Operating and managing a law firm goes far beyond just the day-to-day work that is on behalf of your clients. Behind the scenes, there are countless tasks from document management to accounting and onboarding new clients. Without a centralized platform to manage all of these aspects of legal workflow, your practice can get bogged down by administrative tasks that hurt your ability to scale and grow.
The answer to this problem is legal workflow software. These programs are designed specifically for law firms to help them manage and automate administrative tasks all within a single software tool. If you’re interested in finding the perfect legal workflow software for your practice, you’ve come to the right place.
In this review, we’ll outline what features to look for in a legal workflow software solution and also provide a list of the top 11 solutions to fit your needs.
What Is Legal Workflow Software?
Legal workflow software is a software program designed specifically for law firms to help them manage their practice. This is accomplished through automation, and management features that speed up and simplify many processes law firms use every day. Instead of having to perform these tasks manually or using separate software, a legal workflow software solution puts all of these tools in one place. This makes it easy to share data and documents across the platform for increased speed, efficiency and lower overall labor costs. Beyond that, they also help to reduce errors and ensure that no tasks fall between the cracks.
Most legal workflow software solutions are cloud-based SaaS (software as a service) products. This means there is nothing to install or manage on-premise, which is an added benefit for law firms without dedicated IT staff.
What Should You Be Looking For In Legal Workflow Software?
Each legal software solution will have its own features, but they often share a core set of tools that you should be looking for when making your selection.
a. Client Management Tools
If your law firm is looking to grow, you already know it needs a streamlined onboarding process and intake system.
If you’re looking to scale your practice, ensure your software solution has dedicated tools for client management, especially intake.
b. Detailed Time Tracking
Built-in time tracking automates a portion of the billing process and avoids the need to manually add up hours or go through paperwork to determine billing amounts.
c. Communication Tools
Legal software can handle collaboration with your legal staff and secure client communications. This is a must for larger firms or those that meet with clients virtually.
d. Document Management
Documents are at the heart of legal administration, and automating and managing them can immediately streamline your entire legal workflow. If you’re swimming in documents, you need a solution that focuses on document management.
e.Integration
Most legal software solutions have built-in integrations for popular third-party software tools. Compile a list of software you want to continue to use and ensure your choice of legal workflow software has integrations for them.
f. Reports & Analytics
Finally, reports and analytics help you find inefficiencies and opportunities within your data. This is perfect for firms looking to cut costs and boost revenue. Look for strong reporting features if you need insights into your practice and how it’s performing.
11 Best Legal Workflow Software To Use 2024
Now, here is our list of the top 11 legal workflow solutions to fit your needs and help manage your practice.
1. MyCase
MyCase is a great all-around legal workflow system for practices of all sizes. It does everything well and doesn’t try to specialize in one area. This makes it a perfect one-size-fits-all software package for firms that don’t need specialized tools.
Best Features
- Comprehensive features: MyCase has a robust set of features that covers just about every task within a law firm.
- Easy to use: MyCase is straightforward and easy to use. Your staff should be able to get up to speed quickly with minimal training time.
- Built-in lead management: MyCase has an optional lead management and CRM module that seamlessly integrates with the rest of the program.
- Good reporting features: MyCase offers strong analytics that are easy to use.
Limitations
- MyCase doesn’t have as many integrations as many other programs, so you’ll need to consider what integrations you need before choosing MyCase.
- Switching to the internal email system of MyCase may be difficult, depending on your current workflow.
Pricing
Basic Plan: $39/month
- Case and Contact Management
- Task Management
- Client Portal
- Time Entry and Expense Tracking
- Billing and Online Payments
- Legal Calendaring
- Unlimited Document Storage
- Basic Financial Reporting
Pro Plan: $69/month
- Everything in Basic
- Custom Fields
- Unlimited 2-way Texting (Includes Accepting Images)
- Client Intake Management
- Unlimited eSignature
- Advanced Billing and Invoicing
- Secure document sharing via Portal
- Integrations: Google, Outlook, + more
Advanced Plan: $89/month
- Everything in Basic & Pro
- MyCase Drive
- Sync MyCase files to your desktop automatically
- Full-Text Search
- Perform conflict checks with ease
- Advanced Document Automation
- Automate legal document creation
- Open API
Ratings
- G2: 4.4/5 (100+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (500+ reviews)
- Software Advice: 4.5/5 (600+ reviews)
2. Smokeball
Smokeball is a popular legal workflow platform offering strong time tracking, automation, and lead management features. Being a hybrid local and cloud service, you can use the software offline and sync it when you are back online.
Overall, it’s a good, well-rounded package, but the lack of public pricing and hybrid installation may be a deal-breaker for some.
Best Features
- Mobile app: The app for Android and iOS allows for viewing and tracking tasks and even adding documents on the go.
- Robust time tracking: Time tracking is central to Smokeball, and software add-ons automatically keep track of work in Word or Outlook. You can also easily convert tracked time to flat-rate billing.
- Document automation: Easily set up templates and automate many document tasks. Powerful search features also allow you to find files quickly.
- Invoicing: Invoicing tools allow you to create and send invoices automatically. You can also track trust accounts and create billing reports.
Limitations
- Migrating from another platform or system is difficult. There is no bulk import feature.
- It requires an on-premise installation for all users accessing the software (No Mac version).
Pricing
- Smokeball does not publicly disclose pricing. Please contact Smokeball for a free demo and pricing information.
Ratings
- G2: 4.8/5 (200+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.8/5 (200+ reviews)
- Software Advice: 5/5 (200+ reviews)
3. Clio
You’ve likely heard of Clio since it has a fairly strong advertising presence across the internet. But the software boasts many great features, some of which are completely unique to Clio. Clio also has many integrations with popular business productivity suites and third-party applications, making it one of the most versatile legal workflow solutions available.
Best Features
- Compatibility: Clio works with programs such as Microsoft Teams, Google Business, and more with easy integrations.
- Dedicated cloud storage: All files are backed up using the Clio Drive service, which behaves like an extra hard drive. There’s no need for services like Dropbox or Google Drive.
- Client app: A native mobile app allows clients to access their relevant case info, communicate, and share certain documents via the app.
- Powerful onboarding: Strong onboarding tools have all the bells and whistles to streamline the process.
Limitations
- All the features mean it has a steeper learning curve than other solutions
- Clio Drive requires a local software install and a constant internet connection.
Pricing
Easy Start: $39/month/user
- Case, calendar, and task management
- Time and expense tracking
- Hourly, flat fee, and contingency billing
- Online payments
- Unlimited document storage
- E-signature, Gmail, and Outlook integrations
Essentials: $69/month/user
- Everything in EasyStart Plus:
- Secure client portal
- Text messaging
- Document templates
- Court calendar rules
- Virtual desktop drive
- 250+ apps and integrations
Advanced: $99/month/user
- Everything in Essentials Plus:
- Matter stages and advanced tasks
- Full-text document search
- Unlimited e-signatures
- Financial and productivity reports
- Live onboarding training
- Priority phone, email, and live chat support
Complete: $129/month/user
- Everything in Advanced Plus:
- Online client intake forms
- Online appointment booking
- Automated client emails
- Automated intake workflows
- Website Builder
- Lead and revenue reporting
Ratings
- G2: 4.6/5 (591 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (1,500+ reviews)
- Software Advice: 4.5/5 (1,500 reviews)
4. Onit
Onit makes several enterprise management software solutions, including one designed especially for law firms. The package is called the OnitX Enterprise Legal Management system, which is a mouthful, but the software is rather powerful.
Onit sets itself apart by including a low-code engine for building customized workflow options. This part of Onit is a bit of a niche product, but it’s a great feature for those who need custom options.
Best Features
- Customization: Onit’s platform is built for customization, and the low-code engine included is a unique feature among the top legal workflow software solutions.
- Custom dashboards for large firms: If your firm has different areas of practice, each one can have its own custom dashboard for the information and data most relevant to their area.
- Strong automation options: The built-in automation tools are great, and using the custom application builder can create even more useful automations.
- Built for large firms: Onit works best for large firms that need a system that can handle a large number of users across various departments.
Limitations
- Pricing information is not made public and requires a quote from an Onit sales representative.
- More expensive than many other options, although pricing includes unlimited users.
Pricing
- Onit only offers custom pricing. Customers report that pricing starts around $800 per month and can go as high as $2000 per month depending on the plan and individual options.
Reviews
- G2: 3.8/5 (2 reviews)
- Capterra: Not reviewed
- Software Advice: 4/5 (1 reviews)
5. Osprey Approach
Osprey Approach is similar to OnitX ELM in that it’s built for larger firms that need something built for different areas of practice within the same firm. It provides powerful customization options and workflow automation that can scale for even the biggest law firms and departments. Pricing is also similar to Onit and geared more toward enterprise clients, but the features justify the cost.
Best Features
- Automation: From document management and creation to client onboarding, there are automation tools to streamline your complete workflow.
- Budgeting & reporting: Built for large firms, this software has powerful reporting and financial features to monitor revenue. You can easily drill down to find revenue per client and task.
- Slick onboarding: Onboarding tools help to create a very professional process that can elevate your practice and client experience.
Limitations
- Costly for smaller firms that may not need such a powerful platform.
- Complex interface and customization options require training so your staff can get the full benefit.
Pricing
- Osprey does not publicly disclose their pricing information and you will need to receive a quote from them.
Reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (8,000+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (3,000+ reviews
- Software Advice: 4/5 (30 reviews)
6. Checkbox AI
Checkbox AI is a no-code platform that focuses on automation and AI tools to streamline your legal workflow.
Checkbox is different from other legal management tools since it prioritizes automation and customization. It’s not necessarily a turn-key program that’s tailored for legal work. That can be great for some firms, but it also means that Checkbox requires some work to set it up for your particular needs.
Best Features
- AI automation: For basic task completion, take advantage of no-code customization and automation tools, along with built-in AI assistants.
- Integrations: Checkbox has built-in integration for the top business productivity apps, including those for legal work and general business.
- Customizable reporting: Because of the highly customizable nature of the entire platform, you can take your analytics to a new level.
Limitations
- Checkbox is powerful but has a learning curve, especially for those not interested in building their workflow options.
- Like most enterprise tools, pricing is not publicly available.
Pricing
- Checkbox AI pricing is only available via custom quoting from Checkbox.
Reviews
- G2: 4.8/5 (25 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.95 (30 reviews)
- Software Advice: 5/5 (37 reviews)
7. TeamConnect
TeamConnect is a versatile legal platform and ELM solution that helps firms and legal departments of all sizes streamline operations.
TeamConnect has strong collaboration features to facilitate work across departments and areas of practice. It also has strong automation and templating features to help with overall efficiency and cost savings.
Best Features
- Solid reporting tools: Reporting and financial tools are robust and are capable of handling the largest firm’s or department’s financial needs.
- Collaboration: TeamConnect excels with collaboration tools that bridge different teams and provide a centralized hub for fast communication and legal workflows that span an entire organization.
- Automation: TeamConnect has complete automation solutions for documents, client management, and billing.
Limitations
- The software is somewhat difficult to use. Certain features are hidden behind obscure menus.
- No public pricing.
Pricing
- TeamConnect doesn’t offer public pricing information and you need to contact parent company MiraTech for a custom quote.
Reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (10+ reviews)
- Capterra: 5/5 (1 review)
- Software Advice: 5/5 (1 reviews)
8. PracticePanther
If you need simple practice management software for a smaller firm or solo work, then PracticePanther may be perfect. The interface is streamlined and extremely ergonomic. You or your staff should have no problem jumping in and learning exactly where everything is.
PracticePanther lacks some more advanced automation tools, but it works well for smaller practices that just want a straightforward solution.
Best Features
- Interface: The overall interface is very simple and straightforward, making it one of the easiest practice management software solutions to use.
- Integrations: PracticePanther has a good number of integrations for both legal software and other business productivity tools, such as Zapier.
- Built-in bill paying: You can use the built-in PracticPanther billing options to receive payments from clients. Services are white-labeled with your firm’s name.
Limitations
- Not enough customization for complex legal departments or casework spanning different teams.
- Automation for billing is limited. Complex billing will need to be done manually.
Pricing
Solo: $39/month/user
- Internal Chat
- Real-Time Notifications
- Native ePayments with PantherPayments
- Daily Agenda Email
- Document Templates
- Task & Event Workflows
Essential: $69/month/user
- Custom Fields
- Custom Security Roles
- Invoice Read Alerts
- Multiple Bank Accounts
Business: $89/month/user
- Everything in ESSENTIAL
- Native 2-Way Texting
- Intake Forms
- Native eSignature (Unlimited sends)
- Attorney Revenue Report
Reviews
- G2: 4.1/5 (93 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (500+ review)
- Software Advice: 4.5/5 (500+ reviews)
9. Litify
Litify is essentially a custom front-end for the popular CRM Salesforce. Since Salesforce is powering it, it’s not hard to imagine that lead management and client acquisition are powerful features within Litify. Beyond that, Litify also takes many of the automation features within Salesforce and adapts them to legal workflows.
Overall, it’s a strong package and unique in its combination of sales and legal workflow tools.
Best Features
- Lead management: Lead and client management are top-notch with Litify. From sourcing and nurturing leads all the way to onboarding, Litify does a great job.
- Automation: Automation in Litify goes beyond legal workflows and combines with lead management.
- Regular updates: Litify regularly rolls out new features and updates.
- Integrations: Being run on top of Salesforce, there are tons of integrations available.
Limitations
- Some newer features can be buggy as they push innovation over stability at times.
- It’s not as easy to use as some other legal management solutions in the same price range.
Pricing
Litify offers custom pricing via their sales team. Litify does have a minimum of 10 licenses/users per account.
Reviews
- G2: 4.5/5 (11 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.5/5 (55 review)
- Software Advice: 4.5/5 (55 reviews)
10. SmartAdvocate
SmartAdvocate was originally designed to help with large case work involving personal injury claims. However, it has evolved into a full legal management solution that can work with a variety of firms and practice areas.
It’s best for case management, but it still offers sufficient reporting, onboarding, and other tools.
Best Features
- Document Management: Overall, document management is superb, and its highly rated search and filtering tools make finding and using documents easy.
- Dashboards & reports: Powerful dashboards allow you to view single cases or your entire client list at a glance, along with deadlines and other key info.
- Automation: Automate many of your case-related tasks easily and create templates to apply that automation to other cases.
Limitations
- Automation is great, but it takes longer to set up in SmartAdvocate than other tools.
- Steep learning curve and set up time.
Pricing
- SmartAdvocate only offers pricing through custom quotes. Contact SmartAdvocate for pricing information and a free demo.
Reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (80 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.8/5 (98 review)
- Software Advice: 4.5/5 (98 reviews)
11. Tabs3
Tabs3 is a software suite for legal practice. It allows you to choose the options you need, such as billing or payments. You can also use the entire suite of firm management tools, which all integrate perfectly.
It’s a unique solution that allows firms to avoid cluttering their software with too many features for what they need.
Best Features
- Billing features: Tabs3 will be a huge upgrade for smaller firms. Overall, the billing system is easy and very flexible.
- Reporting: Despite being aimed at smaller teams, the reporting features are strong and allow for detailed analysis of your practice and how it’s performing.
- User-friendly: The software is easy to use, and those with a background in practice management will immediately understand where to find the tools they need.
Limitations
- On-premise/cloud hybrid software means installing and managing the software yourself.
- Limited integrations can be frustrating for those who use different business apps.
Pricing
Cloud Subscription: $89/month/user
- Tabs3 Billing
- Tabs3 Financials
- Tabs3Pay
- Tabs3 Connect
* Tabs 3 has custom pricing for 10 or more users.
Reviews
- G2: 4.3/5 (69 reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (176 review)
- Software Advice: 4.5/5 (176 reviews)
Choosing The Right Legal Workflow Software
You’ve likely noticed that many of the practice management solutions we’ve listed don’t disclose their pricing. That can be inconvenient, but they all offer free demo versions when you contact them.
It’s important to always take advantage of the demo and free trials so that your entire practice can try the software.
Dedicate enough time so that everyone who will be using the software can access the demo and give their opinion after testing out the features.
Finally, don’t be afraid to negotiate with vendors who don’t disclose their pricing. If they won’t budge on price, ask for free training or upgraded features.
