PCLaw Case Management Software Review (2021 Edition)

PCLaw Case Management Software Review (2021 Edition)

If you’re on the market for case management software, the chances are that you’ve come across countless options that claim to be top-class, such as PCLaw. But are they? The only way of telling that is by learning about their core features, benefits, and drawbacks. If the software has sleek, modern features and the pros outweigh the cons, then we see no reason why you shouldn’t go for it.

Today, we focus solely on PCLaw. Does it have what it takes to streamline your firm’s activities and functions like billing, accounting, securing matter information, and case management? This PCLaw review demystifies the good, the bad, and the downright ugly about PCLaw case management software. But first, what is PCLaw?

PCLaw Overview

PCLaw is a LexisNexis creation (though it has since been sold to another entity). Until the purchase, PCLaw qualified as one of the best Law Practice Management Software (LPMS) on the market, with many clients applauding it for its resourcefulness. It was regarded as one of the top software for billing and accounting functions, but the recent change in ownership and management poses risks of the software losing market share.

Overall, PCLaw is still a top software for law firms looking for a solution to manage client payments to keep the cash flows high and ensure that no outstanding balances go uncollected. More so, we like the fact that the software has preset programs, enabling you to email your clients LEDES-formated bills for faster payments. It also has an expense tracking system that analyzes the periodical performance and ensures that you spend within budget.

But as we mentioned, PCLaw is not short of drawbacks as reviews and testimonials indicate some levels of dissatisfaction among users (more details below). Nonetheless, let’s learn about some of PCLaw’s core features that put it on the map with other competing case management software.

PCLaw Key Features

Besides billing and accounting, this software comes with other features that make it complete. Let’s take an in-depth look at them to determine how PCLaw functions.

Billing and Accounting

Billing and accounting are PCLaw’s greatest selling points, making it rank above similar case management software for the specific functions. The features streamline and remove the hassle of managing vendor payments, tracking business expenses, and accessing checks from banks or trusts. Furthermore, you can leverage these capabilities to balance your accounts within a few clicks and gauge performance by comparing returns vs. expenses.

Case/Matter Management

PCLaw’s matter management feature encompasses all aspects of corporate legal practice and all law firm-related activities. Unlike other software that usually targets specific practice areas, PCLaw is a one-for-all case management hub. You can organize all pieces of information under one roof for easy access.

Event & Case Tracking

PCLaw tracks your calendar appointments and sends timely reminders so that you never miss important meetings or deadlines. The software’s dashboard is exceptionally resourceful and well organized. It enables you to quickly toggle between My Business, My Clients, and My Practice to keep tabs with the goings-on.

Mobile Integration

Besides windows desktop, PCLaw is also accessible on a mobile device through the web. So whether you’re at the office or meeting a client in the country, you can still record billable hours and access vital matter cases by logging in the client’s number, matter description, matter number, or type of law.

PCLaw Case Management Software: What We Like

An all-in-one software

With PCLaw, you don’t need additional software to complete critical functions like billing and accounting. It can combine different programs like ledgers, accounts receivable/payable, operating statements, etc., into a single package for an all-inclusive accounting process.

Cloud-Based

Since the on-set of COVID-19, cybersecurity issues have been on the rise. Hackers are primarily targeting companies with sensitive and valuable data. And law firms are no exception. Thankfully, if you acquire a cloud-based case management software like PCLaw, you shall have secured all your sensitive case file out of reach of cybercriminals.

Despite being one of its most vital selling points, that PCLaw adopts cloud-based operation is also its greatest unbecoming. Why so? As soon as LexisNexis sold the software to a new entity, they planned to migrate all clients to their cloud-based solution. This was a move that the customers never welcomed warmly. To worsen the situation, the new entity resorted to offering below-par tech support to lure the customers into jumping ship, but this only caused more damage.

PCLaw Case Management Software: What We Don’t Like

Whether you’re selling a product or offering Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), there’s nothing more important than customer experience and satisfaction. And that’s a school of thought that PCLaw’s new owners don’t seem to subscribe to. Their tactic of forcing clients to migrate to the cloud is their greatest unbecoming. As long as they continue that way, they’ll keep losing popularity and market share.

Here are a few more drawbacks as registered by dissatisfied users:

• Below-par Tech Support. Previously, PCLaw had an independent consultant program where clients would receive much-needed round-the-clock support from certified customer support experts. But that’s no longer the case, thanks to the ownership and management change. Today, the support department is marred with less qualified representatives who can unapologetically put you on hold for hours or even days without offering assistance.
• Overly Unstable. Users report that the software became extremely unstable upon upgrading to version 12, often freezing up or misbehaving for an extended period. When that happens, you have to reindex the data, which takes time. Imagine failing to record billable hours because the timekeeping program won’t run.
• Unreliable. Sometimes, the bill generation process may lead to a few errors, which can cost the firm immensely. Even worse, it’s pretty challenging to troubleshoot the errors, causing lots of inconveniences at your end.
• Costly for a larger team. Typically, you would receive a discount on products or services if you purchase in bulk, right? Well, guess what? That’s not the case with PCLaw; the vendor charges on a “per user” basis, so the higher the number of people at your law firm using it, the more it costs you. Furthermore, the provider doesn’t offer any free trial.

PCLaw Final Verdict: Is It Worth Giving a Shot?

The short answer is NO! Whereas there’s no denying that PCLaw is one of the top case management software options, it is slowly dying. And unless the company resolves the massive customer support issues, it’ll soon become extinct. If you’re a large firm looking for a program with more in-depth features and that values customer experience, we recommend exploring other options.

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