Lawyers face heavy workloads and tight deadlines, struggling to manage extensive client and case data. Traditional methods for communication and administration can’t keep up. A Thomas Reuters report shows that junior lawyers feel overwhelmed by repetitive tasks, with nearly 20% of lawyers considering leaving the profession due to stress, according to the IBA. 

These highlight the need for specialized tools that enhance efficiency and reduce non-billable work. Lawyers can focus on high-priority tasks like client management and strategy development using software for time tracking, case management, compliance, and billing. 

This benefits individual lawyers and boosts productivity and profits. This article will help you find the best software for lawyers, enabling them to work smarter.

Source: Prabhu S via LinkedIn

How Can Software for Lawyers Help Them?

Lawyers face challenges in managing details like client communication and e-discovery, which can take up much time. Legal software includes tools that help manage daily operations. Modern law firm assistants, attorneys, and office staff can use these tools to streamline document management, time tracking, billing, and case management.

Source: Harshad Shah via LinkedIn

According to a Lawtech 365 survey, legal teams can increase client acquisition success by 35% using the newest technologies. As a result, lawyers can have a competitive advantage over their rivals.  

Also read: Top Legal Careers for the Future You Need to Know

Importance of Legal Software

Managing large case files and tight deadlines can be overwhelming, leading to lost opportunities and higher costs. That’s where software for lawyers comes in handy. It helps you tackle these challenges and streamlines your workflow. Let’s explore the benefits!

#1. Saves Time

Much of your team's time is spent on legal duties, including document drafting, invoicing management, and meeting scheduling. These manual chores significantly hamper effective time management.   

Proper software for lawyers can automate these routine tasks and let your team focus on high-priority activities, such as developing case strategies or client relationships.

Lawtech 365 states that lawyers can save up to 40% of their time by using legal tech software solutions.

#2. Upgrades Efficiency

Legal teams often struggle with managing documents, clients, and billing, leading to decreased productivity and increased stress. Centralized tools improve organization and collaboration, boosting efficiency and enhancing lawyers' careers.

According to a report by the Liquid Legal Institute, tools such as AI are recognized for their ability to streamline and automate processes, reducing human error and enhancing efficiency.

‍ Source: Ravi Geela, via LinkedIn

#3. Avoids Mistakes

In legal matters, even a minor mistake can cost you and harm your brand's reputation. Also, important details can be overlooked when working manually. Adding legal software to your other tech slack can ensure your documents are consistent and accurate. Your team won't waste time reviewing templates or worrying about typos or missing information that could cause issues.

#4. Improves Client Service

Clients need quick responses, updates, and clear communication. Surveys by AAG Law Firm found that legal software helps lawyers meet client expectations 95% of the time.

You can automate reminders, make case information easily accessible, and more with client management systems. Moreover, it can increase client satisfaction and happiness and improve your reputation.

“It's good for a SaaS lawyer to be tech-savvy because it helps to know what tools are at your disposal and how to use them best. Go to the people who know how to use these tools well and ask them if it's possible to set up the workflows/automations you want within them.”
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~Sue So, Head of Legal Hopin
7 GCs on How to Prioritize Legal Resources and Boost Efficiency

#5. Increases Profitability

A practice's profitability is affected by inefficient billing, inaccurate time tracking, and administrative overhead. Your team can focus on billable work instead of administrative tasks with legal software, which reduces errors, saves time, and improves efficiency. More productive hours will increase profitability and improve client retention.

Features to Look for in Top Software for Lawyers

Daily, your practice manages complex tasks, such as inefficient time tracking, disorganized case files, and billing errors. You can address these issues effectively with the right software. There are differences between software, and you need to look for a comprehensive solution. You can improve your profitability by looking for these features in legal software.

#1. Centralized Client Data

It can be hard for lawyers to stay on top of case developments when client information is spread across many physical files. Any legal software needs centralized client data. 71% percent of small firms use such software to manage and store client and case information, according to Bellwether. 

It keeps all client info, like case histories, contact info, client portals, and communication, in one place. Having centralized data also makes it easier to find documents.

#2. Ease of Use

Lawyers have a lot on their plates, leaving little time for learning software. In LexisNexis'  the In-house legal labyrinth report, 51% said that a lack of understanding was a major barrier. 

If the software for lawyers is hard to understand or needs a lot of training, it can reduce productivity, making people less enthusiastic.  Find software that's easy for all team members, regardless of their technical knowledge. It should be easy to use, have a clear navigation system, and have streamlined processes. 

#3. Customization

Lawyers have diverse practice areas and unique workflows. Inflexible software can impose processes that don’t suit individual needs. You should choose software that allows customization in workflows, dashboards, and notifications. Tools like SpotDraft enable you to fit your requirements, enhancing efficiency and client service.

#4. Version Control

There's a lot of back and forth on the documents. There can be confusion over which version is the latest without version control.

Always compare version control features when comparing different tools, so you don't make mistakes. Every change is tracked with SpotDraft, so everyone works on the latest version. Case management gets better and so does accountability.

#5. Automated Time Capture

Sometimes, lawyers don't remember to record their time or activities because they're so busy. This could directly impact their revenue.

There are tools for lawyers that automatically log billable activities, such as document drafting, client meetings, and research. It'll cut down on manual entries and improve billing accuracy, so there'll be fewer disputes.     

7 Best Software For Lawyers That Can Make Their Life Easier

Lawyers use tools and software to manage client info, process payments, and research court rulings. Structure and productivity tools are essential tools to running a legal profession. Quality of services is greatly impacted by software and tools.

1. Law Practice Management Software

All-in-one legal practice management software allows lawyers to handle cases, billing, clients, and schedules. Your team will be able to spend more time with clients and prepare winning strategies when you use this software.

“The Board is being bombarded with so much information from multiple teams, that how you present it is equally important. Your presentation to the Board and Management needs to be clear and concise, because they don’t have time to guess at the information or points you are trying to present. If you have a legal ops tool that will give contract provision data, such as how often you’re able to keep your limitation of liability clause as-is, that’s great. If not, find another way to track it, even if it’s an excel sheet.”

- Jesimin Berman, Director of Legal Ops and Compliance at Papaya Global
Shaping Efficient Legal Frameworks

1. Clio

Clio’s tools help lawyers manage cases, track billable hours, communicate with clients, and send invoices all in one platform. It streamlines case management and enhances client experience, easily scaling to meet any lawyer's needs.‍

2. CosmoLex

By automating daily tasks and saving lawyers' time, CosmoLex helps lawyers maximise their profits. As part of the tool, outreach automation can help generate leads and increase revenue. 

3. MyCase

MyCase is a cloud-based solution to manage clients, cases, billing, and documents. Solo practitioners and small firms love its user-friendly interface and customer support team. Its online payment processing feature is perfect for firms looking to streamline their client intake and payment processes.

2. Legal Documentation Software

Preparing documents manually can be time-consuming and error-prone. Drafting, reviewing, and editing these documents can take hours. Legal documentation automation software for lawyers can streamline documentation creation using automation and templates, reducing time and errors.

1. Briefpoint

Briefpoint uses generative AI to create discovery documents, like admission requests, production requests, and interrogatories. Client responses can even be managed through Briefpoint Bridge by choosing the interrogatories, adding notes, and sharing with the client. It saves you from e-mailing clients back and forth.

2. Knackly

Knacly lets you customize document automation for any situation. Using a template saves time since you don't have to start from scratch. It's easy to use; you just enter the information, and it generates accurate and professional documents.

3. Smokeball

Smokeball simplifies time tracking, centralizes data, and enhances collaboration to increase billable hours. Document automation software seamlessly integrates with practice management features to create accurate and consistent documents. This platform allows you to manage cases, bill clients, and communicate with them.

Also read: AI for Lawyers: A Beginner’s Guide

 3. File Storage Tools

Lawyers need storage tools to organize and store client information. Massive and sensitive data cannot be handled by traditional methods, leading to security risks, loss, and disorganization. Legal professionals can use the following tools to store legal documents in a scalable, secure, and easy-to-access manner.

1. Google Drive

Google Drive offers 15GB of free storage space on its cloud-based platform. Files can be stored, shared, and accessed from anywhere your team has internet access. It integrates with Google Workspace apps, such as sheets, docs, and slides, to make workflows and productivity more efficient.‍

2. Dropbox

Dropbox is a cloud-based tool for storing and sharing documents with version history. In case of need, users can revert to a previous document version. It is easily compatible with tools, allowing you to streamline your workflow and increase team productivity. ‍

3. Zoho Cloud

Zoho Cloud is a secure file storage tool that allows users to store, share, and collaborate on documents. Any team member can access client files, notes, contracts, and legal materials from any device. Also, it integrates with other Zoho apps, such as CRM and Projects, so clients can track cases and workflows in one place.

4. Legal Research Software

A lawyer spends 17% of his or her time on legal research, according to the American Bar Association. Time-consuming and inefficient traditional research can result in outdated information. Your team can save time, increase accuracy, and improve quality of legal work by utilizing legal research platforms.

1. FindLaw

FindLaw offers a massive legal database that can help you find statutes, case law, and legal news. Law firms, personal injury lawyers, family law attorneys, and other legal professionals can benefit from articles, legal definitions, and guides offered by this platform. Also included is an attorney directory to help you find lawyers based on practice areas or locations.‍

2. Casetext

Legal research is made easier with Casetext's AI. Using CARA AI technology, you can upload motions or briefs and provide relevant statutes and cases to ensure your team doesn't miss anything important. Based on a case's history and citations, the tool also has a smart citator that determines the case's importance and significance. 

3. Westlaw

Westlaw by Thomas Reuters is used by judges, lawyers, and researchers to access legal information. You can search for statutes, case laws, legal journals, regulations, and other documents. Westlaw covers both US and international secondary sources of legal information. Through citation analysis, KeyCite's citation service can help verify the validity of the case.

5. Document Management Software

For lawyers, managing vast amounts of legal documents, such as client files and case studies, can be challenging. A disorganized digital storage system and paper-based system can cause version control problems, lost files, and security risks. Effective document management software for lawyers offers a centralized and secure platform for storing, organizing, and accessing documents.

1. LexWorkplace

LexWorkplace lets you organize and collaborate on documents online. The software integrates with Adobe Acrobat, Office 365, and Clio Manage. The software has features like version control, advanced search, and document tagging.‍

2. OneDrive

OneDrive makes it easy for your lawyers to store and share documents. With robust security features like encryption, Microsoft's OneDrive offers a great storage option. Additionally, documents can be edited with Microsoft Office. 

3. NetDocuments

NetDocuments is a document storage and email management tool offering a secure and centralized repository. There are features like document sharing, version control, and collaboration tools that will improve your firm's productivity. 

6. Contract Management Software

According to World Commerce and Contracting, poor contract management can cost lawyers and firms almost 9% of their annual revenue. Each stage of contract management requires attention to detail because of its complexity. 

Tracking contract lifecycles with traditional methods that rely on manual processes can be challenging. Contract management software can address these problems by streamlining and automating the process. MTLegal Team's Co-Founder Akhil Mishra, shares how bad contracts make clients unhappy.

Source: Akhil Mishra via LinkedIn

1. SpotDraft

SpotDraft simplifies and streamlines contract lifecycle management by effectively drafting, reviewing, negotiating, executing, and managing contracts. The tool uses artificial intelligence to reduce manual efforts and ensure compliance. With features such as e-signatures, contract templates, and centralized storage, it is an all-in-one solution for lawyers. Reports by World Commerce and Contracting state that companies using contract management software report 80% faster cycle times. 

“Although a CLM solution might seem costly in the early stages, companies should have it in place and build workflows within the tool to process contracts better. By doing so, they can keep legal costs low in the growth stages and close deals faster. Moreover, they will have clear visibility into the contract pipeline and use their legal resources to optimize workflows better for yielding maximum results."
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- Igor Poroger, Director of Legal (EMEA) at Vectra AI
Streamlining Legal Processes: Advice from 7 GCs and Heads of Legal

2. Ironclad

Ironclad assists in creating, managing, and automating the contracts and streamlines the entire process from drafting to negotiating. It can simplify the workflow using real-time collaboration, automated contract generation, e-signature, and analytics.‍

3. PandaDoc

PandaDoc has an easy-to-use interface and integrates with other tools to streamline the contract lifecycle. It is also a document management platform to draft, send, track, and e-sign documents, such as quotes, proposals, and agreements. 

Also read: AI Contract Analysis: Saving Time and Increasing Efficiency

7. Billing Software

Time tracking and billing are crucial to generating profit and revenue for your business. When invoices and billing are managed manually, inaccuracies, errors, and late payments can occur. Billing tools for lawyers simplify the process by automating time tracking, payment processing, and invoicing.  

1. LawPay

Using LawPay, you can process client payments by credit card or ACH. The platform complies with the rules and regulations of the American Bar Association and Interest of Lawyer Trust Accounts. Secure payment processing, accounting and billing, and recurring payment setup help lawyers manage their cash flow.  

2. FreshBooks

A cloud-based accounting software for small businesses and solo practitioners, FreshBooks is a convenient way to manage your financial records. Using this tool, you can send invoices, manage expenses, track time, and generate financial reports. It reduces manual work and saves time by automating billing processes, accepting online payments, and tracking expenses.

3. LeanLaw

LeanLaw is a cloud-based billing and practice management software that automates time tracking, invoices, and reports, saving your lawyers' time. With it, you will be able to manage your finances in real time through real-time reporting and integration with QuickBooks. Billable hours can be tracked manually or automatically using the software, which improves efficiency and reduces manual labor.

Conclusion

Legatics reports that 95% of legal professionals believe the sector should adopt modern technology, with 60% using it for time-consuming legal research.

There is a significant shift in lawyers using technology to their advantage. According to the 2024 Legal Industry Trends Report, 75% of law firms have adopted AI-enabled technologies to enhance productivity, 51% to improve efficiency, and 28% to automate administrative tasks.

These numbers really highlight the advantages of using the right software and tools. That’s why it’s so important to invest in top-notch software. By doing so, you can free your lawyers from those everyday tasks, allowing them to focus more on managing clients and crafting winning strategies for their cases. It just makes sense!

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Source: Ryan M. via LinkedIn

Also read: The Key to Navigating Adversity in Your Legal Career

FAQs

1. What types of legal software are essential for lawyers?

Some crucial legal software for lawyers are contract management, billing, legal research, practice and project management software, document management systems, and case management to streamline processes and improve efficiency.‍

2. How can legal software improve a lawyer's efficiency?

Legal software can automate routine tasks, simplify case management, ensure accurate billing, improve client communication, and reduce administrative overhead costs, thus improving the lawyer’s efficiency.