Managing a law firm or Corporate Service Provider (CSP) requires juggling tasks like client management, billing, document storage, and compliance. Legal practice management software can simplify these processes and help your business run more smoothly.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best legal practice management software options, including Zygos Legal & CSPs Practice Management, which caters to both law firms and CSPs. We’ll also provide a pros-and-cons comparison for each one of them, helping you choose the best fit for your needs.
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Comparing the Top Legal Practice Management Software
| Software | Zygos | Actionstep | Clio | MyCase | PracticePanther | CosmoLex |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price (per user/month) | €25 | €78 + Setup Fee | €34 | €34 | €43 | €87 |
| Best For | All-in-One Solution | Workflow Automation | Small & Medium Firms | Case management | Easy to Use | Solo Practitioners |
| Client Management | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Document Management | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Billing & Time Tracking | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Compliance Management | ✓ | X | X | X | X | X |
| Workflow Automation | ✓ | ✓ | X | X | ✓ | X |
| Client Portal | X | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Accounting | X | ✓ | Only in the U.S. | X | X | ✓ |
*Prices for tools were compared based on their annual lower monthly fees per user. All the products charge per seat, and charge either monthly or yearly fees.
**Some of the tools come with setup fees.
1. Zygos – Best All-in-One Practice Management Software
Zygos is a flexible tool built for both law firms and CSPs. It offers features like client management, billing, document storage, compliance tracking, and workflow automation. Zygos is a good choice for firms managing both legal and corporate services.
Key Features
- Client Management: Organize client information and track communications.
- Document Management: Store and manage legal and compliance documents.
- Billing & Time Tracking: Record billable hours and generate invoices.
- AML Screening: Automatically screen clients against PEP, sanctions, and international watchlists, while performing Client Risk Assessments (CRA).
- Workflow Automation: Automate repetitive tasks for efficiency.
- Accounting Integration: Sync with external accounting software.
Pros
- Both Legal & Corporate Services Management
- Great Compliance Tracking
- Integrations with third-party software (such as accounting, etc.)
Cons
- Limited client portal capabilities
- The integrated accounting feature is not included
Pricing
Pricing for Zygos starts at €25 per user/month.
Best For
Zygos is ideal for small-to-medium-sized law firms offering legal and corporate services.
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2. Actionstep – Best for Workflow Automation
Actionstep is a customizable, cloud-based software known for its workflow automation. It’s ideal for law firms that want to streamline manual tasks and customize workflows to fit their processes.
Key Features:
- Workflow Automation: Automate tasks and processes.
- Case Management: Handle all aspects of legal case management.
- Client Portal: Securely share documents and communicate with clients.
- Billing & Accounting: Manage invoicing and legal accounting.
Pros
- Strong automation features
- Highly customizable
Cons
- Initial setup is complicated and may cost extra
- Too complex for smaller firms
Pricing
ActionStep does not publicly offer its pricing, and you need to contact them. Online sources state their starting pricing at €78 but recent increases in price mention up to €333.
Best For
ActionStep is better for bigger firms that want to standardize and customize their automations.
3. Clio – Practice Management for Small & Medium Firms
Clio is a widely used cloud-based software offering a range of essential features like case management, billing, and client communication. Its simple interface makes it a good fit for firms of any size.
Key Features
- Case Management: Track tasks, deadlines, and case details.
- Billing & Invoicing: Automate invoices and handle payments.
- Client Portal: Secure document sharing and client communication.
- Integration: Connects with tools like QuickBooks and Microsoft 365.
Pros
- Combining law and accounting practices into one software
- Easy to use
- Automated invoicing
Cons
- Lacks advanced automation capabilities
- Cost can ramp up quickly as unlocking features or integrations might need higher tiers
Pricing
Lower tier: €34 per user/month
Mid-tier: €69 per user/month
Mid-tier 2: €96 per user/month
Higher-tier: €122 per user/month
Best For
Small to Medium-sized law firms that offer both legal and accounting services.
4. MyCase – Simple to Use Case Management Software
MyCase is a simple and affordable legal practice management solution for small to medium-sized law firms. It focuses on client communication and billing, offering essential features without unnecessary complexity.
Key Features
- Client Communication: Built-in messaging and document sharing tools.
- Billing & Time Tracking: Track billable hours and easily create invoices.
- Task Management: Keep track of deadlines and tasks.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy-to-use
- No setup work or additional fees needed
Cons
- Limited suite of features
- Not suitable for bigger firms
Pricing
Lower-tier: €34 per user/month.
Mid-tier: €78 per user/month.
Higher-tier: €95 per user/month.
Best For
Smaller firms and solo professionals.
5. PracticePanther – Best for U.S.-Based Legal Firms
PracticePanther is designed to be intuitive and offers a wide array of features such as document management, billing, and time tracking. It’s suitable for firms of all sizes, offering scalability as your business grows.
Key Features
- Document Management: Store and organize legal files.
- Billing Automation: Automate invoicing and track payments.
- Client Portal: Securely communicate with clients and share documents.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Complete feature suite
Cons
- Limited automation features
- Lacking in customer support
- Expensive for smaller firms
Pricing
Lower-tier: €43 per user/month.
Mid-tier: €60 per user/month.
Higher-tier: €78 per user/month.
Best For
Medium-sized firms, especially in the U.S., might not be suitable for all jurisdictions.
6. CosmoLex – Great for Legal + Accounting Practice Management
CosmoLex is an all-in-one practice management software with built-in legal accounting. It is perfect for firms looking for an integrated system to manage both legal work and financial tasks.
Key Features
- Built-in Accounting: Manage legal-specific accounting and trust management.
- Time & Expense Tracking: Track billable hours and manage expenses.
- Document Management: Securely store and manage legal files.
Pros
- Comprehensive accounting features
- Financial and legal tasks in one system
Cons
- Too expensive for most firms
- Many unnecessary features for legal firms
Pricing
Mid-tier: €87 per user/month.
Higher-tier: €113 per user/month
Best for
Firms are looking for an integrated system to manage both legal work and financial tasks.
Conclusion
Choosing the right legal practice management software depends on your firm’s specific needs, size, and main activities.
We stand by Zygos as the best overall option offering a complete practice management solution for legal offices, especially those that deal with entity management for their clients.