This in-depth blog post will cover the importance of implementing CRM software into a law firm’s daily operations.
As someone who has worked with some of the most prominent law offices in the country, I understand how integral a CRM tool can be for long-term success.
While law firm CRM software may initially seem tedious, it cannot be overstated how important it is to research CRM systems carefully.
If you choose software without inspecting the pros and cons, key features, price points, and more, your legal practice could have to spend hours transferring information down the road.
Therefore, this year, I have reviewed and ranked law firms’ best client relationship management tools!
What is a CRM for Law Firms?
A CRM for law firms is a specialized software solution that helps law firms streamline their operations.
It allows lawyers to organize contacts and cases and automate billing, marketing, prospecting research, and client management tasks.
CRM systems also enable flexible contact organization by providing the ability to assign tags or categories to clients and contacts, allowing for easy segmentation and efficient follow-ups when needed.
Law firms can use this software to manage their entire client lifecycle from intake to closure, improving the customer experience and increasing the chance of referrals.
Why Law Firms Should Use Legal CRM Software
There are many reasons law firms should use a legal CRM system.
Some of these reasons include the following:
Better Client Management
Legal CRM software enables law firms to manage their clients more effectively.
With the ability to segment contacts, track activities and engagements, automate emails, and store notes, lawyers can ensure they provide the highest quality service.
Lead Follow Up Reminders
Most legal CRM programs come equipped with features like automated follow-up reminders.
Reminders can help lawyers stay top of mind and keep in contact with their clients, even when they’re busy handling other cases or tasks.
It also enables them to take advantage of opportunities quickly, as they don’t have to check their contact list every day or week manually.
Increased Team Collaboration
CRM software can also help law firms increase team collaboration.
Lawyers can work together more efficiently with tools like task management, document sharing, and real-time communication.
Collaboration tools enable them to serve their clients better and stay on top of the latest legal developments.
SOP Creation
Further, an excellent CRM system will enable law firms to create standard operating procedures.
SOPs can help streamline operations and guide employees in handling specific tasks or scenarios.
These guidelines help ensure all processes are completed similarly, eliminating discrepancies or confusion.
Better Automation & Efficiency
Finally, law firms that use CRM software can benefit from improved automation and efficiency.
CRMs enable lawyers to automate mundane tasks like lead follow-up and document filing.
Automated tasks allow them to focus their energy on the parts of their business that require more attention.
In addition, they can save time by having a central hub for their contacts, emails, and documents.
Features to Look for in a Law Firm CRM
There are many different CRMs for law firms on the market that offer a variety of features.
Let’s take a closer look at the features most CRM software provides to law firms!
Marketing Automation
Marketing automation is a crucial feature to look for in a law firm’s CRM.
This tool allows lawyers to create campaigns, trigger emails based on customer actions, and track engagement metrics.
By automating their marketing efforts, lawyers can save time and money while staying top of mind with their clients.
Lead Capturing
Lead capturing is another essential feature to look for in a legal CRM.
This tool lets users capture leads from website forms, social media, and other sources.
Lawyers can then use their lead data to segment contacts and trigger follow-up emails.
Using this feature, they can ensure they take full advantage of potential business opportunities.
Software Integrations
Another critical feature to look for in a law firm’s CRM is integrations.
Access to a wide range of integrations lets lawyers connect their software with other apps and services, streamlining the workflow process.
For example, they may be able to sync their calendar with their client database, automatically send out invoices when a case is closed, or integrate their CRM with a payment processing system.
Law firms should look for a CRM that offers various integrations to make the most of their software.
Custom Analytics & Client Data
Finally, law firms should look for CRM software that offers custom analytics and client information.
This tool enables lawyers to monitor their clients’ activities, analyze customer trends, and gain insights into their business performance.
By collecting this data, they can identify areas of improvement and better serve their customers.
In short, custom analytics and client data are important features to look for in a law firm CRM.
With this tool, lawyers can save time, improve efficiency, and gain valuable insights into their business.
Case Management
Case management is another critical feature to look for in a CRM.
A case managing tool allows attorneys to track their cases from start to finish, manage tasks and deadlines, document important events, and share client information with colleagues.
Using case management software, lawyers can stay organized and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
In addition, they can make sure their clients are always informed and up-to-date on their cases.
What’s the Best CRM for Law Firms?
New law firm CRMs find their way into the CRM market every year, so the Small Business Bonfire team and I carefully compared each software each year to see which ones are the best.
We reviewed each client relationship management tool based on pricing, stand-out features, pros and cons, and what type of law firm the software is best suited for.
Here are the best law firm CRMs in 2023!
HubSpot is a cloud-based program built to help companies of all sizes.
HubSpot isn’t solely designated for legal teams and can function well for accounting, marketing, sales, construction, and B2B or B2C companies.
Still, HubSpot has everything a team in the legal industry needs to track progress, organize data, and stay on top of everything at the firm.
Why We Picked It
HubSpot is ideal for smaller law firms that need basic CRM functionalities without a steep learning curve.
That said, all of HubSpot’s core features are free for customers.
For example, HubSpot’s free tools include a marketing strategy, sales tools, CMS functionalities, and operations tools.
These tools help with lead management (generating and emailing new leads) while measuring your firm’s data and analytics.
As a small law firm grows, HubSpot has more comprehensive plans with additional features that provide an end-to-end solution.
Although HubSpot isn’t explicitly targeted toward law practices, the software has advanced features that give small to large-scale firms an all-in-one solution for CRM needs.
Pricing
HubSpot has different pricing options for individuals, small teams, businesses, and enterprises.
Here are the annual plans HubSpot offers users:
- Free: $0 forever
- Starter: $18 a month
- Professional: $800 a month
- Enterprise: $3,600 a month
Pros
- The program's free version is very comprehensive and helpful for small-scale operations.
- Several different plans to choose from
- Helpful information and statistics in easy-to-read graphs
Cons
- It would be helpful if tutorials were included to guide you through the add-on tools.
- Customer support could improve.
- The program can be expensive for a lot of businesses.
Law Ruler is one of the best new law firm CRM options built to help a company grow.
That said, Law Ruler has tools to help with case management, overall functionality, automation, and marketing.
With Law Ruler, users can enjoy a more straightforward client intake process, organized data, and automated email marketing techniques.
Why We Picked It
Law Ruler’s system is designed to help firms intake and manage new clients.
Also, the program has advanced automation tools that can send marketing forms that impress clients and strengthen client relationships.
Law Ruler streamlines the entire client lifecycle.
For instance, the program has tools to onboard clients, help with settlement, and have payment features and invoicing technology.
As a result, Law Ruler takes care of everything legal services demand!
Pricing
Law Ruler offers three pricing plans, with a 15% discount if clients pay annually.
Let’s take a closer look at Law Ruler’s plans:
- Pro: $169 a month (includes up to three users)
- Premium: $212 a month (includes up to three users)
- Enterprise: Customized pricing (10 user minimum)
Pros
- Personalized set-up
- On-the-spot contract delivery
- Technical support is responsive and knowledgable
Cons
- The user interface is still evolving.
- The system cannot monitor or alert each internal user of an issue
- The automations can take some getting used to
Copper is an excellent CRM solution for firms looking to integrate Google Workspace.
On top of that, Copper focuses on artificial intelligence and automation to assist with retaining clients and making business operations easier.
Why We Picked It
Copper is best suited for a law firm that is Google-driven, like Docs, Spreadsheets, and Forms, to name a few.
In addition to being Google-driven, Copper has several automation tools that help reduce errors, save time, and improve the experience for existing and potential clients.
Copper has also automated online intake forms that track client details, task automation, and automatic real-time updates.
Pricing
Copper offers three subscription options to users at annual and monthly rates.
The three annual pricing plans include the following:
- Basic: $23 per user per month
- Professional: $49 per user per month
- Business: $99 per user per month
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Lead management features that generate, store, and nurture new leads
- Customized reporting
Cons
- Lacks features that other CRMs have (no virtual phone lines, dedicated account manager, and more)
- Lacks flexibility outside Google Workspace
Salesforce is an all-in-one CRM solution.
However, because the software is comprehensive and offers advanced reporting, it is not a software for newer law firms.
Instead, Salesforce is best suited for established practices that need to manage clients, streamline routine tasks, and reach out to prospective clients effectively.
Why We Picked It
Salesforce is continually the leading CRM system in the industry.
There are several helpful features included in Salesforce, including endless program integrations.
That way, firms can seamlessly implement their existing client intake software, web forms, and other tools alongside Salesforce.
Also, Salesforce has incredible automation tools, helping law offices save time with routine tasks and instead focus on more important details, like building a criminal defense case.
Pricing
Potential clients must contact the team to inquire about pricing.
After that, Salesforce will build a plan around your business needs.
Pros
- Streamlines the sales process
- Helpful automation tools
- Users can customize almost any aspect of the program they wish
Cons
- Much more expensive than other CRM options
- All the data can make it time-consuming to maintain
- Some users find it challenging to learn
ClickUp is one of the top project management applications year after year.
With ClickUp, users can enjoy custom and pre-built automation features, helping streamline routine tasks, which is perfect for large-scale firms.
Also, ClickUp has collaboration tools that other CRM systems lack, such as online whiteboards and resource management tools.
ClickUp has all the organizational tools a law practice needs to stay on top of existing projects and efficiently take on more business.
Why We Picked It
ClickUp is an affordable, effective way for firms to organize data.
For instance, the free version of ClickUp provides no user limitations, document editing, and employee time tracking.
Additionally, ClickUp is easy to use, even if you do not have CRM experience.
Overall, ClickUp is an incredibly versatile tool that can help with project management, workflow creation, task management, data visualization, and document management.
Pricing
ClickUp offers a free option and four pricing plan options for users at monthly and annual rates.
These are the four annual subscriptions they provide:
- Unlimited: $5 per user per month
- Business: $12 per user per month
- Business Plus: $19 per user per month
- Enterprise: Customized pricing for larger companies
Pros
- 24/7 friendly customer support
- Flexibility with data organization (Gantt Chart, Kanban Board, and Spreadsheets)
- Employee and contact management is simplified.
Cons
- Smaller teams may find the customization options overwhelming
- The program is not suited for compiling project feedback
- The automation builder is clunky
Zoho CRM is a great entry-level CRM option that helps organize document management and track leads.
Also, Zoho has a free plan that small teams can utilize to streamline new clients and other business operations.
Why We Picked It
Zoho CRM has various helpful tools like automated email marketing, trackable client intake information, and seamless integrations.
Some popular integrations include QuickBooks, Google Analytics, and MailChimp.
Lastly, Zoho has mobile apps that allow users to stay on top of their business no matter where they are.
Pricing
Zoho offers four different pricing options for their CRM software at monthly and annual rates.
The four annual pricing plans include the following:
- Standard: $14 per user monthly
- Professional: $23 per user monthly
- Enterprise: $40 per user monthly
- Ultimate: $52 per user monthly
Pros
- There is a free plan available
- Automation is available on every plan
- Document management tools
Cons
- Customization isn't as in-depth as other programs
- You cannot have integrations with the free plan
- AI is only available on top-tier plans
Lawmatics is the leading automation tool for firms of all sizes.
With Lawmatics, users can enjoy client intake, marketing, contact management, and billing solutions.
Why We Picked It
Lawmatics has several benefits, including customization options when creating web forms.
Also, Lawmatics has email marketing tools, source tracking, analytics, and in-depth reporting for lawyers and sales teams.
Lawmatics helps a law firm win more business, organize data entry, and be more efficient.
Pricing
Lawmatics provides three different pricing plans to users.
Here are the subscriptions they offer:
- Lite: $199 a month
- Pro: $249 a month
- Enterprise: Customized pricing
Each of Lawmatics’ plans comes with a free demo as well.
Pros
- Email, chat, and phone customer support
- Plenty of training tools
- Document generation allows users to gather all the needed information in one place.
Cons
- Not suited for firms that handle several different kinds of law
- Some features are under-developed
Insightly is a popular CRM choice across several industries, not just legal teams.
With Insightly, users can utilize the sales pipeline management tool and collaboration aspects to help propel the business forward.
Why We Picked It
Insightly is a contact management tool that excels with team collaboration.
Insightly allows users to streamline tasks, workflows, and pipelines, ensuring everyone has the necessary information.
Also, Insightly creates fun, vibrant dashboards that are easy to read and customizable, allowing users to quickly access the data they need.
Pricing
Insightly includes a free trial and offers three different pricing options.
These pricing plans include the following:
- Plus: $29 per user per month
- Professional: $49 per user per month
- Enterprise: $99 per user per month
Pros
- Document management is streamlined
- The free plan is free forever
- Easy integration with third-party apps
Cons
- No phone support
- Call routing and built-in dialer tools are add-ons only
- Workflow automation is only available on higher-tiered plans
Conclusion
Choosing the right law firm CRM can be a daunting task.
With so many options available, it’s essential to carefully consider your needs and evaluate each option before deciding.
From automated tasks to marketing automation, lead capturing, and custom analytics, there are plenty of features to look for in a CRM solution.
If you’re a lawyer looking for the best CRM, the above platforms are all great options.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to find the software that is most suited to your needs.
With the right tool, you can make your practice more efficient and maximize its potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
A CRM in law is software that helps lawyers capture leads, segment contacts, trigger follow-up emails, sync their calendar with their client database, automatically send out invoices when a case is closed and provide custom analytics and client information.
The three main types of CRM are operational, analytical, and collaborative.
Yes, Clio is a cloud-based legal practice management software designed to help law firms better manage their cases and streamline their workflow. It offers case management, document automation, time tracking, billing & invoicing, and more.
No, Clio is not only for law firms. Any business can use it in the legal field to manage its cases, documents, and other customer relationships. Clio provides features such as practice management, client intake, reporting & analytics, and more.
Yes, Clio has a monthly fee. The cost varies depending on the features and capabilities you need. Four different plans are available, ranging from $39 to $159 per month.
The 4 Ps of CRM are People, Process, Product, and Performance. “People” refer to the customers that use your product or service. “Process” is how a customer interacts with your company. “Product” is the offering you provide to the customer, and “Performance” involves tracking data about how well your offerings work for customers.