Litera vs Firm Central

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

Litera Software Tool
Firm Central Software Tool

Product Basics

Litera offers a comprehensive suite of software solutions tailored for legal professionals, streamlining tasks such as document drafting, proofreading, and collaboration. This software is particularly well-suited for law firms and corporate legal departments due to its robust features that enhance efficiency and accuracy in legal documentation.

Key benefits include improved document quality, reduced risk of errors, and significant time savings. Popular features encompass advanced document comparison, metadata cleaning, and automated proofreading, which collectively ensure that legal documents are precise and professionally polished.

Users often highlight the intuitive interface and seamless integration with existing legal workflows as standout aspects. Compared to similar products, Litera is praised for its reliability and comprehensive functionality. Pricing varies based on the specific modules and number of users, typically structured on a subscription basis, which can be monthly or annually.

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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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$195 Annually, Quote-Based
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$40/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
Small
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Large
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Large
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Increased Efficiency: Automate routine tasks such as document comparison and proofreading, allowing legal professionals to focus on higher-value work.
  • Enhanced Accuracy: Reduce human error with advanced tools that ensure documents are consistent and free of mistakes, improving overall quality.
  • Time Savings: Expedite document creation and review processes, significantly cutting down the time required to complete legal tasks.
  • Improved Collaboration: Facilitate seamless collaboration among team members with real-time document sharing and editing capabilities.
  • Compliance Assurance: Ensure all documents adhere to regulatory standards and internal policies, minimizing the risk of non-compliance.
  • Cost Reduction: Lower operational costs by streamlining workflows and reducing the need for manual intervention in document management.
  • Data Security: Protect sensitive information with robust security features, including encryption and access controls, to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Customizable Workflows: Tailor workflows to meet specific organizational needs, enhancing flexibility and adaptability in legal processes.
  • Scalability: Easily scale operations to handle increased workloads without compromising on performance or efficiency.
  • Client Satisfaction: Deliver higher-quality services faster, improving client satisfaction and fostering stronger client relationships.
  • Knowledge Management: Centralize and organize legal knowledge, making it easily accessible for future reference and decision-making.
  • Risk Mitigation: Identify and address potential risks early in the document lifecycle, reducing the likelihood of costly legal disputes.
  • Enhanced Reporting: Generate detailed reports and analytics to gain insights into workflow efficiency and identify areas for improvement.
  • Seamless Integration: Integrate with existing systems and tools, ensuring a smooth transition and minimal disruption to current operations.
  • Remote Accessibility: Access and manage documents from anywhere, supporting remote work and enhancing flexibility for legal teams.
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  • 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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  • Document Comparison: Quickly identify changes between document versions with a side-by-side comparison tool.
  • Metadata Management: Automatically clean and manage metadata to ensure confidentiality and compliance.
  • Template Management: Create, store, and manage document templates to maintain consistency and efficiency.
  • Collaboration Tools: Facilitate real-time collaboration with colleagues and clients through integrated communication features.
  • Version Control: Track document versions and maintain a comprehensive history of changes and edits.
  • Automated Proofreading: Utilize AI-driven tools to check for grammar, style, and legal-specific language issues.
  • Clause Library: Access a centralized repository of pre-approved clauses to streamline document drafting.
  • Integration with Legal Research Databases: Seamlessly connect with legal research tools like Westlaw and LexisNexis for efficient information retrieval.
  • Secure File Sharing: Share documents securely with built-in encryption and access controls.
  • eSignature Integration: Incorporate electronic signatures directly into documents for faster approvals and execution.
  • Customizable Workflows: Design and implement tailored workflows to match specific legal processes and requirements.
  • Compliance Monitoring: Ensure adherence to regulatory standards with automated compliance checks and alerts.
  • Data Analytics: Leverage analytics tools to gain insights into document usage, collaboration patterns, and workflow efficiency.
  • Mobile Access: Access and manage documents from any device with a responsive mobile interface.
  • Training and Support: Benefit from comprehensive training resources and dedicated support to maximize software utilization.
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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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Product Ranking

#24

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#37

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Legal Software

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User Sentiment Summary

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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)

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Streamlined Contract Management: Litera's contract management features help legal teams efficiently manage contracts, track deadlines, and ensure compliance. For example, users have praised the ability to easily redline contracts and track changes, which saves time and reduces errors.
Improved Collaboration: Litera's collaborative features allow legal teams to work together seamlessly on contracts and other legal documents. Users have highlighted the ease of sharing documents, tracking revisions, and providing feedback, which fosters better communication and teamwork.
Enhanced Security: Litera's robust security measures protect sensitive legal data. Users appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing their data is secure and compliant with industry regulations.
Time-Saving Automation: Litera's automation features help legal teams save time on repetitive tasks. Users have mentioned the ability to automate contract generation, clause libraries, and other processes, which frees up time for more strategic work.
Improved Efficiency: Litera's comprehensive suite of tools helps legal teams work more efficiently. Users have noted the ability to manage contracts, track deadlines, and collaborate on documents all within one platform, which streamlines workflows and reduces bottlenecks.
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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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Steep Learning Curve: Users often find the software's interface and functionality complex, requiring significant time and effort to master. This can be particularly challenging for legal professionals who are already juggling demanding workloads.
Limited Customization: Some users have expressed frustration with the limited customization options available, making it difficult to tailor the software to their specific needs and workflows. For example, they may find it difficult to create custom templates or reports that align with their firm's specific requirements.
Integration Challenges: Integrating Litera with other legal technology tools can be a challenge, leading to data silos and inefficient workflows. This can be particularly problematic for firms that rely on a variety of software solutions to manage their operations.
Pricing Concerns: Some users have raised concerns about the pricing structure, which they perceive as being expensive, especially for smaller firms or those with limited budgets. This can be a significant barrier to adoption, particularly for firms that are already facing financial pressures.
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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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Is Litera the legal software that's truly "lit" or just a legal disappointment? User reviews from the past year paint a mixed picture, with some users praising its robust features while others lament its clunky interface and steep learning curve. Litera's strengths lie in its comprehensive suite of tools, which can manage everything from document automation to contract lifecycle management. Users appreciate the ability to streamline workflows and centralize data, particularly for large law firms with complex needs. For example, one user highlighted how Litera's contract management module helped them reduce the time spent on contract review and negotiation, saving their firm significant resources. However, the software's complexity can be a double-edged sword. Many users find the interface cumbersome and difficult to navigate, especially for those unfamiliar with legal software. The steep learning curve can be a major hurdle, requiring significant time and effort to master the system. This can be particularly frustrating for smaller firms with limited resources and a desire for a more user-friendly experience. Litera's differentiating factor is its focus on legal professionals, offering specialized features tailored to the unique needs of the industry. This can be a major advantage for firms seeking a solution that understands their specific workflows and challenges. However, this specialization can also make it less appealing to firms outside the legal sector, who may find the software overly complex and expensive for their needs. Ultimately, Litera is best suited for large law firms with dedicated IT resources and a willingness to invest in training. These firms can leverage Litera's comprehensive features to streamline their operations and gain a competitive edge. However, smaller firms or those with limited technical expertise may find Litera's complexity and cost a significant barrier to entry.

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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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