18 Best Legal Accounting Software to Manage Finances in 2025
Best Legal Accounting Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 18 tools reviewed.
Legal accounting software helps law firms and legal departments automate billing, ensure trust accounting compliance, and maintain audit-ready financials. For CFOs working in growth-stage legal tech or multi-entity practices, these tools reduce manual workload and help scale operations with control and clarity.
I’ve reviewed and evaluated dozens of legal accounting tools, focusing on those that integrate well with broader tech stacks, comply with IOLTA and trust rules, and support real-time reporting.
Whether you’re managing complex cases across jurisdictions or optimizing a lean in-house finance team, this list features the best tools to streamline financial operations and stay compliant without wasting time on vendors that don’t understand legal nuance.
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Best Legal Accounting Software Summary
Here’s a quick comparison chart with pricing for my favorite legal accounting tools—so you can easily spot the one that fits your budget and your firm.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for freelancers and small businesses | 30-day free trial | From $6.30/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for audit readiness & revenue recognition | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 3 | Best for secure client communication | Free trial + free demo available | From $29/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 4 | Best for international legal practices | Free trial + free plan available | From $15/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 5 | Best for small to medium law firms | 10-day free trial + free demo available | From $39/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 6 | Best for integrated practice management | 10-day free trial + free demo available | From $49/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 7 | Best for account automation | 30-day free trial | From $19/month | Website | |
| 8 | Best for real-time invoicing and payments | 30-day free trial | From $39.95/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 9 | Best for mobile management and time tracking | Free demo available | From $52/user/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for QuickBooks integration | Free demo available | From $55/user/month | Website |
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Rippling Spend
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
LiveFlow
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.9 -
Float Financial
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Best Legal Accounting Software Reviews
Below is a quick rundown of the best legal accounting software that made my shortlist. I’ve broken down the key features, pros and cons, integrations, and who each tool is best for—so you can easily find the one that fits your needs.
FreshBooks is an accounting software that simplifies invoicing, expenses, and time tracking for small businesses and freelancers. It supports key business functions like managing finances, creating reports, and organizing payments.
Why I picked FreshBooks: FreshBooks automates invoicing and expenses, so you can easily keep track of your payments without hassle. You can send customizable invoices and accept payments online. The software also includes time-tracking tools, making it simple to track billable hours and generate detailed reports. Additionally, its user-friendly dashboard helps you manage all your financial tasks in one place, giving you more time to focus on your work.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include easy invoicing, time tracking, and expense management to keep your finances organized. You can send customizable invoices, accept payments online, and track your work hours in one place. FreshBooks also helps generate detailed financial reports, making it simple to stay on top of your business finances.
Integrations include Gusto, Stripe, Shopify, PayPal, Squarespace, Fundbox, Bench, Gmail, Zapier, and Slack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Reliable customer support access
- Intuitive report generation tools
- Simple invoicing customization options
Cons:
- No advanced inventory management
- Limited accounting feature depth
New Product Updates from FreshBooks
FreshBooks' Key Updates: Manual Bank Creation and More
FreshBooks introduced key updates that include manual bank account creation, historical transaction imports, improved bank connections, financial lock, and streamlined payroll management. For more details, visit FreshBooks Product News.
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DualEntry is an AI-native ERP designed for mid-market businesses that need advanced accounting capabilities. It offers audit-ready tools, revenue recognition, and deep financial controls that support legal compliance and multi-entity operations.
Why I Picked DualEntry: I picked DualEntry because it’s built for firms that need high-level accounting support, particularly in audit readiness and revenue recognition. It’s designed to meet complex legal standards like ASC 606 and IFRS 15, which can help legal professionals manage financial compliance with confidence. I also liked that it offers automated bank matching and transaction reconciliations, helping your team close books faster and reduce manual workloads.
Standout Features & Integrations
Features include approval controls to enforce compliance, automatic bank matching to accelerate reconciliations, and detailed revenue recognition to support complex billing structures. You can also manage tax compliance using built-in integrations with Avalara and Vertex.
Integrations include BambooHR, Bill.com, Brex, Deel, Google SSO, Gusto, HubSpot, Ramp, Rippling, Salesforce, Stripe Billing, and Stripe Invoicing.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automated revenue recognition ensures compliance with standards
- Supports multi-entity and multi-currency operations
- Advanced AI features help with complex accounting tasks
Cons:
- As an ERP, it may offer more features than needed for simpler accounting needs
- Customization options require careful setup
CARET Legal is legal practice management software designed to streamline case management, billing, and client communication. It provides law firms with tools to manage documents, track time, and secure client interactions all in one platform.
Why I picked CARET Legal: CARET Legal offers a secure client portal where your team can safely communicate with clients and share important case information. The platform also includes time tracking, allowing you to manage billable hours easily. You can create detailed invoices and manage trust accounts, ensuring your firm's finances are always accurate. Additionally, the software’s document management tools keep your case files organized and accessible from anywhere.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include custom workflow automation, helping your firm streamline repetitive tasks and improve efficiency. The platform also offers advanced reporting tools, giving you real-time insights into your firm’s financial health. Additionally, its built-in calendar and scheduling system ensures you never miss important deadlines or court dates.
Integrations include Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, QuickBooks, LawPay, NetDocuments, Microsoft Office, Box, Dropbox, and Docusign.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong document management tools
- Flexible time-tracking features
- Secure client portal for communication
Cons:
- Lack of advanced automation tools
- Limited reporting customization options
Zoho Books is a cloud-based accounting solution that helps businesses manage their finances, track expenses, and handle billing. It automates key financial tasks like invoicing, reporting, and cash flow management.
Why I picked Zoho Books: Zoho Books supports multi-currency transactions, making it ideal for international law practices. You can automate invoicing and payments while the built-in tax compliance tools ensure you follow local regulations. The software also offers real-time collaboration, so your team can work together, regardless of location. With its detailed financial reporting, you can easily monitor your firm's performance and make data-driven decisions.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable financial reports, giving you deeper insights into your firm’s performance. It also includes client and vendor portals, making it easier to collaborate and manage transactions securely. Plus, with workflow automation, you can streamline approvals and routine accounting tasks, saving your team valuable time.
Integrations include Zoho CRM, Zoho Projects, Zoho Inventory, Zoho Analytics, Zoho Expense, Zoho Subscriptions, PayPal, Stripe, and Microsoft Office 365.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong tax compliance tools
- Flexible invoicing customization options
- Multi-currency support for international firms
Cons:
- Limited advanced customization for workflows
- Steeper learning curve for reports
MyCase is a legal practice management software designed to simplify case management, billing, and communication for law firms. It enables users to handle document storage, time tracking, and client collaboration in one place.
Why I picked MyCase: MyCase lets you manage all aspects of your cases with a centralized dashboard for quick access to important files and client communications. You can also automate billing and set up recurring invoices with ease. The software offers built-in time tracking to ensure accurate billing for billable hours, while its secure client portal streamlines communication, making it easy for your clients to stay in the loop.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include document management, billing automation, and a secure client portal to streamline communication. You can track time and expenses easily while keeping client information organized. The platform also offers reporting tools to give insights into your firm's financials and case progress.
Integrations include LawPay, QuickBooks, Google Calendar, Dropbox, Google Drive, Outlook, Microsoft Office, Zapier, NetDocuments, and Box.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Simple time-tracking tools
- Easy to customize billing templates
- Fast setup and onboarding
Cons:
- Mobile app lacks full functionality
- Some learning curve for features
Rocket Matter is a legal practice management software designed to manage cases, billing, and time tracking for law firms. It offers a centralized platform for managing all aspects of legal operations, making it easier to track work and manage documents.
Why I picked Rocket Matter: Rocket Matter allows you to track billable time and generate invoices. With built-in document management, you can securely store and organize your firm’s important files. The software also includes tools for managing billing, trust accounting, and matter budgets, ensuring financial accuracy.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include customizable workflow automation, allowing firms to streamline repetitive tasks and improve efficiency. The platform includes integrated payment processing, making it easy to collect client payments securely. Additionally, Rocket Matter provides client communication tools, helping law firms manage emails, notes, and appointments all in one place.
Integrations include QuickBooks, LawPay, NetDocuments, Dropbox, Box, Microsoft OneDrive, Google Drive, Outlook, Gmail, and Microsoft Office 365.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Reliable trust accounting tools
- Customizable matter management features
- Easy setup for new users
Cons:
- Lacks advanced workflow automation
- Limited advanced reporting features
Sage Accounting is a cloud-based software designed to handle financial management tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, and cash flow management for businesses. It helps users manage their accounts with tools to automate various processes and create financial reports.
Why I picked Sage Accounting: Sage Accounting offers AI-powered data capture capabilities to reduce the time you spend on manual data entry. You can automate your invoicing and track payments effortlessly. Along with these features, the software provides real-time insights into your finances, helping you stay on top of your cash flow. Sage Accounting also makes handling compliance and tax-related tasks simple, ensuring accuracy in your financial reporting.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include AI-powered data capture, invoice creation, payment tracking, and expense management. Sage Accounting also provides multi-user access, making collaboration easier for teams handling financial data.
Integrations include AutoEntry, Stripe, PayPal, A2X, Satago, GoCardless, TransferMate, Shopify, and Zapier.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time financial insights
- Flexible invoicing options
- Fast onboarding with minimal setup
Cons:
- Occasional lag in processing data
- Limited customization for reports
TimeSolv is a cloud-based solution designed to help professionals manage invoicing, payments, and project management. It allows users to track billable hours, manage expenses, and generate detailed financial reports.
Why I picked TimeSolv: TimeSolv offers real-time invoicing tools that let you send invoices immediately after work completion. The system provides flexible billing options, including hourly, flat-fee, and contingency-based billing, while the software’s automated payment reminders keep your cash flow on track. Additionally, TimeSolv also helps you manage trust accounts with detailed reporting for complete financial transparency.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include easy time tracking, flexible invoicing options, and trust accounting management to keep your firm’s finances in order. You can generate detailed financial reports for accurate billing and monitor project progress with automated reminders.
Integrations include QuickBooks, Dropbox, NetDocuments, LawPay, Xero, Zapier, Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar, Sage Intacct, and AccountEdge.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Reliable time tracking accuracy
- Fast onboarding and setup process
- Flexible billing options available
Cons:
- Occasional lag in generating reports
- Some features require manual input
Centerbase is a cloud-based legal management software designed to help law firms handle billing, time tracking, and client management from anywhere. It provides tools to track billable hours, manage cases, and streamline administrative tasks.
Why I picked Centerbase: Centerbase lets you track time from any device, making it easy to capture billable hours on the go. You can manage billing, create customized invoices, and automate your firm’s accounting processes. The software also offers mobile access to case information and client details so your team can stay connected wherever they are, while its billing and time-tracking tools help keep your firm organized and efficient.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated trust accounting, ensuring compliance with industry regulations while simplifying fund management. Its document management system keeps case files organized and easily accessible. Additionally, the platform includes workflow automation, helping law firms streamline repetitive tasks and improve efficiency.
Integrations include Microsoft 365, QuickBooks, LawPay, NetDocuments, Docusign, Worldox, Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, and Salesforce.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Easy setup for billing automation
- Fast time-tracking on any device
- Mobile access to case files
Cons:
- Some manual entry for reports
- Complex onboarding for larger firms
LeanLaw is a legal billing software built to streamline financial management tasks for law firms. It focuses on helping users manage billing, trust accounting, and time tracking with ease while simplifying invoicing and expense tracking.
Why I picked LeanLaw: LeanLaw integrates billing and accounting processes, allowing your team to handle invoicing and expense management in one place. You can track billable time accurately and create detailed financial reports without manual adjustments. The software’s trust accounting features ensure compliance, making it simple to handle client funds. It also provides tools for generating customized invoices that align with your firm's needs.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include seamless QuickBooks integration, ensuring smooth synchronization between your accounting and billing processes. Its revenue tracking tools help monitor payments, retainers, and outstanding balances with ease. Additionally, LeanLaw includes role-based permissions, allowing firms to manage access levels and maintain financial security across teams.
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, LawPay, Microsoft Outlook, Dropbox, Clio, Zapier, Google Calendar, and Microsoft 365.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed financial reporting tools
- Reliable time-tracking features
- Flexible billing customization
Cons:
- Learning curve with report customization
- Limited scalability for large firms
Other Legal Accounting Software
Here are some additional legal accounting software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist but are still worth checking out:
- PCLaw
For all-in-one legal management
- Unity Accounting
For Canadian legal compliance
- Xero
For small law firm accounting
- QuickBooks
For advanced accounting
- CosmoLex
For integrated trust accounting
- Clio
For over 250 integrations
- Aiwyn
For automating revenue processes
- Soluno
For real-time docketing
Legal Accounting Software Selection Criteria
When putting this list together, I focused on what really matters to law firms—like staying compliant with legal rules and making billing and invoicing way less of a headache. I also used a simple framework to keep things organized and make sure every legal accounting software option was judged fairly:
Core Functionality (25% of total weighting score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Generate invoices
- Track billable hours
- Manage client trust accounts
- Handle multi-currency transactions
- Produce financial reports
Additional Standout Features (25% of total weighting score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Built-in legal matter management
- Automated compliance tracking
- Integration with case management systems
- Document management features
- Advanced reporting and analytics
Usability (10% of total weighting score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Navigate between features easily
- Customize workflows
- Access clear and intuitive dashboards
- Perform tasks quickly
- Adjust to mobile or desktop use
Onboarding (10% of total weighting score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Access training videos and templates
- Use interactive product tours
- Engage with chatbots and support
- Join onboarding webinars
- Perform data migration quickly
Customer Support (10% of total weighting score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- Offer 24/7 availability
- Respond quickly
- Provide multiple contact methods
- Share comprehensive knowledge bases
- Support onboarding with dedicated specialists
Value For Money (10% of total weighting score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Provide tiered pricing
- Align features with pricing tiers
- Offer flexible contract options
- Include free trials or demos
- Ensure competitive pricing within the category
Customer Reviews (10% of total weighting score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Mention ease of use
- Reference overall product reliability
- Include satisfaction with customer support
- Share user feedback on onboarding
- Indicate pricing satisfaction
How to Choose Legal Accounting Software
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by endless features and confusing pricing. To keep things simple while you sort through your options, here’s a quick checklist to help you stay focused on what really matters:
| Factor | What to Consider |
| Scalability | Will this software grow with your firm? |
| Integrations | Does it integrate with your existing systems (ERPs, CRMs, etc)? |
| Customizability | Can it be tailored to fit your specific needs? |
| Ease of Use | Is it user-friendly for your team? |
| Budget | Does it fit within your financial constraints? |
| Security Safeguards | Are there robust security measures in place? |
| Support | Is reliable customer support available? |
| Compliance | Does it comply with legal and regulatory standards? |
Trends In Legal Accounting Software
While digging into the latest from legal accounting software vendors, I sifted through tons of product updates, press releases, and release notes. Here are a few trends that really stood out to me and are worth keeping an eye on:
- AI-Powered Insights: Vendors integrate AI to analyze financial data and offer predictive insights. This helps firms and nonprofit locations anticipate cash flow issues or billing discrepancies before they become problems. Some tools are even using AI to improve trust accounting accuracy.
- Customizable Dashboards: More software providers are allowing users to design their dashboards so they can see the data that matters most. This trend is valuable because it lets law firms personalize workflows based on their specific financial tracking needs.
- Embedded Compliance Tools: Legal accounting software is increasingly adding built-in tools for compliance monitoring. These features automatically track regional tax laws, ethical guidelines, and trust fund regulations, reducing the risk of penalties.
- Client Transparency: Several vendors now offer client portals where clients can directly view their invoices and payments in real-time. This trend builds trust between firms and clients and can even speed up payment collection by making transactions more transparent.
- Blockchain for Transaction Security: Some tools experiment with blockchain to secure client trust transactions. This gives legal firms an extra layer of security, especially when handling sensitive or high-value accounts.
What Is Legal Accounting Software?
Legal accounting software is financial management software designed for law firms and legal departments.
It includes features like trust accounting, time tracking, billing, and tax compliance to ensure accurate recordkeeping and regulatory adherence. Legal professionals use it to manage client funds, streamline invoicing, and support compliance with standards like IOLTA.
These platforms are especially valuable for firms needing audit-ready documentation, multi-currency support, and secure financial workflows.
Features of Legal Accounting Software
When you’re picking out legal accounting software, here are a few key features you’ll definitely want to look for:
- Trust Accounting: Ensures compliance by accurately managing client funds held in trust accounts.
- Time Tracking: Allows precise billable hours tracking to ensure accurate client billing.
- Invoicing: Automates the creation and distribution of invoices, reducing administrative work.
- Expense Tracking: Monitors and records all case-related expenses, aiding in accurate billing and financial management.
- Financial Reporting: Generates detailed financial reports to provide insights into the firm's financial health and performance. This is beneficial during ledger generation.
- Online Payments: Facilitates the acceptance of online payments, making transactions faster and more convenient for clients.
- Payroll: Manages employee payroll, ensuring timely and accurate compensation.
- Tax Compliance: Helps ensure that the firm’s financial practices comply with tax regulations, reducing the risk of legal issues.
- Integration with Practice Management Software: Enables seamless data sharing between accounting and practice management systems, improving overall efficiency.
- Security Features: Protects sensitive financial data with strong security measures, ensuring client confidentiality and data integrity.
Benefits of Legal Accounting Software
Adding the right legal accounting software to your toolkit can make a big difference for your team and your firm. Here are a few benefits you’ll start seeing right away:
- Improved Accuracy: Legal accounting software helps reduce errors in financial records by automating calculations and data entry.
- Time Savings: Automating tasks such as invoicing, expense tracking, and payroll frees up time for more critical work.
- Better Compliance: Features tailored for law firms ensure that you stay compliant with industry-specific financial regulations.
- Enhanced Financial Insights: Generate detailed financial reports easily, helping you make informed business decisions.
- Streamlined Billing: Simplify the billing process with automated invoice creation and payment tracking, leading to faster payments.
- Trust Accounting: Manage client funds accurately with trust accounting features that prevent overdrawing and ensure proper handling.
- Improved Client Trust: Transparency in billing and financial management builds trust with clients, as they can see detailed breakdowns of costs.
Costs & Pricing of Legal Accounting Software
Picking the right legal accounting software means knowing how the pricing works. Costs can change depending on what features you need, how big your team is, and any extras you add on. To make things easier, here’s a quick breakdown of common plans, what they usually include, and what you can expect to pay.
Plan Comparison Table for Legal Accounting Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic time tracking, limited invoicing, and essential task management. |
| Personal Plan | $10-$50/user/month | Advanced time tracking, basic IOLTA compliance, customizable invoicing, and mobile access. |
| Business Plan | $50-$150/user/month | Full IOLTA compliance, advanced reporting, client portal, and integration with other tools. |
| Enterprise Plan | $150+/user/month | Customizable workflows, premium support, advanced security, and dedicated account management. |
Legal Accounting Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about legal accounting software:
How does legal accounting software help with trust accounting compliance?
Legal trust accounting software helps you manage trust accounts by keeping client and firm funds separate and making compliance with IOLTA rules easier.
You get automated three-way reconciliation, detailed records, and helpful alerts that prevent commingling and flag low balances. This saves you time and protects your firm from costly compliance mistakes.
Can legal accounting software integrate with other practice management tools?
Yes, most leading legal accounting software integrates with law practice management systems. This means you can sync matters, contacts, time tracking, and billing between platforms like Clio, MyCase, or PracticePanther. Overall, integration saves you time and cuts down on manual data entry.
How does legal accounting software handle billing and invoicing?
Legal accounting software automates billing and invoicing by letting you track billable hours, set up split or flat-fee billing, and create customizable invoices. You can manage retainers, accept online payments, and handle client trust deposits in compliance. This all streamlines your payment process and reduces errors.
Is it easy to switch from general accounting software to legal-specific accounting software?
Yes, many legal accounting software vendors now offer migration support and onboarding help. You can usually import your firm’s contacts, accounts, balances, and transactional data with support or import tools. Expect some setup time, but the focus on legal-specific needs makes the transition worthwhile.
What security features should I look for in legal accounting software?
Look for legal accounting platforms with bank-grade encryption, secure cloud backups, and role-based user permissions. Good software offers audit trails, two-factor authentication, and data breach monitoring. These features keep sensitive client and trust account data safe from unauthorized access.
Can I customize legal accounting software to fit my firm’s workflow?
Yes, many legal accounting solutions let you customize user roles, chart of accounts, dashboards, and invoice templates. Some even let you automate recurring billing, set up custom alerts, and integrate with your preferred payment processors.
How does legal accounting software help with multi-entity or multi-jurisdictional practices?
The best legal accounting software can manage multiple trusts, entities, or jurisdictions by supporting separate ledgers and regulations. Features like multi-currency, location-based reporting, and customizable tax codes help you keep each entity compliant. It also simplifies consolidated reporting when your firm spans different regions.
Which legal accounting software is best suited for small firms?
For small legal practices, options like CosmoLex, ZipBooks, or Xero offer user-friendly interfaces, strong trust accounting, and affordable pricing. These tools provide essential features without the complexity or cost of large-firm solutions, helping small teams stay organized and compliant as they grow.
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