What Tools Do Lawyers Use?

Common Tools That Lawyers Use 

Every successful law firm runs on three things: trust, time, and tools. While client trust and billable time are built through your people and processes, the right tools are what keep everything running efficiently behind the scenes.  

So, what tools and technology do lawyers use on a daily basis? The answer spans both specialized legal software, built for casework, compliance, and client service, and general business tools like accounting programs, communication platforms, and mobile hardware that keep firms connected in and out of the office. 

Get an overview of the types of platforms your firm needs to manage all the moving parts of practicing law below. If you’ve ever wondered which tools are essential and which are just extras, this guide gives you a clear starting point with the tools that truly make a difference for law firms. 

Law Firm Software: The Tools That Keep Firms Running 

Because of unique compliance, security, and workflow requirements, modern law firms rely on specialized legal technology to run efficiently and profitably. Software designed for law firms helps attorneys organize their practice, streamline daily tasks, and deliver consistent service to clients.  

From managing the practice to handling trust accounting and case research, firms use a range of technologies built for legal practice.  

While the list can seem extensive, platforms like TimeSolv bring many of these tools together in one place, making it easier to manage timekeeping, billing, payments, documents, and client relationships without switching between multiple systems or keeping data siloed. 

Legal practice management software 

Legal practice management software is a useful and foundational tool for firms small and large. These platforms go far beyond calendars and contact lists; they centralize cases and matters, client communications, documents, deadlines, billing, and trust accounting in one secure system. 

Cloud-based solutions add even more value by offering: 

• Anytime, anywhere access to data across your entire practice 

• Built-in trust and business accounting designed specifically for law firms 

• Time tracking, invoicing, and payment processing tools to reduce admin time 

• Integrated compliance and reporting tools to reduce risk and build client trust 

Firms use legal practice management software to simplify operations, strengthen security, and free up more time for billable work. 

Legal research tools 

Legal research software is another essential tool for modern firms. Instead of digging through books or manually checking citations, platforms like vLaw and Westlaw make research faster, more accurate, and more affordable by putting an entire law library and stronger legal arguments at your fingertips.  

The intuitive interfaces of different legal research platforms allow attorneys and support staff to easily upload briefs, pleadings, or other documents and instantly identify relevant case law from state and federal sources, regulations, and statutes.  

For time savings, stronger case preparation, and improved accuracy, these research tools earn their place in every law firm.  

Document automation software 

Document automation is quickly becoming a core part of modern law practice. Instead of drafting legal documents from scratch, these tools allow attorneys to streamline repetitive work and reduce errors. 

With document automation tools, firms can use customizable templates and clause libraries to generate contracts, pleadings, and client documents that meet specific needs while maintaining consistency and compliance.  

Lawyers use these tools to standardize language and pull in relevant client and matter data automatically. By accelerating document drafting with automation, firms deliver accurate, client-ready work faster. 

Legal time-tracking software 

For law firms, accurate time tracking is directly tied to profitability. Precise timekeeping is the only way to understand where the most effort is spent, improve efficiency, and capture the true value of work performed. The right time-tracking software makes this process simple and reliable. 

Legal-specific timekeeping solutions like TimeSolv allow attorneys to record time as soon as tasks are completed, whether they’re in the office or on the go. With cloud-based access and a mobile app, time can be logged from virtually anywhere, even offline. 

Important features for attorneys include the ability to manage multiple timers for easy switching between matters and create custom abbreviations to maintain consistent billing entries firmwide. 

Time-tracking tools are the gold standard for firms that want to reduce time leakage, bill more accurately, and gain more visibility into how their time is truly spent. 

Trust accounting software 

Trust accounting is one of the most sensitive areas of law firm finance. Mishandling client funds can damage trust and lead to serious compliance issues. That’s why law firms choose to manage retainers, IOLTA accounts, and client funds with specialized trust accounting software.  

These platforms, like TimeSolv’s trust accounting software, make it easier for firms to: 

• Automate trust transactions to pay invoices directly from trust accounts without manual processing and reducing delays 

• Monitor and replenish balances automatically so client funds never run unexpectedly low 

• Offer clients convenient payment options through online portals for quick trust deposits 

• Manage multiple matters by creating unlimited trust accounts for each case and easily transferring funds between them 

• Stay compliant with built-in safeguards, monthly three-way reconciliations, and detailed reporting that meets regulatory requirements 

With dedicated trust accounting software, firms can stay compliant, avoid costly errors, and strengthen client confidence in their financial management. 

Billing and invoicing software 

Billing and invoicing are essential but time-consuming tasks for any law firm. The right software helps firms create and send professional, accurate invoices with options to issue automated reminders that help reduce AR and support stronger, more predictable cash flow.  

Invoicing tools like TimeSolv offer flexible legal invoice templates, custom narratives, and support for LEDES billing formats to help firms meet client and court requirements. Look for features like automatic tax calculations and easy discount application to save time and keep invoices accurate. 

By pairing legal timekeeping functionality with a streamlined billing cycle using comprehensive time and billing software, firms can get invoices out faster, improve cash flow, and spend less time on back-office tasks. 

Legal payment processing software 

Getting paid on time is one of the biggest challenges for law firms without the capability to accept secure payments online. Legal payment processing software helps firms get paid faster, streamline collections, and offer clients more modern, convenient ways to pay. 

Legal payment processing tools like TimeSolvPay allow firms to securely accept credit cards, debit cards, ACH payments, and electronic checks online or in person. Using features like next-day funding, online payment links embedded in invoices, optional client surcharging, and secure payment portals for clients, firms can reduce delays and make payments easier for clients. 

By combining security, flexibility, and convenience, legal payment processing software ensures firms spend less time chasing payments and more time focusing on clients. 

Legal CRM software 

For law firms, relationships are everything. From engaging and nurturing prospects to staying connected with long-term clients, legal client relationship management (CRM) software helps firms stay organized, streamline intake, and turn more leads into paying clients.  

With a CRM platform designed for the legal industry, attorneys and staff can manage leads, prospects, and clients in one place. While general CRM tools can help organize contacts and touchpoints, specialized tools for law firms, like TimeSolv CRM, go beyond standard contact management to include: 

• Client intake features like custom intelligent form builders and eSignature collection for simplified onboarding 

• Marketing automation tools that deliver personalized, scheduled emails and texts to nurture leads and prospects over time 

• Automated follow-ups and outreach to reduce administrative burden and ensure firms connect with prospects at the right time 

Firms rely on legal CRM software to improve client experience, convert more leads, and protect marketing investments by making sure no potential client is overlooked. 

e-Discovery tools 

Litigation today involves vast amounts of electronically stored information (ESI), from emails and documents to chat logs and cloud data. e-Discovery software helps firms manage it all by automating the process of identifying, collecting, reviewing, and producing digital evidence for legal cases and compliance. 

So, what tools and technology do lawyers use for e-Discovery? Platforms like Everlaw and DISCO Ediscovery streamline workflows:  

• Perform advanced searches 

• Process data 

• Review analytics 

• Collaborate securely 

With less manual review and better data organization, e-Discovery tools save attorneys significant time while improving accuracy and defensibility in litigation. 

Firms use e-Discovery software to simplify document-heavy cases, keep costs manageable for clients, and ensure they meet legal obligations with confidence. 

Standard Office Software: Everyday Essentials Firms Rely On 

Not every tool in a law firm is designed specifically for legal work. Standard office software provides the foundation for day-to-day operations, from keeping notes to communicating effectively. These tools are commonly across all kinds of businesses, but they’re no less essential for running an efficient, organized law office. 

Note-keeping tools 

With countless cases, reminders, deadlines, and research to juggle every day, lawyers are no longer relying on scraps of paper or scattered files that make it easy for important information to get lost. Note-keeping tools provide a centralized place to capture, organize, and retrieve notes across devices.  

Whether working on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, platforms like Evernote or Microsoft OneNote let lawyers create, categorize, and access notes anywhere. Many also support features like tagging, reminders, and file attachments to keep information structured and easy to find. 

Project management software  

Law firms manage dozens of moving parts every day, and each task on the to-do list must be completed in order and on time. Project management software helps attorneys and staff stay organized by turning tasks, deadlines, and reminders into a clear workflow. 

These tools can be used across desktops, laptops, and mobile devices to assign tasks, set priorities, track progress milestones, and keep important deadlines from slipping through the cracks. Features like calendars, shared task lists, and automated reminders give lawyers and their teams better visibility into their workload and upcoming obligations. 

PDF conversion software 

As the legal industry moves quickly toward paperless law firms, PDF conversion software is a must-have tool for any practice. Tools like Adobe Acrobat Pro DC and Nitro Pro allow firms to scan paper files into digital formats, apply OCR (optical character recognition) to make scanned text editable, and create searchable documents. 

Attorneys can also use PDF software to add encryption for security, remove sensitive metadata, and build fillable forms for client use.  

Document management software 

Managing legal documents goes far beyond simple storage. General document management software can help firms keep files organized, but legal-specific document management is necessary to properly secure and collaborate on files of all sizes across matters and teams. 

Key features often include version control, role-based permissions, and full-text search to quickly locate files. Many platforms also integrate with systems like Microsoft 365 and Dropbox to carry work seamlessly across tools the firm already uses. For added convenience, the best solutions support matter-centric organization, labeling, offline access, and firmwide search. 

By centralizing files in one secure system, document management software helps firms improve collaboration and maintain tighter control over sensitive client data. 

Internal communication platform 

Clear communication is the cornerstone of practicing law, especially when multiple attorneys and staff members are managing overlapping deadlines and client work. Internal communication platforms give firms a centralized space to collaborate on tasks, share updates, and stay aligned. 

Popular internal communication platforms like Microsoft Teams can be helpful, but more robust tools designed for the legal industry expand your capabilities.  

With comprehensive legal tools like TimeSolv, you can handle client communications, payments, and updates within a secure client portal while managing task timelines, projects, and billable hours across the firm with full project management functionality so nothing falls through the cracks. 

Accounting software 

Legal billing software covers client-related accounting, but firms still need tools to manage their own business finances. Many rely on general accounting platforms like QuickBooks with features to track revenue and expenses, generate reports, and monitor cash flow. 

And with TimeSolv’s unique two-way QuickBooks integration, legal billing and trust accounting data flows seamlessly into QuickBooks to ensure your data stays in sync without manual input or double entry. When time and billing sync with accounting, firms get a clearer picture of their overall financial health. 

Standard Office Hardware   

Behind every efficient firm is reliable hardware. From client meetings to court filings, the right equipment keeps daily operations moving smoothly and ensures lawyers can work effectively in and out of the office. 

Printers, scanners, and copiers 

Even as law firms move toward paperless offices, most can’t yet completely eliminate the need for hard copies. Courts, clients, and compliance often still require documents in print or securely scanned to digital.  

A reliable printer-scanner-copier setup ensures attorneys can handle filings, contracts, and evidence without delays that slow down casework. 

Video conferencing equipment 

Video conferencing is now a staple of legal practice, from client consultations to remote depositions and hearings. High-quality cameras, microphones, and displays reduce technical hiccups and present a more professional image.  

Reliable video conferencing equipment also supports hybrid legal teams and ensures everyone stays connected, regardless of their location. 

Computers 

Desktops and laptops remain the backbone of firm operations. Fast, secure computers allow attorneys to run legal research tools, draft briefs, manage billing software, and communicate with clients seamlessly.  

Firms that invest in updated, well-maintained machines reduce downtime and security risks. 

Mobile devices 

Smartphones and tablets give lawyers the modern flexibility to stay productive outside the office. From on-the-go client calls and emails to secure mobile apps that offer anywhere access to cloud-based practice management and legal time and billing solutions, attorneys are no longer chained to their desks.  

With mobile time-tracking, secure email, document review, and client communications at their fingertips, lawyers can make better use of downtime and stay productive wherever work takes them: in court, in transit, or at home. For small firms especially, mobility is a profitability multiplier. 

Digital fax solutions 

Despite the shift to digital, many courts and agencies still require or rely on faxed documents. Digital fax (eFax) tools meet this need without bulky hardware or wasted paper.  

Digital fax solutions provide encrypted, paperless faxing directly from email or cloud storage. Firms use these tools to ensure they meet compliance requirements while cutting hardware costs, reducing storage needs, and streamlining document exchange. 

Run Your Law Firm with More Tools in One Platform 

Technology keeps your practice running, but what tools and technology do lawyers use to make sure tech is a time-saver, not a time sink? Switching back and forth between systems that don’t connect creates more work, more risk of error, and less time for billable tasks. Less is more when it comes to technology.  

Put missed hours, inefficiency, and financial blind spots behind you. TimeSolv brings time, billing, payments, and trust accounting together in one platform. With a single, clear view of your firm’s most integral processes, you can work more efficiently, stay compliant, and keep every hour—and dollar—accounted for. 

Schedule a demo or start your free trial today to see how TimeSolv strengthens your practice with more systems in sync.