Best Law Practice Management Software for 2023
We’re often asked: “What is the best law practice management software?” That’s a bit like asking what the best kind of car is. The answer, of course, depends on what your needs are.
For instance, some law practice management solutions focus heavily on accounting; but if your firm already has accounting software its committed to, that focus is meaningless to you.
Other case management solutions focus on document and form creation, a must-have for some law firms, but not all.
We recommend that ever law firm searching for law practice management software start by identifying what features and functions are most important to you. This will help you narrow down the (long) list of suitors, and will provide a framework you can hold each option against.
Whether you’re new to Law Practice Management software, or you’re looking for software that better suits your needs, read on to learn about the top software for your firm.
Introduction to Law Practice Management Software
What was once a relatively short list of law practice management software is now a crowded space full of many different applications and vendors, all vying for your firm’s attention. In 2023, you have more options than ever when it comes to finding the right software to help you manage your law practice.
It can be overwhelming for many firms that are just beginning their search for case management software.Fortunately: we’ve got you covered.
We work closely with hundreds of law firms across North America, and in doing so have had hundreds of conversations about legal practice management software. What do firms like? What do they not like? What systems are they moving to?
From cloud-based, to server/desktop-based, from case management to billing and accounting: This list outlines the most used, best legal practice management software for law firms in 2023.
For whichever software you choose, consider Uptime Practice to host it.
Uptime Practice was a true miracle when the pandemic struck. We moved to Uptime Practice and were working immediately.
Todd Tracy – The Tracy Law Group, PLLC
Types of Legal Software
First, a quick sidebar.
Law firm software comes with lots of labels, classifications, some of which can be broad, overlapping and outright vague. In general, law firm software comes in three distinct categories:
- Practice Management – Time, Billing, Client/Contact Management, Calendaring, Docketing, Form Generation.
- Document Management – Document Storage, Email Management, Version Management, Index/Search, Tagging.
- Accounting – Business Accounting, Trust Accounting, GL / AR / AP, Financial Reporting.
Again: In general. There are certainly software products that focus primarily on one of these three classifications, but dabble in another. For instance, Time Matters is generally thought of as a Practice Management application, but it has many trappings of a Document Management platform. Similarly, PCLaw and CosmoLex are both Practice Management systems with full-fledged, integrated accounting.
Related:
Related: Top Law Firm Software: Practice Management, Document Management, Accounting, and more.
Related: Best Law Practice Management Software: Manage your practice better by choosing the optimal software.
Law Practice Management Software – A Guide to Features
Law Practice Management software is a platform that, to varying degrees, manages each aspect of your law firm. The scope, features and capabilities of any given Law Practice Management application varies from product to product; though broadly speaking, LPM software performs the following functions.
Client & Contact Management
A central database to store information for clients, courts, related parties and other contacts.
Matter Management
A central database of matters, cases and projects. Stores the most relevant information pertaining to each matter.
Calendaring
Individual calendars for each user, along with an aggregated, firm-wide view/calendar. Synchronization with Outlook calendar.
Task Management
Create tasks and to-do items pertaining to specific matters or projects. Assign tasks and set deadlines.
Time & Expense Tracking
Track billable hours and related expenses for a particular client or matter.
Billing
Invoicing, including for billable hours, contingency work, and fixed-fee matters.
Conflict Checking
Search the database for related names, document each conflict check.
Business Accounting
Standard business accounting, including a Chart of Accounts, Bank/Operating Accounts, standard accounting reports (P&L, Balance Sheet).
Trust Accounting
Trust/IOLTA accounting for management of trust funds, including trust account reporting.
Document Assembly/Automation
Automatic preparation and population of specific court documents and forms.
Document Storage
Built-in cloud storage for related documents and files.
Document Management
Advanced document management including full-text search, document tagging & profiling, and version management.
Email Management
The ability to save emails to specific matters, via Outlook integration.
Mobile App
An Android or iPhone application for time entry and some subset of software functionality.
Open API
An open API (Application Program Interface), allowing you or third-parties to develop integrations with the software.
Client Portal
A client-facing online portal to share documents and updates with clients and other third-parties.
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 – Legal Matter Management: This often describes Practice and/or Document Management Software, and this article goes into the details of both.
Sidebar: Legal Document Management
Practice Management is a staple of any law firm’s technology toolbox. However, nearly all Practice Management applications provide minimal document storage/management capabilities.
Your firm may need to supplement its Practice Management software with a dedicated Document Management System to securely manage firm documents and email.
You might consider LexWorkplace, document management software born in the cloud, built for law firms.
- Securely Store & Manage Documents in the Cloud
- Client/Matter-Centric Document Organization
- Full-Text Search Across All Documents & Email
- Outlook Add-In: Save Emails to Matters
- Work with Windows and Mac OS
The Top Law Practice Management Software - Our List
The Top 15 Law Practice Management Applications
In our extensive experience working with hundreds of law firms, here is our list of the best law practice management software (in no particular order).
- PCLaw
- CosmoLex
- ProLaw
- Clio
- LEAP
- Time Matters
- Rocket Matter
- Needles
- MyCase
- Tabs3
- Practice Panther
- Bill4Time
- CenterBase
- Firm Central
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Related – Private Cloud for Law Firms: Eliminate Servers. Work Anywhere.
Related – Virtual Law Firm: An Ultimate Guide: Learn how to operate your entire firm virtually — no more offices.
Best Law Practice Management Software
We’ve organized the list of Law Practice Management software into two broad categories:
- Private Cloud / On-Premise: Can be hosted in a private cloud or run on-premise.
- Web-based: Natively web-based (SaaS) and runs in a web browser.
Private Cloud / On-Premise
PCLaw
Private Cloud / Server-Based
OVERVIEW
PCLaw is a popular, 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 (including robust financial reporting). PCLaw is one of the few all-in-one solutions that doesn’t require separate software for bookkeeping and accounting.
STAND-OUT FEATURES
- Rapid Setup: Easy to Implement Without a Consultant
- Fully-integrated Accounting (Business & Trust)
- Simple, Straight-forward Case Management
- Tight Integration with Time Matters
PRICING
- Subscription-based Pricing Per-User Available
- Contact Vendor for Details
Tabs3 / PracticeMaster
Private Cloud / Server-Based
OVERVIEW
Tabs3 and its counterpart, PracticeMaster, are a suite of robust case management, billing and accounting solutions for law firms. Tabs3 provides essential “back-office” functionality including time, billing and accounting; PracticeMaster provides powerful “front-office” capabilities including client and matter management.
STAND-OUT FEATURES
- Modular Suite of Front-Office/Back-Office
- Best-in-Class Customer Support
- Strong Network of Capable Authorized Consultants
PRICING
- Based on Total Users and Timekeepers
- See vendor’s Price Calculator
ProLaw
Private Cloud / Server-Based
OVERVIEW
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.
STAND-OUT FEATURES
- End-to-End Solution: LPM, DMS and Accounting
- Rich Integration with Microsoft Office
- Streamlined, Modern User Interface
PRICING
- Pricing varies by firm
- Starts at 10-User Package
Time Matters
Private Cloud / Server-Based
OVERVIEW
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.
STAND-OUT FEATURES
- Deep Customization (Reports, Workflows, Dashboards)
- Rich Network of Certified Consultants
- Tight Integration with PCLaw for Accounting
PRICING
- Subscription-based Pricing Per-User Available
- Contact Vendor for Details
Needles
Private Cloud / Server-Based
OVERVIEW
Needles is a mature law practice management solution for law firms. Needles is especially popular among Personal Injury firms, though not at the exclusion of law firms that practice in other areas.
STAND-OUT FEATURES
- Deep Focus and Functionality in Personal Injury
- Customizable Checklist / Workflow System
PRICING
- Not provided by software publisher
- Contact vendor for more information
Aderant
Private Cloud / Server-Based
OVERVIEW
Aderant provides a suite of time, billing and law practice management software for law firms. Aderant Total Office and Aderant Expert are premise-based time, billing and accounting platforms for law firms that can be hosted in a private cloud.
STAND-OUT FEATURES
- Robust, enterprise-grade billing and accounting
- Legal Project Management capabilities
PRICING
- Not provided by software publisher
- Contact vendor for more information
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Web-Based
LEAP
Web-based
OVERVIEW
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).
STAND-OUT FEATURES
- Sophisticated Form/Document Assembly
- State-Specific Form Automation
- Client Web Portal
- Desktop, Web and Mobile Apps
PRICING
- Not provided by software publisher
- Contact vendor for more information
Clio
Web-based
OVERVIEW
Clio Manage is among the most popular cloud-based legal practice management solutions. Clio is best suited for solo and small law firms, and law firms that are looking for a more lightweight law practice management solution. Clio is well known for its streamlined interface, simple navigation and overall ease of use.
STAND-OUT FEATURES
- Clean, Easy-to-Use Interface
- Large Network of Integrations (See Clio’s App Directory)
- Add Intake and Sales CRM with Clio Grow
PRICING
- Clio Manage Starter: $39 / User / Month
- Clio Manage Boutique: $59 / User / Month
- Clio Manage Elite: $99 / User / Month
- Clio Manage Suite: $125 / User / Month (includes Clio Grow)
(Annual pricing)
CosmoLex
Web-based
OVERVIEW
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.
STAND-OUT FEATURES
- Integrated, full-fledged Business and Trust Accounting
- Financial Reports by Client and Matter
PRICING
- $79 / User / Month (billed annually)
Rocket Matter
Web-based
OVERVIEW
Rocket Matter was among the first, and is a popular cloud-based law practice management solution. Rocket Matter allows your firm to manage cases, time, billing and calendars. Rocket Matter takes a project management-esque approach to matter management.
STAND-OUT FEATURES
- Project-Management-Style Matter Management
- Customizable Matter Templates and Workflows
- Optional Insurance Defense Module
PRICING
- Essentials: $25 / User / Month
- Pro: $59 / User / Month
(Annual pricing)
MyCase
Web-based
OVERVIEW
MyCase was among the first web-based law practice management applications. It’s know for it’s ease-of-use, as well as for arguably having the best client portal among all case management systems.
STAND-OUT FEATURES
- Fast and Easy to Get Up and Running
- Sophisticated Client Portal
- Built-In Lead Management
PRICING
- $49 / User / Month (billed annually)
Practice Panther
Web-based
OVERVIEW
Practice Panther is a popular case management system for law firms. It provides client and contact management, matter management, time and billing, and includes a lightweight CRM for lead management.
STAND-OUT FEATURES
- Clean, Intuitive User Interface
- Built-In Payment Processing
PRICING
- Solo: $30 / User / Month
- Essential: $59 / User / Month
- Business: $79 / User / Month
(Annual pricing)
Bill4Time
Web-based
OVERVIEW
What started as a stand-alone time and billing application, Bill4Time is now a full-fledged law practice management solution. It provides robust time and billing, matter management, ABA and LEDES billing codes and trust/IOLTA accounting.
STAND-OUT FEATURES
- Robust, Flexible Time Tracking and Billing
- Trust Accounting with IOLTA Reconciliation
PRICING
- Time & Billing: $27 / User Month
- Legal Pro: $45 / User / Month
- Legal Enterprise: $80 / User / Month
(Annual pricing)
Centerbase
Web-based
OVERVIEW
Centerbase is a cloud-based Law Practice Management system. It boasts time and billing, case and client management, and full-fledged accounting. Centerbase is arguably one of the most customizable LPM applications, though that customization may require an outside consultant.
STAND-OUT FEATURES
- End-to-End Case Management
- Full-Fledged Accounting
- Highly Customizable Workflows
PRICING
- Staff: $59 / User / Month
- Timekeeper: $79 / User / Month
- Billing + Accounting: $99 / User / Month
(Annual pricing)
Firm Central
Web-based
OVERVIEW
Firm Central is a law practice management application made by Thomson Reuters, the makers of WestLaw legal research. The application has been around for some time, and naturally integrates with the WestLaw web site.
STAND-OUT FEATURES
- Deep integration with WestLaw legal research.
- Full-Fledged Accounting
- Trust/IOLTA Accounting
PRICING
- Core: $40 / User / Month
- Essential: $65 / User / Month
- Premier: $105 / User / Month
(Annual pricing)
More Useful Software for Law Firms
In this article, we’ve covered the best law practice management software. In addition, your firm may also need specialized Document Management or Legal Accounting software. If so, you’re encouraged to review our other lists of the best software for law firms.
Looking for other legal software? Read our other top software lists:
Related – Best Law Firm Document Management Software: Avoid bad organization and worse collaboration with proper document management.
Related – Best Law Firm Accounting Software: Choose the best software to keep track of expenses, billing, and more.
Learn More:
Is your firm evaluating practice management software? Are you looking for the best legal practice management software for your firm?
Uptime Practice:
A Complete Law Office in the Cloud
Uptime Practice is a suite of products that help hundreds of law firms streamline their technology, work anywhere, and move their practice to the cloud.
Practice Go
Cloudify Your Legal App
Does your law firm already have a cloud strategy, but have one premise-based application still running on onsite servers? Practice Go is for you.
- With Practice Go, we effectively turn your desktop/server- based legal software into a cloud application (a Published App), freeing your firm from the limitations of traditional software.
- Practice Go can cloudify your PCLaw, Time Matters, Tabs3, ProLaw, Juris, QuickBooks and more.
Practice Foundation
Complete Private Cloud for Law Firms
If your law firm needs a central, secure cloud platform for all of your legal software, documents and data, Practice Foundation is for you.
-
Practice Foundation is an end-to-end cloud platform that will host all of your firm's applications and documents, and will optionally include Office 365 + unlimited IT support. Everyone in your firm logs into a Virtual Desktop where they'll find all of their apps and docs.
-
Practice Foundation works with PCLaw, Time Matters, Tabs3, ProLaw, Juris, QuickBooks, Timeslips, TrialWorks, Adobe Acrobat and more.
Practice Next
Technology + Legal Software Support for Modern Law Firms
If your firm has already moved to the cloud and gotten rid of on-premise servers, you might find getting quality, legal-focused IT support difficult.
That’s where we come in.
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Practice Next is a suite of essential cloud services, IT support and practice management tools, implemented and supported by Uptime Legal.
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Practice Next includes legal software support, Office 365, cloud storage, collaboration tools and expert legal IT support, all packaged into a simple monthly fee.
-
Practice Next works with today's cloud-based legal software including Clio, LEAP, CosmoLex, MyCase and more.
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