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The Best Law Practice Management Software Companies of 2021
How We Chose the Best Law Practice Management Software
Many companies offer law firm practice management software to help attorneys and paralegals stay productive and manage their caseload. With so many software packages available, it can be difficult to determine which one is right for your practice. We took the guesswork out of choosing law practice management software by assessing each option based on what’s most important.
Billing & Invoicing
For attorneys, accurate billing is one of the most important aspects of managing a practice. Not only do you want to ensure you get paid the right amount, but you also have to deposit client funds in your trust account and keep track of every penny. Attorneys are also reviewed based on the number of billable hours they put in each year, which means you need to be able to track every minute you spend working for your clients. We looked for law firm practice management software with invoicing, billing and time-tracking functions to make it easier to document your billing activity.
Case Management Tools
In a busy law firm, it’s important to be able to keep track of court hearings, client meetings, depositions and other professional obligations. Good case management tools make it easier to keep a large project on track. We looked for law firm practice management software that makes it easy to coordinate your work with team members and clients, and track important dates and deadlines.
Reporting & Analytics
To make your firm more efficient, it’s important to understand how people spend their time. If you’re using a paper-based system, it can be difficult to find the data you need to analyze productivity and efficiency ratios. We looked for law practice management software that gives you access to reporting and analytics tools that make it easier to assess your current work processes.
The 19 Best Law Practice Management Software Packages of 2021
| Company | Price | Free Trial/Demo | More |
|---|---|---|---|
| AbacusLaw | $69 per user per month | Free demo | Visit AbacusLaw |
| Avaza | Startup $9.95/month Basic $19.95/month Business $39.95/month | Free trial | Visit Avaza |
| BigTime | $10 per user per month | Free demo | Visit BigTime |
| BQE Core Legal – Time and Billing | $7.95 per user per month | 30-minute demo | Visit BQE Core Legal |
| Clio | Starts at $39 per user per month | 7-day free trial | Visit Clio |
| CoCounselor | Call Tracker $99 per month per firm Practice Manager Platform Lite $75 per user per month Practice Manager Platform Standard $85 per user per month Practice Manager Platform Premium $120 per user per month Quickstart Package $450 one-time fee | Free demo | Visit CoCounselor |
| Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Application | Contact for quote | 30-day trial | Visit Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Application |
| HoudiniEsq | Free for solo practitioners The Cloud & Beyond $64 per user per month In-house Practice $248 per user per year In-house Enterprise $464 per user per year | Free version | Visit HoudiniEsq |
| Jusnote | Classic $7 per user per month Professional $12 per user per month | Free demo | Visit Jusnote |
| MyCase | $49 per user per month | Free trial | Visit MyCase |
| Practice Panther | Starts at $39 per user per month | Free demo | Visit Practice Panther |
| Quick Base | $500/month | 30-day trial | Visit Quick Base |
| Rocket Matter | Essentials $25 per user per month Pro $59 per user per month | Free trial | Visit Rocket Matter |
| Smokeball | Contact for quote | Free demo | Visit Smokeball |
| Soluno | $49 per user per month | Free demo | Visit Soluno |
| Taskeo | $5 per user per month | Freemium version available | Visit Taskeo |
| TimeSolv | $31.46 per user per month | 30-day trial | Visit TimeSolv |
| uLaw Practice | $34 per user per month | 30-day trial | Visit uLaw Practice |
| Zola Suite | $59 per user per month | 10-day free trial | Visit Zola Suite |
AbacusLaw
AbacusLaw offers an all-in-one solution for attorneys who need help managing their practices. The software includes billing, reporting, customer relationship management and document management functions, enabling attorneys to keep track of case-related information and stay in touch with past clients. Built-in accounting features including billing, invoicing and online payment processing. Users also have access to a time-tracking tool that makes it easy to record the amount of time spent in court, on telephone calls and meeting with clients in person.
For attorneys who need help with document management, AbacusLaw makes it possible to store any type of document to a client file, improving billing accuracy and ensuring that attorneys and paralegals always have access to the information they need to advise their clients effectively. With the cloud-based version of AbacusLaw, customers never have to worry about finding installation discs or using an outdated version of the software. AbacusLaw costs $69 per user per month.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| $69 per user per month | Free demo | >Invoicing >Case management >Billing >More features at AbacusLaw |
Pros and Cons of AbacusLaw
One of the main advantages of AbacusLaw is that attorneys have the ability to store notes, making it easy for other staff members to know what is happening with each case. AbacusLaw also makes it possible to link notes directly to cases. They do not have a free trial available, however.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Ability to store notes >Link to cases | >No free trial |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers love that AbacusLaw makes it easy to manage a law practice from anywhere in the world. One user comments, “We can keep up with our calendars and everyone can log in from wherever they are and see the daily organizer.” Users also appreciate that AbacusLaw makes it easy to set reminders.
Avaza
Avaza offers an all-in-one solution with an ideal mix of features for running a law firm. It includes modules for project management and collaboration, resource management, team chat, time tracking, expense management, quoting, and invoicing. It also offers powerful reports so law firms have the appropriate information at their fingertips for better decision making.
There is a suitable subscription plan available for law firms of any size starting at $9.95 a month, making it one of the most economical offerings on the market. Avaza also has a free plan, but it’s limited to one admin user, 10 customers, and only five invoices per month.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Startup: $9.95/month Basic: $19.95/month Business: $39.95/month | Free trial | >Project management >Time & expense tracking >Quotes & invoices >More features at Avaza |
Pros and Cons of Avaza
Avaza combines project management and finance features with insightful reporting enabling attorneys to operate a streamlined legal practice. Its resource planning module helps optimize team utilization rate, which translates into higher billable revenue. Avaza is not specifically designed for law practices, which means it may not have some of the case management features some law practices seek.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Project management & accounting >Resource planning & reporting >24/7 customer support | >Case management specific features may be missing |
What Customers Are Saying
Avaza receives high praise for combining accounting and project management functions, eliminating the need to perform the same tasks twice. One user raves, “No more importing or exporting information and doubling up on data entry tasks.” Users also appreciate that Avaza accounts for holidays and vacations, making it easy to determine a firm’s staffing needs.
BigTime
BigTime has billing, tracking and collaboration features designed to streamline the management of professional services firms. The built-in tracking system helps attorneys maintain a high level of accuracy when recording time spent attending hearings, speaking with clients on the telephone and drafting legal documents. The comprehensive billing system makes it possible to track work in progress, generate invoices, manage costs and assign correct billing rates for attorney and paralegal work. It’s also possible to use BigTime to set up custom billing rules, improving accuracy and making it easier to generate end-of-year financial reports.
With its built-in collaboration features, BigTime makes it easier to manage teams remotely. The resource allocation tool makes it possible to view staff assignments, determine if any staff members have time to work on new projects and decide when it’s time to hire additional staff. BigTime also has a client portal and CRM tools to help law firms better manage customer relationships.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| $10 per user per month | Free demo | >Billing >Invoicing >Time tracking >More features at BigTime |
Pros and Cons of BigTime Law Practice Management Software
The main advantage of using BigTime to manage a law practice is that it eliminates the need to perform the same task more than once. Another pro is the robust free trial, which makes it easy to evaluate the software. The only downside is that some users wish the software was more customizable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Saves time >Good trial experience | >Relative lack of customization options |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers say that BigTime’s interface is quite user-friendly. “I love that the software is easy to learn and set up in a very short amount of time,” wrote one user. “It doesn’t include all the complicated and unusable features of some billing apps. It’s very transparent and editable for the average office personnel.”
BQE Core Legal – Time and Billing
BQE CORE Legal is a cloud-based software package that uses role-based pricing to help firms keep their costs in check. The Time Tracking module includes several features that make it easier for attorneys and their staff members to track the amount of time spent on each task. This module also includes employee time cards, a timer and an expense-tracking tool that links receipts and expense reports to specific accounts for billing purposes. With the receipt capture tool, users can use their mobile devices to take pictures of receipts. BQE CORE Legal turns these photos into digital receipts and imports the information into a firm’s expense records.
The BQE CORE Legal Billing module also has several useful features. With automatic billing, practice owners can set the system to send out monthly or weekly invoices. Customizable templates eliminate the need to create every invoice from scratch. This module also works with several contract types, including hourly and fixed fee.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| $7.95 per user per month | 30-minute demo | >CRM >Billing >Online payment processing >More features at BQE CORE Legal |
Pros and Cons of BQE CORE Legal – Time and Billing Law Practice Management Software
BQE Core Legal provides excellent customer support and makes it possible to create custom reports. Another advantage is that users have access to real-time accounting and project data.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Excellent support >Custom reports >Real-time data | >No client portal |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers love that BQE Core Legal provides excellent customer service. One user writes, “They methodically think through processes and help with issues, configuration settings, or bugs,” minimizing downtime. BQE Core Legal also receives high marks for giving users the ability to create custom reports and track time spent on individual clients.
Clio
Clio uses cloud-based technology to help attorneys manage their practices remotely. For small firms, the company offers three pricing tiers: Starter, Boutique and Elite. The Starter package costs $39 per user per month and includes time tracking, calendar management, basic reporting and flat-fee or hourly billing options. Upgrading to the Boutique plan for $59 per user per month gives practice managers access to e-signatures, custom fields, a firm dashboard and integrations with QuickBooks, Microsoft Office and other productivity tools.
For $99 per user per month, the Elite package helps small firms scale their operations. It includes everything in the Starter and Boutique packages, along with advanced reporting, matter budgets and the ability to set up custom court calendaring rules. Clio also offers the Suite software package, which includes additional tools to help attorneys manage client relationships and automate their work processes. The Suite package costs $115 per user per month.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Starts at $39 per user per month | 7-day free trial | >Calendar management >Task management >Collaboration >More features at Clio |
Pros and Cons of Clio Law Practice Management Software
Clio keeps confidential information secure and gives users a great deal of flexibility. Another pro is the searchable help feature, which makes it easy to find more information on certain features. One potential drawback is that it can be difficult to get in touch with live support, making it difficult to troubleshoot any issues.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Secure document storage >Flexibility >Searchable help feature | >Support can be slow |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers love that Clio makes it easier to manage projects and collaborate with team members. One satisfied user writes, “Clio is a wonderfully innovative, reliable, and flexible platform for managing client matters.” Users also praise Clio for making it so easy to track time and create tasks for other staff members to complete.
CoCounselor
CoCounselor has several options to suit firms of different sizes. Call Tracker is a standalone offering that makes it easy to track calls from potential clients, sync caller ID records with an existing CRM system, record calls and tag each call to ensure someone follows up with every potential client. The Lite version of the Practice Management Platform comes with three custom templates and three months of technical support for $75 per user per month. For $85 per user per month, users can upgrade to the Standard version, which also includes three custom reports.
The Premium package costs $120 per month and comes with unlimited reports, custom templates, custom workflows and chats via telephone, email or chat. Premium users also receive additional calendaring and email syncing options. The CoCounselor Quickstart package is available for a one-time fee of $450. This package includes 10 custom reports and dashboards, 10 custom templates and 10 custom workflows.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Call Tracker $99 per month per firm Practice Manager Platform Lite $75 per user per month Practice Manager Platform Standard $85 per user per month Practice Manager Platform Premium $120 per user per month Quickstart Package $450 one-time fee | Free demo | >Case management >Time tracking >Online payment processing >More features at CoCounselor |
Pros and Cons of CoCounselor Law Practice Management Software
CoCounselor is a user-friendly software package that comes with many customization options, reducing the amount of time it takes to manage calls, produce reports and track projects.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >User-friendly >Customization options | >Call Tracker is an added expense |
What Customers Are Saying
Users love that CoCounselor helps them stay organized and on top of everything involved in managing a legal practice. One user comments, “It is easy to use and run reports to help maintain organization.” Customers also appreciate that CoCounselor offers customizations to improve efficiency and increase productivity.
Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Application
The Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Application is designed to help law firms manage their IT security and determine if they’re at risk for some type of data breach. With this automated tool, it’s easy to import company-specific cybersecurity policies and disseminate them to users throughout the organization. The tool also comes with flexible templates, helping law firms save time as they develop new cybersecurity policies to prevent unauthorized access to clients’ files.
The built-in dashboard makes it possible for legal teams to conduct risk assessments and discuss the results with outside attorneys. Results can be used to create new risk-mitigation plans or tweak existing plans to help the firm respond to new threats. The Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Application is designed to improve collaboration among attorneys and other staff members by making it easier to share cybersecurity policies, communicate the results of IT security audits and share expectations regarding the use of electronic data within the firm.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Contact for quote | 30-day trial | >Billing >Invoicing >Time tracking >More features at Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Application |
Pros and Cons of Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Application
The main advantage of using Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Application is that the tool helps law firms and corporate legal counsel prevent data breaches and share relevant cybersecurity policies with employees at all levels. Drawbacks include a lack of CRM tools and an inability to process online payments with the software.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Enhanced security >Good for external communication | >Lack of CRM tools >No online payment processing |
What Customers Are Saying
Users love that Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Application does exactly what it’s designed to do: help attorneys enhance online security within their own firms as well as in corporate legal environments. Customers also appreciate that the company releasing the software, Wolters Kluwer, understands the “complexities of this quickly evolving legal and regulatory issue.”
HoudiniEsq
HoudiniEsq offers the only cloud-based and on-premise software to help manage law firms of any size. Whether you start out as a cloud user or on-premise user, HoudiniEsq makes it easy to switch between the two. With this tool, attorneys and support staff have access to a variety of features, including case management, contact management, calendaring, document management, accounting and docketing. Built-in document-management tools make it possible to store, create, index and retrieve documents as well as email attachments and email messages. Contact management makes it easy to classify each contact as client, expert witness, prospect or opposing counsel, giving attorneys the information needed to identify potential conflicts of interest.
HoudiniEsq has several calendaring tools to help attorneys avoid double bookings or missed meetings. Visualization tools make it easy to spot potential trouble areas, and the software also syncs with Outlook and other calendaring tools. Built-in accounting tools make it easy to send invoices, develop compensation agreements and create budgets. HoudiniEsq also has tools to help law firms better track their accounts payable and accounts receivable.
Solo practitioners especially appreciate HoudiniEsq. The software if free for them to use and includes free support, updates, and no data limits.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free for solo practitioners The Cloud & Beyond $64 per user per month In-house Practice $248 per user per year In-house Enterprise $464 per user per year | Free version | >Billing >Invoicing >Client portal >More features at HoudiniEsq |
Pros and Cons of HoudiniEsq Law Practice Management Software
One of the main advantages of HoudiniEsq is that the company offers a free version designed for solo attorneys. It also has several time-tracking features and does a good job protecting confidential information. The most significant drawback is that some users report difficulty integrating the software with third-party applications.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Free version >Time tracking >Security | >Difficulty with integrations |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers appreciate that HoudiniEsq is always looking for ways to improve its software and make it easier to use. Users also love that the customer service representatives at HoudiniEsq are always willing to help. One reviewer writes, “Every time we called for help, we were given outstanding service and attention.”
Jusnote
Jusnote has two versions to meet the needs of law firms around the world. The Classic version, which costs $7 per user per month, includes features designed to enhance collaboration and help practice managers track projects. Jusnote Classic comes with 5GB of storage, basic client and project reports, billing tools, time tracking and the ability to set up automated correspondence. Integration with Google Calendar and other tools makes it possible to access additional features within the Jusnote software.
Jusnote Professional costs $12 per user per month and includes everything in the Classic plan. Upgrading to the Professional version gives law firms access to chat tools, real-time reports, user activity logs and advanced integrations. With Jusnote Professional, it’s also possible to set different rates for each attorney, create project teams and check for potential conflicts of interest. Jusnote Professional also allows law firms to bill in multiple currencies, including USD, RUB, UAH and EUR.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Classic $7 per user per month Professional $12 per user per month | Free demo | >Task management >Calendar management >Document collaboration >More features at Jusnote |
Pros and Cons of Jusnote Law Practice Management Software
Jusnote is designed specifically for attorneys, which means the software has many functions to make an attorney’s life easier. Another advantage is that it is easy to use, even if you don’t have much time to spend on training. Although Jusnote has a few integration options, it doesn’t integrate with many popular third-party platforms.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Designed specifically for attorneys >Easy to use | >Lack of integration options |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers appreciate that Jusnote was designed specifically for law practice management rather than general project management. Jusnote also has an intuitive interface, making it easy to uncover helpful features. One user describes the “ease of use” as one of the most attractive characteristics of the Jusnote software.
MyCase
MyCase offers access to a variety of features for just $59 per user per month, or $49 per user per month with annual billing. Built-in billing tools make it easier to track time, create invoices and process payments from clients, helping firms record as much revenue as possible. For attorneys who need assistance with case management, MyCase offers centralized document storage and tools to help attorneys understand how their firms are performing. These tools include calendaring, workflows and case status reports.
To help attorneys convert more of their prospects into clients, My Case also has tools designed to help with lead management. These tools help law firms track prospects and complete the intake process when a prospect decides to become a paying client. The built-in client portal helps law firms create positive experiences for their clients by making it easier to share calendars, send messages and view the same documents.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| $49 per user per month | Free trial | >Billing >Invoicing >Client portal >More features at MyCase |
Pros and Cons of My Case Law Practice Management Software
The main advantage of using MyCase is that it is easy to use, whether you’re setting reminders for support staff or accessing documents from your computer or mobile device. Another advantage is that the company upgrades the software frequently. The main drawback of using MyCase is that it has one of the most expensive per-user fees.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Ease of use >Frequent updates | >One of the most expensive options |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praise MyCase for making it easier to collaborate with staff members and clients. One reviewer comments, “Firm users and clients love the ability to have one place to facilitate communications, whether internal or external.” Users also appreciate that MyCase regularly introduces updated features to make the software easier to use.
Practice Panther
Practice Panther offers the Solo, Essential and Business packages to help attorneys manage their practices. For $39 per user per month, the Solo plan gives small law firms access to basic communication and practice-management tools, including document templates, task workflows, real-time notifications and an internal chat service. Upgrading to the Essential plan, which costs $59 per user per month, also gives law firms the ability to link multiple bank accounts, create custom fields and security roles, print checks and sync the software with their email accounts and electronic calendars.
At $79 per user per month, the Business package includes everything in the Essential plan, along with SMS alerts, free data migration from other tools, a dedicated customer success manager and intake forms to help convert prospects into paying clients. The Business plan also gives law firms access to an API, the ability to create custom calendar rules and additional accounting features.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Starts at $39 per user per month | Free demo | >Calendar management >Reporting >Third-party integrations >More features at Practice Panther |
Pros and Cons of Practice Panther Law Practice Management Software
A significant advantage of Practice Panther is that the software has a secure portal, which allows attorneys to share sensitive documents with clients. Practice Panther also makes it possible to accept online payments.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Secure portal>Payment processing | >No free trial |
What Customers Are Saying
Users rave about all the billing tools built into Practice Panther. One customer reports, “There are simple reports and a great dashboard to see how much is outstanding to be billed, and the amount in my trust account.” Customers also appreciate that Practice Panther helps them save time.
Quick Base
Quick Base is designed to reduce the amount of time attorneys spend on billing and file management, giving them more time to spend on practicing law. An overview of all active cases includes start and end dates, the number of tasks assigned to each case, the name of the case manager or assigned attorney, the priority level and the status of the case. Quick Base also gives attorneys the ability to create custom settings for each case. For example, an attorney can designate a legal assistant or paralegal to receive an email notification when the case is modified, making it easier to collaborate on open cases.
Solo attorneys and practice managers at larger firms can use the executive dashboard to gain insight into a firm’s workflows, providing access to valuable information that can be used to make strategic decisions. The executive dashboard also has drag-and-drop tools available to help users create detailed reports.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| $500/month | 30-day trial | >Invoicing >Time tracking >Task management >More features at Quick Base |
Pros and Cons of Quick Base Law Practice Management Software
Quick Base is customizable, making it easy for firms to set up the software to do exactly what they want it to do. Another pro is that Quick Base gives users a big-picture view of what is happening in their firms; however, the monthly cost is a major drawback.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Customizable >Big-picture view | >Expensive |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers love that they can customize Quick Base to suit their specific needs. One satisfied user writes, “With the help of support, you can pretty much create whatever you need that is database driven.” Users also appreciate that Quick Base is easy to use and supports full API integration with many third-party tools.
Rocket Matter
Rocket Matter is designed to help law firms collect more revenue by increasing productivity, eliminating repetitive tasks and reducing billing errors. The Bill-as-you-Work feature makes it possible for attorneys to send bills as soon as they finish logging time on a case. With this tool, law firms can also invite their clients to pay online, helping save money on postage and eliminating the need to spend time making follow-up calls.
Several built-in tools are designed to help law firms create new processes and streamline existing ones. These tools include customizable templates, document assembly, recurring billing and custom workflows. Rocket Matter has several billing tools to help attorneys and practice managers understand how their firms are performing. With just a few clicks, it’s possible to view the status of trust accounts and determine if the firm is profitable. Rocket Matter also has tools to help with contact management, calendaring, collaboration and payment processing.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials $25 per user per month Pro $59 per user per month | Free trial | >Time tracking >Billing >Invoicing >More features at Rocket Matter |
Pros and Cons of Rocket Matter Law Practice Management Software
One of the main advantages of using Rocket Matter is that it has premium billing tools to help attorneys maximize their billable hours. Rocket Matter also integrates well with several third-party applications. Despite these advantages, some users report that the software lags occasionally, causing staff members to spend extra time saving data.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Excellent billing tools >Third-party integrations | >Occasional lags |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praise Rocket Matter for how easy it is to integrate with third-party applications, prompting one user to write, “The software is outstanding for downloading and integrating with other programs.” Rocket Matter also receives high marks for its advanced billing functions, which help attorneys generate more revenue and limit time spent on account collections.
Smokeball
Smokeball has a variety of features to help attorneys in every practice area manage their time and communicate with clients. The software also has several tools designed for attorneys in specialty practice areas like estate planning and personal injury law. General features include automatic time tracking, matter management, account management and legal calendaring. The built-in client portal enhances collaboration among attorneys, support staff and clients.
For personal-injury attorneys, Smokeball makes it possible to keep track of clients’ medical records and negotiations with insurance companies. Estate-planning attorneys can use Smokeball’s features to store wills and trust documents in a secure location. Smokeball also has a variety of calendar and workflow tools to keep attorneys involved in civil litigation apprised of schedule changes and due dates. Additional tools include reporting, client emailing and texting, third-party integrations and e-signatures, all of which help with client intake, case management and law firm marketing activities.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Contact for quote | Free demo | >Case management >Invoicing >Client portal >More features at Smokeball |
Pros and Cons of Smokeball Law Practice Management Software
A key advantage of using Smokeball is that it has many must-have features to help attorneys with their billing and case management needs. The software is also easy to use.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Easy to use >Many features | >No free trial |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers praise Smokeball for making frequent updates to the software. One satisfied customer writes, “I love how they listen to their users and are always adding new and better features.” Smokeball users also appreciate that it’s easy to get in touch with a customer service representative for troubleshooting assistance.
Soluno
Unlike most practice management software, Soluno users are only charged for the features they use, not the total number of users in the organization. If an employee goes on leave and doesn’t use the software for several weeks, there’s no charge, which helps law firms save money. Soluno also has a shared licensing option, which supports part-time employees and independent contractors in addition to full-time staff. Pricing depends on the total number of days worked by these additional users. If a firm starts out with standard licensing and needs to switch to the shared model in the future, the practice manager can simply enable shared licensing from within the platform.
For law firms switching to Soluno from a different program, the company offers free conversions from Clip, Juris, Timeslips and other practice-management and accounting tools. Soluno users have access to tools designed to help with case management, invoicing and time tracking.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| $49 per user per month | Free demo | >Document collaboration >Time tracking >Invoicing >More features at Soluno |
Pros and Cons of Soluno Law Practice Management Software
A major advantage of Soluno is that it is a cloud-based software, eliminating the need to install hard copies on every computer in your firm. The company also makes regular updates to Soluno features. Although Soluno has built-in tools to check for conflicts of interest, users report that these tools don’t always work properly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Cloud-based >Regular updates | >No client portal |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers love that Soluno makes it easier to manage a law practice. One user claims, “We no longer have to pull our hair to try to get some necessary support or run some necessary function in the software” after switching to Soluno. Users also rave about the modern interface.
Taskeo
Taskeo has a standalone time tracking and billing option that gives attorneys the opportunity to increase efficiency without purchasing the whole platform. The free version includes time tracking, basic reports and filters, a search tool and the ability to add a description to each time log. Upgrading to the Pro version, which costs $5 per user per month, gives users access to additional billing features.
Because Taskeo is a cloud-based tool, there’s no need to keep track of installation discs or worry about using an outdated version of the software. For users with the Pro version, it’s possible to create invoices and collaborate with staff members on each case. Third-party integrations make it easy to combine Taskeo’s capabilities with the functions of third-party applications to increase efficiency. Taskeo also has a built-in appointment scheduling solution and CRM tools to help clients easily make appointments and help attorneys and support staff keep track of clients and follow up with prospects.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| $5 per user per month | Freemium version available | >CRM >Appointment scheduling solution >Invoicing >More features at Taskeo |
Pros and Cons of Taskeo Law Practice Management Software
The major advantage of Taskeo is that it costs just $5 per user per month. It also does a good job automating tasks, and it has a simple design to make it easy to find the right features. Despite these advantages, a drawback of Taskeo is that premium features cost extra.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Inexpensive >Task automation >Simple design | >Per-module pricing |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers love that Taskeo provides excellent customer support. One user states, “The experience has been great, product is top-notch and the team behind it is very supportive as well.” Users also appreciate that Taskeo has a clear design that makes it easy for users without a lot of IT experience to use.
TimeSolv
TimeSolv Legal offers monthly and annual billing options to make it easier for firms to manage their expenses. Pricing starts at $34.95 per month ($31.46 per month for annual billing) for one to four users and goes up to $24.95 per month ($22.46 per month for annual billing) for 15 or more users. Regardless of the number of users in the firm, TimeSolv Legal comes with unlimited document storage, unlimited clients and unlimited legal matters. It also integrates with QuickBooks, Xero Accounting, Office 365 and LawPay to make it easier for bookkeepers and accountants to track revenue and expenses.
The software has several built-in features to make billing easier for attorneys. For example, TimeSolv Legal has ABA task and activity codes to ensure uniform billing and help attorneys comply with their legal and ethical obligations. The software also has a search tool to help attorneys identify potential conflicts of interest.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| $31.46 per user per month | 30-day trial | >Time tracking >Billing >Client portal >More features at TimeSolv |
Pros and Cons of TimeSolv Law Practice Management Software
TimeSolv has an attractive user interface and excellent time-tracking tools. The company also provides a high level of customer support.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Good support >Attractive user interface >Excellent time-tracking tools | >No CRM features |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers love that TimeSolv allows them to have multiple timers open at one time, making it easier to track billable hours on more than one case. Users also praise TimeSolv for providing excellent service, with one user writing that “support is easy to get into contact with…rather quickly.”
uLaw Practice
uLaw is a cloud-based software package that helps attorneys simplify the tasks involved in accounting and case management. With uLaw, attorneys can easily document how much time they spend on client matters. The software makes it possible to record start and end times, write detailed notes on the work completed during each session and a title for the work session. Not only does this help with billing, but it can also help attorneys prepare for audits or determine if one type of case is more profitable than another.
Cloud integration makes it possible to access case-related information from any computer or device with an internet connection, making it easy for attorneys to take notes after hearings and depositions. uLaw also has automated court forms, helping attorneys save time and avoid errors when they need to generate certain documents, document collaboration and calendar management, along with third-party integrations to streamline law firm work processes.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| $34 per user per month | 30-day trial | >Invoicing >Time tracking >Calendar management >More features at uLaw Practice |
Pros and Cons of uLaw Law Practice Management Software
A major advantage of uLaw is that the software has many helpful accounting tools to help law firms track billable hours and prepare for audits. The company also offers weekly webinars that count toward continuing education requirements in some states. One potential drawback is that it can be difficult to learn how to use uLaw.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Good accounting tools >Weekly webinars | >Doesn’t accept online payments >No client portal |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers appreciate that uLaw provides plenty of support during the implementation process and long after the sale. One user writes, “They have created YouTube videos, or you can email and they will contact you quickly.” uLaw also receives high praise for how much it helps attorneys with their billing.
Zola Suite
Zola Suite has features designed to help attorneys with task management, document management, calendaring and accounting. When attorneys use the software to create time entries, the information can be used to generate invoices and other billing documents, eliminating the need to enter time data more than once. The software also enables practice managers to download data directly from their banks, create checks, perform batch billing and process payments. Zola Suite has matter-management tools that track every case from start to finish. These tools track statutes of limitation to help attorneys avoid missed filing deadlines, alert staff members when assigned tasks have not been completed and allow attorneys and support staff to create sub-tasks.
Built-in CRM tools aim to make the intake process easier for law firms. These tools help with lead management, referral tracking and client retention. With Zola Suite, it’s also possible to set up an automated intake process, saving everyone time.
| Price | Free Trial/Demo | Features |
|---|---|---|
| $59 per user per month | 10-day free trial | >Case management >Invoicing >Online payment processing >More features at Zola Suite |
Pros and Cons of Zola Suite Law Practice Management Software
A major advantage of using Zola Suite is that it combines time-tracking features with billing features, eliminating the need for double data entry. It also has a good calendar-management tool. Despite these advantages, some users report occasional software glitches, which can be difficult to troubleshoot.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| >Combines tracking/billing >Good calendar management | >Occasional glitches |
What Customers Are Saying
Customers love that Zola Suite integrates many helpful features into a single software package. One satisfied user comments, “I highly recommend [Zola Suite] if you are looking for an all-in-one design that can capture time, billing and files.” Users also appreciate that Zola Suite allows them to set reminders for staff members.
What Is Law Practice Management Software?
Law practice management software helps attorneys streamline many of the processes involved in running a law firm. As professional service providers, attorneys have important legal and ethical obligations when it comes to serving their clients. Law practice management software makes it possible to automate certain tasks and reduce the amount of time spent on others, giving attorneys more time to spend working on legal matters.
Law practice management software also helps attorneys collaborate with paralegals, legal assistants and other support staff. If staff members had to perform every function manually, it would take a lot more time to complete case work, send out bills and process payments. Support staff can use software to determine the status of each case, read notes from attorneys and move forward with next steps without waiting for instructions from the case manager.
Attorneys also use law practice management software to keep track of retainer payments and trust accounts, which can be useful for preparing for audits or responding to queries from clients. Depending on the package selected, the software may be able to process payments or create checks, preventing delays and ensuring that clients receive any money left from their retainers soon after their cases conclude.
Benefits of Law Practice Management Software
Law practice management software has many benefits for firm of all sizes, from solo practices to multinational firms with hundreds of associates, including the following:
- Save time. With manual processes, it’s often necessary to enter the same data two or three times. Law practice management software allows attorneys to enter information once and access it from multiple modules. Attorneys can also save time by using the software to create automated reminders for staff members. Instead of spending time following up on tasks, attorneys who use this type of software can spend their time working with clients.
- Maximize billable hours. Attorneys don’t get paid for sending invoices or talking with prospects, only for providing legal services. That’s why it’s so important to maximize your billing hours. By spending less time managing your practice, you’ll be able to bill more for communicating with clients, attending hearings and conducting depositions.
- Access client data almost anywhere. As an attorney, you probably spend a lot of time attending hearings and off-site meetings. With cloud-based law practice management software, you can access client information anywhere you have an internet connection. This makes it possible to be productive while you’re waiting for court to start or finishing up a meeting.
Must-Have Features for Law Practice Management Software
When choosing law practice management software, it’s important to know which features you need and which ones you can live without. The best software packages have several built-in tools designed specifically for billing and invoicing. Since firms only generate revenue when their attorneys are working on billable activities, good law practice management software should have tools for time tracking, simplifying the invoicing process and collecting payments from clients.
Case management is also important, especially in firms with multiple attorneys and paralegals. Good law practice management software should have several features to help attorneys and their staff members, track deadlines, schedule meetings and create reminders. These features enhance collaboration among attorneys and their staff members, which can improve the quality of the service provided to each client.
Finally, it’s important for attorneys and practice managers to understand which services and clients generate the most revenue. Attorneys and their accountants should also be able to determine if the firm is profitable and find out if the firm is losing money on any of its activities with just a few clicks. This is why it’s so important for law practice management software to have robust reporting capabilities. The best software packages also have real-time data to guide the decision-making process.
The Cost of Law Practice Management Software
Law practice management software typically costs anywhere from $5 per user per month all the way up to $500 per month or more. Several vendors offer free software for solo attorneys and small firms, but users should be aware that these free plans often have restrictions on the number of invoices you can send or the number of customer files you can create. Unless you have a brand-new firm with just a few clients, it’s worth paying for a software package that gives you more flexibility. Users should also be aware that many vendors charge per user rather than charging a flat fee per month.
Mid-range packages typically eliminate some of the restrictions that come with free and low-cost plans. With law practice management software that costs $19.95 per user per month to $39.95 per user per month, you should be able to have dozens of customer files and have enough storage to keep your client files in the system without worrying about running out of space. The most expensive software packages typically allow unlimited clients, unlimited documents and unlimited invoices, making them ideal for large firms with hundreds of clients and dozens of staff members to manage.