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 Introduction to Legal Practice Management Software

What used to be a brief overview of legal practice management software has now become a competitive market with a wide range of applications and providers all vying for your law firm's attention. In 2022, you have more options than ever before when it comes to selecting the right software to help you streamline your legal practice.

For some firms just starting their search for case management software, the process can feel overwhelming. But fear not, we are here to assist you.

Having worked closely with numerous law firms across North America, we have engaged in many discussions about legal practice management software. What features do they like? What do they dislike? What transitions are they making?

From cloud-based to server/desktop-based, from case management to billing and accounting, this guide outlines the most popular and effective legal practice management software for law firms in 2022.

Types of Legal Software

First, a quick note.

Legal software is known by various names and categories, some of which can be broad, overlapping, and somewhat ambiguous. Generally, legal software falls into three distinct categories:

Practice Management - Includes Timekeeping, Billing, Client/Contact Management, Calendar Management, Docketing, and Form Generation.

Document Management - Involves Document Storage, Email Management, Version Control, Indexing/Search, and Tagging.

Accounting - Covers Business Accounting, Trust Accounting, General Ledger/Accounts Receivable/Accounts Payable, and Financial Reporting.

However, there are software products that focus primarily on one of these categories but also include features from another. For example, Time Matters is primarily considered a Practice Management application but includes several Document Management features. Similarly, PCLaw and CosmoLex are both Practice Management systems with integrated, comprehensive accounting functionalities.

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