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For Law Practice Management Software, the following are essential features, and you should therefore expect to see a check in every box in this section.
Matter management is the defining feature of law practice management software, of course. However, some software is targeted at specific practice areas and may implement case management in different ways in order to manage information specific to those practice areas.
Managing clients and other contacts is a core feature of law practice management software.
Basic task management includes creating tasks with due dates that can be associated with cases/matters and assigned to different lawyers. Some products stick to pretty basic task management, while others offer enough features to make any Getting Things Done devotee happy.
As with email, this feature means a full calendar client, not just an integration with Outlook or Google Calendar.
Timekeeping is a core feature of practice management software, essential for lawyers who bill by the hour but useful even for those who don't.
An actual conflict checker is more than just a search box. This applies to software that actually has a conflict checking feature. Implementation varies, but at a minimum you should be able to search the entire database for matching names. It should check for conflicts accurately and intuitively, allow for a lateral hire to input their conflict database into the system, work quickly when new clients call, and comply with the rules of professional conduct for checking conflicts.
Does it include a full email client? (Alternative solutions that don't amount to an email client, like plugins for Outlook or Gmail, do not earn a check for this feature. See software integrations, below.))
Can you send and receive text messages and associate them with your matters?
Basic document management allows you to add documents and associate them with your cases/matters.
Loading your firm’s document templates into your law practice management software can save time and ensure consistency. This check means basic document assembly suitable for form letters, invoices, etc. For advanced document assembly, you’ll probably need additional software.
Does the provider have a way for your client to interact with you or their information in the system? This can take many forms. It can be a way to securely view and pay bills, a method of scheduling meetings, or a way for your client to view information about their case itself.
This means basic checkbook register–style bookkeeping, which is more limited than full accounting. You should be able to keep track of your operating accounts and reconcile your balances, but you may still need full accounting software.
This means you can track your client trust accounts, including expenses and payments. It is normal to see trust accounting without basic bookkeeping or full accounting, in which case you will need something else for accounting.
Some software includes full double-entry accounting features, making additional accounting software unnecessary.
Does the software allow you to send bills or invoices?
Payment processing is increasingly offered either as an included or add-on feature, especially with cloud-based law practice management software.
An Open application programing interface (API) allows other software programs to interact with the platform. It allows users to build integrations where there might not currently be one. However, not all APIs are equal. If you are looking to integrate using an API, it's advisable to review the platform's documentation before making a decision.
Based on 16 Reviews
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LEAP is a hybrid solution with both desktop and mobile apps. This means you can use it both remotely, and without internet connection (for a time). As it is constantly attempting to sync with your information in the cloud.
LEAP legal software starts at $149/user/month.
As of this review, LEAP software uses industry standard Secure Socket Layer (SSL) security when transferring information from your computer (or mobile device) to their cloud servers. Additionally, those cloud servers are located on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centers where they are encrypted using AES-256 encryption. The likely vulnerability, if there is one, will be on the lawyer's local network, or if the office doesn't set-up two-factor authentication (2FA).
Yes. LEAP has a deep integration with Microsoft 365 (f/k/a Office 365), including time-tracking and two-way sync in Outlook, document automation in Word, and collaboration in Teams.
No. At the time of this review, LEAP legal software does not integrate directly with Google Workspace.
Yes. LEAP has strong accounting functionality. This includes some of the more elusive Trust Accounting features such as three-way reconciliation, and customizable reporting.
Yes, through its integration with RapidPay, and with LawPay LEAP allows users to accept online payments and offer email and text message invoicing.
At the time of this review, LEAP legal software does not have a Zapier integration. However, through their integration marketplace they allow developers to connect other applications that have an API.
Yes, LEAP has a relatively strong document assembly function comparable to solutions like Smokeball.
LEAP legal software exists as a web app, mobile app (both iOS and Android), and a Windows PC program. This means that although it is usable on any device, it is probably best for firms running Windows, as Apple users will need to use the web app in a modern browser or run Parallels.
Court forms library. LEAP has an extensive library of document templates and preconfigured matter types, helping cut down on data entry by automating your most commonly-used forms. Access up-to-date forms via their comprehensive range of legal forms, and take advantage of its extensive array of legal reports that help you track depositions and communicate with third parties, such as attorneys or court reporters.
Client portal. LEAP’s client portal includes appointment scheduling, forms, and e-signing, in addition to the more typical client portal features like communication, bill payment, and document sharing.
Document scanning. As a nice perk, the LEAP mobile app includes a document scanner.
Rebecca A.
“Great Product & Great Team”
September 14, 2021 4:41 PM
I've wanted to move away from Time Matters, which is outdated to LEAP for about two years before I changed. It can do more than I thought. What's been most surprising and helpful is that LEAP wants you to succeed and use their program. Erick P. and the individuals that have also assisted have been very patient and kind. It's not a sell it and see you later company, which for me is up there . Having the support to continue to use it, change as needed and do what I want it to do for me, will change the way I practice.
Dorrie B.
“Happy we took the LEAP!”
June 17, 2021 9:05 AM
Wow! After having used another database/program for a year, transitioning to LEAP was a breath of fresh air. User-friendly and great program and tech support. Fantastic!
Paul T.
“Best purchase in nine years.”
June 10, 2021 3:11 PM
I think LEAP Legal Software is very good because ...... ready for it..............IT DOES WHAT THE COMPANY SAYS IT DOES!!!!! LEAP is only the second vendor in 26 years that tells the truth. We have a dedicated contact who assists us (Peter he is the best.) when we have a question and he is t on it . (He is not looking up the answer when you call him......he knows it !) This was the best purchase i have made in the last nine years."
Jon R.
“Nick From LEAP”
June 10, 2021 2:37 PM
I had a problem with my Leap software that no one seemed to know how to fix until Nick got involved. He was personable and courteous and above all he fixed my problem. I would highly recomend Nick and LEAP!!
Meghan G.
“LEAP and tech support”
May 20, 2021 3:02 PM
Our law firm started using LEAP in January 2021. We had a few hiccups but after talking with tech support, we love LEAP! They are quick to respond and typically resolve an issue same day. Specifically, Nick with tech support solved an issue that was, as he described, one of the worst accounting messes he has ever seen, in the same day! It has changed the way we manage the firm and we are making more money than ever before!
Ed C.
“LEAP is a great help”
May 20, 2021 2:17 PM
I've been using LEAP about a year. It's really helpful with document and case management. It's relatively easy to use. They also keep adding features to the program. BundlePro makes it really easy to submit court documents by e-file. It saves me at least two hours when I assemble a filing for the NY courts. If you need help with something, the staff is very helpful. All in all, I'm very satisfied with the program.
REVIEWS (6 out of 16)