Home > Legal Software > Firm Central > Firm Central vs CompuLaw

Firm Central vs CompuLaw

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Our analysts compared Firm Central vs CompuLaw 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
Firm Central Software Tool
CompuLaw Software Tool
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Product Basics

Firm Central is an end-to-end cloud-based solution that provides firms with a centralized interface to manage legal matters, accounting, calendaring, time tracking, billing and client communication. Users can track time and expenses efficiently from multiple devices and create flexible payment options and custom invoices for clients. Monitor legal workflows using its legal calendar with custom rules templates, deadline assistance, permissions-based access and multiple viewing options. Dashboards and reports provide up-to-date data-driven insights.

It offers robust data security with encryption, compliant servers and 24/7 security monitoring. It also provides continuous data backups and seamless integrations. Users can access it from anywhere, from any device.
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CompuLaw is a sophisticated software solution designed to manage legal tasks, particularly focusing on docketing and calendaring. It is most suited for law firms and legal departments that require meticulous tracking of deadlines and court dates to ensure compliance and avoid costly errors. The software offers significant benefits, including reducing the risk of missed deadlines, enhancing productivity, and improving overall case management efficiency.

Popular features of CompuLaw include automated deadline calculations, customizable workflows, and seamless integration with other legal management systems. Users appreciate its accuracy and reliability, which are critical in the legal field. Compared to similar products, CompuLaw is often praised for its comprehensive rule sets and user-friendly interface, making it a preferred choice for many legal professionals.

Pricing for CompuLaw typically varies based on the number of users and specific features required, with options for annual or monthly payments. This flexibility allows firms of different sizes to find a suitable plan that meets their needs and budget.

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$40/User, Monthly
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$49/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Product Assistance

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24/7 Live Support
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Product Insights

  • Comprehensive Reports: Get detailed daily, weekly and monthly reports of billable and non-billable time tracked. Maximize accuracy by cross-checking before billing. 
  • Easy Access: Directly access Westlaw’s legal research network from the homepage. 
  • Customizable Dashboard: Customize the dashboard with status bars for crucial functions. 
  • Simplify Collaboration: Collaborate with clients and team members by integrating with SharePoint. 
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  • Increased Efficiency: Automates routine tasks, allowing legal professionals to focus on more complex and strategic work.
  • Risk Mitigation: Reduces the likelihood of missed deadlines and compliance issues by providing accurate and timely reminders.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Facilitates better communication and coordination among team members through shared calendars and task lists.
  • Time Savings: Streamlines workflow processes, significantly cutting down the time spent on administrative tasks.
  • Improved Accuracy: Minimizes human error by automating calculations and deadline tracking based on jurisdiction-specific rules.
  • Scalability: Easily adapts to the growing needs of a law firm, whether it’s handling more cases or expanding to new practice areas.
  • Client Satisfaction: Enhances client trust and satisfaction by ensuring timely and accurate handling of their cases.
  • Cost Reduction: Lowers operational costs by reducing the need for manual data entry and deadline tracking.
  • Data Security: Provides robust security features to protect sensitive client information and comply with legal data protection standards.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Keeps firms compliant with ever-changing legal regulations by automatically updating rules and deadlines.
  • Customizability: Offers customizable settings to fit the unique needs and workflows of different legal practices.
  • Real-Time Updates: Ensures that all team members have access to the most current information, reducing the risk of outdated data.
  • Performance Metrics: Provides detailed reports and analytics to help firms measure productivity and identify areas for improvement.
  • Resource Allocation: Helps in better allocation of resources by providing insights into workload distribution and task management.
  • Integration Capabilities: Seamlessly integrates with other legal software and tools, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
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  • Matter Management: Manage legal matters, tasks, contacts, deadlines and documents from a single platform. Automate the client intake process and store an unlimited amount of documentation and files. 
    • Matter Search: Identify specific legal documents and files with the global search function. 
  • Collaboration: Securely share case files and calendar entries with all team members and counsels. Encourage collaboration between counsels and clients with a dedicated client portal. 
  • Task Management: Assign tasks to staff members, set reminders for important events and appointments and keep track of notifications. Monitor document reviews and updates and perform conflict checks across the client database. 
  • Time Tracking and Billing: Track every single minute of billable time with the Firm Central Time & BIlling portal. Create and operate trust funds, run reports and issue expedited invoices for faster payments. 
    • Financial Reporting: Generate reports with custom datasets to identify profitable practice areas, aging receivables, referral values, important clients and more. 
    • Financial Dashboard: Get real-time access to firm financials, outstanding bills, WIP, year-end reconciliations and more through a single interface. Use the dashboard insights for agile decision-making and strategic future planning. 
    • Time and Expense: Log billable hours with multiple timers from any computer or mobile device. Integrate time tracking and billing capabilities to directly invoice for the time entries. 
    • Billing: Prepare tailored payment plans and payment options for clients. Edit invoices and accept credit card payments with the ClientPay portal. 
  • Accounting: Manage separate trust and operating accounts with purpose-built accounting software. Process invoices ethically and in compliance with industry standards. 
    • Reports: Run regular accounting reports to measure profitability, discounts, write-offs, bank reconciliations, account transactions and more. Stay on top of the firm’s financial health to make informed decisions. 
    • Eliminate Error: Automate data entry to eliminate duplicate data and human errors. 
    • Compliance: Prepare an audit trail for all trust account transactions and simplify year-end reconciliations. Set up internal controls to protect financial data from leaks. 
  • Legal Calendar: Manage deadlines, events, hearings and more with the integrated legal calendar tool. 
    • Deadlines: The Deadlines Assistant automatically computes the deadlines of ongoing projects based on the rules set by the firm’s jurisdiction. Set up custom rules if required. 
    • Calendar Sync: Add, edit and update events in either the built-in calendar or Microsoft Outlook and automatically synchronize entries. 
    • Multiple Calendar Views: Allow all staff members to view the legal calendar for a holistic awareness of deadlines and appointments. Drill down on specific entries by matter and permissions. 
  • Mobile Application: Retain full control over legal matters and tasks while away from the office. Use the mobile application to securely access legal documents, matters, contacts, calendars and more. Track time and process expenses on the go. 
  • Security: Secure firm files and documentation in transit as well as in storage. Additionally, solve any data residency requirements with U.S.-based servers hosted by Thomson Reuters. 
    • Data Encryption: All connections to Firm Central servers are routed via HTTPS sessions with 256-bit SSL and TLS encryption. 
    • Compliance: Ensure the data security standards of the firm are compliant with SOC 2 Type II and AICPA regulations. Physical data centers are ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 certified. 
  • Client Portal: Provide clients with an encrypted communication environment for secure collaboration with counsels. 
    • Communications: Share documents, bills, case updates, messages and more with clients in real time. Monitor all client activity and maintain a record of all communications. 
    • Self-service: Clients can check case files and matter information, receive push notifications and upload documents. 
    • Security: Maintain ABA ethics mandates with the self-service portal. Use permission-based controls to decide who gets access to what items and documents. 
  • Westlaw Compatibility: Subscribe to Westlaw for built-in case citation flags and integrated global search and research tools. 
  • Integrations: Integrate with multiple Thomson Reuters applications under the same platform. Available inclusions include Westlaw legal research, Westlaw Form Builder, Practical Law and Drafting Assistant. 
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  • Comprehensive Deadline Management: Automatically calculates and tracks critical deadlines based on jurisdiction-specific rules.
  • Jurisdiction-Specific Rules Engine: Provides accurate and up-to-date legal rules for over 50 states and federal jurisdictions.
  • Calendar Integration: Seamlessly integrates with popular calendar systems like Microsoft Outlook and Google Calendar for real-time updates.
  • Customizable Alerts: Allows users to set up personalized notifications for upcoming deadlines and important dates.
  • Audit Trail: Maintains a detailed log of all changes and updates to deadlines, ensuring accountability and transparency.
  • Document Management Integration: Connects with leading document management systems to link deadlines with relevant case files and documents.
  • Mobile Access: Provides mobile-friendly access, enabling users to manage deadlines on-the-go via smartphones and tablets.
  • Reporting and Analytics: Generates detailed reports and analytics to help firms monitor compliance and identify potential risks.
  • Role-Based Access Control: Ensures that only authorized personnel can view or modify sensitive deadline information.
  • Client and Matter Management: Organizes deadlines by client and matter, making it easy to track and manage multiple cases simultaneously.
  • Data Import and Export: Supports importing and exporting data in various formats, facilitating easy data migration and sharing.
  • Training and Support: Offers comprehensive training resources and customer support to ensure users can effectively utilize the software.
  • Regular Updates: Continuously updates the software to reflect changes in legal rules and regulations, ensuring ongoing accuracy.
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Product Ranking

#37

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Legal Software

#68

among all
Legal Software

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User Sentiment Summary

Good User Sentiment 141 reviews
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74%
of users recommend this product

Firm Central has a 'good' User Satisfaction Rating of 74% when considering 141 user reviews from 5 recognized software review sites.

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4.1 (5)
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3.8 (11)
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3.68 (62)
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3.7 (62)
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3.0 (1)
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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Data Management: It provides easy and secure access to client records and legal matters, according to 100% of users mentioning data management.
Ease of Use: According to 83% of users who reviewed this aspect, the platform is user-friendly and easy to learn.
Sharing and Collaboration: All reviewers who mentioned this benefit said they found it easy to share and collaborate on legal matters, especially with access to SharePoint.
Task Management: According to 67% of users who reviewed this feature, the legal calendar simplifies tracking pending tasks, assignments and deadlines.
KPI Monitoring: Everyone reviewing this element said that the customizable dashboard made it easy to track KPIs.
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Easy to Use: Users appreciate the intuitive interface, making it simple to navigate and find the information they need. For example, many users find it easy to locate relevant legal documents and forms.
Affordable: CompuLaw offers competitive pricing compared to traditional legal services, making it accessible to individuals and small businesses with limited budgets. For example, users have praised the cost-effectiveness of the platform for basic legal needs.
Time-Saving: Users value the time-saving features, such as pre-filled forms and templates, which streamline the legal process. For example, users have reported completing legal tasks more efficiently with the help of CompuLaw's tools.
Comprehensive Resources: CompuLaw provides a wide range of legal resources, including articles, guides, and videos, covering various legal topics. For example, users have found the platform helpful for understanding their legal rights and obligations.
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Functionality: Without integrations, it has limited functionalities, according to 57% of users mentioning this element.
Integrations: According to 71% of users who reviewed this feature, integrations can be buggy and expensive.
Service and Support: 64% of users who mentioned this aspect said they found the technical support lacking in knowledge and responsiveness.
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Limited Functionality: Some users have reported that CompuLaw lacks features that are essential for their legal needs, such as the ability to create complex legal documents or manage multiple cases simultaneously. For example, a user who needed to draft a complex contract found that CompuLaw's templates were too basic and lacked the flexibility to meet their specific requirements.
Steep Learning Curve: Users have expressed frustration with the software's interface, which they find difficult to navigate and understand. For example, a user who was new to legal software found it challenging to learn how to use CompuLaw's features, and they felt that the software's documentation was not helpful.
Lack of Customer Support: Users have reported difficulties getting timely and helpful support from CompuLaw's customer service team. For example, a user who encountered a technical issue with the software was unable to reach a customer service representative for several hours, and when they finally did, the representative was unable to resolve the issue.
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Firm Central provides legal practitioners with a capable practice management solution with direct access to Westlaw. It offers secure and fast web access to basic features, including time tracking, billing, accounting, and matter and task management modules. Access to Westlaw is an important asset and should weigh heavily on any acquisition decision. That said, multiple integrations can drive up costs and put a lot of pressure on the platform. Implementation and technical support can be hard to reach at times. Unless a Westlaw integration is absolutely essential to the firm, there are better options available in this price range.

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Is CompuLaw the real deal or just a legal fiction? User reviews suggest that CompuLaw is a solid choice for firms that need a robust docketing solution. The software's rules-based, configurable date calculations are a major selling point, as they help to reduce the risk of malpractice from calendar or human-related errors. CompuLaw's integration with Outlook email and calendar, as well as several legal document management systems, is also a plus. However, some users have expressed concerns about the software's user interface, which they find to be clunky and outdated. Others have complained about the lack of customization options, which can make it difficult to tailor the software to their specific needs. CompuLaw's biggest differentiator is its team of licensed American attorneys who constantly monitor for any changes or amendments to U.S. court rules. This is a major advantage for firms that need to stay up-to-date on the latest legal developments. However, some users have found that the software's constant updates can be disruptive and time-consuming. Overall, CompuLaw is a good choice for firms that need a reliable docketing solution and are willing to put up with some of the software's quirks. It is particularly well-suited for firms that handle a large volume of litigation cases and need to ensure that all deadlines are met.

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