6 Best Legal Software for Small Law Firms

Factors to Consider When Choosing Tech for a Small Firm

When selecting the right legal software for your small law firm, it’s important to make sure it fits your firm’s unique needs and helps simplify your daily tasks.

Here are some key factors to keep in mind:

Budget

You’ve got to think about the cost. Smaller firms often need to watch their expenses, so it’s essential to pick software that doesn’t break the bank.

However, don’t go for the cheapest option just to save money. You’ll want to strike a balance between affordability and getting the features you need.

Ease of Use

Complicated software isn’t going to help anyone. Look for tools that are easy to use and don’t require much training.

This is especially important if your team isn’t very tech-savvy. You’ll want software that’s straightforward and lets you hit the ground running.

Cloud-based vs. On-premise

Cloud-based software is becoming the go-to option for small firms because it offers flexibility.

You can access your data from anywhere, which is perfect for lawyers who work remotely or are always on the go.

On the other hand, on-premise software is installed locally on your firm’s computers, which can offer more control over your data but is less flexible.

Security

Law firms handle sensitive client information, so security is a must. Make sure the software you choose has robust security features, like encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular backups.

Your customers rely on you to protect their data, and it’s important to ensure the software you use contributes to that security.

Customer Support

Things will go wrong at some point, and when they do, you’ll need solid customer support.

Pick software that offers accessible and helpful support, whether it’s through phone, email, or live chat. Having reliable support can save you a lot of headaches.

Integrations

Your legal software shouldn’t exist in a vacuum. Look for tools that integrate with other software you’re already using, like email, calendars, or billing systems.

This will help keep your processes smooth and save you from double-entry work.

Scalability

As your firm grows, your software should grow with you. Make sure the tool you choose can handle more cases, clients, and users if needed.

This will save you from needing to switch to a new system down the road.

6 Best Legal Software for Small Law Firms

Small law firms need software that helps them handle multiple tasks efficiently without overwhelming their budget or staff.

Here’s a look at some of the best tech tools that can serve smaller firms well:

1. Briefpoint: Discovery Document Automation

Briefpoint is an AI-powered tool that takes the hassle out of drafting discovery documents.

Whether you’re dealing with requests for production, requests for admission, or interrogatories, Briefpoint speeds up the whole process to let you focus on the more important parts of the discovery process.

Here’s how it works: When you upload a discovery request, Briefpoint’s AI goes to work, pulling out all the basic info it can from the document.

In just a few minutes, you’ll have a draft filled out with most of the routine details. From there, you can tweak it by adding objections or responses using Briefpoint’s built-in menu and then finish it up in Word.

But it gets better. Briefpoint’s Bridge feature makes working with clients a breeze. You can send them the specific interrogatories they need to answer, translated into plain English.

They just fill out their responses online, and Bridge automatically integrates their answers into your document—no more endless back-and-forth emails.

Key features:

• AI-powered automation: Briefpoint takes care of the routine details in your discovery documents, so you don’t have to.
• Bridge for client responses: This feature translates legal jargon into simple language to make it easy for clients to respond. Their answers are automatically added to your documents.
• Built-in objections and responses: Customize your documents with a click by adding responses or objections from the built-in menu.

Pros:

• Automates the time-consuming parts of drafting discovery documents.
• Bridge makes it easy for clients to respond without getting lost in legal jargon.
• Client responses go directly into your document, cutting down on unnecessary communication.
• Affordable for small law firms; per-document pricing available.

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.

2. Clio: Legal Practice Management Software

Clio is one of the most popular and comprehensive law practice management software on the market.

It’s designed to help law firms of all sizes, including small firms, handle every aspect of their daily operations.

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What sets Clio apart is its flexibility. It’s cloud-based, meaning you can access it anywhere, and it integrates with a ton of other tools you might already use, like Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and QuickBooks.

Clio makes it simple for small law firms to manage their operations without juggling multiple software systems.

Key Features:

• Case management: Keep all your case information, deadlines, and notes organized in one place.
• Time tracking and billing: Track billable hours easily and create invoices in just a few clicks.
• Client portal: Communicate securely with clients through Clio’s portal, where you can share documents and messages.
• Integrations: Works with popular tools like Google Calendar, Microsoft Office, and more, to streamline your workflow.
• Mobile app: Access your cases, time tracking, and billing on the go with Clio’s mobile app.

Pros:

• Handles case management, billing, and client communication all in one platform.
• Access your cases and data from anywhere, which makes it perfect for legal professionals who work remotely or travel often.
• Clio is known for offering responsive and helpful customer service, especially for small law firms that might not have in-house IT support.
• The interface is intuitive, and you won’t need extensive training to get started.

Cons:

• While Clio offers a lot of value, it can get pricey as you add more features or users, which could be a concern for small firms with limited budgets.
• The basics are easy to pick up, but some of the more advanced features may take time to fully understand.

3. MyCase: Case Management Software

MyCase is a good when it comes to managing cases efficiently, especially for small law firms.

If you’re looking for a tool that focuses primarily on keeping all your case details organized without the extra bells and whistles of a full legal practice management system, this is the one.

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It’s designed to streamline your casework, making it easy to track deadlines, manage documents, and keep case notes all in one spot.

MyCase also has great communication features so you can keep your clients updated on their cases without ever leaving the platform.

Key features:

• Case tracking: You can easily manage all your case details in one dashboard.
• Document management: Upload, store, and organize case documents so that they’re easily accessible whenever you need them.
• Task management: Create tasks, assign them to members, and track their progress.
• Client communication: MyCase’s built-in client portal makes it simple to send case updates, share documents, and communicate securely with clients, all in one place.

Pros:

• MyCase’s strength lies in how it handles case-related tasks. It’s not cluttered with features you don’t need.
• With everything related to your cases stored in one platform, it’s easy to track progress and access documents quickly.
• You can securely communicate with clients via the client portal, share documents, and update them on their cases without relying on external tools.
• It’s simple to navigate, so you won’t waste time trying to figure out how things work.

Cons:

• MyCase is laser-focused on case management, so it may not be the best fit if you need advanced tools for other aspects of practice management.

4. CosmoLex: Billing and Accounting Software

CosmoLex is a go-to solution for small law firms that need a reliable way to manage both billing and accounting under one roof.

It’s specifically designed for law firms, which means it understands the unique requirements of legal accounting, like trust accounting and handling retainers.

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This tool combines legal billing, time tracking, and full-fledged accounting into one platform, saving you the trouble of syncing multiple systems.

For small law firms, where keeping track of finances is critical, CosmoLex simplifies the process while ensuring compliance with legal industry standards.

Key features:

• Legal billing and invoicing: Track billable hours, generate invoices and send them directly to clients from within the platform. It also lets you set up online payments.
• Trust accounting: CosmoLex includes built-in trust accounting features to help you stay compliant with regulations and avoid common accounting pitfalls.
• Time tracking: Whether you’re in the office or on the go, you can easily track billable hours and associate them with specific cases.
• Full legal accounting: Beyond billing, CosmoLex handles general ledger accounting, including expenses, payroll, and taxes—all tailored to law firm needs.

Pros:

• Ensures compliance with legal trust accounting rules, which makes it easier to manage client funds.
• The interface is intuitive, so you don’t need to be a financial expert to handle your firm’s accounting.
• Access your firm’s financial data from anywhere, making it easy to stay on top of things even when you’re away from the office.

Cons:

• If you’re looking for a broader practice management solution, you’ll need to pair it with another tool, as CosmoLex specializes in finance.
• If you’re not familiar with accounting, it might take some time to get comfortable with the deeper financial features.

5. NetDocuments: Document Management Software

NetDocuments is a solid solution for law firms looking to manage their documents securely and efficiently.

For small law firms, keeping track of all the paperwork can be a hassle, but NetDocuments simplifies the process by giving you a cloud-based system where everything is stored, organized, and easily accessible.

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It’s designed specifically for legal professionals, so it knows how important security and compliance are.

With features like advanced search and version control, you can quickly find what you need and never worry about losing track of important legal documents.

Key features:

• Cloud-based storage: You can access your documents anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re in the office, at home, or on the go, everything’s stored securely in the cloud.
• Powerful search tools: Finding a document is a breeze. You can search by keyword, metadata, or even the content of the document itself—no more endless scrolling through folders.
• Version control: NetDocuments lets you keep track of every version of a document so you can always go back to an earlier one if needed.

Pros:

• Your files are stored securely, and you can access them from anywhere, which is great for remote work or multiple office locations.
• Everything is organized in one place, making it easy to manage and find documents when you need them.
• You’ll never lose track of document changes with the version control feature, which is key when multiple people are working on the same file.

Cons:

• It’s a robust solution, so it may be pricier than simpler document management tools.
• While great at what it does, it’s focused purely on documents, so you’ll need additional software for other administrative tasks.

6. CloudLex: Matter Management Software

CloudLex is designed specifically for small and mid-sized law firms that need an efficient way to manage their legal matters from start to finish.

It’s more than just a case tracking tool—it’s a full matter management system that keeps your entire firm organized.

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One of the standout features of CloudLex is its collaborative nature. It’s built to help your team work together seamlessly, keeping everyone on the same page.

Plus, since it’s cloud-based, you can access your matters from anywhere, whether you’re in the office or working remotely.

Key features:

• Matter tracking: Keep track of all case-related information, including deadlines, tasks, and client details, in one organized platform.
• Collaboration tools: Easily share documents, tasks, and updates with your team, ensuring that everyone stays informed and aligned on case progress.
• Client communication: CloudLex includes a secure client portal, so you can communicate with clients, share documents, and provide updates without the need for endless back-and-forth emails.
• Task management: Assign tasks, set deadlines, and track their progress to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
• Cloud-based: Access your matters from anywhere, whether you’re in the office, working from home, or on the go.

Pros:

• CloudLex’s team-focused tools make it easy for everyone in your firm to work together and stay on top of case developments.
• Unlike some practice management tools that are more general, CloudLex is laser-focused on managing legal matters, making it a perfect fit for small firms.
• Clients can access updates, documents, and communications on the client portal securely, which cuts down on email overload.

Cons:

• While CloudLex excels at managing matters, it doesn’t cover billing or accounting, so you’ll need to pair it with other tools for those functions.
• Some users may find it takes a little time to get used to all of CloudLex’s features, especially if you’re new to legal software.

Build Your Tech Stack With the Right Law Firm Software

Finding the right legal software can really transform how your small law firm operates.

Whether you’re trying to stay on top of case management, billing, or organizing all those important documents, having the right tools can make a huge difference.

Tools like MyCase and NetDocuments help streamline everyday tasks, but if you’re dealing with discovery documents often, Briefpoint is the perfect way to save both time and effort.

Why not give it a try? With Briefpoint, you can cut down the hours spent on drafting discovery documents and get back to focusing on your clients.

It’s fast, and tailored for small law firms like yours, and already trusted by over 500 law firms.

Ready to see how much time you can save? Schedule a demo with Briefpoint today and discover how much smoother your workday can be!

Invest in Your Productivity With Briefpoint

Discovery responses cost firms $23,240, per year, per attorney. $23,240 estimate assumes an associate attorney salary of $150,000 (including benefits – or $83 an hour), 20 cases per year/per associate, 4 discovery sets per case, 30 questions per set, 3.5 hours spent responding to each set, and 1800 hours of billable hours per year.

Under these assumptions, you save $20,477 using Briefpoint, per year, per attorney.

Test Briefpoint yourself by scheduling a demo here.