20 Best Billing Software for Law Firms in 2024

The legal services market is poised for steady growth through 2030. While the litigation segment continues to account for a considerable market share, it is closely rivaled by the expansion of the corporate segment. This is thanks—in no small part—to the entrepreneurial spirit. This is very apparent in the United States. In 2021, there were a million more new business applications filed in the country compared to 2020. This is despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

This surge offers opportunities to legal services providers as many of these businesses need legal counsel in some way or form. Hence, to cater to this surge, law firms have enlisted the help of digital technology to automate key operational areas such as financial management. Among the most popular digital solutions being adopted are billing platforms. This is because they provide legal firms with useful automation tools to save time on clerical tasks. In this way, they can spend more time and energy on more mission-critical processes. If you are shopping for such products, you have come to the right place.

In this article, we will provide you with our list of the best billing software for law firms. This includes brief but useful information on their target users, key features, integrations, and pricing. Hopefully, you can find a solution that fits both your needs and budget.

In 2021, the size of the global legal services market reached $901.8 billion, with the US accounting for 39.89% at $359.5 billion. By 2030, at a CAGR of 5.3%, the figure is poised to reach more than $1.4 trillion. The main driver of this growth, according to experts, will be the corporate segment. This is because of the increase in legal issues concerning employee harassment, copyright violations, patent infringement, and organizational discrimination audits. In 2021, it already accounts for more than 25% of the market, the same percentage share as the litigation market.

Also in the US, the spending on both corporate legal departments and outside counsel has increased. In 2020, the recorded corporate legal department spending was $39.1 billion. This reached $40 billion in the next year and is pegged to reach $40.7 billion by the end of 2022. On the other hand, the spending on outside counsel is projected to grow by 8.86% from $70 billion in 2020 to $76.2 billion in 2022.

Furthermore, this growth is not only supported but also fueled by technological innovations. These digital tools improve the capacity of legal services firms to handle more cases by streamlining workflows. This is critically important when it comes to the billing processes as 61% of small law firms find getting paid by clients a challenge. And, not having the right tools for this can cost firms their competitive edge or worse, their business. Fortunately, they can turn to the best billing software for law firms to address this challenge.

20 Best Billing Software for Law Firms

1. Bilr

Bilr is a specialized billing software suite for law firms. It is prized for modernizing the whole process by using AI and machine-learning-powered intelligence and automation solutions. Moreover, the product is also known for its ease of use. In fact, thanks to its gamification framework for attorney rankings and billable hours, many users find it very enjoyable to work in. Key billing features include automatic billing code generation, user-friendly time recording, quick invoice creation, voice assistant, a dedicated dictation tab, and allowing users to provide client-specific rates.

Furthermore, Bilr is fitted with data analytics and business intelligence tools. With these, law firms can use more quantifiable measures and techniques in assessing the business side of their practice. Key business intellgience features include profit-enhancing invoice cleaning, machine learning invoice checking, and key metrics email reporting. Also, it is known for its enterprise-grade security. Thus, users can rest assured that every transaction is safe and secure.

Additionally, users can customize how Bilr is deployed within their current or planned software architecture as it allows custom integration. The solution also works with other law practice management software solutions such as LawPay and LawMatics. Bilr integrates well with third-party solutions such as QuickBooks and PayPal. Lastly, pricing starts at $29.50 per user per month.

2. Zola Suite

Zola Suite is a full-featured cloud-based law practice management software platform that comes complete with financial management tools such as billing solutions that are specially made for the legal practice. It is known for its highly-configurable Time and Billing module. It allows users to create multiple timers for various tasks and can be configured to automatically create timers for call notes and emails. Also, to keep teams abreast with the case context, the module provides narrative templates with time entry descriptions.

Other billing features include rate cards, expense tracking, invoice management, budgeting, and a retainer/trust fund management tool. Zola Suite also supports bulk billing and credit card payments via Zola’s Caseway™ Client Portal. Furthermore, these are all customizable as well as users can configure billing frequencies, consolidate billing, and split bills. Also, these features are accessible through the platform’s native applications for both Android and iOS devices.

Of course, as a top proper law practice management software solution, its billing solutions are just part and parcel of the offering. Other key features include contact management, task management, document management, document automation, legal case management, notes organizer, an intelligent email module, and a case-centric calendar. Also, it has a CRM module to boot. Its capabilities can also be extended through integrations with other products such as QuickBooks, among many others. Lastly, Pricing starts at $59 per user per month.

3. Melio

Melio is an accounts payable (AP) platform used to streamline and secure billing processes. It is popular among firms with smaller operations and also for professionals with private practices. Key features include billing and invoicing, ACH payment processing, online payment processing, check processing, and debit/credit card processing. Moreover, Melio is known for its intuitive approval process workflow control solution. And, it is widely used for its enterprise-grade security protocols and fraud detection capabilities. Furthermore, it also protects payees by including a duplicate payment alert feature in tow.

Also, the product is free to use and Melio only takes small commissions for certain transactions. Credit card and debit card payments have a 2.9% fee while same-day bank transfer has a 1% charge. ACH bank transfer and sending checks via USPS, however, is completely free. Receiving payments from bank transfers and credit cards are also free. Melio only charges 1% for same-day bank transfers.

Lastly, the web-based product also works seamlessly with other third-party solutions. These include QuickBooks and FreshBooks, among others. Hence, you can conduct more advanced financial accounting and management using your Melio data.

4. QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based accounting software solution with comprehensive billing features. It is perfect for users that want to have an accounting software package with other end-to-end tools natively connected to their billing solution.

Key billing features include invoice management, invoice customization, bill management, payment tracking, mobile receipt capture, and check printing Other useful financial management tools include automatic tax calculations, profit-and-loss reporting, and estimate creation. It is also known for its business intelligence tools that allow users to perform advanced analytics and churn out instant intuitive highly-visual reports. In this way, users will have a 360-degree view of their financial performance—not only limited to billing processes.

Also, being a popular accounting software, it is made to work seamlessly with other business solutions. Integrations include those with Mavenlink, Jobber, and PayPal. Additionally, the platform is accessible through its native mobile applications for Android and iOS devices. Thus, users can access their data and manage their billing processes on the go. Lastly, pricing starts at $30 per month.

5. NetSuite ERP

NetSuite ERP is a popular enterprise resource management platform that provides users with comprehensive tools for billing and financial management together with other management solutions. Key features include order-to-cash management, flexible billing scheduling, payroll services, and revenue recognition management. Moreover, it provides users with accounting solutions such as audit trail visibility and a tax management module.

All of these are tied together using its easy-to-understand integrated process workflow. In this way, highly-related processes in accounting, billing management, and invoicing can be managed under a single roof. Also, it is fitted with human capital management features for internal team management. And, you can access all of these features through NetSuite’s mobile application for both iOS and Android devices. Thus, you can keep yourself and your team in the loop even when you are out in the field.

NetSuite ERP

Try out NetSuite ERP with their free trial

Of course, the product works seamlessly with other NetSuite solutions. These include NetSuite CRM, among others. Furthermore, it also integrates with other software, including Epay, Dell Boomi, and Bronto. Lastly, as NetSuite ERP is deployed custom to your needs, it is only available via a quote-based plan.

6. FreshBooks

FreshBooks is another popular web-based financial solution for businesses with comprehensive billing software features. Also, the platform is quite customizable. Hence, it is popular among different types of businesses across different industries, including law firms. Key billing features include invoice management, time tracking, expense tracking, and advanced reporting tools. All of these are situated within a larger accounting management context. Hence, this makes FreshBooks a complete financial management solution.

Moreover, it is prized for its recurring profiles feature. This is highly useful in handling retainers and projects. Furthermore, FreshBooks has an automatic billing schedule that users can configure to charge client credit cards securely in seconds. Also, it provides users with options to configure payment reminders and even late payment fees.

FreshBooks

Try out FreshBooks with their free trial

You can access all these invoice management, billing, and accounting features on the go as well. This is thanks to FreshBooks’ native apps for both Android and iOS devices. Additionally, you can configure the platform to work with other business solutions for project management and time management. Of course, it works seamlessly with popular payment gateways such as PayPal. Lastly, pricing starts at $15 per month.

7. Sage Business Cloud Accounting

Sage Business Cloud Accounting, previously known as Sage One, is a go-to billing solution for many types of businesses across different industries. And, like other top solutions, it has a specialized deployment as a billing software for small law firms It is prized for providing legal firms with a comprehensive feature set that connects billing to other important operational processes. Features include quote management, billable time tracking, expense tracking, and payroll management. It is also known to have one of the best tax and compliance features in the business.

Other features include automatic bank reconciliation, tax management, multi-currency banking, audit trail, and an advanced reporting module. The platform, akin to other Sage products, is also known for being highly intuitive and easy to use. Hence, this allows users to put more attention on the more crucial dimensions of their legal practice instead of the clerical and menial aspects. And, with regard to more critical tasks, the platform also has a to-do list to boot for personnel management.

Sage Business Cloud Accounting works well with other Sage solutions. Additionally, it has native integrations with other products such as ExpenseIn, Practi, SalesSeek, and many more. Also, it has a mobile app for receipt capturing and other billing processes. You can easily download it from the App Store or Play Store. Lastly, pricing starts at an affordable $10 per month.

8. Zoho Books

Zoho Books is an easy-to-use smart accounting platform with intuitive billing features useful to legal firms. These include invoice management, invoice customization, expense tracking, project time tracking, and contact management. Moreover, it also includes other financial management tools such as automatic bank feeds and basic accounting solutions. Also, it has a tax management tool for compliance to boot. This comprehensive offering—plus its retainer feature—make Zoho Books a go-to application for small law firms.

All of its features are packed in an intuitive user interface where they can all be accessed in just a few clicks. Also, it is fitted with collaboration tools, including a collaborative client portal. Like other top Zoho products, the platform has great analytics and reporting solutions. And, like the top billing software solution that it is, it allows for secure online payments.

Zoho Books

Try out Zoho Books with their free trial

The platform works seamlessly with popular payment gateways, including PayPal, Stripe, and Authorize.net among others. It also integrates with tax management solutions such as track1099. Users are also able to access Zoho Books through its mobile apps. Additionally, it has a free plan available that’s perfect for individual law practitioners. Paid plans start at $20 per organization monthly.

9. Zoho Invoice

Zoho Invoice is one of the most straightforward billing and invoicing solutions out there. Surely, it is not as comprehensive as others on our list. However, it makes up for it with its ease of use and it being totally free. Yes, Zoho makes the platform free to use to give back to its user base and help SMBs. Hence, it is becoming a widely popular solution among freelancers, the self-employed, and small businesses like independent law firms. It has five main modules: estimates, time tracking, expense tracking, reporting, and a client portal.

It also has an intuitive invoice customization interface with multilingual and multicurrency capabilities. Other invoicing features include digital signatures, recurring invoices for retainers, invoice sharing, invoice printing, and many more. Of course, it also has payment support. Moreover, its features are all accessible via Zoho’s mobile applications for both iOS and Android users.

Zoho Invoice

Try out Zoho Invoice with their free trial

Even though Zoho Invoice is free, the product is still fitted with enterprise-grade safety features common to all Zoho software. It also works seamlessly with secure payment gateways such as Stripe, PayPal, and Braintree. Furthermore, it has built-in APIs for Office 365 and Google Workspace aside from its native Zoho integrations. All of these combined makes Zoho Invoice an ideal billing software for small law firms with strictly billing features.

10. HoneyBook

HoneyBook is a billing and invoicing software solution targeted at small businesses like law firms and individual practitioners. It is, in its very essence, an end-to-end client management platform with solutions for project management, invoicing, and billing. Moreover, it provides users with templates and customization options for contracts and invoices within the platform. And, being easy to use, this helps you to save valuable design time.

Other billing software features include online payment support, lead capture forms, and project tracking. Also, all of its features are packed in an easy-to-understand user interface, making it a platform with high out-of-the-box usability. Plus, you can access these features on the go via its mobile applications for Android and iOS devices.

Furthermore, you can expand HoneyBook’s capabilities through its native integrations with other popular solutions. Integrations include those for Gmail, QuickBooks, Zoom, and Zapier. Lastly, the product costs $39 per month or $390 per year. This includes all features and supports unlimited transactions and team members.

11. TimeSolv

TimeSolv is a law practice management software solution that comes complete with powerful billing features. These include expense tracking, invoice management, credit card payment processing, time tracking, and financial reporting. Moreover, the platform provides its users with other management solutions such as a to-do list and project management features.

The product also has advanced billing features like a split billing option. Furthermore, TimeSolv has mobile apps available. So, you can access all of its features while you are on the go. Also, it integrates seamlessly with other business solutions, including QuickBooks, Dropbox, and LawPay. Lastly, pricing starts at $34.95 per month.

12. PracticePanther

PracticePanther is a cloud-based legal practice and billing management solution. It is popular among small- and medium-sized law firms for providing well-rounded, flexible, and highly-customizable end-to-end software tools. The platform has easy-to-use billing management features with trust accounting capability and online payment processing support. These work in tandem with legal practice management tools such as a legal calendar, a legal case management module, and a secure client portal—providing integrated business solutions to law firms. And, thanks to its mobile applications, users can access all of its features via their handheld devices.

Also, it is prized for providing its API. Hence, users will be able to make it work with their current or planned software architecture. Aside from this, PracticePanther also has built-in integrations with other third-party solutions. These include QuickBooks, Zapier, and PayPal, among many others. Pricing starts at $39 per user per month.

13. Clio

Clio is a complete law practice management and legal billing software suite. The software is flexible enough to cater to law firms of all sizes. What Clio really does well is it integrates legal practice tools with financial solutions. And, it does this with its comprehensive billing module. Also, thanks to its design, the module is known for providing great user experiences. Aside from ensuring payments are secure, it provides useful features such as Pay Now buttons, click-to-pay links, payment information storage, and QR codes. Moreover, users can also create custom payment plans in the system.

Other key features include custom branded invoices, alternative billing arrangements, custom payment profiles, discount management, and even a bill write-off option. These features are also accessible via mobile, thanks to its native apps for iOS and Android devices. Also, the platform has advanced reporting and analytics tools. Moreover, it also works with other third-party solutions, including JurisPage, LawPay, and AgileLaw, among others. Lastly, pricing starts at $39 per user per month.

14. Bill4Time

Bill4Time is an easy-to-use time tracking and billing software for law practitioners. Moreover, It is also widely used by other professional service providers such as accountants. Other key features include expense tracking, client management, invoice management, and reporting. Moreover, the platform also has productivity features, thanks to its project management module. Also, it includes accounting features. Furthermore, this comprehensive set of features is housed in an intuitive user interface, making Bill4Time highly usable right off the bat.

As a notable time and billing software for law firms, Bill4Time is accessible using mobile devices via its mobile app. The product also integrates with other software tools. It has integrations for Uptime, PayPal, LawPay, Stripe, and QuickBooks, among many others. Lastly, pricing starts at $30 per month.

15. MyCase

MyCase is a legal practice management solution with end-to-end solutions for legal case management up to client billing. Key features include document management, time tracking, expense tracking, invoice management, case workflows, and payment scheduling among others. Also, the product is known for its high-level online security. So, users can rest assured that their online transactions will be safe and their information private.

The product is very intuitive to use, and you can access its features via its Android and iOS apps. Hence, you can keep yourself and your team in the loop even when you are away from the office. Also, the software has a client portal for easy collaboration and billing. MyCase also works great with other business applications, including QuickBooks Online, among others. Lastly, pricing plans start at $39 per user per month.

16. Firm Central

Firm Central by Thomson Reuters is a comprehensive legal solution that helps users manage all aspects of their legal practice and business in a central hub. It is also popular because of its intuitive time and billing module, which allows users to have more accurate billable time tracking. Other features include trust and business accounting, document assembly, matter management, and a client portal. And, thanks to being cloud-based and device agnostic, you can access it anywhere, anytime.

The platform also integrates seamlessly with other solutions, including Case Notebook, QuickBooks, Microsoft Outlook, and Westlaw Legal Research. Pricing starts at $40 per user paid monthly.

17. ActionStep

ActionStep is a web-based legal practice management software with robust billing solutions. It also has features critical for accurate invoicing such as workflow management, time recording, document assembly, and document storage. Moreover, it has other financial management tools such as a general ledger. Other features include check printing, batch payments, bank reconciliation, and deposit slips. Moreover, thanks to its Quick Start Setup, the platform has high out-of-the-box functionality.

Moreover, its features are also accessible via mobile devices, thanks to its native apps for iOS and Android operating systems. Also, the product works well with other solutions, including Gmail, Office 365, Xero, and Zapier. Lastly, pricing starts at $49 per user per month billed annually.

18. Rocket Matter

Rocket Matter helps law firms to keep track of and manage their legal practice—from cases to financial management. The platform offers billing solutions, ranging from task tracking, time tracking, matter-based ledgering, and invoicing with batch billing capability. And, thanks to its accounts receivable reports, users will be able to keep on top of what they are owed. Other features include global intelligence search and contact management.

Furthermore, Rocket Matter has native applications for both Android and iOS devices. Hence, users will be able to quickly access the platform when they are in the field. Additionally, the platform also works with other business systems, including Office 365, Evernote, LexCharge, and LawPay. Lastly, Rocket Matter is deployed according to your needs. Hence, it is only available via quote-based subscription plans.

19. CosmoLex

CosmoLex is a cloud-based legal practice management solution that helps users to simplify complex processes such as client billing. Key billing features include billing management, payments processing, credit card tracking, electronic billing, and a secure client portal. These are integrated into a wider legal practice management context with features such as email management, law office accounting, document management, and calendar management.

Furthermore, CosmoLex is also known for its highly-visual designs and very informative practice dashboards. These provide users with a 360-degree view of their current operations. Also, you can access all of its features via its native apps for both Android and iOS devices. Additionally, the product works with other systems. It has integrations with LawPay and OneDrive, among others. Pricing starts at $59 per user per month.

20. Alt Legal

Alt Legal is a highly-specialized legal practice solution for trademark docketing. It provides users with powerful automation tools to manage their global trademark portfolios. And, as it is an end-to-end solution, the platform also provides users with electronic billing capability. Other features include a machine-learning-powered trademark watch, quick docket reports, and personalized emails.

Furthermore, Alt Legal is also very popular among IP lawyers because of its one-click reporting feature. This enables users to have a better view of their operations. Other features include client and third-party access, smart email templates, and personalized deadline reports. Pricing starts at $50 per month.

What is the best billing software for law firms?

The best billing software for law firms will really depend on their particular needs and goals. If you need a comprehensive digital solution to manage your practice, you might do well with a standalone legal practice management solution with a good billing module. However, if you need strictly billing software, these tools may not provide you with the most effective billing features that a dedicated specialized legal billing software provides. Among them, Bilr stands out the most.

It doesn’t only provide you with traditional legal billing management tools it modernizes the entire process. This is thanks to incorporating the use of machine learning, AI, and automation solutions. These embedded technologies power the platform’s workflows and business intelligence tools. Moreover, even though this sounds complicated, you would be surprised by how Bilr is easy and intuitive to use. Its features are housed in an easy-to-understand interface where all its features can be accessed in just a few clicks. Also, using it can be enjoyable as well. It’s because Bilr’s gamification tools can instill a friendly and productive competitive spirit among attorneys.

Also, like all the top platforms on our list, Bilr is known for its enterprise-grade security protocols. Of course, this is a ubiquitous feature among the best billing tools available today. And, you would really never go wrong with any of the solutions we have listed above. This is especially so when you are meaning to move away from the use of legacy software and are dedicated to modernizing your legal billing process. We hope you’ll find the right one for your needs.

By Louie Andre

B2B & SaaS market analyst and senior writer for FinancesOnline. He is most interested in project management solutions, believing all businesses are a work in progress. From pitch deck to exit strategy, he is no stranger to project business hiccups and essentials. He has been involved in a few internet startups including a digital route planner for a triple A affiliate. His advice to vendors and users alike? "Think of benefits, not features."