With every passing year, technology continues to redefine the legal profession. As a result, firms are looking for new tools, including free case management software solutions.

Law firms continue to go paperless, with 60% now operating in the cloud. Tech-savvy firms have realized that tedious manual tasks—from document creation to client communication—can be almost entirely automated. 

Practice management and case management solutions are pivotal for attorneys to succeed in the 21st century. They provide a single, cloud-based source of truth where firms can manage their workload and grow their business. Though, with so many options on the market, it can be hard to ​​choose the right case management software for your firm.

This article explores what case management software is, explains what to look for in a provider, and assesses the top vendors currently on the market.

What is case management software?

Case management software provides firms with a single source of truth where they can store, access, and manage key client data. This includes case notes, contact information, appointments, client communications, billing details, and more.

What to look for in case management software: Five features to prioritize

It’s worth noting there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. Every firm’s needs are different—solo practitioners practicing wills and estates virtually will likely require different features and integrations than a ten-person general practice firm.

That said, some common must-haves apply across the board.

1. Advanced integrations

Law firms should seek out case management software that prioritizes integrations. This is crucial. The vast majority of firms use multiple tools within the space of any given day: Case management software, email software, accounting software, and so on. Integrating these tools ensures data passes seamlessly from one tool to the next, eliminating the chance of data silos. Conversely, firms that can’t integrate their tools will struggle. Attorneys will waste precious time digging around for disparate data stored here, there, and everywhere. They’ll lack a single source of truth—and they’ll lack clarity.

2. Cloud-based software

Firms should opt for cloud-based case management software providers. This allows attorneys to work productively from anywhere, anytime, and using any device. With remote working set to continue moving forward, this is more important than ever before. Of course, its benefits also extend to attorneys who regularly spend their days in court or meeting clients—in other words, away from their computers.

3. Security

Protecting the security privacy of your clients’ confidential data is one of your top priorities as a legal professional. It should also be a top priority for your case management service provider. Look for a vendor that offers dedicated security professionals, runs regular security checks, and is compliant with the latest privacy and data security standards.

4. Reliable customer support

Who knows when you might encounter an unexpected technical hitch. However, when they do occur, you need to know your vendor will work tirelessly to help your firm get back up and running from a technical standpoint. Tip: Look for award-winning, 24-hour customer support from your vendor. Along the same lines, an uptime guarantee is also something you should confirm with your vendor.

5. Time-saving features

Last but not least, firms need to implement case management software that provides valuable  features. For example, that offer sufficient document storage, are versatile, provide data-driven insights, help with client billing, and offer advanced client management capabilities. A mobile-friendly solution is also critical for today’s on-the-go clients.

Final thoughts on selecting the best case management software

Case management software should be non-negotiable for all firms. It provides a single place for operations, helping firms onboard clients, automate tedious processes, and bill for their work. And on top of that, leading case management tools integrate with the rest of firms’ tech stacks, allowing them to create automated workflows and eliminate data silos.

If you’re looking for the best case management software, look no further. Clio has you covered. 

Clio has everything you need to manage and grow your firm, including tools for: client intake, case management, document management, time and expense tracking, billing, online payments, and a whole lot more.