Centerbase vs PerfectLaw

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Our analysts compared Centerbase 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.

PerfectLaw Software Tool

Product Basics

Centerbase provides a cloud-based end-to-end legal toolkit aimed at enabling mid-sized firms to securely manage practice workflows and improve the client experience. Firms can leverage its billing and payment modules including e-billing, online portal and various payment arrangements to get paid faster. Users can maximize billable hours using remote timekeeping, accessible timesheets and reviewing workbench. It provides comprehensive matter management with configurable workflows, real-time dashboarding and relevant details. Practices can monitor goals, projects, tasks, deadlines, meetings and court dates effortlessly with color-coded calendaring, project management and activity reminders.

Administrators can utilize prebuilt and custom reporting and comprehensive controls to efficiently manage firm operations and make informed decisions. Users can streamline client intake and communication with its secure client portal. It also offers integrated legal and trust accounting modules and robust security.
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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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$59 Monthly
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$295 One-Time
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Product Assistance

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24/7 Live Support
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24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Stay Connected: Access important case-related information and management tools from any device with an internet connection. 
  • Accessible KPIs: Improve business decisions with the most current information from firm-wide calendar entries and custom reports. 
  • Faster Billing: Increase cash flow with a billing module designed to reduce clicks, deduplicate entries and accelerate invoicing. 
  • Customizability: Use in-house customization tools to appropriately scale the platform according to the firm’s size and maintain relevance in a changing legal landscape. 
  • Flexible Subscription Charges: The role-based pricing structure provides multiple options for interested parties. Add or subtract any applicable licenses and pay only for the integrations and tools required. 
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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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  • Billing Management: Digitize the firm’s entire billing cycle. Prepare and approve a single bill with a log of all inline markups. 
    • Client Service: Allow clients to pay bills, view invoices and track payment history via the billing portal. Create an audit trail with .txt eBilling files email multiple invoices at once. 
    • Simple Payments: Provide clients with a single, integrated payment method to settle current charges and/or fill the retainer at the same time. Control payment options and payment methods on a matter-to-matter basis. 
    • Billing Support: Access support for hourly billing, flat fee billing, expense-only billing, project billing, consolidated billing and more. Prepare electronic invoices with the help of UTBMS codes. 
  • Legal Accounting: Set up all firm accounts under a single infrastructure and organize them based on location, matter or practice area. Link checks directly to expense accounts and provide free platform access to the firm CPA. 
    • Vendor Management: Set up automated vendor bills for recurring payments. Enter vendor checks and invoices into the system database and automatically track due dates. 
    • Online Payment: Accept credit card payments securely with the accounting module. Link payments directly to transactions and track client expenses. Eliminate manual data entry and human error. 
    • Trust Accounting: Create and operate multiple trust and IOLTA accounts. Automatically approve payments from invoices and log all trust fund expenses. 
    • Trust Reporting: Run reports to trace the flow of money going in and out of trust and IOLTA accounts. Keep a detailed record of all transactions, receivables and matter expenses. 
  • Time and Expense Tracking: Never miss out on a single minute of billable time with round-the-clock time tracking. Automatically log time spent on client calls and messages as billable hours. 
    • Simple Time Tracking: Track time directly from in-platform applications or external integrations like Microsoft Word or Microsoft Outlook. Enter time while on the move from mobile devices. 
    • Time Entries: Update, edit and sanction time entries at the end of the month. Hold or approve billing based on the case status and merge multiple associated time entries into a single entry. 
    • Rate Tables: Prepare tailored rate tables with built-in date ranges effective all year round. Exempt specific matters and clients from the rate table under special circumstances. 
    • Budgets: Create and track timekeeper budgets for client work. Benchmark staff productivity against firm averages. 
  • Firm Reporting: Generate reports in real time with accounting, billing, productivity, budgeting and compensation data. Group associated reports together and safeguard sensitive information with permission-based access. 
    • Insights: Get detailed insights into aging receivables, profitable clients, staff compensation and productivity, annual budgets, valuable practice areas and more. 
    • Custom Reporting: Run custom reports to highlight specific firm strengths and requirements. Increase stakeholder engagement with detailed spreadsheets and data visualization. 
  • Matter Management: Organize and manage all legal matters from a single dashboard. Track contacts, client information, documents, meetings, deadlines, notes and tasks associated with relevant matters. 
    • Matter Dashboard: Access the matter dashboard for a quick overview of trust balances, WIP, client payment history, ledger, credits, outstanding receivables and more. Prepare matter budgets for individual clients and run reports on fees, expenses and staff productivity. 
    • Matter Layouts: Create matter layouts with customized data fields. Organize matters on the basis of relevant case information. 
    • Matter Automation: Design and integrate matter-specific workflows directly into the platform. Automatically assign tasks and execute the next step in the workflow. Update the firm database, team members and clients with new information. 
  • Calendar Management: Create and track calendar entries in real time with a legal calendar. Toggle between firm-wide and personal views, color code entries and print calendar reports as physical reminders. 
    • Calendar Sync: Design automated calendar entries for recurring meetings and notifications for upcoming events. Connect to the Outlook 365 application for real-time synchronization of calendar entries. 
    • Deadline Management: Steer clear of malpractice claims with the LawToolBox portal. Automatically add jurisdiction-based deadlines and time-based triggers to legal matters. 
  • Client Services: Improve the overall client experience with an efficient intake process, communications module and client portal. 
    • Client Portal: Share messages, calendar entries, documentation and invoices with clients securely via the client portal. 
    • Direct Communication: Communicate with clients via dedicated private lines. Control client access to sensitive information and keep track of their communications with the firm. 
    • Client Intake: Streamline the firm’s client intake process with self-populating contact forms, automated emails and documentation. Schedule tasks and perform conflict checks against client databases. 
    • Reporting: Run reports to track marketing ROI, profitable practice areas and referrals. 
  • Document Management: Manage documents directly from associated matters or from integrated web browsers or applications like Microsoft Word. Access and share legal documentation securely from any device with an internet connection. 
    • Email Management: Store emails to associated matter files in its native .MSG format. Search for specific emails based on subject, content and date sent/received. Integrate with Microsoft Outlook and automatically log any time spent reviewing, sending or editing emails. 
    • Document Tracking: Search for individual documents using multiple data fields. Track changes made across different versions of the same file. 
    • Integrations: Open, edit and save documents with the built-in Centerbase Drive inclusion. Integrate with NetDocuments to seamlessly consolidate documents into workspaces. 
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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

#60

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#61

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User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 60 reviews
Great User Sentiment 5 reviews
92%
of users recommend this product

Centerbase has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 92% when considering 60 user reviews from 3 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.

3.8 (2)
n/a
4.61 (31)
n/a
4.7 (27)
4.4 (5)

Awards

Centerbase stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Robust Billing: Centerbase offers advanced billing and accounting features that streamline the process of generating invoices, tracking payments, and managing client accounts.
Streamlined Matter Management: Centerbase provides robust matter management capabilities, allowing law firms to effectively organize case files, track deadlines, and manage client information.
Customizable Workflows: Centerbase allows firms to create customized workflows to automate repetitive tasks, ensuring consistency and efficiency in handling routine processes.
Document Management: Centerbase offers integrated document management features, enabling firms to securely store, organize, and retrieve case-related documents within a centralized system.
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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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Complex Setup: Centerbase requires significant setup and configuration, demanding more time and resources compared to other cloud-based legal software options.
Limited Client Intake: Users have reported that Centerbase's client intake features are not as robust as desired, potentially slowing down the onboarding process for new clients.
Expensive Support: While Centerbase offers support, it comes at a significant cost of $200 per hour, which can be a deterrent for firms operating on tighter budgets.
Reporting Limitations: Some users have expressed frustration with limitations in Centerbase's reporting capabilities, particularly the inability to customize column headings within specific data sets.
Customer Service Concerns: Several reviews have highlighted concerns about Centerbase's customer service, citing issues such as slow response times, difficulty reaching support staff, and unresolved technical problems.
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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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Is Centerbase the center of attention when it comes to legal software, or does it strike out? User reviews from the past year reveal a mixed bag. While many users praise Centerbase for its robust customization options, powerful features like automated time capture, and seamless accounting integration, some express concerns about customer service and initial setup complexity. For instance, one user raved about how Centerbase's customizability allowed them to tailor workflows and improve efficiency in identifying and managing projects. Conversely, another user found the customer service, which relies on third-party partners charging $200/hour, to be a significant drawback. What truly sets Centerbase apart is its comprehensive approach to law firm management, encompassing everything from matter management and billing to document automation and workflow customization. This makes it a one-stop shop for firms looking to streamline operations and boost productivity. However, this strength can also be a weakness, as the sheer breadth of features can be overwhelming for smaller firms or solo practitioners who may not need such an extensive suite of tools. In a nutshell, Centerbase is like a Swiss Army knife for law firms – incredibly versatile and powerful, but potentially daunting to use effectively without proper guidance. It's best suited for mid-to-large-sized firms with 5 or more lawyers who can fully utilize its extensive feature set and afford the potentially high support costs. Smaller firms or those seeking a simpler solution might find Centerbase to be overkill.

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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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