The Complete Guide to Legal Case Management Software
Case management focuses on organizing matters, tracking time, billing, and managing documents—everything after a client signs. This guide covers the best legal practice management platforms.
Case Management vs CRM: Key Differences
Case Management (This Guide)
- Matter organization & tracking
- Document management
- Time tracking & billing
- Calendaring & deadlines
- After they become a client
CRM
- Lead capture and tracking
- Client intake automation
- Marketing & drip campaigns
- Lead scoring & conversion
- Before they become a client
Key Factors to Consider
Before diving into specific platforms, understand what matters most for your firm.
Firm Size & Practice Area
Different platforms excel for different firm sizes. Solo and small firms often prefer MyCase or PracticePanther for simplicity, while larger firms may need Filevine's customization.
Budget & Total Cost
Consider not just monthly fees but implementation costs, training time, and potential migration expenses. The cheapest option isn't always the most cost-effective.
Integration Needs
Evaluate how well each platform connects with your existing tools—accounting software, document management, email, and legal-specific applications.
User Experience
The best software is the one your team will actually use. Consider demos, free trials, and user reviews focused on ease of adoption.
Implementation Timeline
Some platforms can be running in days, others take months. Factor in your firm's capacity for change and any upcoming deadlines.
Security & Compliance
All major platforms offer adequate security, but evaluate specific compliance certifications relevant to your practice areas (HIPAA, SOC 2, etc.).
Platform Comparisons
Detailed analysis of each major platform with verified pros, cons, and use cases.
Clio
Official PartnerThe leading cloud-based legal practice management platform with comprehensive features for firms of all sizes. As a Clio Certified Partner, we provide expert implementation and support.
BEST FOR:
Pros
- Industry-leading integrations (250+ apps)
- Excellent mobile app experience
- Strong client portal features
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics
- Regular feature updates and improvements
Cons
- Higher price point than some competitors
- Can be overwhelming for very small firms
- Some features require higher tiers
- Learning curve for advanced features
Key Integrations
How We Can Help
- Clio Certified Partner implementation
- Full data migration from any platform
- Custom workflow automation setup
- Integration with your existing tools
- Training for your entire team
- Ongoing optimization and priority support
Filevine
Official PartnerHighly customizable case management platform known for its flexibility and automation capabilities. As a Filevine partner, we offer specialized implementation for complex practices.
BEST FOR:
Pros
- Extremely customizable workflows
- Powerful automation features
- Excellent for document-heavy practices
- Strong project management tools
- Lead Docket integration for intake
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Requires significant setup time
- Custom pricing can be expensive
- Less intuitive than some competitors
Key Integrations
How We Can Help
- Partner-level implementation expertise
- Custom workflow and template design
- Complex automation configuration
- Lead Docket integration setup
- Data migration from any platform
- Ongoing customization support
MyCase
User-friendly practice management solution focused on client communication and ease of use.
BEST FOR:
Pros
- Very user-friendly interface
- Affordable pricing
- Strong client communication tools
- Built-in text messaging
- Easy setup and onboarding
Cons
- Fewer advanced features than competitors
- Limited customization options
- Reporting could be more robust
- Fewer integrations than Clio
Key Integrations
How We Can Help
- Quick implementation and setup
- Client intake workflow optimization
- Integration with accounting tools
- Staff training and best practices
- Document management organization
PracticePanther
Modern, intuitive practice management with strong automation and a focus on efficiency.
BEST FOR:
Pros
- Intuitive, modern interface
- Strong automation capabilities
- Excellent customer support
- Good value for features offered
- Easy migration from other systems
Cons
- Document management could be stronger
- Mobile app has limitations
- Some features require add-ons
- Reporting not as robust as Clio
Key Integrations
How We Can Help
- Automation workflow design
- Client intake form optimization
- Zapier integration development
- Data migration and cleanup
- Custom reporting setup
Smokeball
Case management platform focused on automatic time tracking and productivity features.
BEST FOR:
Pros
- Automatic time capture is industry-leading
- Comprehensive form library
- Strong document automation
- Good customer support
- Built-in legal forms
Cons
- Windows-focused (Mac support limited)
- Interface can feel dated
- Fewer integrations than competitors
- Higher tiers needed for best features
Key Integrations
How We Can Help
- Time tracking optimization
- Form library customization
- Document automation templates
- Microsoft 365 integration
- Productivity workflow design
LEAP
All-in-one legal practice management with integrated accounting and matter management.
BEST FOR:
Pros
- True integrated accounting
- Strong document management
- Good for multi-office firms
- Built-in legal research
- Comprehensive matter management
Cons
- Higher price point
- Steeper learning curve
- Primarily desktop-based
- Fewer third-party integrations
Key Integrations
How We Can Help
- Complex accounting setup
- Multi-office configuration
- Document management organization
- Trust accounting compliance
- Migration from legacy systems
Lawcus
Modern, affordable practice management with strong workflow automation and a visual Kanban-style interface.
BEST FOR:
Pros
- Very competitive pricing
- Intuitive Kanban-style matter boards
- Strong workflow automation
- Good client collaboration portal
- Modern, clean interface
Cons
- Smaller ecosystem than Clio
- Fewer third-party integrations
- Less established than competitors
- Limited advanced reporting
Key Integrations
How We Can Help
- Workflow automation design
- Kanban board optimization
- Client intake configuration
- Zapier integration development
- Data migration assistance
How to Switch Platforms
A step-by-step guide to migrating to a new case management system.
Assess Current State
Document your current workflows, pain points, and must-have features. Export data samples to understand what you're working with.
Research & Demo
Request demos from 3-5 platforms. Involve key stakeholders and prepare specific questions about your pain points.
Calculate True Costs
Include licensing, implementation, training, data migration, and productivity loss during transition. Plan for 3-6 months of overlap.
Plan Data Migration
Most platforms offer migration assistance. Clean your data before moving—don't migrate garbage. Plan for 2-4 weeks minimum.
Phased Rollout
Start with a pilot group before firm-wide deployment. Document issues and solutions. Plan training around actual workflows.
Optimize Post-Launch
Schedule check-ins at 30, 60, and 90 days. Collect feedback systematically. Adjust workflows based on actual usage data.
Need Help Choosing or Migrating?
As certified partners with Clio and Filevine, we offer expert implementation, data migration, and ongoing support to get your firm running on the right platform.