Legal practice management software is specialized software that centralizes, organizes, and protects a law firm’s operations processes. The best of these software solutions act as a complete system for every aspect of a caseload; they consolidate a firm’s practice into a single, secure source of truth that is accessible to staff. 

Some of the most helpful features of a legal platform for lawyers include data storage, time tracking, client communications, and other tools to bolster the practice of law. And a few of these platforms are even cloud-based, meaning lawyers can access them through mobile devices — so they don’t have to be in the office!

The benefit of using this software is threefold:

  • Attorneys get a smoother workflow.
  • Clients get a better customer experience.
  • Law firms get improved operations as well as actionable business steps to help their bottom line.
What Does Legal Practice Management Software Do

For law firms, there is a wide range of software to choose from — but notably, not every software suits smaller and midsize firms. The best law practice management software for solo practitioners and smaller firms will not only perform well, but be cost-effective and flexible where it counts (for example, being mobile-friendly).

If you’ve been looking through law practice management software reviews trying to find what’s best for you, look no further — we at PracticePanther are here to help! Keep reading as we outline what software can do for a lawyer, their management system, and their firm overall.

In short, legal practice management software supports each step of working with a firm’s caseload, from intake to billing. The software encompasses a variety of features that improve lead management, cybersecurity, data storage, client communications, and much more.

Some of the most important benefits of legal practice management software include:

  • Improved Caseload Organization | Unlike typical project management software, legal case management software helps with the most detailed aspects of attorney work — for example, tracking billable hours or onboarding new clients. And rather than simply storing data on your caseload, the right software helps you organize and categorize your caseload in a variety of ways. Using software for organization is not only great for efficiency, but it also allows you to gather data on your practice that will support and direct business objectives.
  • Increased Firm Security | The most critical part of legal work is client confidentiality, and software is no exception to this rule. Thankfully, most legal-specific software is compliant with Rule 1.15, with the best platforms taking extra steps to ensure security around client data. With centralized databases and multiple layers of encryption possible, the best software is just as safe (and oftentimes safer) than working strictly on paper.
  • Smoother Operations Processes | Consolidating your firm’s entire workload into a single system does wonders for efficiency, accessibility, and communication — both internal and external. Not only does it become easier to find and reference key documents, but it’s also easier to communicate with your clients, be it through two-way business texting or attorney-client portals. The right software also optimizes the billing process, including invoicing and payment.

How To Choose the Best Software for Law Firms: The Basics

When deciding on software for your firm, a few good guidelines can help make your search a lot easier. Here are some key things to consider when searching for a software provider:

  • Ask a lot of questions about each provider’s security measures. How well-protected are their databases, and by what measures? Have they dealt with data breaches before, and if so, how did they respond? In the digital age, cyber-attacks are unfortunately a matter of “when” rather than “if,” so being prepared is paramount. With this, it’s always a good idea to ask for a free demo so you can see how the software works firsthand.
  • Flexibility is essential. While the question “Does it scale?” has become somewhat of a platitude, it actually does matter for legal software — particularly for small to midsize firms. If that describes your practice, it’s especially important your software is easy to use and even easier to take along with you. Mobile-friendliness, legible user interfaces, and convenient time tracking all matter for case management software.
  • Consider how the software will support client relationships. Part of what makes attorney work so challenging is that, in addition to being a demanding role with a rigorous code of ethics, it also requires you to be good at connecting with clients. But connection is about more than having people skills; it’s also about having the means to connect in the first place. Legal software should make each part of the client communication process easier, from their initial intake all the way to the final invoice they pay you.
  • Price isn’t everything (well, sort of). What we mean by that is you shouldn’t be swayed by a cheaper price tag, or even a bigger one. You generally get what you pay for in legal software, meaning that if you go for something advertised as “free,” you’ll likely get meager performance. But on the other hand, a hefty price tag doesn’t always ensure quality; do your due diligence and make sure you are indeed getting what you’re paying for. This leads us right to the final point…
  • Look at multiple options before deciding. To quote the ABA, “Always shop around before entering into an agreement. You will never know which third-party providers are offering added protections unless many different providers are consulted.” If you’re not sure where to get started, check out this buyer’s guide on the different types of legal software. 
Who Uses Practice Management Software in a Law Firm

Who Uses Practice Management Software in a Law Firm?

Everyone in a law firm can get some helpful uses out of practice management software if it’s a high-quality solution. For example:

  • Lawyers can centralize their entire workflow — from time tracking to accounting and even client communications — all while maintaining compliance and data security.
  • Paralegals and legal assistants will have better tools for document management, client intake, deadline management, and even accepting e-payments (that’s right—no more time wasted calling about payments!)
  • Finance staff and accounting can work hand-in-hand with lawyers on their trust accounting, from managing client funds to ensuring proper reconciliation. Additionally, financial reporting becomes miles easier, which makes it simpler to budget, forecast, and audit.

It’s not an exaggeration to say that everyone in a law firm can (and should) use practice management software. Solutions like PracticePanther are created with this in mind: to bring everyone together into one single source of shared truth, making it easier to succeed as a firm.

And speaking of PracticePanther…

While we at PracticePanther might seem biased in saying our software is the best, we’re not the only ones saying it, and there are plenty of reasons why. Our software solution is the best all-in-one way to support your firm’s success, no matter your size or specialization. 

Whether you’re a solo criminal defense lawyer, a team of family law practitioners, or a firm that does a bit of everything, our platform has the tools you need to succeed — all while keeping your practice safe and your clients’ data secure. And thanks to our mobile app, you don’t need to be in the office to make full use of our software!

Ready to make your life as a legal professional a whole lot easier? Try out PracticePanther for free today, or click the button below to schedule a free demo. We look forward to helping your firm flourish!

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