Guide to Legal Billing Software

Law practice billing software is built on the principle that legal services depend upon a system of closely monitored charges in order to bill the client accurately. Attorney billing programs offer different options designed to reduce bookkeeping tasks, leaving more time for you to concentrate on your cases.

Legal billing software solutions must meet the absolute integrity standards of the legal field. Clients want detailed breakdowns of every minute spent on their case and all miscellaneous charges.

Looking for a law practice billing software program among the hundreds on the market is confusing and discouraging. Knowing your legal billing software needs before you purchase a system will save you time and money in the end. Keep your eye out for law practice billing software solutions that include:

1. Top-rated law timekeeping and billing programs.
2. Quality conflict checking features for large law practices.
3. Access to online attorney billing programs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

The bottom line for attorney billing software: Time is money

Depending upon your specific needs, software designers offer stand alone time-tracking software or a law practice billing software program that includes a time tracker as an add-on. Within the time-assessment arena, look for attorney billing software that allows you to choose between hourly rates, flat fees and a pro-rating function for dropped clients. If your firm is large, look for a networked lawyer billing software program that tracks individual attorney time as well as total firm time.

I recommend: CyberMatrix not only tracks the time you spend on cases, it offers scheduling features and invoicing options. Download a free trial.  Easy Case & Billing is a user-friendly standalone lawyer billing software that integrates with Microsoft Office.

Depend on lawyer billing software with added conflict management features

Providers of legal billing software recognize the need for thorough conflict checking ability. In large law firms, a good conflict checking system is crucial before you take on a client and later find out you have a conflict. Look for a program that searches not only for plaintiff and defendant names but also for litigation matter categories.

I recommend: Intuit, a global power in financial software programs offers Conflict Checker with “sound like” ability and integration with other Quicken legal and billing programs. Order a free CD. For large practices needing a legal billing program, JustWare is a comprehensive system with powerful features, suitable for public defender offices.

Move your legal billing software to the web

When you want to focus on your clients and leave the details to others, consider an online legal billing software solution. Providers of online legal management services allow you to pay a monthly fee and network your office time tracking and bookkeeping with a centralized database that contacts your clients, offers them online access to their accounts and sends out statements and invoices. Online programs save time and office costs.

I recommend: Small law offices with one or two practitioners find TimeSolv Legal to be an affordable, user-friendly web-based program with account integration. Download a free detail sheet.  Backed by a 100-day guarantee, AbacusLaw handles every function a law office can dream up. With auto-fill court forms, billing and integration with popular office software, this program almost practices law by itself. Get a free demo.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• Ask about individual modules if you need only one or two features, such as time tracking or conflict checking that will integrate with your current system.
• Inquire about additional training charges. You can save a bundle on a "bargain" software program but quickly spend additional money in training charges if they are not included in the program price.

The official source of Legal Billing Software is
the Legal Billing Software page at Business.com