The Best Legal Document Management Software for 2023

The 10 Best Legal Document Management Softwares of 2023

1. Connecteam — Best for: All-in-one legal document management software

   Available on

   • Web
   • iOS
   • Android

   

   Connecteam’s all-in-one app gives you the ability to digitally manage your law firm’s documents from anywhere. 

   Its document management system allows you to securely store and access essential documents. For document security, you can set access control permissions to decide who sees sensitive documents. You can also track a document’s progress and follow up on any outstanding reviews or approvals. These features make Connecteam the easiest way to manage and organize your law firm’s documents. 

   But Connecteam is much more than just a document management software. It’s full suite of employee management features help with other aspects of managing a busy legal practice. These include time-tracking, scheduling, employee directory, and employee chat .

   Connecteam reduces the burden of managing paper documents. Files are stored in a central location so you can access them from anywhere at any time. You don’t need to pay for expensive onsite storage or risk an important hard copy document going missing. 

   We are also proud to offer a free lifetime plan for up to 10 users. This makes Connecteam a budget-friendly document management system for small law firms.

   Connecteam also offers a free for life plan – Join Connecteam!

   Key Features

   • Unlimited document storage

   • Time-tracking and scheduling

   • Upload documents from mobile devices

   • Permission controls

   • Set expiration dates for documents

   • Central location for all of your documents

   Pros

   • Free lifetime plan available for up to 10 users

   • Intuitive and easy to use

   • Accessible from anywhere via desktop or mobile app

   • Available in 11 different languages

   Cons

   • No legal templates library

   Pricing

   Free-for-life plan availablePremium plans start at $29/month for 30 users

   14-day free trial, no credit card required

   Start your free trial
2. 

   MyCase — Good for: Law firms wanting practice management functionalities

   Available on

   • Web
   • iOS
   • Android
   • Windows
   • Mac

   

   MyCase’s software solution helps with several key areas of legal document and practice management. It allows you to manage client leads, intake, and cases, communicate with clients, and process your billing. 

   Case management functions include document management, calendaring, and workflow automation. Billing features include time tracking, payment collection, and financial reporting functions. Client communication functions include a client portal to directly contact your clients and keep them up to date on their matter. It also has a lead management function to help with your business development. 

   With its full-text search function, MyCase makes it easy to find the document you need. MyCase can also run conflict checks, a key feature for ethical legal practices.

   Learn more about MyCase

   Key Features

   • e-Signature
   • Built-in text messaging
   • Customizable search function
   • Integrates with other key software such as Dropbox, Microsoft Word, and Adobe

   Pros

   • MyCase can also build your firm’s website to fully integrate with its software
   • Online webinar series and training videos available

   Cons

   • Client intake management features only available with higher subscriptions
   • Per user pricing can add up quickly

   Pricing

   Starts at $39/user/month Trial: Yes — 10-day Free Plan: No

3. 

   OpenKM — Good for: Enterprise-level law firms

   Available on

   • Web
   • Android
   • Windows
   • Mac

   

   OpenKM is a cloud-based document management software for all enterprises, including law firms. 

   Its digital workflow management engine covers the full document lifecycle. From creation and collection to access, collaboration, and reporting. OCR functionality allows for the automatic cataloging of documents. You can also set access permissions and control versions via user IDs and timestamps. 

   OpenKM fosters user collaboration through the creation and management of your firm’s workflows. You can also add modules to customize the software to suit your business’s needs. 

   OpenKM currently offers three subscription tiers: Community (for small businesses with a few users); Cloud (for small to medium businesses with scalable users); and Professional (for larger companies and unlimited users). The free community version requires an in-house technician or IT team to implement and maintain it.

   Learn more about OpenKM

   Key Features

   • Rules-based automatic cataloging
   • Bar code reading
   • Integrates with a range of third-party applications, including Microsoft Office
   • Additional modules for specific business needs, including digital signatures

   Pros

   • Level of customization offered
   • Free Community version available, with basic features

   Cons

   • No iOS app currently available
   • Pricing isn’t publicly available, you must contact OpenKM for a quote

   Pricing

   Contact vendor for price Trial: Yes — 7-day Free Plan: Yes

4. 

   Clio — Good for: Law firms wanting both document and practice management functionalities

   Available on

   • Web
   • iOS
   • Android
   • Windows
   • Mac

   

   Clio is a cloud-based legal document management software that integrates all aspects of case and practice management. This includes managing client files, billing, contacts, and communication logs. 

   Clio syncs single and bulk documents from your desktop to its platform without having to download or reupload documents. You can also share documents with relevant people via Clio’s secure online portal or other software such as DocuSign. Full version history is available for each document for added security.

   The program goes beyond document management, offering other functionalities. You can use Clio to track time and create custom bill plans. You can also sync to third-party accounting systems to facilitate client billing.

   Learn more about Clio

   Key Features

   • E-signature capability
   • Automated templates and auto-fill functions for document preparation
   • Client intake and scheduling features
   • Automatic calendar events based on filing deadlines

   Pros

   • Unlimited file storage
   • Live support available 24 hours a day, Monday to Friday

   Cons

   • Per user pricing can add up for smaller firms
   • Same price for all types of users, including those who access limited functions such as support staff

   Pricing

   Starts at $39/user/month Trial: Yes — 7-day Free Plan: No

5. 

   LexWorkplace — Good for: Small to medium law firms

   Available on

   • Web

   

   LexWorkplace is a cloud-based email and legal document management system. Designed by Uptime Legal Solutions, it’s suitable for law firms and legal professionals across all practice areas. It provides a centralized location for any document, recording, or other file related to a matter. Document tracking is made easy with unique document IDs and check-in/check-out status.  

   The search function allows you to quickly find a document by matter, document type, date, or more. For security, you can restrict access to documents as needed. At the same time, you can also share and manage documents, both internally and externally from your organization. 

   LexWorkplace integrates with a range of other applications. These include Microsoft 365, Adobe Acrobat, and Dropbox. It offers email and online chat troubleshooting support.

   Learn more about LexWorkplace

   Key Features

   • Store any type of files, including documents, audio, and video
   • Organize files by matter or client
   • Version management
   • Optimal Character Recognition (OCR) automatically applied to every scanned document

   Pros

   • Supports both Mac and Windows OS
   • Security measures including end-to-end data encryption and multi-factor authentication

   Cons

   • Automated prompt to save emails only works for email servers hosted by LexWorkplace
   • Only available on desktop

   Pricing

   Starts at $395/month Trial: No Free Plan: No

6. 

   Rubex by eFileCabinet — Good for: General document management

   Available on

   • Web
   • iOS
   • Android

   

   Designed by eFileCabinet, Rubex is a secure cloud-based document management system. It can be used by a range of organizations including law firms and legal departments. 

   Its document management features, such as automatic filing and compliance settings, automate the document lifecycle. Its search function allows you to locate documents by date or keyword. You can also access your documents from anywhere, via the web-based or mobile application. In addition, you can set up any necessary general permissions to restrict access to certain documents. 

   For extra security, Rubex has an audit log feature that records each user’s interaction with a document. The software simplifies collaboration with a range of features. This makes it easy to work on a single document with a geographically diverse team.

   Learn more about Rubex by eFileCabinet

   Key Features

   • e-Signature
   • Secure file sharing via an encrypted portal
   • OCR tool for auto-populating data and automatic filing
   • Automated workflow tool

   Pros

   • User-friendly with a drag-and-drop interface
   • Integrates with a range of other applications including Microsoft Office, Salesforce, and QuickBooks

   Cons

   • Basic plan offers limited features and doesn’t include templates or OCR tool
   • Not exclusively designed for law firms

   Pricing

   Contact vendor for price Trial: Yes Free Plan: No

7. 

   iManage — Good for: Large law firms

   Available on

   • Web
   • iOS
   • Android

   

   The iManage knowledge work platform helps law firms protect sensitive information and improve collaboration. It combines document and email management, so any type of document can be filed by client, matter, or project. Its full-text search feature allows you to quickly locate and share documents. Another cloud-based DMS, iManage can be accessed remotely. 

   iManage emphasizes secure document management. One aspect of this is its conflict management feature that includes AI conflict checking and document audit history. It also allows you to create information barriers and segregate data. This helps ensure compliance with any regulatory or ethical requirements.

   Learn more about iManage

   Key Features

   • Version history
   • Automatic email filing
   • Integration with Microsoft 365, Outlook, Gmail, and Google Workspace
   • Customizable work panel to search for and access content

   Pros

   • Powerful search functionality
   • Good integration with Microsoft Office 365

   Cons

   • Users report a steep initial learning curve
   • Pricing is not publicly available, users have to contact iManage for a detailed quote

   Pricing

   Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: No

8. 

   NetDocuments — Good for: Medium to large law firms

   Available on

   • Web
   • iOS
   • Android

   

   NetDocuments is a cloud-based document management system. It offers five solutions, called organize, deliver, protect, plan, and learn. Each of these includes features designed to streamline your firm’s document and workflow management. They include OCR, file sync software, ethical walls, and a collaborative document viewer. 

   The software can be used across a range of industries, including by law firms and in-house legal teams. 

   Its no-code PatternBuilder tool allows you to automate templates and processes. This saves you time on repetitive matter tasks such as the creation of standard documents. NetDocument’s collaboration tools allow you to share and review documents.

   You can also customize related workflows and send real-time messages. It offers a high level of security with its Data Loss Prevention feature. This allows you to set document permissions and prevent users from taking documents outside of the platform.

   Learn more about NetDocuments

   Key Features

   • Integrates with over 150 partners including Microsoft, DocuSign, DocJuris, and LexisNexis
   • Contract management feature
   • OCR to improve the searchability of documents
   • Email management tools compatible with Gmail and Outlook

   Pros

   • Desktop access and mobile app mean users can access documents from anywhere
   • Easy-to-use interface

   Cons

   • Some users report glitches with checking documents out and in
   • Pricing structure and plans are not publicly available, you must contact NetDocuments for a quote

   Pricing

   Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: No

9. 

   Worldox — Good for: Users looking for a server-based option

   Available on

   • Web

   

   Worldox’s document management software is designed for businesses across a range of industries. It offers standard document management features such as document storage and email management.

   It also includes version management, unique document ID, and document tagging. These features allow you to search indexed documents and quickly locate files. It securely stores and sends documents using data encryption and multi-factor authentication.

   Worldox offers a range of additional features you can build into integrations, such as a drafting tool in Word. 

   Worldox has three subscription tiers—Professional, Enterprise, and Cloud. The Professional and Enterprise subscriptions are not cloud-based. You need your own servers (and the space to store them) to run these versions.

   Learn more about Worldox

   Key Features

   • One-click save option
   • Ability to create multiple meta-tags to help with organizing and locating documents
   • Integrates with Microsoft Office, PracticeMaster, and Tabs3 practice management software
   • Document version management

   Pros

   • Document classification system assists with saving and locating documents
   • Strong security features including data encryption, multi-factor authentication, and geographic data redundancy

   Cons

   • Lower-tier subscriptions require in-house servers
   • Not specifically designed for law firms

   Pricing

   Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: No

10. 

    Smokeball — Good for: Small law firms

    Available on

    • Web
    • iOS
    • Android
    • Windows

    

    Smokeball’s automated legal document software is suitable for a range of practice areas. It offers over 200 matter types to classify your documents. You can use the software to oversee case, email, and calendar management. 

    Features include document creation and storage, workflow management, collaboration, time-tracking, and billing. With a document automation feature, Smokeball lowers the risk of documentation errors. It does this by using information already on Smokeball to populate new legal documents. 

    The software offers subscribers access to a public form library and allows them to create their own customized forms library. It also makes it easy to share documents with clients and obtain electronic signatures via a DocuSign integration.

    Learn more about Smokeball

    Key Features

    • Automated legal forms library
    • Time and expense tracking as well as billing functionality
    • One-click PDF conversion
    • Integrates with Microsoft Office

    Pros

    • Accessible from anywhere via desktop or mobile devices
    • Specifically designed for law firms

    Cons

    • Per user pricing structure quickly adds up
    • Limited automated legal forms available in some states

    Pricing

    Starts at $29/user/month Trial: Yes — 7-day Free Plan: No