The Best Legal Billing Software Of 2024
- TimeSolv: Best for small firms
- Rocket Matter: Best for firms of all sizes
- AbacusNext: Best for large firms with complex needs
- MyCase: Best for small firms using QuickBooks
- Clio: Best for growing firms
Best for Small Firms
TimeSolv
4.5
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Starting price
$39.95
per user per month, plus free 30-day trial
Project management
To-do list, milestones, budgeting
Payments
Store information for automatic invoice payment
$39.95
per user per month, plus free 30-day trial
To-do list, milestones, budgeting
Store information for automatic invoice payment
Why We Picked It
TimeSolv has been around since 1999 and offers project management and billing software for firms of all kinds—consultants, PR, freelancers, accountants and lawyers. It caters to “Mac firms,” because of the seamless syncing across devices, but it offers apps for Android and PCs as well as iOS and Macs, along with its cloud-based app.
TimeSolv is a full case management solution, with project management tools that let you set milestones and create a budget you can share with employees and clients. You can collect and store client payment information upfront, so payment is automatic and you don’t have to chase clients down over unpaid invoices.
Team members can see a daily to-do list for projects, and anyone can track time and expenses on or off-line through the apps.
A TimeSolv Legal plan also includes legal-specific billing formats, including LEDES 2000, 1998B, 1998BI, Chubbs and Litigation Advisor. And you’ll get access to conflicts management, trust accounting and ABA task codes.
The cost for a Legal plan is $39.95 per user per month or $431.52 per user per year (for less than five users). Bulk discounts are available for firms with more than 100 users. 501(c)(3) pro-bono firms and charitable organizations can use the software for free.
Who should use it:
With limited reporting and accounting features, TimeSolv is a good fit for smaller firms with less complex needs. It’s also a strong fit for nonprofit organizations, which can use the software for free.
Pros & Cons
- Case management included
- Track time and expenses
- Store client payment information
- Competitively priced
- Less user-friendly than competitors
- No advanced reporting
Best for Firms of All Sizes
Rocket Matter
4.5
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Starting price
$39
per use per month, plus free 15-day trial
Project management
Kanban boards, document storage and sharing
Payments
eCheck or credit card payments, payment plans available
$39
per use per month, plus free 15-day trial
Kanban boards, document storage and sharing
eCheck or credit card payments, payment plans available
Why We Picked It
Rocket Matter is a primarily cloud-based platform for legal billing and case management. It lets you store all your information about a matter in one place, including documents, emails, tasks and billable hours tracking.
Project management features include Kanban boards for organization and document storage organized by matter. You can share documents securely with clients and request documents from clients for secure uploads. You can create templates for matters that you can apply to any cases in the future.
Rocket Matter lets you set up automated billing, so invoices will be sent out on a chosen schedule based on your billable hours and expenses. You can spend less time on manual billing. The platform includes conflicts management and trust accounting for your law firm’s unique needs.
The software offers advanced reporting, including origination reports for new-business incentives, allocation reports, matter budgets, and team and matter productivity. It’ll even connect you with experts to build custom reports for your firm.
Matter management, time tracking and billing are available with an Essentials plan for $39 per user per month. Add more customizations and reporting, templates, document assembly and sharing, a client payment portal and more in the Pro plan for $69 per user per month. Or upgrade to Premier for $99 per user per month to get automated billing, role permissions, business intelligence and more. Pro and Premier subscribers get a $10 per user per month discount if they pay annually.
Who should use it:
Rocket Matter offers plans that are a fit for firms of all sizes. Choose the Essentials plan if you don’t mind handling billing yourself and have simple reporting needs. Upgrade to Premier to gain greater business insights and hands-off billing.
Pros & Cons
- Matter management
- Document storage
- Automated billing
- Advanced reporting
- Highly customizable
- More expensive than some competitors
- Less user-friendly than competitors
Best for Large Firms With Complex Needs
AbacusNext
4.4
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Starting price
$59
per use per month, plus free 14-day trial
Project management
Time tracking, calendar sync, automated court rules
Payments
Client portal with APX PayNow
$59
per use per month, plus free 14-day trial
Time tracking, calendar sync, automated court rules
Client portal with APX PayNow
Why We Picked It
AbacusNext has been producing legal management software since 1983. It offers three products for firms, depending on your size and needs:
- Amicus Attorney:Legal practice management software that integrates with QuickBooks and Microsoft 365
- AbacusLaw:Practice management software with built-in accounting
- Amicus Cloud:Practice management and billing in a cloud-based app for small firms
Amicus Attorney and AbacusLaw are downloadable software you can use on local servers or through a private cloud for easy access and sharing that’s still secure.
All solutions include features for both case management and invoicing and billing. Team members can track time and expenses on the go with a mobile app or online, and you can integrate a calendar to set court dates and stay ahead of deadlines with automated court rules.
You can send invoices and accept payments using another AbacusNext product, APX PayNow, which lets clients pay through a link in an emailed invoice.
Pricing for Amicus Cloud is $59 per user per month. The company encourages you to schedule a live demo with a sales rep to find custom pricing for AbacusLaw or Amicus Attorney, and users report pricing starting at $69 per month.
Who should use it:
AbacusNext offers software solutions for firms of all sizes, but it’s the best one on this list for large, complex firms that could benefit from its Private Cloud and integrated accounting features.
Pros & Cons
- Secure Private Cloud option
- Options for all firm sizes and needs
- Case management
- Built-in invoicing and billing
- Calendar integration to easily manage deadlines and court dates
- Not as user-friendly as competitors
- Slightly more expensive
Best for Small Firms Using QuickBooks
MyCase
4.4
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Starting price
$39
per user per month, plus a free 10-day trial
Project management
Document storage and sharing, calendaring, automated workflows
Payments
Online payments through MyCase Payments
$39
per user per month, plus a free 10-day trial
Document storage and sharing, calendaring, automated workflows
Online payments through MyCase Payments
Why We Picked It
MyCase is case management and legal billing software for law firms. It includes time tracking, invoicing and online payments, as well as task and case management features.
You can track your billable hours using multiple timers to switch between cases. Use the app for iOS or Android to track time and access case information when you’re out of the office. You can create an invoice for unbilled hours with a few clicks, and LEDES billing is available. The software doesn’t include accounting features, but it easily integrates with QuickBooks. Clients can pay invoices online with MyCase Payments.
With case management features, you get secure, unlimited document storage and sharing, legal calendaring with integrations to Google and Microsoft Outlook, and workflows to automate your repeated tasks.
MyCase also includes lead management features to help you capture contacts and track your firm’s communications to convert more clients.
Pricing is based on the features you want:
- Basic: $39 per user per month (if billed annually). Access project management, client payment portal, time and expense tracking, legal calendaring, unlimited document storage and billing.
- Pro: $59 per user per month (if billed annually). Add unlimited texting, client intake management, document signing, secure document sharing and integrations with Google, Outlook, QuickBooks and more.
Who should use it:
MyCase is less robust than competitors and a better fit for small firms without complex accounting and reporting needs.
Pros & Cons
- Automated project workflows
- Time and expense tracking
- Unlimited document storage
- QuickBooks integration in Pro plan
- Popular software with law firms
- No advanced reporting
- No native accounting features
Best for Growing Firms
Clio
4.2
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Starting price
$39
per user per month, plus a free 7-day trial
Project management
Notes, contacts, document storage, tasks, time tracking
Payments
Secure online payments by credit, debit or eCheck
$39
per user per month, plus a free 7-day trial
Notes, contacts, document storage, tasks, time tracking
Secure online payments by credit, debit or eCheck
Why We Picked It
Clio is practice management software for case management, billing, accounting and client intake to support your firm’s practice at every stage of the client journey.
With Clio Manage (case management and billing), you can organize everything you need to know about matters, including notes, contact information, documents, tasks, time tracking and invoices. Clio even integrates with word processing software, so you can create and edit docs with familiar programs and save them to Clio with one click.
Clio lets you track and invoice for billable hours and expenses and get paid with a secure online payment link for credit card, debit or eCheck payments. You can set up invoices to discount for early payments or add interest for late payments automatically.
With a Clio Grow add-on, you can manage client intake. Its Scheduler lets you schedule consultations and review cases for conflicts of interest. You can automatically share intake forms and get documents signed online.
Pricing is based on the features you want:
- EasyStart: $39 per user per month. Track time, send invoices, get paid and manage case tasks and documents.
- Essentials: $69 per user per month. Get secure client communication, document templates, automated workflows and integrations with QuickBooks, Zoom and more.
- Advanced: $99 per user per month. Add advanced task management, business insights and unlimited e-signatures.
- Complete: $129 per user per month. Includes Clio Manage and Clio Grow features.
Who should use it:
Clio’s client intake features through Clio Grow make it a great option for growing firms focused on building a strong client base.
Pros & Cons
- Client intake management
- Word processor integration for easy document storage
- Built-in time tracking
- Accounting features included
- Short trial period
- Slightly higher pricing than most competitors
Forbes Advisor Ratings
Company | Company - Logo | Forbes Advisor Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating | Starting price | Project management | Payments | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | LEARN MORE |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TimeSolv | 4.5 | $39.95 per user per month, plus free 30-day trial | To-do list, milestones, budgeting | Store information for automatic invoice payment | View More | ||||
Rocket Matter | 4.5 | $39 per use per month, plus free 15-day trial | Kanban boards, document storage and sharing | eCheck or credit card payments, payment plans available | View More | ||||
AbacusNext | 4.4 | $59 per use per month, plus free 14-day trial | Time tracking, calendar sync, automated court rules | Client portal with APX PayNow | View More | ||||
MyCase | 4.4 | $39 per user per month, plus a free 10-day trial | Document storage and sharing, calendaring, automated workflows | Online payments through MyCase Payments | View More | ||||
Clio | 4.2 | $39 per user per month, plus a free 7-day trial | Notes, contacts, document storage, tasks, time tracking | Secure online payments by credit, debit or eCheck | View More |
Methodology
For our ratings, we evaluated some of the most popular legal billing software according to the features they offer customers, including billing, scheduling, reporting, analytics and encryption. We also factor in third-party ratings and reviews from G2 and Capterra to include expert and customer feedback in our rankings. Finally, we consider these subjective factors:
- Features: How do the available features compare with competitors’?
- Value for money: Does the pricing align well with the features offered?
- Popularity: How widely is it used?
- Ease of use: How much of a learning curve does the software require?
How to Choose Legal Billing Software
Which software is the best fit for your firm depends largely on your practice’s size and needs. Law practice management and legal billing software could offer a range of features, including:
- Billable hours tracking
- Expense tracking
- Invoicing (manual or automated)
- Tracking late payments and automated follow-up
- Case information management
- Document storage
- Document sharing with employees and/or clients
- Customer relationship management
- Document signing
- Legal calendaring
- Online payments
- Bookkeeping and/or accounting features
To determine what you’re looking for and which features are worth the cost for your firm, consider your firm’s needs. Some questions to consider:
- Do you currently use accounting software? Are you looking to switch or do you need something that will integrate with it?
- Do you currently use document signing and management software? Do you want to switch, or do you need something that will integrate?
- Do you want to handle case management and billing in the same place or separately?
- How many users will your firm need to set up in the software? (This affects pricing.)
- Do you need software that offers trust accounting, or will you manage that separately?
- Will your clients be open to paying through an online portal instead of by check or another method?
Most legal billing software (including those on this list) includes the basics any firm needs: information security, data backups, cloud access, invoicing for time-tracked and online payments. Choosing the one for you will come down in part to pricing and in part to small differences in features and functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is legal billing software?
Legal billing software is a downloadable or cloud-based program that lets you track billable hours for law firm clients, send invoices and get paid. Typically, it includes billing features unique to law practices, such as trust accounting, LEDES billing and retainer payments. Many legal billing platforms also include case management so that you can organize matter documents and information in one place along with client billing.
Why use legal billing software?
Legal billing is complex compared with billing in other small businesses. Legal billing structures are unique, and lawyers are subject to strict ethics and accounting regulations. Dedicated legal billing software can help your firm manage time tracking and invoicing more efficiently than general bookkeeping and invoicing software might allow.
What are the most common types of billing methods in a law firm?
Hourly billing is the most common type of billing for legal practices, but firms might also offer options for flat fees, retainers or contingency fees (set as a percentage of the amount of an award won through judgment or settlement).
Can lawyers use PayPal or accept Venmo?
Ethical and legal rules for accepting online payments, such as credit and debit cards and peer-to-peer (P2P) payments, vary by state and location. Whether you should take payments via payment apps, such as PayPal or Venmo, depends on whether clients are paying for earned fees or retainers. You’re required by law to place retainer fees in a trust account, which these apps don’t do.
What are some benefits of legal billing software?
Using legal billing software helps to eliminate some or all potential human errors by automating several processes that are normally done manually. This also saves time. Automated billing and other processes also help improve project and client management. Your billing process is also more streamlined and bills are processed and sent out in a timely manner.
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Dana Miranda
Contributor
Dana Miranda is a certified educator in personal finance (CEPF) who has been writing and editing since 2011, covering personal finance, careers and digital media. She’s written about work and money for the New York Times, CNBC, The Motley Fool, The Penny Hoarder, a column for Inc. and more. Dana has taught journalists, writers and editors how to write for the web through Utah Valley University, Queen's University at Kingston, ACES: The Society for Editors, the National Association for Independent Writers & Editors, online courses and private trainings. Find her at danasitar.com.
Jane Haskins
Contributor
Jane Haskins practiced law for 20 years, representing small businesses in startup, dissolution, business transactions and litigation. She has written hundreds of articles on legal, intellectual property and tax issues affecting small businesses.
Kelly Main
Editor
Kelly Main is staff writer at Forbes Advisor, specializing in testing and reviewing marketing software with a focus on CRM solutions, payment processing solutions, and web design software. Before joining the team, she was a Content Producer at Fit Small Business, where she served as an editor and strategist covering small business marketing content. She is a former Google Tech Entrepreneur and holds an MSc in International Marketing from Edinburgh Napier University. Additionally, she is a Columnist at Inc. Magazine and the founder of ProsperBull, a financial literacy program taught in U.S. high schools.
I'm a legal tech enthusiast with extensive knowledge in the field, having closely followed the developments and advancements in legal billing software. I've explored various platforms and understand the intricacies involved in choosing the right software for different law firms. Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about the best legal billing software of 2024.
TimeSolv:
Overview:
- Established since 1999, TimeSolv provides project management and billing software for various professionals, including lawyers.
- Compatible with Mac, Android, PC, iOS, and offers seamless syncing across devices.
Key Features:
- Full case management solution with project management tools.
- Ability to set milestones, create budgets, and share them with employees and clients.
- Automatic invoice payment by collecting and storing client payment information upfront.
- Daily to-do list for team members, time and expense tracking on/offline.
Legal-Specific Features:
- Legal plan includes billing formats like LEDES 2000, 1998B, 1998BI, Chubbs, and Litigation Advisor.
- Access to conflicts management, trust accounting, and ABA task codes.
Pricing:
- Legal plan at $39.95 per user per month or $431.52 per user per year (for less than five users).
- Bulk discounts for firms with more than 100 users.
- Free use for 501(c)(3) pro-bono firms and charitable organizations.
Who Should Use It:
- Suited for smaller firms with less complex needs.
- Ideal for nonprofit organizations, offering free usage.
Pros & Cons:
- Case management included, competitive pricing.
- Less user-friendly than competitors, limited advanced reporting.
Rocket Matter:
Overview:
- Cloud-based legal billing and case management platform.
- Offers features like Kanban boards, document storage, and sharing.
Key Features:
- All-in-one platform storing information about matters in one place.
- Kanban boards for organization and document storage.
- Automated billing to save time on manual processes.
- Advanced reporting, including origination reports and matter budgets.
Pricing:
- Essentials plan at $39 per user per month, with higher plans offering more features.
Who Should Use It:
- Suitable for firms of all sizes.
- Different plans cater to varying needs, from basic billing to advanced business insights.
Pros & Cons:
- Matter management, advanced reporting.
- Slightly more expensive and less user-friendly than some competitors.
AbacusNext:
Overview:
- Legal management software provider since 1983.
- Offers different products for firms, including Amicus Attorney, AbacusLaw, and Amicus Cloud.
Key Features:
- Amicus Cloud provides practice management and billing in a cloud-based app.
- Features for case management and invoicing, with time tracking on the go.
- Integration with a secure client portal for payments through APX PayNow.
Pricing:
- Amicus Cloud at $59 per user per month.
Who Should Use It:
- Suitable for firms of all sizes, especially large, complex firms.
- Best for those who benefit from Private Cloud and integrated accounting features.
Pros & Cons:
- Secure Private Cloud option, options for all firm sizes.
- Not as user-friendly as competitors, slightly more expensive.
MyCase:
Overview:
- Case management and legal billing software with time tracking, invoicing, and online payments.
- Integrates with QuickBooks for accounting needs.
Key Features:
- Multiple timers for billable hours tracking.
- Secure document storage, calendaring, and automated workflows.
- Integration with QuickBooks for accounting.
Pricing:
- Basic plan at $39 per user per month, with a Pro plan offering additional features.
Who Should Use It:
- Suitable for small firms without complex accounting needs.
- Best for those who prefer QuickBooks integration.
Pros & Cons:
- Automated project workflows, QuickBooks integration.
- No advanced reporting, no native accounting features.
Clio:
Overview:
- Practice management software for case management, billing, accounting, and client intake.
- Offers features like notes, contacts, document storage, tasks, and time tracking.
Key Features:
- Organizes matter details, including notes, contacts, documents, and tasks.
- Secure online payments via credit, debit, or eCheck.
- Client intake management with Clio Grow add-on.
Pricing:
- Various plans starting from $39 per user per month.
Who Should Use It:
- Great option for growing firms with a focus on client intake.
- Offers different plans based on firm needs.
Pros & Cons:
- Client intake management, built-in time tracking.
- Slightly higher pricing than competitors, shorter trial period.
Methodology:
The article employs a comprehensive methodology for evaluating legal billing software, considering features, value for money, popularity, and ease of use. Third-party ratings and reviews from G2 and Capterra are also incorporated.
How to Choose Legal Billing Software:
The article provides guidance on selecting legal billing software based on the firm's size and needs. It outlines common features, such as billable hours tracking, expense tracking, invoicing, document management, and more. It also suggests questions to consider when making a choice.
FAQs:
The FAQs section addresses common questions related to legal billing software, including the types of billing methods, use of payment apps, benefits of legal billing software, and more.
In summary, the article offers a comprehensive guide to legal billing software, covering various platforms and providing valuable insights for law firms of different sizes and needs.