Effective legal document management software is key to running an efficient, cost-effective, and paperless legal practice. We collected the best legal document software for you to choose from.
Paperwork is the lifeblood of a law firm. Each action and every piece of correspondence relating to a client’s legal matter needs to be documented for compliance. Confidential documents must be stored securely, and safeguards should be put in place to stop unauthorized access or lost documents.
That’s why it’s essential that law firms have an efficient document management system (DMS).
Managing hard copies of client and matter-related documents can become unwieldy. It requires a physical storage location which can be costly. Locating a physical document takes up lawyers’ and paralegals’ valuable time. Occasionally, hard-copy documents also disappear without a trace.
That’s where legal document management software comes in. Legal DMS allows you to digitize your document management. They securely store and organize your documents, making it quick and easy to find the one you need.
Most solutions are also cloud-based, removing the need for any physical storage space. In this article, we look at the best DMS for law firms in 2023.
If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.
Our Top Picks
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Best all-in-one legal document management software
Learn more -
Good for law firms wanting practice management functionalities
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Good for enterprise-level law firms
What to Look For in a Legal Document Management Software
- Document storage. The best legal document management software offers unlimited storage. The storage should also be secure and backed up regularly.
- Permissions. For compliance with industry regulations and ethics, you need to be able to control who has access to a document.
- Collaboration. Legal DMS should allow you to easily and securely send or share documents with others in your organization.
- Compliance with industry regulations. Like any business, law firms are subject to stringent data privacy and protection laws and regulations. You should ensure your legal DMS complies with these.
- Metadata and unique document numbering. To keep track of and locate your documents, you need to be able to add metadata to them. This includes meta tags, classifications, descriptions, and notes. Documents should also be automatically assigned a unique document number.
- Integrations. Law firms typically rely on a range of applications, including practice management software. For ease of use, your legal DMS should integrate with these applications.
The 10 Best Legal Document Management Softwares of 2023
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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.
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 -
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 MyCaseKey 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
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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 OpenKMKey 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
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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 ClioKey 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
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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 LexWorkplaceKey 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
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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 eFileCabinetKey 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
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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 iManageKey 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
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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 NetDocumentsKey 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
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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 WorldoxKey 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
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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 SmokeballKey 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
Compare the Best Legal Document Management Softwares
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Reviews |
4.8
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4.7
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4.7
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4.7
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4.2
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4.4
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4.2
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4.2
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4.2
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4.7
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Pricing |
Starts at just $29/month for the first 30 users
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Starts at $39/user/month
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Contact vendor for price
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Starts at $39/user/month
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Starts at $395/month
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Contact vendor for price
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Contact vendor for price
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Contact vendor for price
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Contact vendor for price
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Starts at $29/user/month
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Free Trial |
yes
14-day
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yes
10-day
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yes
7-day
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yes
7-day
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no
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yes
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no
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no
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no
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yes
7-day
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Free Plan |
yes
Free Up to 10 users
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no
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yes
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no
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no
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no
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no
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no
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no
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no
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What Is Legal Document Management Software?
Legal document management software digitizes document management for law firms and legal departments. With legal DMS, you can securely save all documents and files related to a matter or client. This includes contracts, statements, evidence, licenses, and reports.
Legal DMS is designed to save your law firm time and money. By securely storing documents in a central platform, it’s easy to find the document you need. This saves lawyers and support staff time, allowing them to focus on substantive file work.
How Does Legal Document Management Software work?
Legal document management software stores your documents and files in a central digital location. They organize the files in a way that allows users to easily save, locate, and share documents.
Most legal document management software is cloud-based. However, some operate on-premise, requiring you to maintain servers.
Legal document management software typically offers a high level of security features. These protect sensitive information and client confidentiality. These include multifactor authentication, encryption, permission restrictions, and access logs.
Some legal document management software offers additional features. These include automated workflows, practice management functionality, and template libraries.
The Benefits of Legal Document Management Software
The main benefit of a legal document management system is the time and money it saves your law firm. Going paperless removes the associated cost of printing, organizing, and storing hard copies. By storing documents and their metadata in a centralized location, it’s easy to search and locate documents from anywhere at any time.
It allows you to streamline and automate aspects of your document management process. This reduces the time your lawyers and paralegals spend on locating or creating documents. Instead, they can focus on providing profit-generating core services.
Legal document management software also makes compliance easier. If you are audited or find yourself in a dispute with a client, you can quickly retrieve the relevant documents. It also helps you develop standards and processes to prevent lost documents.
How Much Does Legal Document Management Software Cost?
When looking at the cost of different legal document management software, it’s essential to look at the total investment required. This can include the cost of the software itself, as well as the cost of migrating to the new platform and any necessary training, support, or storage.
Unfortunately, there is not a high level of transparency around the cost of legal document management software. Many providers don’t make their pricing publicly available. Instead, they provide tailored quotes based on the size and specific business needs of a law firm.
Of those that do publish their pricing, many charge per user. This can quickly add up, making legal document management software an expensive investment.
In our opinion, Connecteam offers excellent value, especially for small to medium law firms. All of our paid plans include access for up to 30 users. Our Small Business Plan gives up to 10 users full access to all Connecteam features, including our document management system. And it’s free for life.
FAQs
What is the best legal document management software?
We believe Connecteam is the best all-in-one legal document management software. Our document management system allows you to securely store and access important documents from anywhere at any time. Connecteam is also affordable, with a free lifetime plan for up to 10 users available.
How do you organize legal documents?
Legal document management software is the best way to organize any documents and files relating to a legal case. With this software, you can digitally store, categorize, find, and share documents securely. It streamlines your document management processes, saving you time and money.
What is the best software for law firms?
Legal document management software is essential for any busy legal practice. It streamlines the document management process and often incorporates time-tracking and billing features. In our view, Connecteam is the best all-in-one legal document management software for law firms of any size or practice area.
The Bottom Line On Legal Document Management Software
Most law firms are looking towards an entirely paperless future. This means an effective legal document management system is essential. Choosing the right software can save your firm time and money.
Not only does it streamline your document management process. It also standardizes your filing system, making finding a document for work or compliance purposes quick and easy.
We’ve developed Connecteam to help make your document management straightforward and affordable. This allows you to focus on the activities that generate your firm profit. You can also be reassured that your documents are stored securely. They are also readily accessible, anytime you need them.