What Kind of Software Do Lawyers Use?

Technology can set a law firm up for success or bog down its processes and adversely affect its bottom line. Since the COVID-19 pandemic sparked change and challenges in the legal industry, lawyers are rapidly adopting more technology, such as attorney CRM software, than ever before.

Although some thought the shift to remote work would disappear after the pandemic, this has not been the case. According to a new report from the American Bar Association (ABA):

• Approximately 87% of the lawyers who responded said their workplaces allow them to work remotely.
• 44% of the young lawyers surveyed would leave their current positions for a greater opportunity to work remotely elsewhere.
• Almost 2/3 of the private practice attorneys surveyed have the flexibility to choose their own schedule and can work remotely 100% of the time if they want.
• Among women lawyers, 56% reported that remote work increased their ability to balance work and family obligations.

As a result, it’s become more important than ever for law firms to know and provide the things lawyers need—such as legal CRM software. This allows each attorney to provide legal services the way they choose – remotely, from the office, or a combination of the two. And staying current is one of the good things lawyers do.

What tools and technology do lawyers use?

The most successful law firms use technology to work more efficiently and securely in an increasingly remote workplace. Here are some of the most common computer software platforms used by today’s lawyers:

• Lawmatics. Law firm CRM software elevates the client experience and eliminates manual tasks with intake automation, digital intake forms, SMS & email campaigns, marketing performance analytics, document request templates, e-signature, and more. Read Lawmatics reviews here.
• Microsoft 365. Software as a service program Microsoft 365 includes essential business tools like Word, Excel, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, and more. 
• Google Workspace. Formerly known as G Suite, Google Workspace provides an array of features, including Google Docs, a word processor similar to Microsoft Word, that is a good option for attorneys whose work requires collaboration. 
• Kenect. If text messaging clients directly is essential to the lawyers at your firm, platforms like Kenect will allow you to sync your contacts directly into the system, view a log of text conversations in real-time, and trigger messages based on case status.
• LawPay. Lawyers utilize software solutions like LawPay to send out invoices and facilitate credit card and other online payments.
• RingCentral. All-in-one platforms for voice, video meetings, team messaging, and collaboration like RingCentral are popular with attorneys who favor click-to-dial functionality and one-click video conferencing capabilities. 
• DocuSign. In 2000, the U.S. passed the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (ESIGN), making electronic signatures legal in every state and territory where federal law applies. Electronic signature platforms like DocuSign makes document signing faster, easier, and more secure for lawyers and clients.
• Corvum. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology offers texting and calling for attorneys in various practice areas, including criminal defense. Corvum uses an internet connection, integrates with Clio practice management software, and is a top choice for attorneys who frequently travel for research or cases.

Lawyers frequently become more efficient, profitable, and client-centered when they use the proper technology. 

What research tools do lawyers use?

According to the ABA’s 2021 Legal Technology Survey Report, the typical lawyer spends an average of 21 percent of their time conducting legal research, up slightly from 18 percent in 2020. Here are some of the platforms they commonly use:

• Westlaw. An online legal research service and proprietary database for attorneys and legal professionals, Westlaw is available in more than 60 countries and provides access to case law, articles, publications, court documents, and legal news.
• Lexis Nexis. According to the ABA’s 2021 Legal Technology Survey Report, practicing attorneys in small firms chose Lexis Nexis as the top legal research vendor. 
• Fastcase. One of the largest online libraries in the world, Fastcase integrates with Clio to give attorneys remote access to case law, regulations, statutes, constitutional law, and more.

The survey found that 60 percent of the attorneys surveyed regularly use paid online resources for research, and nearly as many (59%) use free online sources. 

What does law practice management software do?

Law practice management software is an all-in-one system that helps firms manage day-to-day workflows like calendaring, case management, tasks, time tracking, billing, and accounting within the practice. Cloud-based practice management, such as Lawmatics software, features robust tools to help law firms manage cases, increase revenue, and offer a better client experience. Lawmatics law office software seamlessly integrates with some of the most popular software applications that also help lawyers do more of the good things lawyers do (below).

Lawmatics integrations

• Clio Manage
• MyCase
• Smokeball
• LawPay
• PracticePanther
• Filevine
• Rocket Matter
• And more…

To find out more about how Lawmatics can streamline your firm’s processes with automation, get a demo today.