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Top 7 NetDocuments Alternatives

For Law Firms – 2023

NetDocuments ReviewNetDocuments Website

NetDocuments Alternatives for Law Firms

NetDocuments is popular document management software used by a variety of industries, including law firms.  For one reason or another, however, you might be looking for NetDocuments alternatives.  In this article, we summarize the top NetDocuments Alternatives used by law firms today.

Document Management Software

Document Management software stores documents, email, and (if the software is legal-centric) does so in a client/matter-centric way.

Document Management software typically provides full-text search, document tagging, document profiling, version management, check-out/check-in, external sharing, and more.

Take a look at the different software alternatives to NetDocuments below.

#1

LexWorkplace

Uptime Legal Logo
LexWorkplace UI Screenshot
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere
Desktop OS Compatibility
Server / Infrastructure Requirements

LexWorkplace is a cloud-based, matter-centric document & email management system. LexWorkplace works natively on both Windows and Mac OS.  LexWorkplace will keep your documents, email and notes organized by matter, indexed and searchable. LexWorkplace includes document versioning, powerful search, email management/Outlook integration and document tagging/profiling.

LexWorkplace WebsiteWatch DemoSee Pricing

#2

ProLaw

ProLaw
ProLaw Software Screenshot
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere
Desktop OS Compatibility
Server / Infrastructure Requirements

ProLaw is a combination Practice Management, Document Management and Accounting software.  While ProLaw’s document management capabilities are leaner than stand-alone DMS software, ProLaw is the only application that provides practice, document and accounting management in one product.  ProLaw is server-based, which means it requires a sophisticated on-premise server or a robust private cloud.

ProLaw ReviewProLaw WebsiteHosted ProLaw

#3

Worldox

Worldox Logo
Worldox Screenshot
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere
Desktop OS Compatibility
Server / Infrastructure Requirements

Worldox is long-running legal document management software.  It’s one of the original document management platforms, and integrates with a number of premise-based practice management applications.  Worldox can be run on-premise or in a hosted server solution.

Worldox ReviewWorldox WebsiteHosted Worldox

#4

iManage

iManage Logo
iManage Screenshot
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere
Desktop OS Compatibility
Server / Infrastructure Requirements

iManage Work is a long-running DMS. It is powerful and robust and provides as many, or more functions to manage documents and email as other Document Management Systems in the industry.  iManage does require significant server resources, as well as a highly specialized IT expert to implement and administer. iManage can be run on your own in-house server or in a private cloud.

iManage ReviewiManage WebsiteHosted iManage

#5

LEAP

LEAP Logo
Leap Screenshot
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere
Desktop OS Compatibility
Server / Infrastructure Requirements

LEAP is robust Practice Management software with integrated Document Management and Document Assembly capabilities.  In addition to standard client/case management, LEAP includes many local and federal forms, allowing you to quickly generate and save most commonly-used forms and documents.

LEAP ReviewLEAP WebsiteLEAP + IT Support

#6

SharePoint

SharePoint Logo
Sharepoint Screenshot
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere
Desktop OS Compatibility
Server / Infrastructure Requirements

SharePoint, part of Microsoft’s Office 365 suite, is a cloud-based Intranet, company portal and lightweight Document Management System.  Law firms can configure libraries and manage documents for client or matters.  However, SharePoint requires customization by a SharePoint expert to be useful.

SharePoint ReviewSharePoint Website

#7

eFileCabinet

eFileCabinet logo
eFileCabinet screenshot
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere
Desktop OS Compatibility
Server / Infrastructure Requirements

eFileCabinet is a user-friendly software solution designed to help organizations store and manage their important documents in a secure and organized manner. The system is specifically tailored to meet the needs of law firms, but can also be utilized by other types of businesses. With eFileCabinet, users can easily store and categorize all their important files, such as contracts, client files, invoices, and more.

eFileCabinet Website

NetDocuments - A Mini Review

NetDocuments is a versatile, cloud-driven document storage and management platform designed to cater to a wide variety of industries beyond just legal practices. Its flexible features allow it to be integrated into diverse business types.

The software relies primarily, though not exclusively, on cloud technology, enabling users to access NetDocuments primarily through a web browser, eliminating the need for a server, similar to most Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications.

Unfortunately, NetDocuments does not work well for everyone. Firms that are configuring their technology strategy would benefit from taking a deeper look into NetDocuments to ensure that it will work as they hope.

For example, one of its noteworthy features, ndOffice, is an installed desktop extension that allows users to directly save documents to NetDocuments.

However, ndOffice is only compatible with Windows and doesn’t function on Macs. Consequently, firms that use Mac computers would need to resort to software like Parallels to run a Windows environment within their Mac device.

Intricacies like this could hinder firms’ efficiency and uptime if they’re not prepared. For this reason, let’s take a deeper look at NetDocuments.

NetDocuments

NetDocuments alternatives logo
Netdocuments Pricing Screenshot
Features & Scope
Ease of Use
Mobility / Work Anywhere
Desktop OS Compatibility
Server / Infrastructure Requirements

NetDocuments is a document management platform utilized by legal firms as well as various other sectors. It functions as a unified, cloud-based system for storing and sharing your law firm’s documents.

NetDocuments Website

RelatedNetDocuments Review: Read about NetDocuments in detail to make an informed decision.

Advantages of NetDocuments

Cloud-based

NetDocuments is cloud-based, which means you can access it from anywhere, and do not need to maintain in-house servers.

Better Than Basic Files & Folders

NetDocuments provides features to organize, classify and search documents, which is inherently better than a basic folder structure.

Better Than Simple Cloud Storage

NetDocuments is an improvement over simple cloud storage tools like Dropbox, OneDrive and Google Drive.

Legal Software Integration

NetDocuments integrates with certain law practice management software.

Drawbacks of NetDocuments

No Native Mac OS Support

Firms using Macs must switch to Windows or use Parallels for a Windows environment.

No Included Migration & Training

Migration and training are outsourced to third-party consultants, yielding varied user experiences.

No Client / Matter Structure

NetDocuments, designed for various industries, lacks a pre-set Client/Matter structure. Users have to create and customize Workspaces to fit this model.

Non-Transparent Pricing

NetDocuments doesn't publicly disclose software or onboarding costs. Learn about NetDocuments Pricing.

Related7 Reasons to Switch from NetDocuments to LexWorkplace:  See why law firms made the switch.


“Hit or Miss”

  • Verified User in Law Practice
  • Review Source:  G2Crowd.com
  • Rating:  3/5 Stars

“My favorite things about NetDocuments is that 1) you can access your documents from any place with an Internet connection, and 2) there is an easy way to search for documents.

Like everything else, there are a few downfalls.  First of al there needs to be a multi-level search function added.  Also, I dislike the fact that you have to jump through hoops to get documents to do what you want.  For example, at work I can click on a document and it opens for viewing/editing.  At home I click on a document and it downloads it, then I have to go through the process of uploading the changed document.

I like it, but a lot of people I work with do not like NetDocuments.”


1-Star

“Could be great but falls short.”

  • Verified User in Law Practice ; 10-50 Employees
  • Review Source:  GetApp.com
  • Rating:  1/5 Stars

Pros: The e-mail integration is awesome, when it works. We run into too many issues to where it loses a connection or fails to uploaded an e-mail.

Cons:  Each update makes the system slower and slower. Every time they update their website, a feature breaks and they have to go back and fix it. Hold times for tech support and times can be a little ridiculous.


Legal Document Management Software - A Guide to Features

Generally speaking, legal document management software is special software that stores your documents and provides tools to manage them. The ‘manage’ part of document management software’s capabilities is what sets it apart from using a basic on-premise file server or simple cloud storage.

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, DMS software performs the following functions:

Document & File Storage

The basic storage of documents and other types of electronic files.

Document Profiling / Metadata

The ability to apply attributes (metadata) to documents, including document classifications, types and tags, as well as the ability to apply internal notes to documents.  For instance, the ability to classify a document as a contract or an order.  

Full-Text Search

The ability to search across all documents (and sometimes email), including the file name, metadata and content of documents.

Unique Document ID

Every document is assigned a unique ID, which does not change even if the file name or location of the document does.

Document Check-Out / In

The ability to check a document out, prohibiting others from changing it while the document is checked out to you.

Microsoft Office Integration

Direct integration with the Office suite, typically including Microsoft Word and Outlook.

Document Version Management

The automatic creation and tracking of versions of documents as they are changed.

Email Management

The ability to easily save email messages to a matter, typically via an Outlook add-in.  Learn more about Email Management for Law Firms.

Permissions & Access Management

The ability to permit (or restrict) access to particular matters or data within your firm.

Favorite & Recent Documents

Quick and easy access to recently accessed documents, as well as the ability to "pin" documents as a favorite.

Matter Notes

The ability to create and save Matter Notes within the DMS software.

More modern, cloud-based Document Management Systems sometimes include these more sophisticated features:

Full Windows & Mac OS Compatibility

Native Windows and Mac support, without the need for virtualization software (such as Parallels).

Practice Management Integration

Integration with your chosen Law Practice Management software such as Clio Manage.

Geographic Data Redundancy

Automatic replication/backup of your data to geographically redundant data centers.

End-to-End Data Encryption

Full encryption of your data in-transit and at-rest, adding enhanced security and compliance.

Multi-Factor Authentication

MFA, requiring a second factor to log into the system, enhancing security and compliance.

As you can see, there are various features and aspects to consider when choosing the best Document Management Software and considering NetDocuments Alternatives.

Being no stranger to this decision process, we created the Legal Document Management Comparison Chart.

This chart helps you identify the different features that you find meaningful, so you can choose the DMS that best suits your firm’s needs.

Check out this sample from the chart:

DMS Comparison Chart

Legacy Document Management Software

As wrap up our outline of NetDocuments alternatives, it’s important to highlight the challenges that law firms face when implementing new document management software.

While document management software has been in use for a long time, many older applications present significant hurdles that can impede efficient adoption.

One major challenge with legacy document management software is that older applications often require specialized consultants to set up and manage the installation, further driving up costs and potentially causing delays.

It’s important to understand these challenges and develop strategies to overcome them. Our video below, “The Problem with Legacy Document Management Software,” provides valuable insights and solutions to help law firms navigate the complexities of implementing new software in their organization.

By taking a strategic approach and leveraging the right resources, firms can successfully modernize their document management systems and gain a competitive advantage.

We hope you found this lineup of NetDocuments alternatives useful.  Should you wish to learn more about document management software and today’s options, don’t hesitate to contact our team.

RelatedNetDocuments Pricing: See current known NetDocuments pricing, including implementation and monthly software costs.

NetDocuments Alternatives - Frequently Asked Questions

NetDocuments is a Document Management System (DMS) used by many industries including law firms.  It provides tools to store, organize, and search documents for an organization.

Yes, NetDocuments is cloud-based software which means it primarily runs in a web browser.  NetDocuments is not, however, cross-platform:  It only runs on Windows computers (not Macs), a common misconception given that NetDocuments is cloud-based.

NetDocuments does not provide public pricing information, for the software, for implementation, per-user fees or storage. To get pricing for your firm you’ll need to engage with a NetDocuments sales staff or work with a local NetDocuments reseller. We recommend that you very clearly and thoroughly understand all costs and pricing, including:

  • The cost for the software itself
  • The cost for additional users (logins)
  • The cost for additional storage
  • The cost for implementation (data conversion)
  • The cost for training
  • Any other one-time or recurring costs

No, NetDocuments does not natively run on Mac computers.  Using all functionality on a Mac computer requires running a full Windows installation (virtual machine) via Parallels, which is virtualization software that allows you to run Windows on your Mac.  Users that run Parallels switch back and forth between their Windows and Mac desktops in order to use Windows-based software such as NetDocuments.

Yes, NetDocuments integrates with Office 365 and with the broader Office suite, including Microsoft Word and Outlook.

The top alternatives to Worldox for law firms include:

  • LexWorkplace
  • ProLaw
  • iManage Work
  • LEAP
  • SharePoint
  • eFileCabinet

NetDocuments does not publicly post their pricing. To learn more, visit our article on NetDocuments Pricing.

NetDocuments isn’t a plug-and-play solution, and its implementation process involves substantial effort. As a result, NetDocuments assigns new clients to a local reseller or consultant for implementation tasks, which include data migration and training.

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.

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
  • 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.

What Clients 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