Best Apps for Lawyers to Manage Case Files Remotely in USA 2023

by — November 11, 2023 in Apps

In today’s fast-paced world, lawyers need to be highly organized, efficient, and productive to keep up. With endless client meetings, court dates, research, and administrative tasks, it can be difficult to stay on top of everything. This is where legal apps come in handy!

There are now hundreds of apps designed specifically for lawyers and law firms to help manage their practices. From time tracking and billing apps to document management and e-signatures, new legal tech continues to emerge.

Best Apps for Lawyers to Manage Case Files Remotely in USA 2023

Best Apps for Lawyers

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the top 27 legal apps to streamline your law practice in 2023.

An Overview of Must-Have Apps for Lawyers

The legal apps highlighted in this guide fall into several key categories:

  • Time tracking and productivity: These apps help lawyers track billable hours, manage deadlines, and maximize efficiency. Top picks include Apploye, Clockify, DeskTime, Everhour, and Time Doctor.
  • Appointment scheduling: Automating appointment booking is a huge time-saver. Leading options include Calendly, Google Calendar, Leadmonk, Missed.com, and Acuity Scheduling.
  • Law practice management: All-in-one tools for case management, document automation, billing, and more. Clio, Smokeball, CosmoLex, Rocket Matter, and AbacusLaw are top choices.
  • Legal research: Comprehensive legal dictionaries like Black’s Law Dictionary are a must-have.
  • Secure cloud storage: Safely store client files in the cloud with Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Sync, or IDrive.
  • Note taking apps: Stay organized with digital notebooks like Evernote, Nimbus Note, Todoist, OneNote, and Apple Notes.

Now let’s explore the key features and benefits of the top 27 legal apps to simplify your law practice.

Time Tracking and Productivity Apps for Lawyers

Carefully tracking billable hours and managing deadlines is critical in legal practice. Time tracking apps can automate these tedious tasks to maximize productivity.

  • Apploye

Apploye is an all-in-one solution for time tracking, project management, invoicing, and employee monitoring. Key features include:

  • Robust time tracking with clock in/out, Pomodoro timers, and idle time monitoring
  • Automatically generate timesheets and detailed reports
  • Integrations with PM tools like Asana, ClickUp, and Trello
  • Easy invoicing and payroll management
  • Monitor remote employees with screenshots, app tracking, and more

With Apploye, lawyers can accurately track billable hours, invoice clients efficiently, and ensure remote teams stay productive. Detailed analytics help identify areas for improvement.

Best for: Law firms seeking an end-to-end solution for time tracking, reporting, invoicing, and employee monitoring.

Download: https://www.apploye.com/download

  • Clockify

Clockify is a popular free time tracker packed with features including:

  • Numerous tracker types like stopwatch, Pomodoro, and timestamp.
  • Timesheets, budgets, and reports for billing purposes.
  • Chrome and mobile apps for easy tracking.
  • GPS location tracking for remote teams.
  • 400+ integrations with tools like Wrike, Basecamp, and Teamwork.

Clockify makes it simple for lawyers to track time and expenses both in the office and remotely. The reports help accurately bill clients down to the minute.

Best for: Lawyers and teams who want a full-featured, free time tracking tool.

Download: https://clockify.me/downloads

  • DeskTime

DeskTime takes time tracking to the next level with automatic tracking, productivity metrics, and comprehensive analytics. Features include:

  • Automatic time monitoring in the background.
  • Productivity scoring based on active tracking.
  • In-depth analytics on trends, efficiency, apps used, and more.
  • Idle time monitoring and shift scheduling.
  • Integrations with 100+ apps like Jira, Basecamp, and GitHub.

For lawyers seeking deep insights into how they spend time, DeskTime provides unparalleled analytics. This helps identify productivity pitfalls.

Best for: Data-driven lawyers and firms aiming to maximize efficiency.

Download: https://desktime.com/download

  • Everhour

Everhour is an excellent time tracker tailored for agencies and services businesses. Key features:

  • Easy time entry via tracker or manual entry
  • Flexible invoicing with customizable rates
  • Budgets, expenses, and non-billable time tracking
  • Set employee schedules and approve timesheets
  • Integrations with FreshBooks, Asana, GitHub, and more

For lawyers running project-based practices, Everhour streamlines tracking time across clients and automates invoicing.

Best for: Lawyers running project-based practices with frequent client invoicing needs.

Download: https://everhour.com/download

  • Time Doctor

Time Doctor takes an employee-focused approach to time tracking with features including:

  • Track time across projects, tasks, and clients
  • Productivity metrics and reporting for individuals and teams
  • Easy screenshots and web/app usage monitoring
  • Integrated payroll processing and invoicing
  • 400+ app integrations including PayPal, Slack, QuickBooks

For lawyers with staff and remote teams, Time Doctor ensures everyone stays on track while avoiding micromanagement.

Best for: Law firms with in-office and remote staff who want transparency into productivity.

Download: https://www.timedoctor.com/downloads.html

Appointment Scheduling Apps

Juggling meetings with clients and prospects is a major pain point for lawyers. Appointment scheduling apps automate the process of booking consultations to save hours each week.

  • Calendly

Calendly is the leading scheduling automation tool. Key features:

  • Customizable appointment types and buffer times.
  • Client self-scheduling with your online calendar.
  • Group scheduling and round robin appointment features.
  • Confirmations and reminders to reduce no-shows.
  • Integrations with Zoom, HubSpot, Stripe, and more.

By providing clients with a simple link to book times with you, Calendly eliminates the back-and-forth of scheduling.

Best for: Lawyers who want to automate and simplify booking consultations.

Download: https://calendly.com/pages/download

  • Google Calendar

The free Google Calendar makes scheduling efficient with features like:

  • Drag and drop appointment blocking.
  • Email/text reminders and notifications.
  • View multiple calendars (work, personal, etc.)
  • Easy appointment sharing and invites.
  • Mobile apps and integration with Gmail.

For lawyers invested in the Google ecosystem, Calendar seamlessly integrates scheduling and saves time.

Best for: Lawyers who rely on Google tools like Gmail and want a free calendar.

Download: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/downloads

  • Leadmonk

Leadmonk provides advanced scheduling and client intake functionality:

  • Flexible scheduling with multiple meeting types.
  • Intake forms to gather prospect information.
  • Automated meeting confirmations and reminders.
  • Integrations with Zoom, Stripe, and HubSpot.
  • Team calendars for easy internal scheduling.

With Leadmonk, lawyers can customize the perfect client booking workflow with custom forms and appointment types.

Best for: Law firms seeking to integrate scheduling with lead capture forms.

Download: https://leadmonk.com/download/

  • Missed.com

Missed.com combines scheduling with built-in video calls. Features include:

  • Secure video meetings with screen sharing.
  • Whiteboard and call recording capabilities.
  • Client management and notifications.
  • Seamless Zoom integration.
  • Customizable branding and emails.

For legal consultations involving a video component, Missed.com provides an all-in-one solution.

Best for: Lawyers who want easy video consultation scheduling.

Download: https://missed.com/download/

  • Acuity Scheduling

Acuity Scheduling is a popular scheduling and calendar tool. Key features:

  • Calendar syncing with Google and iCloud
  • Self-service booking portal for clients
  • Custom Fields and intake forms
  • Appointment reminders via SMS or email
  • Reporting on booking performance

Acuity Scheduling makes it seamless for clients to book calls or meetings 24/7. The custom forms allow for capturing key details upfront.

Best for: Lawyers seeking an affordable yet customizable scheduling system.

Download: https://www.acuityscheduling.com/mobile-apps

Law Practice Management Tools

All-in-one practice management platforms streamline key tasks like document management, billing, calendaring, and more.

  • Clio

Clio is the leading cloud-based legal management platform. Key features:

  • Robust case, document, email, and task management.
  • Time tracking and billing with trust accounting.
  • Client engagement via pay links, e-signature, and client portals.
  • Calendar, contact, and document synchronization.
  • 1000+ app integrations including Office 365, Zoom, and Dropbox.

Clio enables lawyers to manage their entire practice from one centralized platform accessible from anywhere. This simplifies scaling a firm as it grows.

Best for: Ambitious firms ready to optimize their systems and workflows using Clio’s robust feature set.

Download: https://www.clio.com/downloads/

  • Smokeball

Smokeball emphasizes efficiency and automation. Notable features include:

  • Automated legal forms, emails, and document assembly.
  • Robust matter management and workflows.
  • Time tracking with optical character recognition.
  • Integrated online payments and invoicing.
  • Built-in legal calendar and court dates.

Smokeball allows lawyers to save time on repetitive admin tasks. This frees up more time for high-value legal work.

Best for: Lawyers seeking robust automation to maximize productivity.

Download: https://www.smokeball.com/downloads/

  • CosmoLex

CosmoLex focuses on streamlining billing and accounting. Features include:

  • Easy time tracking and invoice generation.
  • Full accounting functionality.
  • Automated payment tracking and trust accounting.
  • Document management and client portal.
  • Mobile apps for lawyers on the go.

CosmoLex makes it simple to track hours and bill clients while maintaining trust accounts. Less time on admin means more billable hours.

Best for: Solo lawyers and small firms needing simplified billing/accounting.

Download: https://www.cosmolex.com/downloads/

  • Rocket Matter

Rocket Matter provides excellent project management functionality:

  • Robust case management and tickler system.
  • Centralized document management.
  • Task lists, calendars, and workflows.
  • Time tracking with mobile apps.
  • Integrations with Office 365, Outlook, and more.

For lawyers taking on complex cases, Rocket Matter keeps all details organized in one place for maximum efficiency.

Best for: Law firms managing research-intensive cases needing air-tight organization.

Download: https://www.rocketmatter.com/downloads/

  • AbacusLaw

AbacusLaw focuses on flexible automation using HotDocs. Features include:

  • Document automation and assembly.
  • Case management and calendaring.
  • Secure cloud hosting on Abacus Private Cloud.
  • Simplified billing and invoicing.
  • Integrated credit card and eCheck processing.

AbacusLaw allows easily generating customized legal documents and forms to save hours of drafting time.

Best for: Lawyers needing end-to-end practice management with advanced document automation.

Download: https://www.abacuslaw.com/download-free-trial/

Legal Research Apps for Lawyers

Easily access definitions of legal terms and concepts using dedicated legal dictionary apps.

  • Black’s Law Dictionary

Black’s Law Dictionary provides a trusted legal dictionary in a convenient mobile app form. Key features:

  • Search 1000s of legal definitions and terms.
  • Browse terms alphabetically.
  • Save definitions for easy access.
  • Search history to find previously viewed terms.
  • Add notes and highlights.

For easy access to definitions from the authoritative Black dictionary, this free app is invaluable.

Best for: All lawyers who regularly need to look at legal terms and concepts.

Download: https://thelawdictionary.org/blacks-law-dictionary-app/

Secure Cloud Storage for Lawyers

Storing sensitive client documents in the cloud improves collaboration while ensuring security and compliance. Top options for legal practices include:

  • Google Drive

Google Drive provides robust productivity features:

  • 15GB free storage.
  • Real-time file collaboration.
  • Easy sharing with document permissions.
  • IntegratedDocs, Sheets, and Slides editors.
  • Sync across devices.
  • Extensive third-party integrations.

Thanks to tight GSuite integration, Google Drive streamlines document drafting, feedback, and management.

Best for: Lawyers already invested in GSuite tools who want seamless collaboration.

Download: https://www.google.com/drive/download/

  • Dropbox

Dropbox offers user-friendly collaboration and sharing:

  • File version histories
  • Password protected and expiring shared links
  • Remote file wipe for security
  • Top-notch mobile apps
  • MS Office and Adobe integration
  • Advanced user permissions

For basic document management and collaboration needs, Dropbox provides a simple solution.

Best for: Lawyers with straightforward cloud storage needs who value usability.

Download: https://www.dropbox.com/install

  • Microsoft OneDrive

Microsoft OneDrive deeply integrates with Microsoft Office:

  • 5GB of free storage.
  • Real-time co-authoring of Office documents.
  • Share documents and set access permissions.
  • Access Files on demand.
  • Back up photos and videos.
  • Advanced security and compliance.

For lawyers using Office products, OneDrive enables seamless collaboration on documents, spreadsheets, and more.

Best for: Microsoft-focused practices seeking cloud storage tightly integrated with Office.

Download: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onedrive/download

  • Sync.com

Sync provides highly secure, encrypted cloud storage:

  • End-to-end zero-knowledge encryption.
  • File/folder sharing and granular permissions.
  • File versioning with a full audit trail.
  • Automated large file uploading.
  • Custom branding and white labeling.

Sync offers total confidence that client data in the cloud remains ultra-secure.

Best for: Security-focused lawyers seeking encrypted, GDPR/HIPAA compliant cloud collaboration.

Download: https://www.sync.com/pricing/

  • IDrive

IDrive combines cloud storage with full device backup:

  • 5GB free cloud storage.
  • Backup PC, Mac, iPhone & Android devices.
  • File versioning with unlimited previous versions.
  • Remote document and device access.
  • Legal compliance ready.

In addition to robust cloud storage for files, IDrive safeguards devices against data loss or hardware failure.

Best for: Lawyers who want protection against device and document loss.

Download: https://www.idrive.com/online-backup-download

Note Taking Apps for Lawyers

Lawyers need to keep copious notes during meetings, calls, legal research, and case management. Digital note taking apps make organizing all these notes a breeze.

  • Evernote

Evernote is one of the top note taking apps overall. Key features include:

  • Rich text, checklist, and audio note types.
  • Clip web pages and articles to save research.
  • Organize notes into intuitive notebooks.
  • Powerful search to instantly find any text.
  • Note version histories.
  • Top-notch mobile experience.

For lawyers drowning in meeting notes, case files, and documentation, Evernote simplifies turning those fragments into organized databases of information.

Best for: Lawyers who want a frictionless system to manage volumes of notes and documents.

Download: https://evernote.com/download

  • Nimbus Note

Nimbus Note specializes in annotating and collaborating on PDFs:

  • Upload and annotate PDFs.
  • Collaborate on notes in real time.
  • Integrated document scanner.
  • Tables, code blocks, and math formulas.
  • Privacy controls and version history.

Nimbus Note expedites collaborating with colleagues on PDF case files, and research, and you can find the best and most free PDF editor for iPad.

Best for: Lawyers regularly needing to iterate on PDF documents with internal teams.

Download: https://nimbusweb.me/nimbus-note.php

  • Todoist

Todoist brings task management to notes. Key features include:

  • Organize tasks with sections, labels, and filters.
  • Set recurring due dates.
  • Attach notes and reminders to tasks.
  • Powerful search for tasks.
  • Seamless collaboration and comment threads.
  • Integrates with Google Calendar and Alexa.

Todoist helps lawyers stay on top of critical deadlines and cases by connecting tasks to notes and docs.

Best for: Lawyers who want tasks and deadlines tied directly to notes.

Download: https://todoist.com/downloads

  • Microsoft OneNote

Microsoft OneNote provides free robust note taking:

  • Type, write, or dictate notes
  • Embed tables, files, audio, and video
  • Auto-save and version history
  • Share notebooks for real-time collaboration
  • Tight integration with Office apps
  • Mobile apps to take notes anywhere

For lawyers already using Microsoft products, OneNote integrates seamlessly for freeform note capturing.

Best for: Microsoft-focused lawyers who want easy cross-device note syncing.

Download: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/onenote/digital-note-taking-app

  • Apple Notes

Apple Notes provides the ultimate notes experience for iOS/MacOS users:

  • Rich text, lists, photos, and document scans.
  • Locked notes with password or biometrics.
  • Handwritten notes with Apple Pencil.
  • Shared note collaborations.
  • iCloud sync across Apple devices.
  • Siri integration to dictate notes.

For lawyers embedded in the Apple ecosystem, Notes offers secure and intuitive note capturing.

Best for: Lawyers using iPhones, iPads, and Mac laptops who want deep platform integration.

Download: Pre-installed with iOS and MacOS updates Or Click Here

Important Things to Check as Lawyer:

What apps do most lawyers use daily?

Some of the most popular daily apps for lawyers include:

  • Calendaring: Outlook, Google Calendar
  • Email: Outlook, Gmail
  • Note Taking: Evernote, OneNote, Apple Notes
  • Time Tracking: Toggl Track, TimeSolv
  • Document Management: Clio, MyCase, RocketMatter
  • Legal Research: Westlaw, LexisNexis, Fastcase

What is the best app for lawyers on a budget?

Some of the best free or low-cost apps for lawyers on a budget include:

  • Time Tracking: Toggl Track (free)
  • Note Taking: OneNote (free), Evernote (free tier available)
  • Calendaring: Google Calendar (free)
  • Document Management: Dropbox (free for 2GB storage)
  • Online Legal Research: Casetext CARA (free)
  • E-Signature: Adobe Fill & Sign (free tier available)

What are the top 5 law practice management tools?

The top 5 law practice management tools are:

  1. Clio – Robust features for case management, document automation, and more
  2. MyCase – Streamlined calendaring, contact management, and billing
  3. Rocket Matter – Excellent task management and document organization
  4. PracticePanther – Combined CRM and case management performance
  5. Zola Suite – Specialized in immigration law firm management

What apps help lawyers organize their practices?

Top apps to help lawyers organize their practices include:

  • Note Taking: Evernote, OneNote, Microsoft To Do
  • Task/Project Management: Asana, Trello, Todoist
  • Document Management: Dropbox, Box, NetDocuments
  • Contact Management: Clio Grow, MyCase, Law Ruler
  • Calendaring: Outlook, Google Calendar, CourtCal

What apps help lawyers grow their client base?

Some top apps for lawyers to grow their client base include:

  • CRM Software: Clio Grow, Lawmatics, Lexicata
  • Social Media: Hootsuite, Buffer
  • Client Intake: MyCase Intake, Lawmatics Intake Forms
  • Chatbots: ChatOwl, LawDroid, LexDialog
  • Reputation Management: LawyerReviews, Grade.us

What legal apps should I use as a solo attorney?

Here are some of the best legal apps for solo attorney use:

  • Practice Management: Clio, MyCase, RocketMatter
  • Time Tracking: Toggl Track, TimeSolv
  • Accounting: QuickBooks, Xero, FreshBooks
  • ** Scheduling:** Calendly, Acuity
  • Document Drafting: DocuSign, Prizm Docs
  • Legal Research: Casetext, Fastcase
  • Note Taking: Evernote, OneNote

The key is choosing apps that automate workflows so you can focus on high-value legal work rather than admin. Integrations also streamline solo practice by connecting tools.

How should lawyers use apps to improve productivity?

Lawyers can use apps to improve productivity in several ways:

  • Automate admin tasks like scheduling and billing for faster workflows.
  • Track billable time accurately in real-time to invoice quickly.
  • Use document automation to speed up drafting repetitive contracts, motions, etc.
  • Take notes digitally and sync across devices to access anywhere.
  • Securely collaborate on documents in real-time using cloud storage.
  • Speed up legal research using mobile apps.
  • Use workflows and checklists in apps like Asana to codify and systemize repetitive tasks.

The key is using apps to prevent time wasted on low-value tasks. This maximizes time spent on high-impact legal work.

What mobile apps are best for lawyers on the go?

Top mobile apps for lawyers include:

  • Time Tracking: Time Miner, Hours Keeper
  • Notes: OneNote, Evernote, Apple Notes
  • Document Management: Dropbox, Box, NetDocuments
  • Scheduling: Calendly, Acuity
  • Legal Research: Fastcase, Westlaw, Lexis Advance
  • E-signatures: DocuSign, SignNow, Adobe Sign
  • Billing: Clio, LawPay, RocketMatter

Quality mobile apps enable lawyers to stay productive from anywhere – whether commuting, waiting in court, or meeting clients.

How can lawyers improve productivity when working remotely?

Key tips for lawyers to stay productive when working remotely:

  • Use a time tracking app religiously to stay focused on billable work.
  • Take notes digitally to keep organized across locations.
  • Schedule blocks of time for deep work and uninterrupted writing.
  • Use a VPN for secure access to all case files and documents.
  • Automate workflows for repetitive tasks like billing and follow-ups.
  • Overcommunicate through chat apps, video calls, and email to align with the team.
  • Use a project management app like Asana to coordinate complex cases.
  • Enable notifications and reminders in apps to avoid missing deadlines.

Remote legal work requires an extra intention to stay on track. Legal apps help create structure.

What apps do top law firms use?

Some apps commonly used at top law firms include:

  • Practice Management: Elite, Aderant, Lawcus
  • Document Management: NetDocuments, iManage Work
  • Legal Research: Westlaw, LexisNexis, Bloomberg Law
  • Time Tracking: Bellefield Time Tracker, Jibble Tracker
  • Note Taking: Everlaw Notes, TranscriptPad
  • E-Signature: DocuSign, Adobe Sign
  • Videoconferencing: Zoom, Cisco WebEx

Larger law firms often use more robust (and costly) solutions that can handle higher volumes of complex cases and documents.

How can lawyers improve personal productivity?

Tips for lawyers to improve personal productivity include:

  • Block time for focused deep work each day.
  • Set daily priorities using a productivity method like WARM.
  • Batch repetitive tasks like billing to do all at once.
  • Use the Pomodoro technique to tackle tasks one chunk at a time.
  • Schedule time for strategic planning and business development.
  • Take real breaks away from the computer to recharge.
  • Maintain work/life integration and set work hours.
  • Delegate or automate tasks that waste mental energy.

The key is working in a structured, intentional way – and using legal tech to enforce that discipline.

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Conclusion:

Lawyers now have an incredible array of apps and software to simplify and streamline their practices. Investing in legal technology pays dividends by automating admin, optimizing workflows, and improving organization.

From calendaring and scheduling tools to keep client meetings running smoothly to robust practice management platforms like Clio and RocketMatter, today’s legal apps enable improved efficiency and productivity.

By spending more time on high-value legal work instead of admin, lawyers can grow their firms and better service a greater number of clients. Adopting the legal technologies and apps above positions lawyers for success now and in the future.

Karan Bhardwaj

Karan Bhardwaj is a technology writer and blogger with over 8 years of experience. He is passionate about staying on top of the latest advancements and innovations in the world of tech and enjoys breaking down complex topics into easily digestible content. Follow Him: Facebook Twitter Blog

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