Managing several legal cases at the same time is an uphill battle. Attorneys must balance key facts, contacts, reports, tasks, billing, expenses, etc. Case management software makes this complicated process much more manageable.
Project management software helps you see general projects through to completion. Legal practice management software has more analytics and security features for attorneys. You can follow up with clients and securely share information. When one missing detail can get in the way of a successful case, it's time to upgrade your software.
What is Case Management Software?
Case Management Software (CMS) is a specialized tool designed to streamline and automate the processes involved in managing legal cases. It serves as an integrated platform that allows law firms and legal professionals to handle various facets of case management comprehensively and efficiently. Here are some key functionalities typically offered by case management software:
Client and Case Information Management
CMS helps in organizing and storing all client and case-related information in a centralized database. This includes contact details, case history, documents, notes, and correspondence, making it easily accessible and searchable.
Document Management
One of the most crucial aspects of legal work is managing documents. CMS allows for efficient storage, retrieval, and sharing of documents. Advanced systems offer version control and secure access, ensuring that legal documents are up-to-date and protected.
Communication and Collaboration
Good case management software provides tools for communication and collaboration among legal teams. Features such as task assignments, shared calendars, and messaging systems enable better coordination and ensure that everyone involved is on the same page.
Time and Billing
CMS often includes time-tracking functionalities that allow lawyers to record the time spent on various tasks and cases. Additionally, it can integrate with billing systems to automate invoicing, ensuring that clients are billed accurately and on time.
Workflow Automation
Automation of repetitive tasks and processes is a major benefit of using CMS. From automatically generating documents to sending reminders and notifications, automated workflows help reduce administrative burdens and increase overall productivity.
Compliance and Reporting
Legal professionals must adhere to strict compliance regulations. Case management software aids in maintaining compliance by providing audit trails, secure data storage, and easy generation of compliance reports.
Case management software is an essential tool for the modern law office, providing an organized, efficient, and secure way to manage the myriad of tasks and information that are part of legal casework. This allows lawyers to focus more on what they do best: providing legal counsel and representation to their clients.
The right case and legal matter management tool could help you serve clients and recover billable time. To make your search easier, we've compiled the top 5 case management tools.
If you're short on time, we have a simple chart breaking down everything you need to know.
<table border="1">
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Case Management Software</th>
<th>Price(s)</th>
<th>Free Trial?</th>
<th>Free Version?</th>
<th>Subscription Models</th>
<th>Standout Features</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>MyCase</td>
<td>$39 to $99/mo with annual discount</td>
<td>Yes, 10-day</td>
<td>No</td>
<td>Monthly or annual</td>
<td><ul>
<li>Legal-client CRM</li>
<li>Client portal</li>
<li>Client intake forms with e-signatures</li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PracticePanther</td>
<td>$49 to $89/mo with annual discount</td>
<td>Yes, 7-day</td>
<td>No</td>
<td>Monthly or annual</td>
<td><ul>
<li>User-friendly interface</li>
<li>Cloud-based solutions</li>
<li>Payment processing</li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CaseFleet</td>
<td>$30 to $75/mo with annual discount</td>
<td>Yes, 14-day</td>
<td>No</td>
<td>Monthly or annual</td>
<td><ul>
<li>Chronology tool</li>
<li>Robust search engine</li>
<li>Automated transcripts</li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lawcus</td>
<td>$34 to $59/mo with annual discount</td>
<td>Yes, 14-day</td>
<td>No</td>
<td>Monthly or annual</td>
<td><ul>
<li>Bank level security features</li>
<li>Roles and permissions</li>
<li>Flexible for multiple areas of practice</li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GrowPath</td>
<td>Varies</td>
<td>Yes (contact for demo)</td>
<td>No</td>
<td>Varies</td>
<td><ul>
<li>Buzzwords client intake feature</li>
<li>Military-grade security</li>
</ul></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
What Should You Look for in Case Management Software?
Legal case management software helps you research and prepare cases. With data and security tools, you'll save everyone much-needed time.
Determining the best case management software should include the following features.
Data Analytics
It's tiring gathering data on clients or analyzing how your firm is operating. Case management software automates this process with useful toolsets such as:
- Automated daily, weekly, or monthly reports
- Data analytics (with handy charts and graphs)
- Reporting dashboards
- Real-time reporting
- Proactive insights
- Time and expense tracking
Centralized Data
Are you tired of bouncing between several software tools or phone apps to get a project done? Case management software centralizes your data, so you don't have to juggle many tools.
Centralized data features include:
- Having client files, graphs, charts, and tasks in one location
- Real-time updates
- Shareable data across teams
- Secure search functions
- Communication tools such as chat features
Security Support
Software for personal injury lawyers shouldn't compromise on security support. Case management software adds extra security due to the sensitive nature of the legal field.
Alongside everyday staples like two-factor identification, look for security support features such as:
- Setting permissions for specific users
- Security alarms
- Ongoing data logs/activity logs
- Data backup features
- Around-the-clock customer support service
Client Communication
A robust Client Relationship Management (CRM) system should facilitate seamless, efficient, and professional interactions between lawyers and their clients.
CRM systems with client-facing features can help build trust, manage expectations, and facilitate the client intake process by ensuring clear and consistent communication.
- Integrated email system
- Secure messaging
- Automated reminders and notifications
- Dedicated client portals
- Call logging and recording
- Feedback system
What's the Difference Between Legal Software and Does it Matter?
Many lawyers get overwhelmed by the sheer number of software options available. One big point of confusion is practice management versus case management.
Legal practice management software assists with day-to-day task management at your firm. These tasks may be following up on calls or sending out bills.
Case management tools narrow things down to focus on preparing and finishing cases, including functions like managing calendars or legal documents.
This specialized approach streamlines your workflow better than a broad platform.
Legal Case Management Software Reviews
MyCase
MyCase stands out by offering solutions for attorneys in diverse practice areas. You can choose versions built for personal injury law firms, immigration law, and more.
This software handles your entire case process from beginning to end. You have client intake features, a built-in e-signature feature, and a legal-client CRM. And built-in timing features mean you don't need to pay for a timekeeping app for lawyers.
You have another batch of features in between, such as automating workflows or gathering case analytics. Lastly, you have features for client communications or handling finances.
MyCase gives you features such as:
- Multiple versions geared toward specific areas of law
- Legal-client CRM
- Client intake forms with e-signatures
- Secure client portal
- Time tracking and financial reporting
MyCase offers a Basic plan at $39/mo, a Pro plan at $79/mo, and an Advanced plan at $99/mo. Annual pricing gets a discount, and you can try add-ons such as accounting software features. Try it all with their 10-day free trial.
PracticePanther
Constantly switching between software is a frustrating task due in no small part to the onboarding process. PracticePanther's software is a cloud-based solution with a user-friendly interface to make the transition a breeze.
The dashboard instantly lines up all the daily tasks you need to complete in an average day. Think invoices, activities, or following up with contacts. You can access bank accounts or review updated client information with the click of a button.
PracticePanther comes with standout features such as:
- A straightforward user interface
- Flexible for small firms or large practices
- Cloud-based solutions
- Secure client portal
- Online payments system
PracticePanther has a Solo plan at $49/mo, an Essential plan at $69/mo, and a Business plan at $89/mo. Annual plans get a discount, and you can try the software with their 7-day free trial.
CaseFleet
CaseFleet makes a compelling argument due to a team of litigators who understand your pain points firsthand. This software's centralized workflow will shave down the number of programs you use.
This software's chronology tool tracks activities in real time. You'll be able to save time connecting contacts, facts, issues, current tasks, and next steps. Their legal document management features and search engine also make it easier to track down information quickly. Lastly, if you're tired of reviewing deposition transcripts, they have a built-in transcript viewer.
CaseFleet impresses with key features such as:
- Chronology building tools
- Full-text search
- Automated reports
- Document management
- Transcript management
Their Starter plan runs at $30/mo, while their Standard plan is $75/mo. Both have annual subscription discounts. You'll need to contact them for a quote on their Enterprise plan.
Lawcus
Case management software isn't complete without extensive security features.
It's essential to ensure the wrong eyes aren't finding sensitive information. Lawcus is well-suited for several areas of law and has robust privacy features.
Lawcus uses the same encryption tools as financial institutions to ensure your data is secure. Additionally, you can set roles and permissions for your entire firm. The software's cloud-based design and broad app integration allow you to integrate your current workflow quickly.
This software will streamline your daily tasks and keep your data safe with features such as:
- Flexible for multiple areas of practice, such as personal injury or civil litigation
- Standard encryption tools for data storage
- Cloud-based solutions
- Roles and permissions
- App integration with common platforms such as Google, Zoom, and Dropbox
They offer a Standard plan for $34/mo, a Plus plan for $44/mo, and a Business plan for $59/mo. Reach out to them for a quote on their Enterprise plan, which requires at least ten users to qualify. You can get an annual subscription discount or try their 14-day free trial.
GrowPath
Have you wondered how you can blend marketing with your daily workflow? GrowPath pushes case management software's ability to turn your data into the next steps.
This program provides ongoing reports on employee productivity and your firm's daily activity. You can also use the Buzzwords feature to find high-value cases during client intake. This real-time information makes it easier to guide your law firm in a more efficient direction.
You'll enjoy military-grade security features when you sign up. If you try GrowPath, you'll have access to features such as:
- Buzzwords client intake feature
- Real-time reports, dashboards, and notifications
- Automated workflows
- Military-grade security
- Compatible with OneDrive and SharePoint
Fill out GrowPath's online form to ask about pricing or receive a free demo.
Final Thoughts
Case management software can work even better with other cutting-edge tools for lawyers. If you want to streamline your workflow further, check out:
Billing software will slice into repetitive daily tasks to free up more of your schedule. You can also check out CRMs for law firms if your firm needs help with contact management or nurturing client relationships.
