Legal billing software can improve your law firm’s bottom line in multiple ways.
Integrated legal billing software saves time for attorneys and staff, freeing them to focus on client work. It also helps ensure that you get paid for more of your billable time and reduces errors.
The American Bar Association estimates 22 percent of law firms still aren’t using legal billing software. If your law office is among that number, you probably know it’s time to make the investment.
But whether you’re choosing legal billing software for the first time or looking to upgrade, the selection process can be daunting.
Below, we explore what you need to know about billing software for lawyers. We also cover the most important features to look for and how to choose the best legal billing software for your law firm.
What is Legal Billing Software?
Legal billing software automates and integrates elements of a law firm’s billing processes, time tracking, and even case management.
Depending on the software you choose, this may include functionality such as
- time and expense recording
- branded invoices
- credit card processing
- online payment processing
- trust account management
- financial performance reporting
- secure client portal for accepting payments
- and more
Some billing software products are standalone, covering only a legal practice’s billing needs. Others are one piece of more comprehensive practice management platforms.
Standalone Billing Software v. Legal Practice Management Systems
Some law firm billing software options are dedicated products for that purpose alone. These solutions do not include other features, focusing instead on the functionality we discussed above.
Some standalone legal billing software platforms integrate with separate legal practice management software. They may also be compatible with other tools such as accounting software.
The alternative is law practice management software that includes billing software for law firms. This type of product is more robust and puts a wide range of functions in a single application.
This sort of solution typically includes
- digital case files
- client relationship management tools
- document assembly
- task assignments and tracking
- time and expense recording
- broader reporting to help you run a profitable legal practice
Many case management platforms offer ways to communicate directly with the client through the platform.
Which type of solution you choose depends on your budget, your needs, and your long-term growth goals.
Best Legal Billing Software
Sorting through the options for law firm billing software can be overwhelming. Lawyers often lose sight of what matters most to their law firms as they navigate a sea of sales pitches and comparison charts.
We’ve collected information about the best legal billing software options to get you started.
1. LawPay
LawPay is one of the oldest legal-specific, bar-compliant payment processors and is endorsed by many bar associations.
The platform includes
- time and expense recording
- invoicing
- payment processing for flat fees, contingency fees, and more
- custom reporting
- some unique options like legal financing
LawPay can integrate with legal technology and accounting management software.
As of March 2025, pricing starts at $19 per month, plus a percentage-based fee for payment processing.
2. Clio
Clio is a full legal practice management solution that has been in business since 2008. They offer tiered pricing based on the features you choose.
All tiers include
- time tracking
- expense recording
- invoicing
- payment processing for e-checks, credit cards, and debit cards
- trust accounting
- branded bills
- payment plans
- automated payment reminders for contingency, flat-rate, and hourly billing
As of March 2025, pricing ranges from $39-$139 per user per month plus a percentage-based fee for payment processing.
3. MyCase
MyCase was founded in 2010 and offers law office practice management software with tiered options.
All three options include
- time tracking
- expense tracking
- invoicing
- trust ledger and reconciliation
- online payments
MyCase’s payment processing runs through a LawPay integration.
As of March 2025, pricing ranges from $39-$99 per user per month plus a percentage-based fee for payment processing.
4. Rocket Matter
Rocket Matter was the first fully cloud-based legal practice management platform, launched in 2008.
This platform offers tiered options, and all levels include
- time tracking
- expense recording
- invoicing
- trust accounting
- payment processing
Higher tiers offer some more advanced billing options, such as applying interest and discounts or split billing.
As of March 2025, pricing ranges from $49 to $129 per user per month.
5. Smokeball
Smokeball is a multi-faceted legal practice management platform founded in 2011.
The platform offers tiered pricing, with every tier including
- time tracking
- expense tracking
- invoicing
- accepting online payments
- trust accounting and reporting
- accounting integrations
Smokeball’s payment processing runs through a LawPay integration.
As of March 2025, Smokeball does not make its pricing publicly available.
6. Soluno
Soluno is a dedicated financial platform that provides more in-depth accounting features and reporting.
The platform integrates with some law practice management software and also with other tools such as Microsoft 365. Payment processing runs through a LawPay integration.
Soluno’s features include
- custom billing setups
- trust accounting
- advanced invoicing
- tracking for both billable hours and non-billable hours
As of March 2025, Soluno does not publish pricing details.
7. Casefox
Casefox is a legal practice management platform that offers two paid tiers of features.
Both include
- time and expense recording
- invoicing for hourly, flat rate, and contingency billing
- integrations with legal accounting software and payment processing platforms, including LawPay
Uniquely, Casefox offers a free “solo” version that allows you to try out all features for up to four cases.
As of March 2025, pricing ranges from $39-$79 per user per month not including payment processing.
8. CosmoLex
CosmoLex bills itself as a tool to run your legal practice from a single platform.
The company offers two tiers, but both are full practice management systems – there is no stripped-down tier. Both tiers do include relatively sophisticated time and invoicing features, including options like
- interest
- discounts
- split billing
- pre-bill approval processes
CosmoLexPay, for payment processing, is an optional add-on.
As of March 2025, CosmoLex pricing ranges from $99-$129 per user per month, not including payment processing.
9. TimeSolv
TimeSolv is a standalone legal billing solution for small law firms and solo practitioners.
The platform offers a variety of helpful integrations, including with Quickbooks, NetDocuments, AccountEdge, and LawPay. It also has a mobile platform in addition to the traditional desktop model.
This allows lawyers on the go to easily and accurately track their work.
In addition to basic time-tracking and payment features, TimeSolv includes features such as
- document management
- trust accounting
- client expense records
- reporting
As of March 2025, TimeSolv pricing starts at $49 per user per month. They offer a discount for clients who pay for the entire year up front.
10. FreshBooks
FreshBooks offers a remarkably capable platform for a fantastic price. Considered to be on a level with QuickBooks Online and Xero, FreshBooks is a fantastic option for small firms.
The platform’s features include
- client-specific time tracking
- automated billing
- customizable invoices
- productivity analytics and reporting
As of March 2025, FreshBooks plans start at an astounding $6.30 per month. You can even enjoy a free trial period before signing up.
11. Bill4Time
Bill4Time is a dedicated legal billing software platform. This tool works best for law firms that already have legal practice management software in place.
The platform offers integration with a number of other tools, such as Outlook, Dropbox, and NetDocuments.
In addition to these integrations, Bill4Time offers
- time tracking
- expense tracking
- invoicing
- online payment management
As of March 2025, Bill4Time plan pricing starts at $27 per user per month.
12. LeanLaw
LeanLaw is a great option for law firms that want a custom-tailored legal billing solution, rather than a one-size-fits-all option.
This platform is geared towards small- and medium-sized law firms and offers a variety of powerful features, including
- time tracking
- a calendar view showing all billable hours
- a mobile app that allows you to track time on the go
- bulk time entries
- hybrid billing
- a quick setup process for new clients and matters
Law firms can choose a base package that offers a set of essential features. From there, users can choose from a variety of add-ons that give them the specific functionality they need.
As of March 2025, base packages for LeanLaw start at $45 per user per month.
13. Sage Timeslips Premium
Sage is a company offering a wide range of business, HR, and accounting software. Timeslips Premium is one of Sage’s products and, in fact, is one of the oldest billing tools still in operation.
Unfortunately, this honor comes with a significant drawback: it has no mobile functionality. In fact, the platform only works on a Windows desktop system and doesn’t offer any cloud storage options.
That being said, Sage Timeslips Premium has some solid features for law firms, including:
- time tracking
- customized invoices
- financial reporting
As of March 2025, Sage Timeslips Premium starts at $58 per user per month.
14. AbacusLaw
AbacusLaw is a full legal practice management system that includes billable hour tracking and legal billing functionality.
Aside from their billing features, Abacus offers tools for case management, accounting, and more.
AbacusLaw billing functionality includes
- billable hour tracking
- expense tracking
- consolidated invoices
- split billing
- reporting
Because AbacusLaw is a full-service legal practice management tool, it may be overpowered (and overpriced) for smaller law firms. Be sure to assess your needs and budget before you sign up for a plan.
As of March 2025, AbacusLaw does not publish details about their pricing. If you’d like to get pricing for one of their plans, you’ll need to contact them.
15. PCLaw
PC Law is a popular choice for attorneys looking for legal billing solutions. The platform offers a variety of tools for gaining insight into your law firm’s financial health.
Features on the PCLaw platform include
- separate billable hour and non-billable hour tracking
- centralized client information
- LEDES-formatted bills
- customized invoice templates
- trust accounting
As of March 2025, PCLaw does not publicly disclose their pricing; interested law firms will need to contact them for a quote.
16. LEAP
LEAP is a legal practice management tool that has positioned itself specifically as an alternative to PCLaw. Their system is managed through the cloud. This makes it a fantastic option for law firms on the go and on the grow.
Featured capabilities of LEAP include
- billable hour tracking
- automated reporting
- invoicing
- trust accounting
- online payment processing
LEAP also offers a variety of integrations to make managing your law firm a snap.
As of March 2025, LEAP does not publicize their pricing.
17. Time59
Time59 is a standalone legal billing program that’s a great option for law firms looking to stick to a strict budget.
The platform offers a variety of helpful features, including
- time and expense tracking
- automated invoice creation
- LEDES-formatted bills
Best of all, Time59 charges a flat fee of $199 per year with zero hidden charges. You get access to all features and an unlimited number of users, all for the same price.
18. Practice Panther
Practice Panther is a full-scale legal practice management program that covers everything from case management to automations.
Their billing tool features include
- billable hour tracking (including in their mobile app)
- bulk time entry capabilities
- reporting
- customized invoice templates
As of March 2025, Practice Panther plans start at $49 per year for one user.
Benefits of Legal Billing Software
Legal billing software reduces the amount of manual effort your staff has to dedicate to billing.
This can allow your staff to dedicate their time to other projects and reduces the opportunity for human error. It also helps you more accurately bill clients and get paid faster for your work.
The impact of those changes is more significant than you might expect.
Bill for More of Your Attorneys’ Time
A survey done before the rise in passive time tracking showed that the average attorney spent more than three hours each month tracking time.
If each of your attorneys charges $300 per hour, that means you’re losing out on $900 a month in billable hours per attorney. If you have ten lawyers in your firm, that number grows to $9,000.
This estimate doesn’t account for the additional hours that slip through the cracks with manual reporting. The ABA has estimated that legal professionals lose up to 10 percent of billable hours to time tracking errors.
Good legal billing software can automate many of these time-consuming tasks and improve accuracy in your finances.
Boost Law Firm Profitability
A law firm can also reduce its costs and increase revenues by analyzing the profitability of different variables. This analysis might look at types of clients, types of cases, and different attorneys’ and paralegals’ work.
Many law firms don’t take the time to delve into those analytics. But the automated reporting many legal billing systems include can make this analysis much more approachable.
You can see how much time you spent on different types of work or view collection rates by client and case type.
This allows you to easily determine what’s most profitable for your law firm and what may be a drain on your resources.
Factors to Consider When Shopping for Legal Billing Software
The search for lawyer billing software doesn’t start when you open your browser or reach out to colleagues for recommendations.
The first step in the process is assessing your own needs and priorities. Think through these items (and any others important to your law firm) before you shop.
Budget
Most legal billing software, used correctly, will more than pay for itself. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore costs or pay for more than you need.
Providers typically charge by the user, so you’ll want to decide in advance which attorneys and staff members will need access.
Many legal billing software providers offer different subscription tiers. This allows you to find an option that fits your budget and pay only for the functionality you need today.
Pain Points
One of the biggest mistakes law firms make when adopting legal technology is failing to consider their specific needs.
To find the best lawyer billing software for your law firm, you must know what problems you’re trying to solve.
If you’re the managing partner of a law office, be careful not to make assumptions about these pain points. Talk to the people managing the legal billing process and ask them where their obstacles, time drains, and frustrations lie.
Scalability
Another common mistake is choosing technology that will serve your law firm’s needs today without regarding the future.
Of course, you don’t want to waste money on features that you may never use. But you also don’t want to have to replace your entire system and migrate all of your records again in a year.
Ensure that your software can grow with you. That may mean a selecting more robust platform from the start or choosing a tiered system that you can upgrade as you expand.
Customer Support
When problems arise with your law office billing software, you want to make sure that you can address them quickly. If your attorney billing software provider doesn’t offer adequate customer support, you could find yourself losing money and clients.
The level of support you need will depend on your law firm’s specific circumstances.
When choosing time and billing software, make sure the provider offers the support your law firm needs to succeed.
Essential Features of Legal Billing Software
There are several core features that any law firm billing software tool needs to include.
Time and Expense Tracking
Time and expense tracking is obviously mission-critical when you’re looking for billing software.
While it’s a standard feature, it’s important to look at exactly what each provider is offering. Time tracking features may range from manual entry or transfers from case files to automated tracking as you work on a matter.
Invoice Creation and Sharing
Most platforms offer some functionality to generate legal invoices, but this process, too, can vary in sophistication.
Look for the ability to customize invoice templates with your law firm’s logo and other personalization. You should also consider if the billing software can accommodate multiple billing models.
Many legal billing software solutions also allow for the creation of bulk invoices to streamline the billing process.
Ask if there are options for applying discounts or interest and if you can set up automated reminders.
Payment Processing
When you’re choosing a payment processing provider, the key issues are pricing, bar compliance, and funding time.
Pricing can be confusing. Providers may use a flat monthly fee, a percentage-based transaction fee, or a flat per-transaction fee.
Funding time is the amount of time that passes between processing a payment and funds hitting your account. This can range from hours to several days.
Before you decide on a legal billing system, you need to understand what these fees and funding times will look like.
Flexible Billing
Offering flexible payment options to your clients can increase the likelihood that they’ll pay you in full and on time. Flexible billing options can include payment plan and recurring billing, among others.
But those options can be time-consuming to manage manually. The inconsistency inherent in that flexibility may lead to payments slipping through the cracks.
Legal billing solutions with flexible billing functionality allow you to accommodate clients and improve collection rates without significant time investment.
Trust Accounting
Most lawyer billing software offers some level of trust accounting, but they’re not all created equal.
Trust account management is a danger zone for many law firms. Legal professionals must comply with several regulations that govern trust accounts. Failing to do so could lead to disbarment.
IOLTA sets legal industry regulations for client trust account management. Certain non-compliant payment processing systems may violate IOLTA regulations.
You must be confident that your legal billing software is following compliance guidelines at every turn.
Financial Reporting
Financial reporting options range from a few simple reports to numerous customizable reports.
A good reporting system can give you a more complete view into your law firm’s performance and cash flow. You can see where your lawyers are spending their time, how quickly you’re closing invoices, and more.
Look through the financial reporting options each legal billing system offers. Reports you may never have considered could help you improve profitability, cut out waste, save time, and enhance compliance.
Integrations
The importance of integrations may depend on whether you want full legal practice management software or standalone legal billing software.
At a minimum, you want your legal billing software to integrate with your legal accounting tools. If you’re choosing a full service legal practice management tool, that should extend to other tools like word processing and email as well.
Security and Compliance
In addition to IOLTA compliance, law firms must maintain PCI compliance. PCI is a security standard that protects your clients’ credit card information and other sensitive data.
You must ensure that your billing solution meets PCI and IOLTA standards, along with any other pertinent regulations.
Secure Client Portal
Many law billing software solutions support an online portal where clients can go to manage their account with your law firm.
These portals allow clients to view their invoices, make online payments, or pay into a trust account. If you have a full law practice management system, the client portal may include document upload or chat functionality.
Depending on your law firm size and your target demographic, a client portal may be a great way to improve client communication.
The Impact of AI on Legal Billing Software
Artificial intelligence is just beginning to impact law firm billing tools, but law firms are already seeing some of the benefits.
AI-based time tracking and invoicing has the potential to further minimize “lost” time. These tools can already
- track legal payments
- automatically follow up on past-due client accounts
- predict payment turnaround times for particular clients
- and more
This technology also has the potential to make data more usable and generate more sophisticated reports. It can also be helpful in managing multiple billing models and, in fact, may make these setups more common for law firms.
The advent of AI-powered research and document generation is moving certain types of work toward flat-fee models. More small law firms may be able to expand their scope with the help of these tools.
Currently, these are only the applications that are clearly on the horizon. AI technology is developing rapidly, so its full impact isn’t yet known.
Top Tips for Selecting Legal Billing Software
The key to finding the best legal billing software for your law firm is to know yourself.
Before you even start comparing products, take inventory of your operations. Figure out exactly how your billing process currently works, where the bottlenecks are, and what you would like to change.
Once you know what you need,
- Ask colleagues about the billing solutions they use and what they do and don’t like about it
- Determine whether you want a full legal practice management solution or a standalone billing system
- Compare features on some of the top options and rule out any that are missing a critical capability
- Check reviews on the remaining options
- Schedule demos of your top two to three choices, and include the staff members who will be most involved in using the software
Stay methodical; it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the number of options and possible feature combinations of features.
Start Getting More for Your Money
The right legal billing software can help you save staff time, easily track billable hours, and improve your collection rate. The options we’ve discussed here all offer fantastic features and functionality for law firms. Decide what your firm needs and establish your budget before you settle on a new law firm billing tool.
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