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Actionstep vs PerfectLaw

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Our analysts compared Actionstep vs PerfectLaw based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Legal Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Overview Pricing Benefits & Features User Ratings Analyst Summary Screenshots
Actionstep Software Tool
PerfectLaw Software Tool
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Product Basics

Actionstep is an end-to-end cloud-based platform designed for legal practices to manage and execute daily operations. It is scalable and easy to use with drag-and-drop functionality. Users can automate administrative practice workflows with extensive control over each step of the process. They can also build templates to automatically populate legal documents with required data. It provides seamless client onboarding and management with client conflict verification and record management modules. It can also automate matter management with custom structures and data filters, and streamline billing, accounting and time tracking.

Businesses can utilize its assortment of integrations and native iOS and Android apps to manage day-to-day operations on-the-fly. It leverages AWS to provide end-to-end data encryption, permission-based access and automated data backups. Measure performance in different practice areas with its robust reporting.
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PerfectLaw is a comprehensive software solution designed to streamline legal management tasks, including case management, document management, and billing. It is particularly well-suited for law firms and legal departments seeking to enhance efficiency and organization. The software's robust features include time tracking, workflow automation, and client communication tools, which collectively improve productivity and client service. PerfectLaw stands out for its integrated approach, offering a single platform that eliminates the need for multiple disparate systems. Users appreciate its intuitive interface and the seamless integration of various legal management functions. This integration reduces administrative overhead and minimizes the risk of errors. While specific pricing details are not readily available, potential users are encouraged to contact SelectHub for a tailored pricing quote based on their unique requirements. PerfectLaw's pricing typically varies depending on the number of users and the specific features needed, with options for monthly or annual payment plans.
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$60 Monthly
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$295 One-Time
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Product Assistance

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Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
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24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Scale With a Customizable Platform: Personalize the system according to needs using built-in customization tools. 
  • Access Remotely From Any Device: The platform is 100% cloud-based and accessible via web browsers. 
  • Parse Documents With Ease: Features a range of purpose-built tools for document management, including search, merge fields and assembly. Add custom scripts to fields to run calculations for different values. 
  • Custom Workflows For Every Task: Streamline various operational tasks by creating new workflows and customizing existing ones. 
  • Reporting For Every Purpose: Access fully fleshed out, customizable reports for financial, accounting and operational processes, including general ledger. 
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  • Increased Efficiency: Automate routine tasks such as document generation and time tracking, freeing up valuable time for more complex legal work.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Centralized document management allows team members to access and edit files in real-time, improving coordination and reducing errors.
  • Improved Client Communication: Integrated client portals provide clients with secure access to their case information, fostering transparency and trust.
  • Accurate Billing: Automated time and expense tracking ensures precise billing, reducing disputes and improving cash flow.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Built-in compliance features help ensure adherence to legal standards and regulations, minimizing the risk of penalties.
  • Data Security: Advanced encryption and secure access controls protect sensitive client information from unauthorized access and breaches.
  • Customizable Workflows: Tailor workflows to match your firm's specific processes, enhancing productivity and consistency across cases.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: Generate detailed reports on case progress, financials, and performance metrics, aiding in strategic decision-making.
  • Scalability: Adaptable to firms of all sizes, PerfectLaw grows with your business, ensuring long-term usability and investment value.
  • Reduced Administrative Overhead: Streamline administrative tasks, allowing staff to focus on billable work and client service.
  • Enhanced Mobility: Access case files and perform tasks from anywhere with cloud-based solutions, supporting remote work and flexibility.
  • Client Relationship Management: Integrated CRM tools help manage client interactions and track case histories, improving client satisfaction and retention.
  • Task Prioritization: Automated task management helps prioritize and delegate tasks effectively, ensuring deadlines are met and workloads are balanced.
  • Document Version Control: Maintain a clear history of document revisions, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring the use of the most current information.
  • Cost Savings: Reduce the need for physical storage and administrative resources, leading to significant cost reductions over time.
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  • Workflow Management: Automate client management, administrative processes and matter progression with configurable workflow patterns addressing individual firm requirements. Collate firm data from reporting modules and assign tasks based on recommended workflow patterns. 
  • Accounting: Manage billables, payments, bank reconciliations, accounts and financial reporting with the UTBMS (LEDES) supported accounting portal. Automatically log client transactions and compute sales tax, GST, VAT and interest for late payments. 
    • Client Accounting: Create and operate 100% cloud-based trust accounts with regular reporting, audit trails and complete trust position visibility. Run reports on account reconciliations, ledgers, journals, matter balances and more. 
  • Conflict Check: Protect the firm from conflicts of interest by checking the client database against custom data sources like emails, matters, contacts and more. 
    • Smart Search: Group search results on the basis of configurable datasets for faster and smarter search results. Study results in greater depth with different contexts. 
    • Permissions: Limit search results depending on an account’s clearance level to protect sensitive firm information. 
    • Import Results: Export search parameters and results to PDF documents and Excel spreadsheets including date and time stamps. Connect search results with associated matters and contacts. 
  • Client Portal: Provide clients with a single, secure platform for carrying out correspondence in real time. Encrypts all communications, documents and matters exchanged between clients and counsels. 
    • Permissions: Authorize which external parties can access the client portal. Maintain confidentiality and limit client activity with account-based permissions for reading, uploading and editing documentation. 
    • Notifications: Get email and in-platform notifications for all document-related changes in the portal. 
  • Data Security: Secure firm data and communication against leaks and vulnerabilities with HTTPS encryption provided by AWS. Solve data residency requirements by storing firm data in one of four AWS data centers in the United States, Australia, Singapore or Europe. 
    • Data Backup: Automatically backup the firm database to protect against catastrophic failures. Export firm data and files securely at any time. 
  • Webforms: Optimize the client intake process with customizable, client-facing intake webforms. Use the form builder extension to configure it in accordance with firm requirements and website aesthetics. 
    • Instant Alerts: Never miss a webform submission from prospective clients with instantaneous email alerts and in-platform notifications. 
    • Secure New Clients: Measure firm response rates to prospective client inquiries in order to improve future performance. The response timer keeps measuring time until the webform is processed or removed. 
    • Data Entry and Reporting: Circumvent manual data entry by automatically converting webforms to relevant matters. Periodically export webform data for reports on the total number of inquiries received and the average firm response rate. 
  • Time Tracking: Track billable time from any device with an internet connection. Attach relevant notes to time tracked and use multiple timers to track simultaneous activities. 
    • Intuitive Recording: Fill out time entries with intuitive defaults based on immediate prior activity. Edit additional details as necessary such as associated legal matter, hours worked, billing rates and more. 
    • Intelligent Time Sheets: Keep track of employee time records and disbursements. The “Smart Suggestions” tool recommends matters and activities to fill the daily progress bar. 
    • Activity Codes: Automatically log common activities like client meetings and document creation with preset activity codes. 
  • Matter Management: Configure individual matters with independent folders including related contacts, notes, documentation, email and calendar events, time records and billing information, trust accounting, audit trails and optimized workflow pattern. 
    • Workflow Automation: Streamline firm processes with matter-specific workflow automation. Automatically perform default tasks like email outreach, data entry and task assignments. 
    • Status Reports: Get detailed reports on the status of legal matters. Customize the reports to reveal specific datasets and export the results as Excel spreadsheets or weekly/daily email reports. 
  • Document Management: Create and edit legal documents within matter-specific folders or upload files directly from third-party integrations like Microsoft Office, Google Drive and Dropbox. The document management portal provides data encryption and permission-based access to protect against unauthorized access. 
    • Data Backup: Secure firm data and documentation with automated backups. Export all data at any time. 
    • Scan and Search: Scan documents directly into legal matters and perform full text search for specific subjects. 
  • Client Management: Get a comprehensive 360-degree view of clients with unique contact records, associated matters, correspondence history and billing information, all in one place. 
    • Client Outreach: Automatically send emails and SMS messages to clients about case updates, changes in matters and upcoming events. Set tasks to remind team members about critical client touchpoints. 
    • Client Portal: Clients can securely upload relevant documents and provide e-signatures through the self-service portal. Increase client engagement by communicating the latest case-related updates through notifications. 
    • Sales Pipeline: Manage prospective clients and sales leads with the purpose-built toolkit. Automatically send follow-up emails to prospects and create reminders for employees. 
  • Calendar Management: Stay on top of important dates, appointments, hearings and legal obligations with the integrated calendar extension. Create shared calendars, synchronize entries across multiple devices and open tasks and matters directly from the extension. 
    • Calendar Sync: Synchronize the calendar tool with third-party integrations for Office 365, Microsoft Exchange and Google Calendar to receive a real-time, holistic view of firm obligations. Link matters directly to the calendar to view all related events. 
    • Calendar Reports: Prepare custom calendar reports with logged events, appointments, transactions and matter. 
    • Cashflow: Link appointments with associated matters to track pending payments. Remind clients about outstanding bills and record payments through the calendar portal itself. 
  • Reporting: Identify the firm’s most profitable practice areas, referral sources, lawyers, clients and more with powerful reporting tools. Additional reporting areas include time and fee entries, client transactions, write-offs, bill journals, aging receivables and client profitability. 
  • Marketing: Optimize the firm’s marketing policy by integrating marketing campaigns, timeframes, expectations and budgets with the recommended workflow. Get accurate feedback on return on investment (ROI) to improve future marketing efforts. 
  • Email Management: Manage all client and contact correspondence with the dedicated email platform. Integrate with applications like Outlook and Gmail to record notes and tasks directly from the source. 
    • Email Automation: Inform clients, team members and co-counsels about case developments and events with automated emails. Create perfectly worded emails with custom templates that pull data from live matters. 
    • Matter Linking: Organize the firm’s inbox and outbox based on associated matters. Redirect all sent messages and replies automatically to the designated matter folder. 
  • Document Automation: Automatically situate live data from legal matters into customizable documents and email templates to eliminate manual data entry. The document assembly tool can insert a variety of data fields including names, logos, addresses and billing information. 
  • API: Use existing applications or integrate third party extensions like Office 365, Microsoft Outlook and more as per firm requirements. 
  • Mobile App: Manage legal calendar, tasks, appointments and deadlines from the mobile app. Stay on top of all client obligations with automated synchronization of legal calendars. 
    • Mobile Time Tracking: Track time, create new entries and view timesheets on the go. Add notes and descriptions to time tracked, assign it to existing legal matters and enter billing information in real time. 
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  • All-in-One Database: Integrates case management, billing, and document management into a single database, eliminating the need for multiple systems.
  • Case Management: Provides comprehensive tools for tracking case details, deadlines, and tasks, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks.
  • Document Management: Offers robust document storage and retrieval capabilities, including version control and full-text search.
  • Time and Billing: Facilitates accurate time tracking and billing with customizable billing rates and automated invoice generation.
  • Calendar and Docketing: Synchronizes with Outlook and other calendar systems to manage appointments, court dates, and deadlines efficiently.
  • Email Management: Integrates with Microsoft Outlook to archive emails directly into the case file, maintaining a complete communication history.
  • Workflow Automation: Automates routine tasks and processes, such as client intake and document assembly, to improve efficiency and reduce errors.
  • Client Portal: Provides a secure online portal for clients to access case information, documents, and invoices, enhancing client communication and satisfaction.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Generates detailed reports and analytics on various aspects of firm operations, from financial performance to case progress.
  • Mobile Access: Offers mobile access to key features, allowing attorneys to manage their work from anywhere, at any time.
  • Security and Compliance: Ensures data security with encryption, access controls, and compliance with legal industry standards.
  • Customizable Interface: Allows users to tailor the software interface to their specific needs and preferences, improving usability and productivity.
  • Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly integrates with other legal and business software, such as accounting systems and e-discovery tools.
  • Client Relationship Management (CRM): Manages client interactions and relationships, tracking communications, and follow-ups to enhance client service.
  • Task Management: Assigns and tracks tasks within the firm, ensuring accountability and timely completion of work.
  • Expense Tracking: Monitors and records expenses related to cases, facilitating accurate billing and financial management.
  • Training and Support: Provides comprehensive training resources and support services to help users maximize the software's potential.
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Product Ranking

#25

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#61

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User Sentiment Summary

Great User Sentiment 242 reviews
Great User Sentiment 5 reviews
87%
of users recommend this product

Actionstep has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 87% when considering 242 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

88%
of users recommend this product

PerfectLaw has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 88% when considering 5 user reviews from 1 recognized software review sites.

4.2 (3)
n/a
4.2 (11)
n/a
4.34 (119)
n/a
4.4 (108)
4.4 (5)
4.2 (1)
n/a

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Functionality: The platform offers robust features, according to 88% of users who reviewed this aspect.
Ease of Use: According to 70% of users who reviewed this element, the system’s customizability and UI make it easy to use.
Cost: 80% of reviewers mentioning cost said the software’s pricing is within reason and affordable.
Automation: Regarding this feature, 92% of users said automation saves a lot of time and resources.
Data Management: According to 71% of users who reviewed this feature, the platform has powerful data management tools, including document search and field merging.
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Comprehensive Features: PerfectLaw is an all-in-one solution encompassing case management, billing, and document management, simplifying legal operations.
Integration Capabilities: Seamless data flow between different modules eliminates redundant data entry, saving time and reducing errors.
Robust Reporting: The software provides in-depth reporting tools, allowing firms to track key metrics and make informed decisions.
Customization Options: PerfectLaw offers flexibility in tailoring the system to a firm's specific needs, ensuring a perfect fit for different workflows.
Timekeeping and Billing: Users praise the intuitive timekeeping features, including the ability to enter time from anywhere in the system, streamlining billing processes.
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Integrations: Integrations, especially email, accounting and invoicing, have a lot of room for improvement, according to 69% of reviewers mentioning this aspect.
Implementation: 69% of users reviewing this element said the implementation process is lengthy.
Service and Support: 56% of users who mentioned this aspect said support requests have long wait times.
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Steep Learning Curve: Some users find it difficult to get up to speed with the software initially due to its extensive features and complex functionality.
User Interface: A common complaint is that the interface isn't intuitive, requiring multiple clicks to perform tasks that should be simpler.
Customer Support: While generally responsive, some users report occasional delays in getting support, which can be frustrating when dealing with urgent technical issues.
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Actionstep provides a cost-effective alternative to various legal practice management solutions out there. It’s completely cloud-based with robust features designed to serve multiple practice areas. Document management, eDiscovery and automation are among its strengths with dedicated workflows, templates and search tools. However, there are tradeoffs with the most cost-effective options. Technical support can have long wait times and not always result in closure. The implementation process is lengthy, and integration options are mediocre at best. If you are on a tight budget and need a decent and reliable solution, Actionstep is a good contender.

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Is PerfectLaw the perfect solution for your legal firm's needs? Reviews from the past year suggest it could be, particularly for larger firms. Users consistently praise PerfectLaw's comprehensive suite of features, highlighting its "all-in-one" approach that streamlines various tasks, such as billing, case management, and document management, eliminating the need to juggle multiple software solutions. This integrated approach not only simplifies daily operations but also potentially saves firms money and reduces headaches. However, some users point out a steep learning curve, suggesting that getting the software up and running might require a significant time investment, especially for those unfamiliar with similar systems. While customer support receives positive feedback for its responsiveness, the initial setup and customization process has been described as complex and time-consuming. In essence, PerfectLaw appears to be a robust, feature-rich solution best suited for larger firms willing to invest the time and resources necessary to fully utilize its capabilities. Smaller firms or those seeking a more intuitive, out-of-the-box solution might find the learning curve a significant hurdle.

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