Accounting programs for lawyers make your legal services run more effectively and efficiently. There are many accounting programs available and most are designed to improve time management, billing, accounting, and case management.
To save you time, here is a review of the top 7 law firm accounting software designed specifically for lawyers. Hopefully, you will find the best software program that is the right fit for your legal services.
#1: Clio
Clio’s focus is to reduce the number of time lawyers spend on administrative tasks. The best part about Clio is that you only need to pay for the monthly subscription. After you subscribe, you won’t need a network administrator to maintain the software and you can run it on your PC or mobile device.
In regards to security, Clio’s cloud-based allows you to store sensitive information on your computer while being accessible to you anywhere.
Clio is one of the most simple accounting software programs for lawyers by handling all your basic administrative tasks while on the go.
Features:
- Matter Management
- Time Tracking
- Billing
- Client Payments
- Legal Accounting
- Calendar
- Lead Tracking
- Document Management
Pricing starts at $39 per month and you can get started with a trial using just your email.
#2: Xero
Xero has been rising in popularity in recent years and has been in competition with QuickBooks (#5 on this list).
Xero features an easy-to-use software service because it is entirely web hosted. There is no downloads or installations required. You can access your accounting information from any device and all browsers (Google, Firefox, Windows, etc.).
With a subscription to Xero, you can add unlimited users to manage your accounting. There is no additional fee for users which is common in other accounting software services on this list.
The highlighting feature of Xero is that is most useful for small law firms and includes comprehensive user guides as well as responsible customer support.
Features:
- Payroll Management
- Unlimited Users
- Expense Tracking
- Invoicing and Billing
- Customizable Reports
- W2’s and 1099’s
- Direct Deposit
Xero’s starter plan limits you to 5 bills and 20 bank transactions. However, you can try their software free for 30 days.
#3: Bill4Time
Bill4Time is a dedicated billing software solution for lawyers. They focus on providing law firms with the ability to create professional invoices quickly and easily.
Clients will have the option to pay online which will be tracked and recorded on the dashboard. Bill4Time accepts Paypal, Stripe, and all major credit cards. From a billing perspective, Bill4Time makes client billing seamless.
Features:
- Client Billing
- Time Tracking
- Invoice Templates
- Client and Account Management
- Reporting
- Online Payments
- Expense Tracking
- Mobile Apps
Bill4Time’s starting price is focused on solo law practitioners with more options for those running a law firm with multiple partners. You can also sign up to try Bill4Time for 30 days.
#4: Legal Files
Legal Files provides case management and matter management solutions to improve a law firm’s legal management needs.
Legal Files is commonly used by corporate legal departments, law firms, university legal departments, insurance companies, and various levels of government.
Its features allow lawyers to manage their cases, emails, documents and contracts, contact information, e-billing, and invoicing. Legal Files’ key feature is that it allows lawyers to automate their office workflow to free up time for lawyer’s to dedicate to their clients.
Features:
- Corporate Matter Management
- Government Case Management
- University Matter Management
- Insurance Litigation Management
- Contract Management
- Law Firm Case Management
- Investigation Management
- Legal Aid Case Management
Legal Files offers pricing licensing packages with a one-time payment. You’ll have to contact the company for more information on a package that suits your firm.
#5: QuickBooks
QuickBooks made the list because it provides a powerful accounting software solution for every industry. It has detailed reporting metrics allowing you to capture the costs of all your firm’s activities. From gas mileage to expenses to payroll, QuickBooks does it all.
QuickBooks for its well-rounded accounting solutions and robust set of features. They have an as strong reputation and have been in operations since 1983.
While the capabilities of using QuickBooks and all its add-ons may seem overwhelming, their user interface and customer support make integration into your law firm’s accounting needs simple and straightforward.
Features:
- Cash Flow Control
- Expense Organization
- Spending Automation
- Custom Invoicing
- Easy Payment Solutions
- One-click Reporting
- Multiple-user Access
- Payroll Solutions
- Taxing
QuickBooks has some of the most affordable pricing plans for their accounting software. You can save 50% by purchasing right away or start with a trial for 30 days. There are also additional add-ons such as Enhanced Payroll ($19/month) and Full-Service Payroll ($49/month) available for the Simple Start, Essentials and Plus plans.
#6: PCLaw by LexisNexis
PCLaw by LexisNexis is a trusted software management solution used by over 15 000 law firms. It offers complete control over your billing and lets you charge for the time effectively.
PCLaw is a robust accounting software for lawyers and is streamlined toward accurate billing through their Time Entry Advisor.
Installing PCLaw just takes minutes and all upgrades are managed within your maintenance plan. For a worry-free, lawyerfocused accounting software, PCLaw would be a great choice.
Features:
- Accurate Time Tracking
- User-Friendly Interface
- Billable Hours Tracking
- Accounts Payable, Receivable, and Banking
- Financial Reporting
- Trust Accounting
- Advanced Security Settings
- Visual Analytics
#7: ProLaw by Thomson Reuters
Thomson Reuters is a dedicated and trusted intelligence technology company that has developed ProLaw specifically for lawyer’s accounting needs.
This accounting software is suitable for mid- to large sized law firms. Their suite of accounting solutions provides expense management along with mobile tracking for lawyers who spend time working on cases remotely.
Like other law firm accounting software on this list, ProLaw offers custom invoicing, accurate tracking, and document management. The program is more sophisticated than others here but their training modules and both online and email support provide you with the help you need to get set up.
Features:
- Case and Matter Management
- Secured Data Storage
- Financial Reporting (1099s, Budget, Billing, etc.)
- Cost Recovery
- Expense Tracking
- Calendaring & Docking
- General Ledger
- Online Bill Payments
- Billing and Invoicing
- Bank Reconciliation
- Accounts Billable and Receivable
To start using ProLaw, you’ll have to contact their sales team for a quote.