Compare These Top Vendors for Legal Document Management Software

Legal document management can be a time-consuming project if you don't have streamlined legal document software in your office. Without the right software, you may spend much of your time converting information between programs as you create and manage your documents. At the same time, legal document software can be an expensive investment, so you need to balance time management with costs.

Investigating the pricing and costs of legal document management software before you purchase it can help you determine whether it's cost-effective to implement new legal document management systems. Some run as low as $200, while others can cost thousands to implement. As you look into legal document management companies, take the following points into consideration:

1. Decide whether ready-made legal document management solutions are right for your firm, or whether you need custom solutions.
2. Get multiple quotes to understand the pricing range of customized document management software.
3. Look for what you'll need to pay for beyond the document management software, such as support or conversion charges.

Find legal document management software with clear pricing structures

If an out-of-the-box solution fits your needs, you can locate software that posts its pricing and costs online. The benefit of a clear pricing structure is that you know exactly how much to budge for the software.

Get quotes for customized legal document software

Depending upon your needs, a ready-made piece of legal document software may not be for your law firm. A number of software providers have a basic package that they then customize according to who will use the software and what your priorities are. Customized software can run anywhere from around $300 for a small office with limited users and limited needs to thousands of dollars.

Realize what costs you may incur beyond the actual legal document management applications

While all reputable companies providing law firm document management software disclose the full pricing and costs of their products, some costs are easy to overlook. Be sure to check out any start-up costs associated with the software, as well as what you need to pay for technical support.

• Think long term when you're selecting legal document software. If you know your needs will be expanding, it could be helpful to invest in a customized solution if you can afford it. That way, you can maintain a relationship with the same company as you expand your law office.