Litigation case management software helps law firms and corporate legal offices manage their case loads by tracking and calendaring deadlines, providing accounting features and clocking legal time billing. Fortunately, when it comes to legal case management software, law offices have a myriad of choices, ranging from integrated state-of-the-art legal software systems for those larger law firms to simpler, more cost-effective solutions for the sole practitioner.

The pricing and costs of legal case management software depends on many factors, including:

1. The number of timekeepers in your office that will be using the case management software.

2. The features offered by the case management software system.

3. The available platforms in your firm or office that can utilize the particular legal software.

4. Ease of integration with other systems already in place at your firm.

5. The need for ongoing technical support.

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Choose a web-based litigation management software system to cut costs

For basic litigation support and document management, choose web-based law practice management software. Web-based programs allow you to avoid IT costs and rarely require the installation of software or hardware. Web-based legal software programs are usually available for a reasonable monthly fee in the range of $75 to $100 per month depending on the services and features you choose.

I recommend: Lexbe Online Litigation Management is a web-based legal case management software supplier that offers a variety of case management tools, from case analytics to document management and e-discovery. Lexbe allows you to schedule a demo or try it out for 30 days before you commit. Lucid IQ offers case management services for many leading law firms and also lets you schedule a product demo, as well as download a detailed product brochure.

Find case management software providers that offer package deals

To lower the pricing and costs of legal case management software, look for those legal case management software suppliers that offer package deals. Legal software providers that offer discounts on purchases of more than one product or offer deals on technical support plans purchased for more than one year can save your firm hundreds of dollars.

I recommend: Amicus Attorney offers discounted technical support plans when you purchase more than one product. Amicus Attorney products range from $500 for the standard edition to $600 for the premium edition. Amicus Attorney's annual technical support service starts at around $300, but is discounted if two or more products are purchased. Practice Master's non-client server version starts at $150 for the first user and $50 per additional user, with more advanced products and client server versions running between $500 and $800. However, Practice Master gives a credit to existing customers who choose to upgrade from a basic package to one of their premier packages. Practice Master also offers free trial and downloadable demos.

Pick litigation case management software programs that can be easily upgraded as your needs require

To ensure that you do not purchase a legal case management system that will one day fall behind the curve on all the latest legal developments, you will need litigation case management software program that is easily upgradeable. Many of the more popular case management software providers offer regular and affordable upgrades to allow your software to stay current with all the developments in the law.

I recommend: Abacus Law products run from $300 to $500 and offer upgrades, product support, training and software maintenance releases at a fixed price per year. Legal Files is also easily upgradeable, reducing the need for expensive IT resources, and can be completely integrated with Microsoft Office. Legal Files provides pricing by quote on their website based upon the specifics of your firm's size, existing platforms and needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While many case management software providers may offer a low base price, when you start adding different features such as additional users, integration modules or spell checkers, the price may go up significantly.

The decision to choose a case management software system is a big step for a small to mid-sized law firm. The founding members of the firm were probably practicing law since long before word processing altered workflow and law firm staffing needs. Then electronic filing came along, requiring additional technical capabilities, especially for litigators in larger jurisdictions. Legal case management software is the next major step in incorporating law and technology.

Choosing litigation management software, or legal case management software for non-litigation practices, is tough because the number of providers of legal case management software has increased in the last several years. There are many case management software systems out there, and the key is getting the right system for your practice.

When choosing your case management software system, keep in mind:

1. Specific legal software needs of your firm.
2. Cost to convenience ratio of a legal software system.
3. Upgrades and maintenance plan for the case management software system.

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Assess your needs for legal case management software

Before shopping for case management software, you need to know what you want it to do. Most systems track calendar events, store client and matter information, and generate form documents populated with case information. Some case management systems also tie in billing, and other accounting functions or can interface with your existing accounting software.

I recommend: Check out the various features of the Amicus litigation case management software product line to better understand what types of products are available.

Compare features on legal software

You will find a confusing number of legal case management software system providers on the Internet. Start by narrowing the field based on your specific needs and comparing features of various systems.

I recommend: Check out this comparison chart that includes litigation case management products from different case management software providers.

Try a free demo from case management software providers

Seeing a litigation case management software system in action is the best way to understand its capabilities and be sure it is compatible with your practice. Walk through the product in an online brochure with screenshots and then request a free demo.

I recommend: Review the SAGA legal software system brochure. Check out the Abacus Family law case management software system product features, or request a free demo of the Needles Case Management System.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Do what lawyers do best - negotiate! Find the best case management software system available for your specific law firm needs, and then negotiate a great price with installation, user training and maintenance included. Keep in mind, you'll want to develop an on-going working relationship with the case management software system provider.
• •  Plan beyond the initial installation. Designate and train support staff to maintain your new legal case management software system. A database is only as good as the data entry. Coordinate regular training and refresher sessions for anyone who will be using the case management software.

Litigation case management is no longer left up to a secretary and rows of file cabinets. Most lawyers and law offices now use litigation case management software for all their organizational needs. Legal software offers tools that allow a law firm to integrate all aspects of the business into on program, including accounting and other business practices. Legal software can also organize cases in such a way that the firm can streamline its business and accounting practices.

Case management is handled differently through various software titles, so it is a good idea to get instruction for the specific law practice management software title you want to use. Legal case management software education and training can be found through:

1. Case management software providers that offer customized training sessions and materials.

2. Tutorials that offer basic knowledge and troubleshooting options.

3. Online training sessions that provide self-guided educational opportunities.

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Find customized training for a specific case management software system

If you want customized training for your employees that teaches them to use the type of software you choose, contacting the manufacturer is the first step. Many software companies offer training courses, materials or custom training sessions to help your employees efficiently navigate the case management system.

I recommend: Elite provides many classroom training options for its ProLaw case management software. Synaptec Software provides training sessions for it's LawBase Case and Matter Management Software package. These are located in-house or at its training offices for your convenience.

Learn with tutorials from providers of legal case management software

To train your employees on a particular type of software program, you can also use tutorials provided by manufacturers of legal software. You can use these tutorials as part of a larger in-house training program, or make them available to employees so they can train themselves on the software's basic functions.

I recommend: AbacusLaw offers a quick-training option that provides tutorial modules that cover the most common functions of the program. CaseSoft provides training classes as well as webinar training for different aspects of the program, including an overview of Acrobat, which is an essential tool for using CaseSoft.

Choose self-guided training materials from legal case management software suppliers

If you do not have the time or resources to provide formal program training for your employees, they can also learn how to use legal software from user guides, videos and online presentations. These are self-guided and give employees the opportunity to review the information at any point in the future.

I recommend: PracticeMaster provides customized training sessions in-house and through remote teaching. Amicus Attorney provides many instructional materials that teach how to use its software program, including books, online courses and training guides.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Because software can change quickly, it is a good idea to give refresher courses for your legal software system each time a new version of the program is available.