If you’re an attorney looking to streamline your practice, the right time and billing software can make all the difference.
But many small law firms and solo practitioners struggle to find an affordable, efficient solution tailored to their specific needs.
That’s where the best time and billing software for attorneys comes in—designed to simplify and automate your billing processes, these tools free up your time for more important tasks.
You don’t need to be tech-savvy or invest countless hours learning complex software—these solutions are user-friendly and built with busy attorneys in mind. In 2024, many of these tools have integrated the latest in technology, making them smarter and quicker than ever.
After extensive research and testing of various options available, we've curated a list of the top time and billing software for attorneys. Read on to discover the best tools to help you improve your billing accuracy, manage your time effectively, and boost your practice’s productivity.
LawPay is a specialized payment processing solution crafted exclusively for law firms to securely manage client payments while adhering to legal industry standards. Trusted by thousands of legal professionals, LawPay empowers firms to handle payments with ease, ensuring compliance with American Bar Association (ABA) and Interest on Lawyers' Trust Accounts (IOLTA) guidelines. This payment platform offers a secure environment for clients to pay invoices, make deposits, and transact, safeguarding the integrity of trust accounts.
LawPay simplifies the payment process with an array of advanced features. It guarantees the correct separation of earned and unearned fees, crucial for ethical and financial compliance. Integration with major practice management software allows seamless financial management within existing systems. Additionally, LawPay ensures that no debits occur from IOLTA accounts, protecting trust funds at all times.
Boasting a user-friendly interface, LawPay enables law firms to accept online payments quickly. Simple payment links can be shared with clients, expediting transactions and improving cash flow. LawPay claims to help firms get paid 39% faster compared to traditional methods, reducing administrative burdens. Its reliability is further endorsed by all 50 state bars, 60+ local and specialty bars, and the ABA, cementing its trustworthiness in the legal community.
LawPay's commitment to the legal industry extends beyond payment processing. It offers special promotions such as no monthly fees for a certain period, especially for state bar association members. Educational resources, including Continuing Legal Education (CLE) events, assist law firms in staying current on payment-related legal and ethical issues. LawPay provides robust technical support, ensuring any issues are promptly addressed, and maintains stringent security and privacy standards for all transactions.
TimeSolv is a robust time tracking and billing solution tailored for law firms and other professional services. Popular among solo practitioners, partners, and billing managers, TimeSolv simplifies administrative tasks through its comprehensive features and intuitive design.
The platform excels in time tracking and billing, boasting a user-friendly interface suitable for both online and offline use across various devices. Automated billing features, like retainer replenishment using credit card or ACH information, streamline the invoicing process. TimeSolv's customizable invoice templates and efficient payment processing through TimeSolvPay ensure that businesses can maintain a healthy cash flow without hidden costs.
Project management is made easier with TimeSolv's capabilities to create phases and tasks for matter management, coupled with daily to-do lists to enhance staff productivity. Dynamic dashboards offer real-time insights into key metrics and billing performance, aiding firms in making informed decisions. Data security is paramount, with the cloud-based system backing up every 10 minutes and highly encrypted data transmission.
The software also integrates seamlessly with other legal tools like Law Ruler, allowing for streamlined workflows and efficient client data management. Support for client and contact management, alongside encrypted document sharing, ensures that all client interactions are secure and efficient. TimeSolv offers assistance in migrating historical data from other systems, ensuring a smooth transition for new users.
While specific pricing details are not immediately available on their website, interested parties can contact TimeSolv directly or request a demo to obtain a customized quote.
With a commitment to enhancing efficiency, improving cash flow, and providing robust data security, TimeSolv stands as a reliable tool for law firms and professional services looking to optimize their time tracking and billing processes.
Clio is a comprehensive legal practice management software designed to help law firms manage their day-to-day operations efficiently. Trusted by legal professionals worldwide, Clio offers a robust suite of features tailored specifically for law firms to streamline workflows and maximize productivity.
Clio's core features include case management, time and expense tracking, billing and invoicing, and financial management. The software allows you to manage every detail of your cases, track and assign tasks, and oversee client communications, ensuring all deadlines and tasks are met. Time tracking is seamless, allowing entries from various interfaces and supporting real-time tracking with a running-clock timer. Billing is simplified with customizable invoices and secure online payment processing via Clio Payments, which supports various payment methods including credit, debit, and eChecks.
Document management in Clio is powerful, with advanced automation to create and fill legal documents using reusable templates. Client engagement tools such as custom online intake forms, online scheduling, and a secure client portal help firms attract and onboard new clients efficiently. Clio also integrates with numerous third-party applications like Office 365, G Suite, QuickBooks, and Slack, enhancing its functionality and allowing firms to build a complete management platform.
Additional features include automated workflows, multilingual support, digital payments, and court filing. Clio's pricing plans are designed to meet the needs of various firms, starting with the EasyStart plan at $39 per user per month (billed annually). More advanced plans offer additional features, ensuring there's a suitable option for firms of all sizes. Overall, Clio's extensive features and user-friendly interface make it a top choice for law firms seeking a reliable and efficient practice management solution.
EasyStart Plan: $39 USD per user per month (billed annually) or $49 USD per user per month (billed monthly). Essentials Plan: $79 USD per user per month (billed annually) or $89 USD per user per month (billed monthly). Advanced Plan: $109 USD per user per month (billed annually) or $129 USD per user per month (billed monthly). This plan offers advanced features and can save you over 17% compared to monthly billing. Complete Plan: $139 USD per user per month (billed annually) or $159 USD per user per month (billed monthly). This plan includes all the features from the Advanced plan plus additional tools like Clio Grow, which helps manage client intake and firm growth.
Additional features and add-ons: Clio Grow: Included in the Complete plan, but can be added as an add-on to other plans. It helps manage client intake and grow the firm. Clio Accounting: Available as an add-on to manage and analyze transactions. Personal Injury: Simplifies the management of medical records, damages, and settlements. Available as an add-on. HIPAA Liability Protection: For storing and processing protected health information in compliance with HIPAA regulations. Available as an add-on. Clio Draft: Automates routine legal drafting with easy-to-fill templates and court forms. Available as an add-on.
Payment processing fees: eCheck Payments (US): 1% fee. Credit and Debit Card Payments (US): 2.95% fee, with 3.5% for American Express. Credit Card Payments (Canada): 2.95% fee.
Bill4Time Time Tracking and Billing Software Bill4Time is a comprehensive time tracking and billing software designed specifically for law firms and other professional services. This robust tool ensures accurate time and expense tracking, helping firms capture lost revenue and maximize billable hours. With Bill4Time, users can manage their billing processes seamlessly through flexible options including hourly, flat-fee, and contingency billing. The software supports LEDES invoicing and provides customizable invoices, making it ideal for law firms and professional services that require tailored billing solutions. The software also includes a suite of project management tools, enabling users to oversee projects from start to finish. This feature includes tracking billed and non-billed time, attaching files, scheduling appointments, and maintaining a detailed audit trail of activities.
Bill4Time's trust accounting capabilities, such as IOLTA reconciliation, further enhance its suitability for legal practices by ensuring accurate management of client trust funds. Security is paramount, and Bill4Time employs strict security measures to protect user data. It offers 128-bit data encryption, daily off-site backups, and customizable user access permissions. Furthermore, integration with QuickBooks facilitates easy financial management, while the built-in report library provides valuable insights into firm productivity and billing efficiency. Bill4Time offers flexible pricing plans tailored to different needs. The Free Plan supports one user with limited clients and projects, while the Basic Plan at $19.99 per month extends capacity to two users, 20 clients, and 30 projects. For firms requiring unlimited clients and projects, the Pro Plan is available at $39.99 per user per month. Additionally, a 30-day free trial is available, allowing potential users to test the software before committing to a subscription. Praised for its user-friendly interface and effective billing functionalities, Bill4Time is a valuable tool for law firms and other professional services looking to streamline their operations and enhance their billing processes.
Free Plan: One user, three clients, five projects. It is free of charge. Basic Plan: $19.99 per month (two users, 20 clients, 30 projects). Pro Plan: $39.99 per user per month (unlimited clients and projects). 30-Day Free Trial: Available for testing the software before committing to a plan.
MyCase is a robust legal practice and case management software tailored to streamline the operations of law firms, particularly benefiting solo practitioners and small teams. With an array of features that cover case management, document management, communication tools, billing and invoicing, reporting and analytics, lead management, integration and collaboration, security, and accessibility, MyCase provides an all-encompassing solution for legal professionals.
MyCase is a comprehensive tool designed to meet the diverse needs of law firms by offering essential functionalities that simplify legal practice management. It integrates case and document management, enhances communication, facilitates billing, and ensures robust data security, all accessible from any device.
MyCase is an all-in-one solution designed to enhance efficiency, productivity, and client satisfaction by providing seamless administration, secure data management, and effective communication tools for legal professionals.
Q: What is time and billing software for attorneys?
A: Time and billing software for attorneys is a specialized tool designed to help legal professionals manage and streamline their time tracking and billing processes. This type of software allows attorneys to efficiently track billable hours, generate invoices, manage client accounts, and ensure accurate billing. It often includes features like time entry, expense tracking, billing rate management, and integration with accounting systems.
Q: Why is time and billing software important for attorneys?
A: Time and billing software is crucial for attorneys as it helps improve accuracy and efficiency in tracking billable hours, invoicing clients, and managing financial records. It reduces the risk of errors, saves time on administrative tasks, ensures timely and accurate billing, and ultimately aids in maximizing profitability. Additionally, it provides a structured and transparent system for handling client billing, which can enhance client satisfaction and trust.
Q: What features should I look for in the best time and billing software for attorneys?
A: When selecting time and billing software for attorneys, look for features such as:
Q: How can time and billing software improve my law firm's productivity?
A: Time and billing software can significantly enhance your law firm's productivity by automating time-consuming administrative tasks. It streamlines time tracking, simplifies billing processes, and provides clear financial insights, allowing attorneys to focus more on legal work rather than administrative duties. The software's analytical tools can offer valuable insights into time management and resource allocation, enabling better decision-making and more efficient use of time and resources.
Q: Can time and billing software integrate with my current legal practice management system?
A: Yes, most modern time and billing software solutions can integrate with leading legal practice management systems. Integration capabilities ensure seamless data flow between your firm's existing systems and the new time and billing software, reducing duplication of effort and maintaining consistency in your records. When selecting software, verify compatibility and integration options with your current systems to ensure a smooth transition and better overall efficiency.
Q: Is it necessary for the time and billing software to be cloud-based?
A: While it is not strictly necessary, cloud-based time and billing software offers several advantages. Cloud-based solutions provide easy access from anywhere, at any time, and on any device, which is particularly beneficial for attorneys who often work remotely or need to access their billing information while on the go. Additionally, cloud-based software typically includes automatic updates, data backups, and enhanced security measures, ensuring your firm operates with the latest technology and safeguarded data.
Q: How much does time and billing software for attorneys typically cost?
A: The cost of time and billing software for attorneys can vary widely based on factors such as features, scalability, and the number of users. Prices can range from $20 to $50 per user per month for basic plans, with more advanced or comprehensive solutions costing $100 or more per user per month. Some software providers also offer tiered pricing models or discounts for annual commitments. It's essential to evaluate your firm’s specific needs and budget to select the most cost-effective and beneficial option.
Q: How do I choose the best time and billing software for my law firm?
A: When choosing the best time and billing software for your law firm, consider the following steps:
By thoroughly evaluating your options and involving key stakeholders in the decision-making process, you can select a time and billing software that effectively meets your firm’s needs and enhances its operational efficiency.