much like a traditional signature, but bolstered with added security, digital signatures are vital in fields like e-commerce, legal documentation, and software distribution.

DropBox Sign logo

Dropbox Sign

Dropbox Sign Screenshot

Formerly HelloSign, Dropbox acquired this platform to integrate within its existing environment of cloud storage. This helps create a more seamless process.

Highlight: Integration with Dropbox

Free Trial: Dropbox Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Sync

Popular Quality

Users enjoyed the ease of obtaining signatures digitally.

Featured Complaint

Users mentioned issues with templates and integration capabilities.

Explore Dropbox SignPricing
DocuSign Logo

DocuSign

DocuSign Screenshot

A prominent player in the eSignature industry, DocuSign stands as a reliable choice for contract signings. Its robust security, compliance measures, and user-friendly interface set it apart.

Highlight: Compliance & Name Recognition

Free Trial: Docusign Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Sync

Popular Quality

Users found this product easy to use and effective for law firms.

Featured Complaint

Users found this software buggy and the customer service team unresponsive.

Explore DocuSignPricing
Formstack Logo

Formstack Sign

Formstack Sign Screenshot

As a rising star, Formstack has prided itself with similar mobility as DocuSign and numerous integrations to CRMs, Payment Processors, and more.

Highlight: Integrations

Free Trial: Formstack Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Sync

Popular Quality

Users found Formstack easy to use for both the business and the clients.

Featured Complaint

Customers found customer service to be unresponsive and unhelpful.

Explore FormstackPricing

RelatedDigital Signature Apps: Gain a better understanding of what Digital Signature apps have to offer, your top options, and how to choose.


Legal Accounting Software

Business Accounting, Trust Accounting, Financial Reporting

Next in our roundup of the best law firm software, we’ll cover legal accounting software.

These are applications that (in most cases) focus on the specific accounting needs of law firms (such as trust accounting), or general-purpose accounting software applications commonly used by law firms.

Accounting law firm software typically include the following functionality:

  • General / Business Accounting
  • Trust IOLTA Accounting
  • Cash Basis (vs. Accrual)
  • Multiple Billing Types
  • Financial Reporting
  • P&L, Balance Sheet, Cashflow

Accounting Software vs. Practice Management Software (The differences and the overlap)

Law Practice Management, Billing, and Accounting are three related, but discreet functions. And each can be managed with different software (or, all in one software suite). This is where the fuzzy terminology makes understanding what any given software package does confusing.

Case Management, Billing, Accounting

With that clarified, let’s take a look at our list of top legal accounting software for law firms.

Juris Logo

Juris

Juris Screenshot

Juris is a robust law firm billing and accounting platform. It’s incredibly robust and flexible, making it a top choice for law firms of 10 time-keepers or more. Juris provides full-fledged accounting as well as nuanced, detailed billing for a variety of billing models.

Server-based Software

Industry Focus: Legal

Free Trial: Juris Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users enjoyed the time-keeping abilities, enhanced productivity, and data available for review of efficiency.

Featured Complaint

Users found the software to be clunky and lacking of functionality.

Juris in the CloudExplore Juris
QuickBooks logo

QuickBooks

Quickbooks Accounting Screenshot

QuickBooks is by far the most well-known accounting software. And for good reason, it’s robust, powerful yet easy to use. QuickBooks is not law-firm-specific, so while a great application, it may lack some of the legal-specific functions your firm requires.

Cloud and Desktop-based Options

Industry Focus: None (General-purpose)

Free Trial: QuickBooks Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users, especially those in administrative roles, appreciate the numerous features QuickBooks offers for efficient accounting.

Featured Complaint

Users found that QuickBooks needed professional setup to operate as needed, stating they'd prefer something more intuitive/simple.

QuickBooks ReviewQuickBooks in the Cloud
PCLaw / Time Matters Logo

PCLaw

PCLaw Accounting Screenshot

PCLaw is a long-standing practice management and accounting solution for small and midsize law firms. It includes lightweight practice management with full-fledged accounting (including robust financial reporting).

Server-based Software

Industry Focus: Legal

Free Trial: PCLaw Does Not Offer a Free Trial

Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users found that, after some training, the software becomes pretty easy to navigate and utilize.

Featured Complaint

Users found that PCLaw has not aged well, resulting in clunky software and poor customer service.

PCLaw ReviewPCLaw in the Cloud
Cosmolex Logo

CosmoLex

cosmolex accounting screenshot

CosmoLex is legal practice management software with end-to-end accounting. CosmoLex includes client management, time, billing, business accounting and trust accounting, eliminating the need for QuickBooks or other accounting software.

Cloud-based Software

Industry Focus: Legal

Free Trial: CosmoLex Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users found that the software was above average for accounting needs.

Featured Complaint

Users found that CosmoLex was inefficient in its execution, particularly with data entry.

CosmoLex Review
ProLaw logo

ProLaw

ProLaw Software Screenshot

ProLaw is a modular practice management platform that includes a module for complete accounting. With ProLaw, your law firm can manage its clients, matters, billing, documents and accounting on a single package.

Server-based Software

Industry Focus: Legal

Free Trial: ProLaw Does Not Offer a Free Trial

Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users appreciated the user-experience of the platform.

Featured Complaint

Users stated that the software can be buggy and have lost progress when crashes occur.

ProLaw ReviewProLaw in the Cloud

Explore More Legal Accounting Applications

These represent our view of the top legal accounting products s within the broader scope of law firm software. To see even more options, check out our list of all of the law firm accounting software.

Related: Best Law Firm Accounting Software: Good accounting allows for better organization and a better understanding of where your firm excels and what needs work.


Time & Billing Software

Time Tracking, Expense Tracking, Invoicing

After productivity, the next law firm software a new firm tends to implement is time tracking and billing software.

Most, if not all Practice Management applications (which we’ll cover shortly) include time and billing. However, some firms don’t want or need everything that comes with a full-fledged Practice Management suite, and instead want a stand-alone time & billing app. For those firms, we’ll cover the top (mostly) pure time & billing products.

This is particularly true for law firms looking at small law firm legal software.

Time & Billing software typically include the following functionality:

  • Time Tracking
  • Expense Tracking
  • Invoicing
  • Revenue Reporting
  • LEDES Billing (Some Applications)
  • Basic Client Management
bill4time logo

Bill4Time

bill4time screenshot

Bill4Time is robust time & billing software, used by a variety of industries including lawyers. Bill4Time includes lawyer-centric features such as split-fee billing and ABA billing codes

Cloud-based Software

Highlight: Lightweight Case Management Features

Free Trial: Bill4Time Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users found the program to be simple to setup, use, and customize with minimal downtime.

Featured Complaint

Users found customer service to be inadequate and unresponsive.

Explore Bill4Time
timesolv logo

TimeSolv

timesolv screenshot

TimeSolv is popular pure time & billing software. TimeSolv is easy to use, and includes time tracking, billing, invoicing, expense tracking and reporting.

Cloud-based Software

Highlight: Legal Bookkeeping Services Offered

Free Trial: TimeSolv Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users found the product easy to setup and use, particularly with the help of training staff.

Featured Complaint

Users complained about the limited functionality and reporting structure.

Explore TimeSolv
sage timeslips logo

Sage Timeslips

sage timeslips screenshot

TimeSlips, by Sage, is a long-standing time tracking and billing applications. Law firms have been using Timeslips for over a decade. The application is desktop/premise based.

Server-based Software

Highlight: Can Run a Virtual Desktop / Private Cloud

Free Trial: Sage Timeslips Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users appreciated the consistent longevity of this software, stating that it has been consistently effective since setup.

Featured Complaint

Users disliked customer service and found it to get quite expensive whenever needs arose.

Explore Sage Timeslips

Payment Processing

Sales Pipeline Management, Intake Forms

Next in our roundup of the best law firm software, we’ll cover online payment processing solutions.

Getting paid is an important part of running a law firm, so having on online payment service is vital to growing and sustaining your law practice. Online payment services make paying your firm easy for your clients and automated for you.

Legal-centric online payment services, like the ones we explore below, will cater to the unique needs of law firms, including dealing with trust accounts and ABA billing codes. Online payment services are more than just cloud software for law firms, they are a service that provides payment clearing, authorization and other financial tools to help manage your practice.

Law Pay logo

Lawpay

lawpay screenshot

LawPay may be the most well-known law firm payment processing solution. LawPay integrates with popular legal practice management software, and has been approved y 48 state bar associations.

Stand-Out Feature: Practice Management Integrations

Free Trial: Lawpay Does Not Offer a Free Trial

Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Reputation

Popular Quality

Users enjoyed the integration with CosmoLex, along with the features offered.

Featured Complaint

Users found the fees too high to justify continuing to use the platform.

Explore LawPay
clio logo

Clio Payments

Clio Payment Processing Screenshot

Clio Payments is Clio’s own payment processing service. While boasting many of the same features as it’s counterparts, Clio Payments is particularly useful for firms using Clio Manage or Clio Grow for practice management, CRM and intake software.

Stand-Out Feature: Clio Manage/Grow Integration

Free Trial: Clio Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Reputation

Popular Quality

Users enjoyed the flat percentage and ease of use.

Featured Complaint

While users found that Clio Payments is an effective tool for law firms, some wish for more features.

Explore Clio PaymentsClio Demo
lexcharge logo

LexCharge

LexCharge Payment Processing Screenshot

LexCharge, created by the team at Rocket Matter, is payment processing exclusively for lawyers and law firms, and includes built-in capabilities for managing trust payments, accounts and disbursements.

Stand-Out Feature: Trust Accounting Rules

Free Trial: LexCharge Does Not Offer a Free Trial

Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Reputation

Popular Quality

Users appreciate the variety of features and specifically enjoy working with the account managers.

Featured Complaint

Other users complained that the support takes too long and places you on lengthy hold times.

Explore LexCharge
headnote logo

Headnote

headnote screenshot

Headnote, a relative newcomer to law firm payment processing, includes capabilities for both credit card processing and ACH / electronic check payments. Headnote offers a simple client interface and an easy-to-use management platform.

Stand-Out Feature: AR Management Features

Free Trial: Headnote Does Not Offer a Free Trial

Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Reputation

Popular Quality

Users enjoyed the streamlined billing process and new features the platform releases.

Featured Complaint

Users disliked the mobile compatibility and general convenience.

Explore Headnote

Explore More Payment Processing Solutions

These represent our view of the top payment processing platforms within the broader scope of law firm software. To see even more options, check out our list of all of the legal payment processing platforms.

Related – Best Law Firm Payment Processing Solutions: Getting paid on time and with accuracy is important — choose the best software to ensure it.


CRM & Intake Software

Sales Pipeline Management, Intake Forms

Next in our roundup of the best law firm software, we’ll cover CRM & intake software.

A traditional CRM serves as a basic database of customers and prospective customers. More importantly, most CRM’s provide sales pipeline functionality, where you can track incoming “leads” (prospective customers), and manage communications and outreach.

Law firm intake software provides functionality to automate portions of the intake process, and usually includes practice-area specific forms and questionnaires for clients.

CRM and Intake are two discreet functions, but go well together in a single piece of software. Most law firm CRM & intake applications include:

  • Client Database
  • Prospect Database
  • Workflow / Checklists
  • Lead / Revenue Tracking
  • Intake Forms
  • Intake Workflow Automation
  • Electronic Signatures
clio logo

Clio Grow

Clio Grow CRM Screenshot

Clio Grow (formerly Lexicata) is law firm CRM and intake software. Clio Grow provides sales pipeline tools, prospect management, customer intake features and pairs well with Clio Manage for law practice management.

Cloud-based Software

Stand-Out Feature: Integration with Clio Manage

Free Trial: Clio Grow Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users found Clio Grow to be a top option for evaluating potential clients and intaking new ones.

Featured Complaint

Users found that it could use more features and a better rollout of its integration with QuickBooks.

Explore Clio Grow
Law Ruler Logo

Law Ruler

Law Ruler CRM Screenshot

Law Ruler is a law firm CRM, intake and marketing automation platform. Its marketing automation focus includes email drip campaigns as well as automated text messages. Law Ruler also includes a number of notable integrations.

Cloud-based Software

Stand-Out Feature: Marketing Automation

Free Trial: Law Ruler Does Not Offer a Free Trial

Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users enjoyed using Law Ruler to manage the call and lead volume to keep track of potential/current clients.

Featured Complaint

Users disliked the up-front effort it takes to set up and customized Law Ruler.

Explore Law RulerGet a Demo
LawMatics logo

Lawmatics

Lawmatics CRM Screenshot

Lawmatics is a law firm CRM, intake and marketing automation platform. Lawmatics includes marketing automation including email marketing, as well as client intake forms with digital signatures and workflow tools.

Cloud-based Software

Stand-Out Feature: Electronic Signatures

Free Trial: Lawmatics Does Not Offer a Free Trial

Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users liked that setup was simple and they were able to start using it as it came, with the option to further tailor it to their needs.

Featured Complaint

Users found the platform to be too complicated and difficult to automate.

Explore LawmaticsGet a Demo

Related – Best CRM for Law Firms: Manage how you receive new leads and manage client relationships.


Practice Management Software

Clients, Contacts, Cases, Calendaring, Billing

Practice Management software lives at the center of many law firm’s technology toolbox. Practice Management software typically handles a law firms clients and contacts, case management, calendaring, document creation, time tracking, billing and accounting.

There are many applications to choose from today: Some focus more on “front-office” functionality (case management and calendaring), others focus more on “back-office” workflow (billing and accounting.)

There are well over 25 reputable Law Practice Management products in the market today. We’ll cover the top 7 in our law firm software review, and will provide a link to the complete list at the end of this section.

Practice management software typically include the following functionality:

  • Client & Contact Management
  • Matter Management
  • Calendaring
  • Task Management
  • Time & Expense Tracking
  • Invoicing
  • Limited Accounting
  • Document/Form Assembly
  • Conflict Checking
  • Client Portal

Sidebar: Practice Management vs. Document Management

Practice Management software is well-suited to manage your firm’s time tracking, billing, calendaring, contacts and tasks. Some Practice Management software also include limited or “light” Document Management. But to be clear, Practice Management and Document Management are not the same, and you should clearly understand your firm’s document management objectives before implementing new Practice Management software.

Related:

clio logo

Clio Manage

Clio Manage LPM Screenshot

Clio Manage is easy-to-use and flexible law practice management software. Clio helps manage clients, cases, calendars, tasks, time, billing & more. Clio aims to be the Operating System for your law firm, and can integrate with many other cloud-based apps your firm may use.

Cloud-based Software

Stand-Out Feature: Extensive App Integrations

Free Trial: Clio Manage Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users enjoy that Clio offers a variety of products tailored for law firms, most of which are intuitive and positively impact daily workflows.

Featured Complaint

Users found that it could use more features.

Clio Manage ReviewDemo
LEAP Logo

LEAP Legal Software

LEAP LPM Screenshot

LEAP is possibly the most robust of the web-based law practice management applications. It provides time, billing, client and matter management and calendaring. Where LEAP really shines is its comprehensive library of state and federal forms (document automation).

Cloud-based Software

Stand-Out Feature: Robust Document Assembly

Free Trial: LEAP Does Not Offer a Free Trial

Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users found LEAP to be reliable, functional and easy to use.

Featured Complaint

Users found customer support insufficient and at times frustrating, due to limited expertise and/or long delays.

LEAP ReviewExplore LEAP
PCLaw / Time Matters Logo

PCLaw

pclaw lpm screenshot

PCLaw is a long-standing practice management, billing and accounting solution for small and midsize law firms. It includes lightweight practice management (clients, cases and calendars), coupled with robust time tracking, billing and accounting.

Server-based Software

Stand-Out Feature: End-to-End Accounting

Free Trial: PCLaw Does Not Offer a Free Trial

Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users found PCLaw easy to use and robust.

Featured Complaint

Some users shared stories of corrupt data and insufficient customer support to restore lost data.

PCLaw ReviewPCLaw in the Cloud
PCLaw / Time Matters Logo

Time Matters

Time Matters LPM Screenshot

Time Matters is a long-standing, popular Practice Management and Document Management solution. Time Matters is unique in its mix of LPM and DMS capabilities, a well as being one of the most customizable practice management products on the market.

Server-based Software

Stand-Out Feature: Highly Customizable Software

Free Trial: Time Matters Does Not Offer a Free Trial

Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users enjoy the organization of the platform related to contact storage and matter-centric sorting.

Featured Complaint

Users found the software unintuitive and inconsistently operational.

Time Matters ReviewTime Matters in the Cloud
ProLaw logo

ProLaw

ProLaw LPM Screenshot

ProLaw is robust practice management, document management and accounting software for law firms. It’s the only legal software platform that includes all three of these main pillars to running a law practice.

Server-based Software

Stand-Out Feature: Highly Customizable Software

Free Trial: ProLaw Does Not Offer a Free Trial

Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users found the platform to be intuitive and good for law firms.

Featured Complaint

Users disliked the guidance of ProLaw, stating their needs were placed second behind ProLaw's.

ProLaw ReviewProLaw in the Cloud
Cosmolex Logo

CosmoLex

pclaw lpm screenshot

CosmoLex is a cloud-based law practice management and accounting solution. It includes client and matter management, time, billing, business accounting and trust/IOLTA accounting, thereby eliminating the need for QuickBooks or other accounting software.

Cloud-based Software

Stand-Out Feature: Complete Integrated Accounting

Free Trial: CosmoLex Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users found ComsoLex to be intuitive and straightforward.

Featured Complaint

Users complained about the cost to company size ratio, stating it is not meant for higher numbers of employees.

CosmoLex Review
Tabs3 logo

Tabs3

tabs3 lpm screenshot

Tabs3 and PracticeMaster are a suite of robust case management, billing and accounting solutions for law firms. Tabs3 provides essential “back-office” functionality and PracticeMaster provides powerful “front-office” capabilities.

Server-based Software

Stand-Out Feature: Top-Rated Customer Support

Free Trial: Tabs3 Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users found Tabs3 to be easy to learn with good tech support.

Featured Complaint

Users experienced system crashes and extended downtime.

Tabs3 ReviewTabs3 in the Cloud

Explore More Practice Management Products

These represent our view of the top practice management products within the broader scope of law firm software. To see even more small law firm legal software, specifically practice/case management, check out our list of all of the law practice management products.

Related – Best Law Practice Management Software: Managing your practice starts with great software. Ensure you’re choosing software that works with your firm’s wants and needs.


Document Automation Software

Automating Creation and Drafting 

Drafting documents can be time-consuming. A simple letter might only take minutes, but intricate legal documents like contracts can demand hours of meticulous work.

Thankfully, top-tier document automation software for law firms streamlines this process, offering significant time and effort savings.

  • Document Templates
  • Document Library
  • Document Storage
  • Client Self-Service Portal
  • Software Integrations
  • Conditional Logic
  • Auto-Population
  • Remote Access
  • Electronic Signatures
  • Various File Types
Clio logo

Clio Draft

Draft new document set clio draft

Clio Draft enables you to craft templates, tap into an extensive library of pre-existing forms, electronically sign documents, among other features.

Highlight: Integration with Clio Manage

Free Trial: Clio Draft Does Not Offer a Free Trial

Time-Saving Features
Ease of Use
App Integrations

Popular Quality

Users enjoyed the integrations and support team.

Featured Complaint

Some users found it unintuitive.

Clio Draft WebsitePricing
LEAP Logo

LEAP

LEAP Document Automation Screenshot

This cloud-based Practice Management Software is an ideal choice for those aiming to integrate Practice Management with Document Automation.

Highlight: Practice Management Software + Document Automation

Free Trial: LEAP Does Not Offer a Free Trial

Features & Scope
Ease of Use
App Integrations

Popular Quality

Users appreciate its continual improvements and cost.

Featured Complaint

Users found the billing system and calendaring feature to be subpar.

LEAP WebsiteLEAP Review
gavel logo

Gavel

gavel screenshot

This established application boasts a versatile API conducive to app integrations. It serves both as a document assembly/automation platform and an online forms tool. Importantly, it features a Microsoft Word add-in.

Highlight: Flexible API for Application Integrations

Free Trial: Gavel Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
App Integrations

Popular Quality

Users appreciate the easy setup and document generation.

Featured Complaint

Users state that customization requires expertise to implement, so you may need to enlist professional technical help to do so.

Gavel WebsiteGet a Demo

Related – Document Automation Software: Explore the different software to automate your document creation and assembly.

Top-tier document automation software for law firms offers document assembly as a core feature, but effective document management requires more.

Essential tools also encompass storage, enhanced search functions, version control, optical character recognition (OCR), and beyond.

Bring Law and Order to Your Documents

LexWorkplace Includes:

  • Document Profiling / Metadata
  • Structured by Client/Matter
  • Organize With Folders and Tags
  • Save Emails to Matters
  • Built-In Version Management
  • Add Notes to Docs & Email

Document Management Software

Full-Text Search, Version Management, Email Management

Next in our roundup of the best software for lawyers, we’ll cover legal document management software.

Document Management Systems (sometimes referred to as a DMS) is software that stores documents and provides more robust tools to manage them than you would otherwise see in basic cloud storage or practice management software.

Document management software can come in either an on-premise variety (installed on your own local servers) or can be cloud-based. The scope, features and capabilities of any given legal document management software varies from product to product; though broadly speaking, legal document management software performs the following functions:

  • Document & File Storage
  • Document Profiling / Metadata
  • Full-Text Search
  • Unique ID for Each Document
  • Document Check-Out / In
  • Document Sharing / Receiving
  • Microsoft Office Integration
  • Document Version Management
  • Email Management / Outlook Integration
  • Permissions Management
  • Favorite & Recent Documents

Document Management Security

Moreover, quality cloud-based legal document management products will provide additional security features, including:

  • Data Encryption In Transit and At-Rest
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • Geographic Data Redundancy
LexWorkplace Logo

LexWorkplace

LexWorkplace DMS Screenshot

LexWorkplace is document & email management software for law firms. LexWorkplace works with Windows and Macs, and allows you to store and manage any type of document. LexWorkplace includes full-text search, version management, and Office/Outlook integration.

Cloud-based Software

Stand-Out Feature: Windows & Mac OS Compatible

Free Trial: LexWorkplace Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users love how robust this cloud-based legal document management software is compared to all other options. They enjoy the ability to search, find, organize, manage, and share files with the assistance of matter-centric organization, document AI, OCR, various integrations, and strong security measures.

Featured Complaint

Some have found that LexWorkplace may not be the best fit for solo law firms. Designed with teams in mind, its comprehensive structure and feature set can feel like too much for those seeking a more streamlined solution with just the basic essentials.

Explore LexWorkplacePricing
Worldox logo

Worldox

Worldox DMS Screenshot

Worldox is long-running document management software. As a mature product, Worldox is powerful and cable, and integrates with a number of practice management product. Worldox requires a moderately sophisticated server infrastructure.

Server-based Software

Stand-Out Feature: Integration with Tabs3

Free Trial: Worldox Does Not Offer a Free Trial

Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users like the robustness and feature availability.

Featured Complaint

Users found that this system is dated and insufficient for law firm's present-day needs.

Worldox ReviewWorldox in the Cloud
imanage logo

iManage Work

iManage DMS Screenshot

iManage Work is a long-standing DMS used by a variety of industries. iManage is powerful and provides many niche features for managing documents in a large law firm. iManage does require significant server resources, as well as a highly specialized IT expert to implement and administer.

Server-based Software

Stand-Out Feature: Extensive Search Capabilities

Free Trial: iManage Does Not Offer a Free Trial

Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users enjoy sharing and collaboration.

Featured Complaint

Users found iManage slow and even slower once integrations are set up.

iManage Work ReviewiManage in the Cloud
ProLaw logo

ProLaw

ProLaw Software Screenshot

ProLaw is a combination Practice Management, Document Management and Accounting solution for law firms. While its document management functionality isn’t quite as robust as some of the stand-alone DMS solutions, its all-in-one nature makes it a strong platform.

Server-based Software

Stand-Out Feature: All-In-One DMS, LPM, Accounting

Free Trial: ProLaw Does Not Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

Users appreciated the customer support.

Featured Complaint

Users found the software to be buggy and the data recovery team to be inadequate.

ProLaw ReviewProLaw in the Cloud
SharePoint Logo

Microsoft SharePoint

sharepoint document workspace

SharePoint, part of Office 365, is an Intranet and lightweight document management system. SharePoint has lightweight DMS features, though is not configured for law firms (client/matters) out of the box, and requires setup by a professional.

Cloud-based Software

Stand-Out Feature: Highly Customizable

Free Trial: SharePoint Does Offer a Free Trial

Get Your Free Trial
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere

Popular Quality

The most common pro SharePoint offers is the ease of sharing and collaboration.

Featured Complaint

Users disliked the learning curve required to effectively utilize SharePoint. It was found to be unintuitive and insufficient for law firms' specific requirements and desires.

SharePoint ReviewExplore SharePoint

Explore More Document Management Products

These represent our view of the top document management products within the broader scope of law firm software. To see even more options, check out our list of all of the law document management products.

Related – Best Law Firm Document Management Software: Like advanced cloud storage built for law firms, with useful features and functionality.



Frequently Asked Questions - Law Firm Software

Law firm software is a specialized tool or suite of tools designed to help law firms streamline and manage their daily operations, including matter management, document handling, billing, client communication, and more.

Law Firm Software is often categorized into three types: Practice Management, Legal Accounting, and Document Management.

However, you’ll often find that these three categories overlap based on what they offer/what they’re capable of.

You could potentially find more categories than this, but this is a good summary of the most important types of Law Firm Software.

  • Productivity Software
  • Note-Taking Software
  • Digital Signature Apps
  • Legal Accounting Software
  • Time & Billing Software
  • Payment Processing
  • CRM & Intake Software
  • Practice Management Software.
  • Document Automation Software
  • Cloud Storage Platforms
  • Document Management Software

Law firms deal with unique challenges such as legal compliance, client confidentiality, detailed case tracking, large document volume, specific billing needs, and more.

Specialized software ensures that these needs are met efficiently.

Reputable law firm software solutions prioritize security, often employing encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular audits.

However, always verify the security features before committing to any platform.

Most modern law firm software solutions offer some level of integrations with popular tools like email platforms, calendar apps, accounting software, and other legal software to ensure seamless workflows.

Both have advantages. Cloud-based solutions offer accessibility from anywhere, absolve you of various burdens, and allow you to focus more on actual legal work instead of IT issues.

On-premises solutions sometimes provide more control over data and can be customized, but they might require an initial larger investment and require you to manage your technology more closely.

Yes, many law firm software tools promote collaboration by allowing multiple users to work on cases, share notes, assign tasks, and communicate through integrated messaging platforms.

The difficulty varies. Some software solutions offer built-in migration tools or services, while others might require manual data transfer or the assistance of a third-party service.

Absolutely. Many software providers offer scalable solutions suitable for solo practitioners or smaller practices, ensuring they benefit from automation and management tools without the need for extensive functionalities meant for larger firms.

LexWorkplace Free Trial

LX - Free Trial

The free trial is finally here!

This highly-anticipated opportunity has now been fully implemented for users to learn the value of LexWorkplace.

Use this trial to:

  • Upload Files
  • Create Matters
  • Organize Documents
  • Integrate Emails
  • Share and Collaborate

Ready to Try the Last DMS You’ll Ever Want?

Looking for Document Management Software?

LexWorkplace:

Modern Document Management for Law Firms

LexWorkplace is document & email management software, born in the cloud and built for law firms.  Here’s a quick primer on how it works, or get your free trial to discover LexWorkplace for yourself.

Organize by Client & Matter

Organize documents, email and notes by client or matter. Store and manage all data for a case or project in one place.

lexworkplace-matter-centric

Go Beyond Basic Files & Folders

Supercharge your firm’s productivity with true DMS functions.

  • Version Management
  • Document Tagging & Profiling
  • Document Check-Out / Check-In
  • Microsoft Office Integration
  • Automatic, Integrated OCR
  • Convert Word Docs to PDF
Document Properties

Search Everything

LexWorkplace is like Google for your law firm.  Search across millions of pages, documents, folder email and notes in seconds. Refine your search by matter, document type, author and more.

Search-2021

Search by…

  • Client or Matter
  • Document Type (Contract, Complaint, Order, etc.)
  • Document Status (Draft, Final, etc.)
  • Document Tags (Filed With Court, Fully Executed, etc.)

Outlook Integration + Comprehensive Email Management

Save emails to a matter without leaving Outlook. Saved emails are accessible to your entire team, organized and searchable.

lx-email-mgmt
  • Outlook Add-In that Works With Windows and Macs
  • Save Entire, Original Email to a Matter in a LexWorkplace
  • Email De-Duplication
  • Organize Emails into Folders, Subfolders

Works with Windows and Macs

All of LexWorkplace is compatible with both Windows and Mac computers.

Next Steps

See What Clients Have to Say

Lawyers love LexWorkplace.  See how the system streamlined one lawyer’s practice.

Watch the 5-Minute Demo

See LexWorkplace in action in our quick 5-minute overview and demonstration.

Or, if you want a one-on-one demo, or want to talk about LexWorkplace for your firm, schedule a call or demo below.

Schedule a Demo