13 Practical Lawyer Tools for Everyday Legal Work

Best Legal Document Tools

Legal paperwork can eat up hours if you’re not using the right tools. Here are a few that help you draft, send, and manage documents faster while keeping everything accurate and organized.

1. Briefpoint

Briefpoint is a legal drafting tool that automates the creation of discovery documents for litigators. It isn’t trying to replace the lawyer, but it’s definitely getting the boring parts out of your way.

Built specifically for litigators, this tool uses AI and machine learning to take care of the repetitive, time-draining work of drafting discovery requests and responses. It helps you prepare interrogatories, requests for admission, and requests for production in just a few clicks.

The best part? It actually works the way you do.

Upload a complaint or an opposing counsel’s request, and Briefpoint generates a polished Word doc with local formatting, objections, and everything else you’d expect from a solid first draft. You can customize it as needed or send it straight out.

It’s fast, easy to learn, and backed by real-world feedback from attorneys who use it every day.

Best Features

• Built for speed: Drafts full sets of RFAs, RFPs, and interrogatories in minutes, not hours.
• Smart response builder: Upload opposing counsel’s PDFs and generate complete, objection-ready responses.
• Data pulled automatically: Pulls key info like party names, court name, and case number straight from your PDFs.
• Custom objections: Pick objections from a list and apply them with a click to keep everything consistent firmwide.
• Word output ready to go: Download a court-formatted Word doc you can review, sign, and serve.
• Privacy built in: Your data is encrypted, siloed, and never used to train any AI system.
• Big time-saver: Cuts drafting time by up to 87% so you can focus on the work that matters (or make it home for dinner).

Briefpoint helps you draft smarter, move faster, and keep your evenings free. Book a demo today.

2. DocuSign

DocuSign is an e-signature tool that lets you send and sign legal documents online. Law firms trust it for a reason; it makes signing paperwork fast, simple, and secure. You don’t need to print, scan, or chase down physical signatures anymore.

Source: G2

It’s especially useful for client agreements, contracts, and any document that needs a quick turnaround. Plus, everything is tracked and time-stamped, so you always know who signed what and when.

Best Features

• Legally binding e-signatures: Valid in all 50 states and backed by strong security standards.
• Mobile-friendly: Clients can sign from their phone, tablet, or desktop.
• Audit trails: Every step of the signing process is tracked and stored.
• Fast turnaround: Speeds up client onboarding and contract approvals.

3. MyCase

MyCase is an all-in-one legal practice management platform built to help law firms stay organized. It brings your cases, documents, messages, and billing into one place so you don’t have to juggle different systems.

Source: G2

MyCase is especially helpful for small to mid-sized firms that want a simple way to manage client files, track time, send invoices, and communicate—all without leaving the dashboard.

Best Features

• Centralized document management: Store, share, and access files securely from anywhere.
• Built-in client portal: Clients can view documents, messages, and invoices in one place.
• Integrated time tracking: Log hours as you work and apply them directly to invoices.
• Automated billing: Create and send professional invoices with a few clicks.

Best Productivity Tools for Lawyers

Keeping everything on track gets tricky when you’re managing deadlines, documents, and daily chaos. Productivity tools help you organize work, get more done, and cut down on the back-and-forth while you handle the actual legal work.

4. Clio

Clio is legal software built to help legal professionals run their practice more efficiently. It brings together case management, billing, calendaring, and secure communication into one platform.

Source: G2

Whether you’re managing a solo practice or a midsize firm, Clio helps you cut down on routine tasks and stay organized.

Used across the legal services industry, Clio supports everything from time tracking to document storage, giving legal professionals more control over how they work. It’s a solid piece of legal technology that keeps things moving without the mess.

Best Features

• Full practice management: Keep cases, tasks, and contacts organized in one place.
• Time tracking and billing: Record hours and send invoices directly through the platform.
• Calendar and deadline tools: Stay on schedule with built-in reminders and synced calendars.
• Client messaging and file sharing: Communicate securely through the client portal.
• Cloud access: Work from anywhere, whether you’re in the office or on the go.
• Integrations with other legal tools: Works smoothly with platforms like QuickBooks, LawPay, and Zoom.

5. Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office remains one of the most widely used document management tools in the legal profession. Even with newer platforms out there, many legal departments and firms still rely on Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint to handle everyday tasks.

Source: G2

Microsoft Word is often the go-to for drafting motions, contracts, and letters. Excel helps track billable hours, manage budgets, and organize case data. Outlook keeps emails and scheduling under control.

These tools may not be flashy, but they’re reliable and familiar, which makes a big difference when you’re working under pressure.

Best Features

• Word processing for legal docs: Draft contracts, pleadings, and templates with advanced formatting.
• Spreadsheet tracking: Use Excel for time logs, budget planning, and case summaries.
• Email and calendar sync: Outlook helps manage communication and deadlines in one place.
• File sharing and storage: Store and organize case documents with OneDrive and SharePoint.
• Trusted across the industry: Common in legal departments and firms of all sizes.
• Boosts law firm efficiency: Keeps daily workflows simple and consistent across teams.

6. Zapier

Zapier is a no-code automation tool that connects your favorite apps to reduce manual work across law firm operations. It’s not legal software in the traditional sense, but it pairs perfectly with practice management software to make things run smoother behind the scenes.

Source: G2

Legal teams can use Zapier to connect apps like Clio, Google Sheets, Outlook, and Slack. For example, you can automatically create calendar events when new tasks are added or get a Slack alert when a client fills out a form.

It’s also helpful for integrating AI tools into your workflow without needing a developer.

Best Features

• Works with legal tools: Connects with popular practice management software like Clio or MyCase.
• No-code automation: Set up workflows without writing a single line of code.
• Supports law firm operations: Handles repetitive admin tasks so your team can focus on real work.
• Customizable triggers and actions: Automate emails, reminders, and file uploads with ease.
• AI integration ready: Combine with AI tools to create smarter, faster processes.
• Ideal for legal teams: Helps streamline collaboration and task management across departments.

Best Accounting and Billing Tools for Law Firms

Staying on top of billing and finances is just as important as handling your cases. Hourly billing, flat fees, or contingency arrangements all need a system that helps track time and collect payments.

We’ve compiled some tools that can help your firm handle billing with less stress and more accuracy.

7. QuickBooks

QuickBooks is accounting software that helps law firms handle financial tasks while staying organized. It’s used across many industries, but legal professionals—especially at personal injury firms—often rely on it to manage expenses and keep their books in order.

Source: G2

QuickBooks also works well with time tracking software and other legal tools, which helps make it easier to manage everything from billable hours to payroll. For firms juggling legal tasks and financial records, this platform keeps things clear without adding extra steps.

Best Features

• Expense tracking: Categorize spending and monitor law firm expenses in real time.
• Invoicing tools: Create, send, and track professional invoices for client matters.
• Bank syncing: Connect business accounts to see accurate balances and transactions.
• Time tracking integration: Works with time tracking software for precise billing.
• Custom reports: Build financial reports for monthly reviews or audits.
• Built for flexibility: A solid fit for personal injury firms, small practices, and growing legal teams.

8. LawPay

LawPay is payment processing software built specifically for law firms. It lets you accept credit card and ACH payments while staying compliant with legal and accounting rules.

LawPay is approved by bar associations across the country, which is why it’s a trusted option for handling sensitive client data securely.

Source: G2

It integrates with multiple tools that legal professionals already use, including practice management systems and accounting software. If you’re already using such software, adding LawPay can help complete your billing setup with little to no hassle.

Best Features

• Legal-specific payment processing: Keeps operating and trust accounts separate.
• Secure handling of sensitive client data: Built to protect payment details and client trust.
• Bar-approved compliance: Meets the rules for professional conduct and trust accounting.
• Works with multiple tools: Integrates with platforms like Clio, MyCase, and QuickBooks.
• Flexible payment options: Accepts credit cards and ACH transfers with ease.
• Simple setup: Get started quickly and start receiving payments faster.

Best Communication Tools for Lawyers

Keeping everyone in the loop takes more than just email. Clients expect timely updates, your team needs quick answers, and there’s always something that needs your attention.

Take a look at these tools that can help you manage conversations and stay on top of things.

9. Slack

Slack is a messaging platform that helps legal teams communicate quickly and stay organized. Many firms use it to replace traditional methods like long email threads and scattered group texts.

Source: G2

With Slack, everything stays in one place, such as messages, files, and updates, so you can spend less time digging through inboxes.

It’s also a helpful way to access documents, share case updates, and automate routine tasks through integrations with legal tools, calendars, and AI assistants.

Best Features

• Organized channels: Create dedicated spaces for cases, departments, or projects.
• Real-time messaging: Chat with your team instantly, without clogging your inbox.
• Easy document sharing: Access documents and files right in the conversation.
• Searchable history: Find messages, attachments, and case info fast.
• Works with many tools: Integrates with calendars, task apps, and legal software.
• Supports firm workflows: Helps automate routine and complex tasks and streamline updates across your team.

10. Zoom

As you probably know by now, Zoom is a video conferencing tool that makes virtual meetings simple for law firms. It’s widely used to meet with clients, hold team check-ins, and even attend remote hearings.

Thanks to high-quality video and easy screen sharing, Zoom helps legal professionals communicate clearly and keep meetings on track.

Source: G2

Using Zoom can improve productivity by cutting down on travel and scheduling delays. It also helps firms meet with more clients (no matter where they are) and streamline workflows by bringing face-to-face conversations online.

Best Features

• Reliable video meetings: Host secure, high-quality calls with clients and colleagues.
• Screen sharing: Review documents and presentations in real time.
• Meeting recordings: Save sessions for internal review or follow-up.
• Calendar integrations: Sync meetings with Outlook, Google Calendar, and more.
• Flexible scheduling: Book and join meetings from anywhere, on any device.
• Increases efficiency: Helps legal teams improve productivity and streamline client communication.

Best Legal Research Tools

Legal research can take up a big chunk of your day, especially when you’re juggling multiple cases. The right tools help you find case law, statutes, and legal opinions faster and with more accuracy. Here are a few of our suggestions:

11. CoCounsel (Casetext)

CoCounsel (formerly Casetext) is a legal research platform that helps you find relevant case law quickly and accurately. It uses AI to scan your arguments and match them with supporting cases, cutting down the time you’d usually spend digging through databases.

Source: ThomsonReuters.com

CoCounsel isn’t just a search tool. It’s built to support modern legal operations by connecting legal data, key documents, and arguments in one place. It also works alongside e-discovery tools, which can help you prepare stronger briefs with less back-and-forth.

Best Features

• AI-powered research: Analyze your writing and get case law suggestions that match your arguments.
• Search by concept: Go beyond keywords and search by legal ideas or outcomes.
• Works with key documents: Upload briefs or memos to find supporting cases instantly.
• Access to legal data: Explore statutes, regulations, and court opinions in one place.
• Supports legal operations: Speeds up research for teams working on multiple matters.
• Integrates with ediscovery tools: Helps connect research with your broader case preparation process.

12. LexisNexis

LexisNexis is one of the most well-known legal research tools used by firms, legal departments, and solo attorneys.

Source: LexisNexis.com

It gives you instant access to a massive database of case law, statutes, regulations, and legal commentary. Designed to increase productivity, it helps you find the information you need without jumping between different sources.

LexisNexis also includes AI capabilities and natural language processing, so it’s easier to search in plain English. You don’t have to think like a database; you just type your question or phrase, and it brings up relevant legal materials fast.

Best Features

• Comprehensive legal database: Access case law, statutes, and secondary sources in one place.
• Natural language search: Find legal content using everyday language instead of complex queries.
• AI capabilities: Smart filters and recommendations help you refine results quickly.
• Instant access to legal content: Search from anywhere with cloud-based tools.
• Practical guidance: Includes checklists, forms, and how-to materials for different practice areas.
• Productivity-focused tools: Built-in tools help legal teams research faster.

13. Fastcase

Fastcase is another legal research tool that gives lawyers access to a large database of case law, statutes, regulations, and court rules. It can help legal professionals find answers quickly and stay focused on the task at hand.

Source: Fastcase.com

Many bar associations offer Fastcase for free to their members, which makes it a smart option for solo attorneys and small firms. It’s designed with speed in mind and includes features that let you search by keyword, citation, or natural language.

Best Features

• Extensive legal database: Search case law, statutes, court rules, and more.
• Natural language search: Type in questions or phrases to find relevant results fast.
• Data visualization tools: Spot trends and citation relationships at a glance.
• Mobile app access: Use it on the go from your phone or tablet.
• Bar association access: Included with membership in many state bar organizations.
• Budget-friendly legal research: A solid alternative for firms looking to cut research costs.

Start Building Your Tech Stack With Briefpoint

Every firm has its own way of working, but the right tools can make a big difference, especially when you’re handling multiple documents, juggling deadlines, and managing client expectations. Briefpoint gives you a head start by taking care of the repetitive tasks that slow you down.

While other firms are still stuck formatting templates and typing out objections, you could already be on to the next case. Building your tech stack doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with one tool that makes a clear impact.

Briefpoint is that tool. Book a demo today and see how much time you can get back.