Home > Legal Software > Needles > Needles vs Bill4Time

Needles vs Bill4Time

Last Updated: November 18th, 2024

Our analysts compared Needles vs Bill4Time 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 Analyst Ratings Comparison Charts User Ratings Analyst Summary Screenshots

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Product Basics

Needles is a flexible solution aimed at enabling law practices to streamline their firm operations. It provides numerous templates to build configurable workflows, daily checklists and schedules. Firms can maximize billable hours using its time and expense tracking modules. It allows firms to manage and collaborate on documents and cases with ease. Its personalized dashboards provide greater practice visibility.

Users can leverage pre-built or custom real-time reporting modules to gain granular insights into different practice facets. Firms can opt for its cloud-based Neos offering to enable remote access to all its functionality. Hosted on Microsoft Azure, it provides robust security, data backups and an API for seamless integrations.

Bill4Time provides law firms of all sizes with productivity and practice management solutions. Track and review billable activities from any device in real time. Expedite payment with pre-filled digital invoices and secure online payments. Provide clients with a self-service portal to track their invoices, payment status and transaction history. Use the customizable dashboard to keep tabs on all case-related activities and transactions and centrally access firm data.

Administrators can design automated workflows to assign, track, schedule and prioritize tasks and legal obligations. Supports trust accounting with IOLTA reconciliation and QuickBooks integration. Run preconfigured reports on KPIs, productivity, task management, brand recognition, reputation and more.

$85 Quote-based

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$27/User, Monthly

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Small

Medium

Large

Small

Medium

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

Phone

Chat

FAQ

Forum

Knowledge Base

24/7 Live Support

Phone

Chat

FAQ

Forum

Knowledge Base

24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

Ensure Accurate Documentation: Eliminate human errors or omissions by creating document checklists.
Abundant Reporting Options: Offers multiple reporting modules categorized by legal matter and practice areas.
Enhanced Security: Clients can choose to maintain an in-house database for maximum security.
Personalized App Experience: Customize apps based on the firm’s requirements.
Implementation Support: Trained professionals guide the implementation process and provide hands-on help whenever required.

Uninterrupted Service: Provides maximum uptime with environmental controls and power systems designed to resist local outages and natural disasters.
Unlimited Storage: Never lose track of critical case information with easy uploading and storage of legal documents.
Mobile Access: Stay connected to important tools and tasks with a mobile app.
Flexible Project Management: Efficiently juggle multiple projects by customizing default labels according to the firm’s requirements.
Maximize Billable Time: Capture every moment of billable time with offline time tracking, mobile tracking and retroactive addition of time entries.

Task Management: Stay on top of pending tasks, deadlines and important events with fully configurable workflows, synchronized Outlook calendars and automated daily checklists. Receive and broadcast important updates with firm-wide scheduling and communication portals.
Document Management: Encourage employees to collaborate on and share documents, globally in real time. Identify documents using keywords, prepare files for e-Signatures and choose customizable rich templates from industry-specific case libraries.
Firm Insights: Leverage real-time reporting and analytics on business health. Use the configurable dashboard to create custom reports, data and metrics, monitor business processes and identify valuable assets.
Data Management and Security: Secure your data with centralized data storage that eliminates redundancies and automatically backs up all documentation. Organize and store files with the PDF Template Wizard and import data in bulk via CSV files.
Time and Expense Tracking: Track time effortlessly with the help of the Outlook add-in for any device, including mobile devices. Log expenses in real time, eliminate errors and omissions and automate internal audit logs.
Client Management: Improve customer satisfaction via the self-service portal with over 99% uptime. Address client inquiries, process reimbursements and payments and update case details seamlessly.
API: Implement low-code integration of third-party extensions or create new integrations entirely using the API-based architecture. Directly integrate with Microsoft Office 365, OneDrive, QuickBooks, DocuSign and Lexitas.
Security: Secure data, documentation and digital access with Microsoft Azure. Get 24/7 security from cyber attacks and ensure business continuity with biometrically-secured physical data centers, remote-hosted servers and advanced data encryption.

Time Tracking: Track billable and non-billable time, staff contractors, consultants and internal non-client time with separate timers. Convert meetings to billable hours and run multiple timers at the same time. Review daily and weekly time entries to measure the firm’s productivity and financial health. Set up custom activity types and work code lists to improve efficiency.
Expense Tracking: Upload images of receipts to track case-related expenses in real time. Leverage two-way image syncing to track expenses internally or charge a flat percentage markup. Comes with built-in configurable UTBMS billing codes.
Integrations: Integrate with third-party applications such as QuickBooks, Outlook, Google Calendar, Box, NetDocuments, Cyber Revolution and more.
Billing and Invoicing: Create pre-filled bills, detailed invoices and statements with configurable payment terms, currency and late fees. Set up tailored payment plans and link invoices to online payment options.
- Invoice Templates: Track the status of invoices in real time. Override default payment rates and add a brand logo, currency, company details, payment terms, late fees and more. Prepare invoices en masse and generate summary reports. Provide clients with flat rates, percentage discounts, hybrid billing options and online payment methods.
Online Payments: Securely process online payments with various flexible payment options, including eCheck and credit cards. Ensure compliance with IOLTA, ABA and state bar guidelines. Run payment-related reports to maximize efficiency.
Client Management: Get 24/7 access to client and project information from any device. Customize the dashboard for quick access to specific information, such as client info, outstanding balances, assigned account manager and more. Centrally store all case-related data, contacts and notes. Tailor the client’s budget according to the firm’s financial goals.
Case Tracking: Organize cases with custom notes and files. Assign activities to specific cases and track pending tasks with the shared schedule. Get status updates on essential activities with the customizable notification center.
Tasks: Set up automated workflows to assign, track and schedule tasks. Add custom descriptions, details, priority levels and due dates. Search for specific tasks with custom filters, such as due date, assigned employee, completion status and priority level. Convert completed tasks into time entries.
Accounting: Get complete visibility of outstanding balances, credits and debits, pending projects and balance adjustments. Supports trust accounting.
Reporting: Run preconfigured reports to evaluate accounting activity, client details, entry specifics, legal matter, user activity and productivity. Export recorded data in PDF or CSV format for analysis by external auditors.
Client Portal: Provide clients with a self-service portal. Get real-time access to invoices, payment history, outstanding balances and the payment portal. Improve brand awareness by embedding the firm’s logo into the client portal and payment gateway.
Customization: Prepare custom invoices to match the firm’s existing layout, data fields and format. Create custom reports with extra columns, optional views and additional filters. Set up custom rate tables with flexible billing rates.
Firm Metrics: Leverage the configurable dashboard to track monthly performance metrics, measure key performance indicators, set utilization targets and develop competitive billing rates. Evaluate unique data points to generate actionable insights. Track the firm’s reputation on review sites and take corrective action where necessary.
Data Security: Protect the firm’s data with 256-bit SSL encryption. Provide round-the-clock protection and comply with SSAE 18 SOC 1 reporting standards.
Permissions and Access: Limit visibility into restricted information with permission-based access. Assign permissions for every function and provide third-party contractors with temporary access. Track logins automatically.
Mobile Application: Get unrestricted access to the firm’s data, legal matters, dashboard and activity timers via a native app for mobile devices. Get daily, weekly and monthly progress reports, add case details, communicate with clients and view outstanding balances.
Legal Documentation: Upload and store an unlimited number of case-related documents. Create custom folders and subfolders and share access with the entire firm. Leverage file duplication and templates to standardize document creation. Search for specific documents and quotes faster with fuzzy search. Implement completely new conventions or use the built-in structure.

Product Ranking

#4

among all
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#11

among all
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Analyst Rating Summary

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User Sentiment Summary

85%

of users recommend this product

Needles has a 'great' User Satisfaction Rating of 85% when considering 164 user reviews from 4 recognized software review sites.

95%

of users recommend this product

Bill4Time has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 95% when considering 329 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

4.7 (12)

n/a

4.2 (22)

4.3 (13)

4.2 (98)

4.77 (166)

4.3 (32)

4.8 (150)

Awards

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Functionality: Its time-tracking, billing and accounting functionalities meet the modern-day requirements of the legal industry, according to 65% of users mentioning this element.

Ease of Use: According to 69% of users who reviewed this aspect, the platform is intuitive and easy to use.

Reporting: 67% of users who reviewed this feature said that it provides plenty of customizable options.

Task Management: Regarding this feature, 75% of users found it helpful to track tasks and meet deadlines.

Training: 75% of users who reviewed this element said they’re satisfied with the knowledge base and training resources.

Customizable Invoices: Users appreciate the ability to personalize invoices with their firm's branding and preferred layout, ensuring a professional presentation to clients.

Detailed Reporting: Bill4Time offers comprehensive reports that provide insights into billable hours, expenses, and overall firm performance, enabling data-driven decision-making.

Client Portal: The secure client portal facilitates seamless communication and collaboration, allowing clients to access invoices, make payments, and share documents conveniently.

Mobile App: The mobile app empowers attorneys to track time, manage expenses, and stay connected while on the go, enhancing flexibility and productivity.

Integrations: It provides limited integration options, according to 60% of users mentioning this aspect.

Speed and Performance: According to 100% of reviews about this feature, the platform’s performance sometimes suffers under heavy workloads.

Cost: All the users who mentioned this element said it’s more expensive than its competitors.

Limited Functionality for Legal Professionals: Bill4Time may not be the best fit for all law firms due to limitations in features specifically designed for legal professionals, such as trust accounting and conflict checking.

Usability Challenges: Some users find the interface to be clunky and outdated, leading to a steeper learning curve and potential frustration during daily use.

Customer Support Concerns: A portion of users have expressed dissatisfaction with the responsiveness and effectiveness of Bill4Time's customer support, which can be crucial when encountering technical issues or needing assistance.

Needles provides all the functions expected of a modern legal practice management solution, including matter and document management, mobile time tracking, reporting and task supervision. It offers an efficient task management module, but it’s important to note that some users experienced difficulty editing entries in the legal calendar. According to reviews, the platform is difficult to learn, but the product training and support team are helpful in getting past the initial hurdle. Finally, the intuitive UI and exhaustive features make it a capable contender, but only for companies with a budget to justify the extra cost.

Time is money, and when it comes to billing for your time, you need software that doesn't waste either. Bill4Time has been making waves in the legal software arena, but is it all hype or does it truly hold up in court? Let's delve into the jury's verdict on this popular time-tracking and billing solution. Bill4Time users rave about its intuitive interface and robust features, especially its time-tracking capabilities. The ability to track time across projects with ease, generate detailed reports, and seamlessly integrate with accounting software streamlines the billing process, saving valuable time and ensuring accuracy. Users also appreciate the flexibility of the platform, allowing customization to fit individual workflows and preferences. However, some users find the mobile app to be less user-friendly than the desktop version, and others desire more advanced reporting options. Compared to competitors like Clio and TimeSolv, Bill4Time stands out with its competitive pricing and user-friendly interface. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some higher-priced options, it provides a solid foundation for time-tracking and billing needs, making it a compelling choice for solo practitioners and small to medium-sized law firms seeking an efficient and cost-effective solution.

Screenshots

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FAQ

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