7 digital tools every legal startup needs in 2024

Bar prep courses

We’re starting with the basics because for startups that are just establishing their practices, having a team well-prepared for the bar exam is fundamental. Bar prep courses like Barbri, Themis, or Quimbee offer comprehensive study materials and practice exams to ensure your team is ready, so they’re worth investing in.

These (and similar) courses provide structured learning paths and resources tailored to different learning styles, which really boost the chances of passing the bar exam on the first attempt. 

For instance, if your firm is planning to practice in specific jurisdictions, and your team needs to prepare for, say, the Idaho bar exam, a course like Quimbee would be a good choice because they have over 1400 real practice questions from past bar exams (and many more lessons). 

Whichever prep course you choose for your team, make sure it’s comprehensive and well-designed so your team can pass on the first attempt.

Document automation

Most lawyers spend a great amount of time drafting documents, including contracts, agreements, pleadings, etc. While a time-consuming and tedious task, legal drafting is absolutely crucial for setting a clear tone between parties.

Thankfully, there are now many document automation tools that allow you to collect data and generate documents automatically, helping you spend less time on repetitive tasks. Tools like HotDocs, Lawyaw, Gavel, and more use templates to generate documents quickly and accurately, which means not only more time for you but also less room for errors.

Case management software

Managing multiple cases at the same time can get pretty complex, pretty fast, and the more cases you have, the harder it becomes to memorize details, organize documents, follow up with clients, etc. This is where a comprehensive case management software solution can be of immense help.

Platforms like Clio, MyCase, and others are great for keeping all client info organized, tracking case progress, and managing deadlines. They also typically offer features like document storage, time tracking, and billing, all in one place, which makes your job a whole lot easier and ultimately, more enjoyable, too.

Legal research platforms

Keeping up with legal precedents and staying informed about changes in the law is absolutely essential for any legal startup. Tools like Westlaw or LexisNexis are something to consider investing in as they have comprehensive legal research databases and offer access to case law, statutes, regulations, and legal journals, allowing you to conduct thorough research quickly. 

Many of these platforms often come with features like citation checking and advanced search capabilities to further help you enhance the accuracy and depth of your legal analysis.

Client relationship management software

Technology can also help you build and maintain client relationships. Client Relationship Management Software (CRM) software solutions like Salesforce or Zoho CRM help you better manage client interactions, track communications, and follow up on leads. 

These tools can also automate various marketing tasks for your startup, like sending out newsletters or managing social media campaigns. 

In short, they’re great for making sure you stay in touch with clients and prospects, which helps build loyalty and trust, which, in turn, leads to repeat business and positive word of mouth.

Accounting and billing software

Making sure your finances are in good shape is vital for keeping things running smoothly and ensuring your startup is sustainable. This is why investing in accounting software is one of the best things you could do for your business. 

Solutions like QuickBooks or Xero can help you get a clearer view of your finances and stay on top of everything by allowing you to easily track expenses, manage invoices, and generate financial reports. 

You might also want to consider using billing software that works with your case management system so you can streamline the entire billing process and ensure everything is invoiced accurately and on time.

Cloud storage solutions

Whether you sometimes work remotely or just want convenient access to your files, cloud storage solutions are key. Two most popular options are Google Drive and Dropbox; both provide scalable and secure storage options so you can work and collaborate from anywhere. 

They’re also very common: around 79% of lawyers rely on cloud-based technology to store their data. At this point in time, they’re practically a must-have for all legal practices. As a bonus, cloud storage ensures that your data is backed up and protected, reducing the risk of data loss.

Conclusion

Any legal startup that wants to increase its productivity, reduce operational costs, and provide better service to its clients would be wise to adopt the right technology. 

From case management software to document automation, each tool serves a specific purpose that can contribute to the overall efficiency of your business.