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.