The Top 10 Legal Billing Software On The Market In 2024 (2024)

We all know the headaches legal billing can bring. From timekeeping, tracking billable hours, financial reporting, bookkeeping, managing expenses, IOLTA accounts, LEDES billing, UTBMS classification, generating invoices, credit card payments, accounts receivable and staying on top of those ever-growing overdue payments - it can feel like navigating a minefield. This software is here to diffuse those mines.

Legal billing software can automate and streamline your billing process, improving accuracy and save your valuable time. The benefits? Efficiency, accuracy, and peace of mind, all bundled into one powerful software package. Let's dive in, explore the best options, and find the one that suits your firm perfectly. Trust me, it's a game changer.

10 Best Legal Billing Software Shortlist

After hands-on evaluations, I've curated a list of the top 10 legal billing software to ease your billing woes. Let's dive in!

1. LawBillity - Best for time tracking with robust mobile access
2. Filevine - Best for its case management integration and document automation
3. Bilr - Best for AI-based accuracy in billing entries
4. Rocket Matter - Best for combining billing with a comprehensive practice management suite
5. CosmoLex - Best for small to medium law firms with built-in accounting
6. Soluno - Best for its highly customizable billing features
7. Thomson Reuters eBillingHub - Best for large law firms seeking enhanced billing compliance
8. PracticePanther - Best for its intuitive interface and client portal
9. Clio Manage - Best for extensive third-party integrations and flexibility
10. MyCase - Best for its client communication tools alongside billing functions

What Is Legal Billing Software?

Legal Billing Software is a specialized tool designed for law offices and legal professionals in managing and automating their law firm billing processes. From solo practitioners and small law firms, all the way up to large law firms, this software can be used to track billable hours, UTBMS, LEDES, create accurate client invoices, manage expenses, and ensure timely payment from clients. The software typically includes features such as time tracking, expense tracking, invoice creation, retainer tracking and reporting. It's particularly useful for lawyers who juggle multiple client cases and need an efficient way to accurately account for their time and expenses. By using Legal Billing Software, legal professionals can focus more on their clients and less on administrative tasks.

The 10 Best Legal Billing Software Overviews

1. LawBillity - Best for time tracking with robust mobile access

LawBillity is a dynamic legal billing and time tracking software that aims to simplify and streamline the billing process for legal professionals. Its primary strength lies in its superior time tracking capabilities and impressive mobile access, making it an ideal solution for busy professionals on the go.

Why I Picked LawBillity:

In my evaluation, I chose LawBillity for its superior time tracking functionalities and its mobile-friendly nature. The ability to accurately track time on the move sets it apart from the rest. Its mobile access feature makes it easy for users to record billable hours on the fly, making it the best fit for time tracking and increased billing accuracy.

Standout features & integrations:

LawBillity's most significant features include detailed time tracking, expense tracking, and the ability to create professional invoices quickly. Additionally, it offers a mobile app for iOS and Android that allows time tracking and expense entry on the go. LawBillity integrates seamlessly with several leading accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, and more, enabling easy data synchronization and reducing manual data entry.

Pricing:

LawBillity pricing starts from $20/user/month (billed annually). This price includes access to all features including time tracking, invoicing, and integration capabilities.

• Pros:
  • Superior time tracking capabilities
  • Robust mobile access for time and expense tracking
  • Seamless integration with leading accounting software
• Cons:
  • The user interface may seem complex for beginners
  • Lacks a built-in document management system
  • Pricing could be steep for small firms when billed annually

2. Filevine - Best for its case management integration and document automation

Filevine is a comprehensive legal practice management software that combines robust case management with efficient billing capabilities. It shines in the realm of document automation and seamless case management integration, providing a holistic solution for your legal practice needs.

Why I Picked Filevine:

Filevine caught my attention due to its unique blend of case management and billing solutions, making it a well-rounded tool for modern law practices. The seamless case management integration and document automation are particularly noteworthy, positioning Filevine as a standout among competitors. These features lend a greater degree of organization, accuracy, and time-saving to legal processes, justifying why it is best suited for those in need of integrated case management, matter management, and document automation.

Standout features & integrations:

Filevine's case management system is one of its key features, allowing users to track case details, deadlines, and communicate effectively. It also offers document automation that can help in generating legal documents swiftly. Not to forget, Filevine has a robust reporting system, which can provide insights for informed decision-making. Filevine integrates with many popular software like Quickbooks, Dropbox, and Google Drive, making data sharing and synchronization a breeze.

Pricing:

Filevine offers its services with pricing upon request, ensuring you pay for the exact set of features your practice needs.

• Pros:
  • Integrated case management system
  • Efficient document automation
  • Extensive integration capabilities with popular software
• Cons:
  • Pricing information is not transparent
  • Can be overwhelming for first-time users due to multiple features
  • Some users may find customer support response times to be slow

3. Bilr - Best for AI-based accuracy in billing entries

Bilr is an innovative legal billing software leveraging the power of artificial intelligence to enhance the accuracy of billing entries. It fundamentally transforms the way lawyers record their billable hours, promising more precise and efficient invoicing.

Why I Picked Bilr:

In the realm of legal billing software, Bilr stood out to me due to its unique AI-powered capabilities. The AI aspect of Bilr significantly improves billing accuracy, helping to prevent any inaccuracies that may otherwise occur in manual entries. Therefore, I chose Bilr as the top option for anyone seeking to boost the precision of their billing entries, thanks to its groundbreaking AI technology.

Standout features & integrations:

Bilr's foremost feature is its AI-enhanced billing entries which increase billing efficiency and accuracy. It also offers legal services, time tracking, automatic invoice generation, and a user-friendly dashboard for an overview of billables. Bilr smoothly integrates with popular law practice management software and CRM platforms, easing the flow of data and maintaining consistency across different tools used in your practice.

Pricing:

The pricing for Bilr starts from $27/user/month, offering an affordable option to leverage the power of AI in your billing processes.

• Pros:
  • AI-enhanced billing accuracy
  • Easy-to-use dashboard for billable overview
  • Smooth integration with popular legal practice management software
• Cons:
  • The AI feature might require a learning curve
  • Lacks advanced reporting features
  • Mobile app could be improved for better on-the-go functionality

4. Rocket Matter - Best for combining billing with a comprehensive practice management suite

Rocket Matter is a top-notch legal billing software that doesn't stop at invoicing; it also includes a comprehensive practice management suite. It strives to cover all bases, ensuring your law practice operates as smoothly as possible.

Why I Picked Rocket Matter:

Rocket Matter caught my attention because it goes beyond being just a billing software—it offers a comprehensive practice management suite. This means that it not only streamlines billing but also aids in other crucial areas of legal practice, like case management, client communication, and document management. That's why I selected Rocket Matter for anyone seeking a tool that marries effective billing with a complete set of practice management tools.

Standout features & integrations:

Rocket Matter's best features include efficient time and billing tracking, robust case management, calendar sync, and document management. Furthermore, it also provides built-in analytics for better decision-making. It integrates smoothly with a broad range of software such as Office 365, Quickbooks, and LawPay, enabling seamless data sharing and maintaining harmony across your toolset.

Pricing:

Pricing for Rocket Matter starts from $55/user/month, providing an all-in-one solution for your legal practice.

• Pros:
  • Offers a comprehensive practice management suite
  • Smooth integration with popular legal software
  • Built-in analytics for informed decision-making
• Cons:
  • Higher starting price compared to some competitors
  • The user interface could be more intuitive
  • Some users may find the setup process to be time-consuming

5. CosmoLex - Best for small to medium law firms with built-in accounting

CosmoLex is a well-rounded legal billing software that's designed to address the specific needs of small to medium law firms. What sets it apart is its built-in accounting features that provide a comprehensive view of a firm's financial status.

Why I Picked CosmoLex:

I picked CosmoLex because of its all-inclusive design that specifically caters to smaller law firms. While many tools focus on billing, CosmoLex also offers accounting capabilities, which is a unique attribute that can greatly benefit smaller firms. I believe CosmoLex is best for smaller law firms, due to its combined billing and accounting offering that simplifies financial management.

Standout features & integrations:

CosmoLex shines with its time and expense tracking, invoicing, and built-in full legal accounting. It helps maintain trust accounting compliance effortlessly. The software also provides robust reporting for a detailed analysis of your firm’s financials. It seamlessly integrates with LawPay for easy payment processing, and it also connects with QuickBooks for enhanced accounting capabilities.

Pricing:

Pricing for CosmoLex starts from $79/user/month. This includes access to all the features the software has to offer, from billing to accounting.

• Pros:
  • Combines billing with comprehensive accounting features
  • Built-in compliance features for trust accounting
  • Powerful integration with LawPay and QuickBooks
• Cons:
  • Pricing may be a bit high for solo practitioners
  • Some users might find the user interface a bit complex
  • Setup and learning curve may take some time

6. Soluno - Best for its highly customizable billing features

Soluno is a cloud-based law firm management and billing solution designed to help law firms manage their operations more effectively. The tool's high level of customization, particularly when it comes to billing, makes it suitable for law firms with specific invoicing needs.

Why I Picked Soluno:

I chose Soluno for its great flexibility in the billing process. It offers customizable billing features that can be tailored to different client scenarios, making it ideal for firms that require a high degree of personalization in their billing practices. I determined that Soluno is the best for those seeking customizable billing features because it allows law firms to create and adjust their billing practices as needed.

Standout features & integrations:

One of Soluno's standout features is its flexible and customizable billing process, which includes batch invoicing, split billing, and multiple billing rates. It also provides strong time tracking and case management features. In terms of integrations, Soluno integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks Online for accounting purposes and LawPay for secure payment processing.

Pricing:

The pricing for Soluno starts from $38/user/month. This price includes the full suite of its features, with no additional costs for set-up or maintenance.

• Pros:
  • Highly customizable billing features
  • Integrates with QuickBooks Online and LawPay
  • Offers strong case management and time tracking features
• Cons:
  • Might be slightly complicated for users without tech experience
  • Pricing may be a bit high for solo practitioners
  • User interface might seem a bit dated

7. Thomson Reuters eBillingHub - Best for large law firms seeking enhanced billing compliance

Thomson Reuters eBillingHub is a well-established, streamlined eBilling solution developed specifically for law firms. It provides an efficient process to create, submit, adjust, and track bills electronically. Given its robust billing compliance capabilities, it is particularly suitable for larger law firms that need to manage complex client requirements.

Why I Picked Thomson Reuters eBillingHub:

I selected Thomson Reuters eBillingHub for its unparalleled reputation in the industry and its robust compliance features. When assessing various tools, it stood out for its detailed billing guidelines and the ability to manage complex and unique client requirements, thereby reducing errors and rejections. I believe it's best for large law firms seeking enhanced billing compliance due to these features and the smooth, error-free billing process it enables.

Standout features & integrations:

Thomson Reuters eBillingHub offers several noteworthy features, including automatic compliance checks against client billing rules and real-time analytics to help manage and optimize the billing process. It also allows for electronic bill submission directly from a law firm’s existing billing system. In terms of integrations, it works seamlessly with many leading law practice management systems, making it convenient to streamline billing and management.

Pricing:

Pricing information for Thomson Reuters eBillingHub is not publicly available and would likely be customized based on the size and needs of the law firm. Therefore, pricing is upon request.

• Pros:
  • Robust billing compliance features
  • Seamless integration with leading law practice management systems
  • Real-time analytics for billing process optimization
• Cons:
  • Pricing information is not publicly available
  • May be too complex for smaller law firms
  • Limited customization compared to some other solutions

8. PracticePanther - Best for its intuitive interface and client portal

PracticePanther is a comprehensive legal practice management software designed with a user-friendly interface. It offers a broad suite of features including billing, time tracking, case management, and a client portal. It stands out as best for its intuitive interface and client portal, which enhances client engagement and fosters transparency.

Why I Picked PracticePanther:

I chose PracticePanther because of its excellent user experience and the impressive client portal feature. It's clear that significant thought has been put into its design, with a focus on simplicity and usability. Its user interface is intuitive, making it easy for users to navigate and access its wide range of functionalities. Moreover, its client portal stands out as it allows law firms to communicate, share files, and invoice clients securely, reinforcing my belief that it is best for its intuitive interface and client portal.

Standout features & integrations:

Key features of PracticePanther include contact and case management, task and event tracking, time tracking, invoicing, and notably, a client portal. This client portal is a standout, allowing secure communication and document sharing with clients. PracticePanther also integrates with a large number of other software such as QuickBooks, G Suite, Dropbox, and Microsoft Office, helping to streamline operations.

Pricing:

Pricing for PracticePanther starts from $39/user/month (billed annually). It's worth noting that this pricing includes unlimited users, matters, and storage.

• Pros:
  • User-friendly, intuitive interface
  • Client portal for secure communication and document sharing
  • Wide range of integrations
• Cons:
  • Higher cost compared to some other options
  • Advanced analytics may be lacking
  • Customization options could be more extensive

9. Clio Manage - Best for extensive third-party integrations and flexibility

Clio Manage is a robust, cloud-based legal practice management solution that caters to law firms of various sizes. It offers an array of features including case management, billing, and document management. It stands out for its extensive third-party integrations and flexibility, making it adaptable to the diverse needs of law firms.

Why I Picked Clio Manage:

In the realm of legal practice management solutions, Clio Manage has always stood out to me. I picked it due to its broad range of integrations with other popular tools and platforms, offering a flexibility that can accommodate the unique workflows of different law firms. Whether a firm is leveraging cloud storage, email platforms, or accounting software, Clio Manage integrates seamlessly, reinforcing my view that it is best for its extensive third-party integrations and flexibility.

Standout features & integrations:

Clio Manage excels with features such as task management, time tracking, billing, and secure messaging. Moreover, it offers a client portal for sharing updates and documents with clients. Importantly, Clio Manage provides integrations with over 200 apps including Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, Dropbox, and QuickBooks, to name a few, offering the flexibility law firms need to maintain efficient operations.

Pricing:

Clio Manage pricing starts from $39/user/month (billed annually). There are also more feature-rich plans available at higher price points.

• Pros:
  • Extensive third-party integrations
  • Highly flexible and adaptable to various workflows
  • Client portal for secure communication and document sharing
• Cons:
  • Some users might find the interface a bit complex
  • Reporting features could be more robust
  • Some useful features are only available in higher-priced plans

10. MyCase - Best for its client communication tools alongside billing functions

MyCase is a comprehensive, cloud-based legal practice management software that provides robust billing and client communication tools. It supports law firms by streamlining case management, document handling, and client communication, all while facilitating seamless billing processes. Its client communication tools are particularly effective, making it a standout choice for law firms that place high value on client interaction.

Why I Picked MyCase:

MyCase captured my attention due to its impressive balance of billing functions and client communication tools. After comparing it with several other options, I found that MyCase particularly stands out for its integrated client portal which enhances communication and collaboration with clients. This, coupled with its robust billing functions, leads me to believe that it is best suited for law firms looking to improve their client communication while maintaining efficient billing practices.

Standout features & integrations:

MyCase shines with its efficient case management, customizable invoicing, and payment processing features. However, its client portal steals the spotlight by allowing secure messaging, sharing of documents, and even online payment for clients. As for integrations, MyCase works well with QuickBooks for synchronized invoicing and accounting, and also integrates with Dropbox and Google Calendar for seamless document management and scheduling.

Pricing:

Pricing for MyCase starts from $49/user/month (billed annually).

• Pros:
  • Integrated client portal for effective communication and collaboration
  • Customizable invoicing and payment processing features
  • Useful integrations with QuickBooks, Dropbox, and Google Calendar
• Cons:
  • Some users may find the user interface less intuitive
  • Lack of a native document assembly feature
  • Limited third-party integrations compared to some competitors

Below is a list of additional legal billing software tool options that we shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 10. Definitely worth checking them out.

• Smokeball - Good for its automatic time tracking capabilities
• TimeSolv - Goodfor its detailed reporting and analysis features
• CARET Legal (Zola Suite) - Good for its unified platform for case management and billing

How I Picked The Best Legal Billing Software

Choosing the right legal billing software can be a challenging task due to the various options available. I have personally tested and evaluated dozens of such tools and have considered multiple aspects to make this list. For these tools, I specifically looked for advanced invoicing capabilities, client management, and time tracking among other features. Here are the key criteria I focused on:

Core Functionality:

• Invoicing: The tool should have robust invoicing capabilities with customizable templates.
• Time tracking: An essential feature to track billable hours accurately.
• Client management: The software should provide an easy way to manage and organize client information.
• Payment processing: The tool should provide a convenient way to process payments and manage financial transactions.
• Document management: The ability to store, track, and manage legal documents is a must.

Key Features:

• Integration: The ability to integrate with other software such as email clients, calendars, or accounting software is crucial for streamlining workflow.
• Security: Given the sensitive nature of legal work, the tool should have robust security measures to protect client data.
• Compliance: The tool should assist in maintaining compliance with legal billing regulations.
• Reporting: Detailed reporting features to analyze performance, client profitability, and other crucial metrics.

Usability:

• User Interface: The tool should have a clean, intuitive interface that requires minimal training to navigate. For legal billing software, it's beneficial to have easy access to client information, invoices, and a dashboard for a quick overview of tasks and billable hours.
• Onboarding: It should provide a smooth onboarding process with useful resources such as tutorials, guides, or customer support.
• Customer support: Reliable and responsive customer support to assist with any queries or issues that arise.
• Role-based access: This is particularly important in a law firm where different levels of access are required for different roles, such as paralegals, partners, and associates.

By using these criteria, I was able to select tools that not only provide comprehensive functionality but also offer an optimal user experience.

Common Features Of Legal Billing Software

1. Time Tracking: One of the most important features of legal billing software is time tracking. This allows lawyers to accurately record billable hours spent on various tasks, ensuring that no billable minute goes unaccounted for. Time tracking can also help law firms identify inefficiencies and streamline their operations, potentially increasing profitability.

2. Invoicing: Another essential feature is invoicing. Good legal billing software allows users to generate detailed, customizable invoices based on the tracked time and expenses. This ensures accurate and transparent billing, reducing the potential for disputes with clients and enhancing the firm's reputation for professionalism and integrity.

3. Trust Accounting: Trust accounting is a key feature for law firms, as they often handle client funds. Trust accounting capabilities help manage and track these funds separately from the firm's own funds, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical regulations. This also helps to maintain trust with clients as their funds are managed correctly and transparently.

4. Expense Tracking: Legal billing software should also include an expense tracking feature. This enables law firms to accurately record and bill for out-of-pocket expenses, such as court fees, travel costs, and research expenses. By clearly itemizing these costs, firms can ensure they are adequately compensated for all expenses incurred during the representation.

5. Client Management: Client management is another critical feature of legal billing software. This feature provides an efficient way to store and manage essential client information like contact details, case history, and billing information. It enables law firms to deliver personalized service and improve client relations.

6. Document Management: Legal work involves dealing with a large volume of documents. Having a built-in document management system in the billing software can greatly improve efficiency. It provides a centralized place for storing, searching, and accessing important documents such as contracts, case files, and correspondence.

7. Reporting and Analytics: Legal billing software should offer comprehensive reporting and analytics. This can provide valuable insights into a firm's financial health, productivity, client profitability, and more. These insights can inform strategic decision-making, helping to drive the firm's growth and success.

8. Integration Capabilities: The ability to integrate with other software systems is a valuable feature. This allows law firms to streamline their operations by connecting their billing software with email clients, calendars, or accounting software, reducing the need for duplicate data entry and improving overall efficiency.

9. Security: Given the sensitive nature of legal work, robust security features are a must. This includes encryption, two-factor authentication, and secure data backups. These measures help protect client data and the firm's reputation.

10. Mobile Access: In today's digital world, having mobile access to your billing software can greatly enhance flexibility and productivity. Lawyers can track time, generate invoices, or access client information on-the-go, ensuring continuous and efficient operation even outside the office.

Legal Billing Software FAQ’s

Question: What are the benefits of using legal billing software?

Answer: There are several benefits of using legal billing software. These include improved efficiency through automated time tracking and invoicing, more accurate billing which can reduce disputes with clients, better financial management through detailed reporting and analytics, improved client management, and the ability to securely manage and access important documents and client data. Legal billing software can also integrate with other systems, reducing the need for duplicate data entry and improving overall efficiency.

Question: How much do legal billing software tools typically cost?

Answer: The cost of legal billing software can vary significantly based on the size of the law firm, the specific features needed, and the pricing model of the software provider. Some providers offer a flat monthly fee, while others charge per user or per active matter.

Question: What are the pricing models for legal billing software?

Answer: Legal billing software generally follows one of several pricing models. Some providers charge a flat monthly fee that includes a certain number of users and features. Others charge on a per-user basis, meaning the more users you have, the higher the cost. There may also be tiered pricing models, where more features and functionality are included at higher price points.

Question: What is the typical range of pricing for legal billing software?

Answer: The pricing for legal billing software can range from as low as $20 per user per month to several hundred dollars per user per month, depending on the features and functionality included. Some providers also offer discounts for annual payments or for larger firms with many users.

Question: What is the cheapest legal billing software?

Answer: As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, some of the more affordable legal billing software options include Zoho Invoice and FreshBooks, which have plans starting at around $15 per user per month. Please check the latest pricing on their official websites for the most accurate information.

Question: What is the most expensive legal billing software?

Answer: Some of the more premium legal billing software, such as Clio Manage and Thomson Reuters eBillingHub, can be more expensive, with prices reaching several hundred dollars per user per month for their top-tier plans.

Question: Are there any free legal billing software options?

Answer: Some legal billing software providers may offer a free version of their product, but these are typically very limited in terms of features and functionality. A few providers may also offer a free trial period, which can be a good way to test out the software before committing to a paid plan.

Question: Can I use legal billing software even if I'm a solo practitioner?

Answer: Absolutely. Many legal billing software options are scalable and can be just as beneficial for solo practitioners as they are for larger firms. They can help you track your time, generate invoices, manage client information, and keep track of important documents, all of which can save you valuable time and help you focus more on your legal work.

Concluding this journey through the world of legal billing software, it becomes clear that the right tool can boost your firm's billing efficacy, precision, and productivity. Each software examined in this blog post presents distinct benefits, designed to cater to different law firm sizes, specializations, and budgets. So as you review your selection, consider:

1. Identify Your Needs: Before diving into the search for the perfect legal billing software, it's essential to have a clear understanding of your specific needs. Do you require advanced time tracking, a client portal, extensive reporting features, or integration with your current systems? Different software solutions excel in different areas, so having a list of must-haves will guide your decision and ensure the software you choose aligns with your business requirements.

2. Consider the Software's Usability: The interface and usability of your legal billing software are equally as important as its features. An intuitive, user-friendly platform not only facilitates the onboarding process but also impacts daily operations, user adoption rates, and overall productivity. Look for software with an interface that's easy to navigate and provides excellent customer support for any potential issues that may arise.

3. Focus on Value, Not Just Price: While staying within budget is important, the cheapest option may not always be the best one. Consider the value the software will bring in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and improved client relations. Remember, the right legal billing software can pay for itself over time by automating manual tasks, reducing errors, and providing insights that can lead to better business decisions.

The right choice in legal billing software can promote transparency in client relationships, minimize administrative burdens, and ultimately, free up more time for practicing law. So, step forward and equip your law firm with technology that meets your requirements.

What Do You Think?

We hope this guide has been helpful as you navigate your options for legal billing software. However, we know the landscape is vast and ever-changing, with new products coming to the market regularly. If you're using a tool that you believe should be included in our list, please don't hesitate to let us know. We're always eager to learn about new and effective solutions. Your input can help make this guide even more comprehensive and valuable for other readers. Thank you in advance for your contributions!