10 Best Lawyers Time Tracking Software (Recording and Billing)

Time tracking software for lawyers are popular for several reasons.

One, they show how much time attorneys spend on non-billable and administrative tasks. Especially for attorneys in small or medium-sized law firms, more than 40% of their day goes to non-billable work.

Two, lawyers use time trackers to issue more accurate invoices. Many trackers automatically generate branded invoices and integrate with credit card and online payment systems. 85% of electronic payments to lawyers get paid within the week.

This article will break down the 10 best time tracking software for lawyers, their ratings, pros, and cons. Settle in.

Top 10 Best Time Tracking Software for Lawyers

Here's an overview of the top 10 time trackers for attorneys.

Provider	Price	Free Version	G2 Rating	Trustpilot	TrustRadius
clockify.me	$$	yes	4.5/5	3.5/5	8.8/10
Toggl Track	$$	yes	4.6/5	4.5/5	9.1/10
Desktime	$$$	yes	4.5/5	4.0/5	9.4/10
TimeCamp	$$	yes	4.6/5	3.2/5	8.7/10
Time Doctor	$$$	no	4.4/5	2.9/5	7.9/10
LawBillity	$$$	no	–	–	–
Clio	$$$	no	4.5/5	2.3/5	9.0/10
MyCase	$$	no	4.4/5	3.4/5	7.7/10
PracticePanther	$$$	no	4.2/5	1.8/5	9.1/10
RescueTime	$$	yes	4.2/5	3.8/5	9.1/10

1. Clockify.me

Clockify is a time tracker suitable for legal teams of all sizes ranging from solo attorneys to enterprise law firms. 

Law firms use Clockify to create separate projects for clients and assign tasks to their lawyers. Attorneys can easily track time and edit timesheets to show all their activities at work. They can also view idle hours and invite other team members to projects.

Legal teams can track billable and non-billable hours, and therefore minimize how much time goes to non-billable tasks. The admin can set employees' billable rates.

There's no learning curve to using Clockify and no confusing buttons. You just start the timer or add an entry manually. It is that simple.

Clockify also allows users to generate detailed reports.

Main Features

• Dashboard is intuitive
• Has a timesheet that can be updated anytime
• Has a robust daily and weekly reporting feature that shows time entries in charts and graphs. 
• Clockify's Chrome extension can track time inside other apps
• Tracks billable vs non-billable hours. 

Pros

• Intuitive and simple UI
• Has a robust free version
• Allows customized hourly rates 
• Very detailed in generating reports

Cons

• The mobile device app has limited functionality
• Does not automatically generate invoices

Platforms

• Cloud-based
• Windows
• Android
• iOS

Price

Clockify has a free version that offers unlimited users, time tracking, unlimited projects, and summaries. 

• Basic – $4 per month per user
• Standard – $5.5 
• Pro – $8
• Enterprise version – custom price

2. Toggl Track

Toggl Track is a simple yet powerful timekeeping software for lawyers. It features an intuitive UI that's easy to navigate.

Toggl Track has three different ways of tracking time. One-click starts the auto timer. The background timer automatically starts tracking time when you use software for more than 10 seconds. The calendar timer integrates scheduled events and court sessions.

Toggl Track's project dashboard lets you add projects, set billable rates, and create project estimates and expected profits. You can increase the billing transparency of your law firm by sending your clients a link to tracked time.

With Toggl Track, it's easy to bring your lawyers and paralegals into your firm's workspace and set rates for your employees and projects. You can also see how much work each team member has, how active they are, and who may need more work.

Lawyers can request customized daily and weekly reports which can be exported as CSV or PDF files.

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Main Features

• Different methods of tracking time – manual, auto, and calendar track
• Project estimates and billable rates
• Time rounding
• Email tracking reminders
• Time audits to find entries that may not be accurate

Platforms

• Cloud-based
• Windows
• Android
• iOS
• Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox

Pros

• Background track and calendar track
• Team dashboard
• Easy to use

Cons

• The free version does not track billable hours

Price

Toggl Track has a free version that allows for unlimited projects and tasks. You have access to auto-track and calendar tracking. 

• Starter – $9 per user per month. Allows access to project estimates, billable rates, and other features.
• Premium – $18 per user monthly. Comes with time audits and team dashboards.
• Enterprise – Custom price. Access to all features.

3. Desktime

Desktime is not just a time tracker. It's also a legal practice management software.

Desktime features an automatic timer that starts measuring time once the computer is booted and doesn't stop until shut down. You can see what your legal team is working on at all times including URLs visited, document titles, and even regular screenshots, except when private mode is switched on.

A law firm can set billable rates, schedule shifts, and even attorney absences from inside the app. This tracker also generates invoices for clients.

You can set project timelines, estimates, and projected profits. With Desktime, you can receive customized reports in your email or export them to PDF.

Desktime integrates with visual project management apps like Trello and Asana. It also integrates with Google Calendar, Jira, and Outlook.

Main Features

• 100% automatic time tracker
• Private mode
• Auto screenshots, for instance, every quarter-hour
• Employee scheduling and absences
• Automatic invoice generation

Platforms

• Web-based
• Windows
• Android
• iOS
• Browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Safari, Opera, and Microsoft Edge

Pros

• Automatic time tracker
• Integrates with project management apps like Trello
• URL and document title tracking

Cons

• Unlimited projects and tasks is only for the enterprise-level plan
• The free version is only for one user

Price

Desktime's free version is for only one user and has basic features- an automatic time tracking app, URL tracking, and web apps.

• Pro – $7 per user per month. Allows idle time tracking, productivity calculation, and project time tracking.
• Premium – $10. Allows auto screenshots, automatic invoicing, shifts, and absences.
• Enterprise – $20. Allows unlimited projects and tasks and customized API functions.

4. TimeCamp

TimeCamp stands out because of the minimalistic and clean UI that it has. It's pretty easy to start time or manually add time entries. The app also tracks websites visited.

Legal teams can invite members and set billing rates for each lawyer. They can also create projects with timelines and estimates. Report generation is per project or attorney.

TimeCamp integrates with over a hundred apps. Popular integrations are with Trello, Asana, and Google Calendar.

A lawyer can import data or make comments about projects. Legal practice teams have access to customizable templates for accounting, invoicing, or reporting.

Main Features

• Customizable Templates
• Project timelines and estimates
• Payroll management
• Leaves and absences tracking
• Project time tracking app

Platforms

• Windows
• iOS
• Android
• Web-based
• Chrome extension

Pros

• Has a clean UI and is easy to use
• Detailed analytics and reporting
• Automatic invoice creation

Cons

• The desktop app is lacking several features

Price

The free version of TimeCamp only allows unlimited users and projects. 

• Basic – $6.3 per user per month. Access to management roles, time rounding, billable time, and custom reports.
• Pro – $9 per user per month. Team managers can set user roles, implement SSO login, and approve timesheets.
• Enterprise – Custom price. Allows customized features and a dedicated server per law firm.

5. Time Doctor

Time Doctor silently tracks employee activity during work hours. The app starts time recording once your legal staff turns it on. It also records websites and apps visited.

The app integrates with more than 60 software including Asana, Jira, and Calendar. That lets your team managers carry out other duties like payroll management and invoicing right from inside Time Doctor.

Legal team leaders can invite team members, set custom roles for them, and get an overview of how productive each is. They can also schedule employee shifts, absences, and leaves.

Time Doctor's tracker is special because it only measures the time when it needs to. It stops tracking when an attorney goes on a break. It detects that when there's no keyboard or mouse activity.

You can generate detailed reports with Time Doctor and share them with your clients via a link or PDF file.

Main Features

• Automatic time tracker
• Customized invoice generation
• Monitors employee's productivity level
• Billable hours tracking

Platforms

• Windows
• iOS
• Android
• Cloud-based
• Browser extension

Pros

• Integrates with 60+ apps
• Real-time updates and screenshots
• Allows managers to set custom roles for employees

Cons

• A tad more costly than other options
• No free version

Price

Time Doctor has no free version, but there's a 14-day free trial.

• Basic – $7 per user per month at the Basic tier. Unlimited projects, tasks, and time tracking.
• Standard –  $10 per user per month. Website and app usage tracking, integrations, payroll management, and email notifications.
• Premium – $20 per user per month. Access to all the features.
• Enterprise – Custom price. 

6. LawBillity

LawBillity is a time tracker and legal billing software solution built especially for attorneys and law firms.

The app affords attorneys several benefits. One is turning billable hours into customized and elegant invoices that can be exported in the LSS and LEDES formats. Another is integrating with LawPay, which makes it easy for your clients to view invoices and pay you online. LawBillity also helps with managing the payroll of a law firm.

LawBillity's reporting features allow you to compare billable and non-billable hours, so you'll maximize time spent on the right tasks.

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Main Features

• Automatic invoice creation, which can be exported to LEDES and LSS firms. Invoices can be tracked.
• Allows you to pay your firm from trust accounts
• Tracks billable vs non-billable hours

Platforms

• Windows
• iOS
• Android
• Web-based

Pros

• Every feature is tailored for attorneys
• Generates detailed reports of time tracked
• Exports invoices in legal formats
• Features client portals for onboarding your clients and phone calls

Cons

• Not suitable for enterprise law firms

Price

LawBillity costs $24 per user per month. There's a 14-day free trial.

7. Clio

Clio is not just a time tracker. It's a law practice management software that helps you effectively run your law firm and maximize profits.

You can track billable vs non-billable hours, create unlimited projects for clients, assign attorneys to work on cases, and set deadlines. Legal professionals can also generate reports on time spent per project.

With Clio, the whole process of representing a client becomes easier. Client intake is automated with forms you can share via email. There is a database for storing client data and so prevent any conflict of interest. You can schedule appointments, share files with clients, and collect e-signatures.

Clio integrates with apps like QuickBooks, Slack, Xero, and Gmail.

Main Features

• Auto and manual time tracker
• Time tracking per project
• Client management
• Detailed reporting and analytics
• Task management

Platforms

• Cloud-based
• Windows
• iOS
• Android

Pros

• Automates client intake and management
• Has a feature for creating weekly timesheets
• Generates detailed reports
• Can create and share invoices

Cons

• Some users find it difficult to learn all the features

Price

There's no free version. Pricing starts at $39 per user per month and goes up to $129 per user per month. There's a 7-day trial.

8. MyCase

MyCase is another time tracking and client management app built for lawyers. It is easy to track time, generate invoices, and collect payment from your clients.

The app has a client portal through which you take in new clients, manage their cases, and maintain automated communication with them.

MyCase automates many parts of client management, from client intake all through case management. In fact, MyCase helps you analyze your prospective client pipeline, from the first contact to signing them as a client. You can then see what steps of your sales process to improve. 

Main Features

• Automated client intake and case management
• Prospective client pipeline management
• Detailed financial analysis reports
• Project timelines and estimates
• Invoice generation and sharing

Platforms

• Web-based
• Android
• iOS
• Windows

Pros

• Analyzes prospective client pipelines
• Automates client management
• Automated SMS and email reminders to clients

Cons

• Limited app integrations since it doesn't connect with Zapier

Price

MyCase has no free version, but there's a free trial period.

• Basic – $39 per user per month. Allows customer intake, time tracking, invoicing, and billing.
• Pro – $59. Offers client portals and app integrations.
• Advanced – $79. Lets you store files offline on your desktop, plus all other features.

9. PracticePanther

PracticePanther is a time tracking tool for law firms that builds its brand on being easy to use.

The app automates steps from client intake through management. It's easy to streamline workflows, add team members, view billable hours, and send invoices. It features an attorney-client portal that allows for two-way texting, meaning that you don't just send notifications and reminders. Your clients can get back to you.

PracticePanther's analysis feature helps legal teams to maximize their billable hours, invoice clients, and track trust accounts. The app also integrates with other apps like Calendars, Outlook, Gmail, QuickBooks, and Trello.

With PracticePanther, you can create and edit legal documents in bulk and accept e-signatures.

Main Features

• Client and Case management
• Automatic invoice generation
• Detailed reporting and analysis
• Document cloud storage and security

Platforms

• Cloud-based
• Android
• iOS
• Windows

Pros

• Document management
• Creation of branded invoices
• Invoice tracking and reminders
• Easy client intake and management

Cons

• Customer support is not so good

Price

PracticePanther has a free trial, but no free version is available.

• Solo – $39 per user per month. Allows tracking time, internal team chats, tasks, and event templates.
• Essential – $59. Allows two-way texting, and native e-signatures.
• Business – $79. Gives access to all features.

10. RescueTime

RescueTime is best suited for solo attorneys or small law firms looking for a time tracker to help them to focus on the most important tasks.

RescueTime helps you complete a goal that you set, usually time for work or tasks to complete.

RescueTime automatically tracks how you spend time on websites and applications. It nudges you when you're distracted and reminds you when you've been on a break for too long.

You can activate a focus session that blocks out distracting apps and websites, allowing you to spend time on the most important tasks. RescueTime also generates detailed reports. 

Main Features

• Daily goals and focus sessions
• Website and mobile app usage analysis

Platforms

• Web-based
• Windows
• iOS
• Android

Pros

• Customized for your needs
• Simple and intuitive UI
• Has a free version

Cons

• Lacks features for a billing system
• Not suitable for large legal teams

Price

There's a free (Lite) version and a free trial. The premium version costs $9 per user per month.

FAQs

How do lawyers and legal assistants keep track of their time?

Lawyers and legal assistants keep track of their time most easily by using time tracking software. An app automates the process of tracking time and frees attorneys up to focus on client work. Some lawyer time tracking apps include Timesolv and Clio.

How do you keep track of billable time?

You keep track of billable time by using a time tracker software solution. You can then easily generate reports of hours spent on billable vs non-billable client work.

How do you make a timesheet for a lawyer?

You make a timesheet for a lawyer by either manually filling an Excel sheet or using an app.  With time tracker software like Clockify or Timesolv, you can automatically fill out online timesheets and export them as PDFs.

Does Google have a time tracker?

Google does not have a time tracker, but several times tracking software like Timesolv connects with Google Workspace via Chrome extensions. Some of these apps are Clockify and Time Doctor.

Conclusion

Law firms that use track billable hours with software have reported increases in revenue and better time management. Choose any time tracking software for lawyers we've reviewed and get your law practice the help it needs. Good luck.