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PCLaw has been part of the legal practice management conversation for decades, and firms searching for a PCLaw review usually want one thing: a straight answer on whether it still holds up.
It’s built for small and midsize firms that want lightweight case management paired with genuinely strong accounting, not a sprawling platform with modules they’ll never touch.
If you’re comparing legal practice management software, PCLaw is one name that keeps coming up.
This review covers what PCLaw actually does, who it fits, what it costs, and what real users say, so you can decide if it belongs on your shortlist.
A Good Fit for Firms That…
PCLaw is a good fit for law firms that:
The Company
PCLaw was originally developed by an independent company. The product was later acquired by LexisNexis. In 2019, LexisNexis and LEAP Software created a joint venture, where the PCLaw software continues to be developed and supported.
See PCLaw in Use
PCLaw has a straightforward user interface. The accounting aspects of each case are often front and center within the various screens in PCLaw.
PCLaw Stand-Out Features
PCLaw’s strongest features cluster around fast setup and real accounting depth, with the option to add more practice management muscle when you need it.
Rapid Setup
PCLaw is straightforward and easy to use, making it one of the easier applications to get started with. PCLaw, unlike other legal applications, does not require a special consultant to implement and begin using.
Comprehensive Business and Legal Accounting
PCLaw is a complete accounting package, which means it manages both your business accounting (bank/operating accounts, General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and financial statements) as well as Trust/IOLTA accounting. PCLaw supports fixed-fee and split billing, and includes comprehensive financial reporting capabilities.
Use Stand-Alone or in Conjunction with Time Matters
PCLaw provides lightweight practice management functions. If your firm needs more sophisticated law practice management or document management, PCLaw can be used in tandem with its sister product, Time Matters. Firms researching a PCLaw Time Matters review are usually trying to answer exactly that: whether running both is worth the extra software, or whether one platform would cover the same ground.
PCLaw Go Mobile App
PCLaw has a mobile app, called PCLaw Go, which allows you to enter billable time and perform routine tasks from your iPhone or Android smartphone.
PCLaw Annual Maintenance Plan (AMP)
PCLaw can be subscribed to as a monthly Subscription-Based License or purchased as a perpetual license with an Annual Maintenance Plan.
With an SBL or AMP, your firm is entitled to:
Complete Feature List
Here’s what’s included, feature by feature:
User Feedback
We’ve aggregated and curated feedback from PCLaw users, consultants, and online sources.
“PCLaw is Good for Our Small Law Firm.” – Sean C. from a Small Law Practice
I work in a small IP law firm with three partners, and myself as the office manager. This software works great for a firm of our size. It is easy to use and can hold a good amount of matters. The daily entry of time, expenses, etc. is very easy once set up.
“A Legal Professional’s Best Friend” – Paralegal in a Small Law Practice
It’s an all in one matter and client management, accounting and billing software. The program has so many functions that covers all areas in a law firm’s accounting management. However, should you have to pick the best feature out of the many, then the customer support will probably top the list as they are one of the best support teams I’ve dealt with. One small drawback, while it possesses many features, it could be a little more user-friendly.
“Does the Job.” – Jessica M. G. at Small Law Practice
I like the interface for time-keeping and billing. Overall, PCLaw is very user-friendly, and was easy to adopt across our law office. I cannot say there is anything I really dislike, though I do wish that the contact forms were more customizable.
“Solid Software for Small Law Firms.” – Kayla M. from a Midsize Law Firm
Worked in a small law firm with two attorneys, two legal assistants, and an office manager. This software was perfect for what we needed in regards to day-to-day documentation/process. PCLaw is solid software, but visually slightly dated. The software needs an improved user interface in order for me to consider it a great software.
PCLaw Software Pricing
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An IT Health Check maps what you have, flags where access is misconfigured, and gives you a clear picture of where your firm actually stands.
PCLaw in the Cloud
PCLaw is desktop and server software, so it can run on-premise or move to a hosted environment when your firm’s ready for that. If you’re weighing hosting PCLaw rather than evaluating it, that decision, what it costs, and what changes day to day, gets its own dedicated breakdown.
Deciding If PCLaw Belongs on Your Shortlist
PCLaw earns its spot for firms that want dependable accounting without a bloated practice management system, especially if Time Matters is already part of your stack.
The accounting depth and support quality carry the software, even with an interface users call dated.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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