9+ Top Legal Intake Software For Law Firms in 2024

Struggling to capture leads and manage the initial stages of client relationships? Legal intake software can be the game-changer your law firm needs. It's a specialized type of legal practice management software designed to streamline and improve client acquisition.

Legal intake software helps firms of all sizes generate more leads, grow their businesses, and ultimately achieve success by automating tasks, qualifying leads, and enhancing communication.

If you're ready to simplify your client intake process, we'll walk you through the 10 best legal intake software solutions on the market today, highlighting key features and providing tips for choosing the right software for your firm.

Features every client intake software needs

To help you choose the best legal intake software for your firm’s needs, consider the core features of each software. Here are some features that every legal intake software should have:

• Online forms: This is a crucial feature as it allows potential clients to easily submit their information electronically, streamlining the intake process and saving time for you and the client.
• Automated workflows: Automating repetitive tasks can save time and streamline the intake process. Look for software that allows you to design processes that automate operations based on established criteria.
• Appointment scheduling: Client intake software should allow for easy scheduling of consultations or initial meetings. You’ll want to look for software that integrates with your preferred calendar tool, has self-serve appointment booking, and allows for automated reminders for clients and staff. 
• E-signatures: E-signatures allow clients to electronically sign important documents, like retainer agreements or contracts. This eliminates the need for printing, scanning, or faxing paperwork, saving everyone time and hassle.
• Security and compliance: Client data security is crucial. Intake software should have robust security features to protect confidential information and comply with relevant regulations. 
• Reporting and analytics: Data insights can help you identify areas for improvement. Look for software that provides analytics into your intake process like lead sources, conversion rates, and average time to close a case. 
• Integration capabilities: Consider the software’s ability to integrate with other tools you use, like scheduling, phone answering, and lead generation, for an efficient and connected workflow.

These are just some of the essential features, and depending on your specific needs, you might also find other functionalities important. 

9+ best legal intake software options

Choosing the right legal intake software can significantly improve your firm's efficiency in capturing and converting leads. Here's a breakdown of over nine popular options, highlighting their strengths and who they might benefit most.

1. MyCase

Best for: Mid-sized firms

MyCase is a legal practice management software that offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including case management, document management, billing, and legal intake.

Key features:

• Customizable online intake forms: Capture all the necessary information from potential clients upfront.
• Secure client portal: Facilitate secure communication and document sharing with your clients.
• Automated lead capture and scoring: Streamline your intake process and prioritize high-value leads.

Price: $79 per user/month, billed annually

MyCase integration: Calls handled by Smith.ai automatically sync to your MyCase Call Log, including caller details, call summaries, and transcripts (if available).

2. Clio Grow

Best for: Solo and small firms

Clio Grow is a legal intake and CRM software designed specifically for small and solo law firms. It offers features like web forms, automated lead nurturing, and integrations with other legal tools, helping streamline the client intake process and convert leads into clients.

Key features:

• User-friendly drag-and-drop form builder: Easily create and customize online intake forms to gather the information you need from potential clients.
• Automated lead nurturing emails: Stay connected with potential clients through automated email sequences that nurture leads and keep your firm top-of-mind.
• Integrates with popular legal tools: Connect Clio Grow with other legal tools you use, such as calendaring and e-signature services, for a more streamlined workflow.

Price: $129 per user/month, billed annually

Clio Grow integration: Smith.ai receptionists can instantly add new leads and call summaries to your Clio Grow Inbox for streamlined intake. This allows you to quickly qualify leads and prioritize your follow-up efforts.

3. Lawmatics

Best for: Automation

Lawmatics is legal practice management software that emphasizes client intake and lead management. It helps you capture and convert leads more effectively, enhance responsiveness to potential and current clients, and automate workflows to streamline routine tasks like document signing.

Key features:

• Web forms that automatically qualify leads: Qualify leads based on your criteria as they fill out your online intake forms, allowing you to focus on the most promising leads.
• Automated workflows: Automate tasks and move qualified leads through the intake process efficiently, saving time and ensuring no lead falls through the cracks.
• Multi-channel communication tools: Connect with potential clients through their preferred channels, such as email, SMS, and live chat, for better engagement.

Price: Custom pricing plans

Lawmatics integration: Integrate Smith.ai with Lawmatics to automate lead creation, update existing contacts, and schedule appointments directly on your Lawmatics calendar. It also logs chat transcripts, providing a complete picture of your interactions with potential clients.

4. Lead Docket

Best for: Lead generation

Lead Docket is specialized lead tracking and intake software designed for law firms. It helps attorneys track where their new leads are coming from, automatically follow up with leads, and analyze the results to improve their marketing strategies.

Key features:

• Online lead capture forms: Capture leads online through easy-to-use forms, ensuring you gather all the necessary information from the start.
• Custom intake scripts: Gather lead contact information and qualifying case fields to provide a seamless intake conversion process.
• Easy integration: Integrate with web chats and answering services, allowing leads to quickly access your intake form.

Price: Custom pricing plans

Lead Docket integration: Smith.ai seamlessly integrates with Lead Docket, automatically logging call details, summaries, and additional info you choose to capture. This ensures you have a complete record of every interaction with potential clients.

5. PracticePanther

Best for: Cloud-based solution

PracticePanther is a cloud-based legal practice management software that includes legal intake functionality. It provides features like online forms, automated lead nurturing, and integrations with other legal tools, allowing firms to streamline their intake process and manage client communication.

Key features:

• Online forms: Create online intake forms to streamline lead capture and collect essential client information efficiently.
• Cloud storage: Automatically protect and back up data in real time. You can view documents, files, videos, pictures, and audio anywhere you go.
• Integrations with other legal tools: Connect PracticePanther with other legal tools you use, such as calendaring and e-signature services, for a more efficient workflow.

Price: $89 per user/month, billed annually

PracticePanther integration: When you connect Smith.ai's virtual receptionists to your PracticePanther account, it will create new client records after each call and log your notes as a new activity within that client's record. This allows you to stay organized and ensures no lead information gets lost.

6. CASEpeer

Best for: Personal injury law firms

CASEpeer is a legal intake and case management software for personal injury law firms. It offers features like intake forms, client communication tools, and case tracking, helping personal injury lawyers efficiently manage their cases from start to finish.

Key features:

• Personal injury-specific intake forms: Capture all the relevant information from potential personal injury clients with pre-built forms tailored to this practice area.
• Client communication tools: Communicate effectively with your clients through various channels, fostering trust and collaboration throughout the case.
• Case tracking: Track your personal injury cases efficiently from start to finish with case management features.

Price: $109 per user/month

CASEpeer integration: While a direct integration isn't available, you can use Zapier to create leads in CASEpeer after Smith.ai calls. This allows you to capture leads generated through Smith.ai and manage them within CASEpeer.

7. Smokeball

Best for: Client communication

Smokeball is a legal practice management software that excels in client communication and includes great legal intake features. It provides tools like web forms, automated workflows, and document management, helping firms streamline their intake process and manage client matters.

Key features:

• Web forms: Create and customize online intake forms to capture all the necessary information from potential clients.
• Automated workflows: Automate tasks and streamline your intake process with workflows that trigger specific actions based on predefined criteria.
• Document management: Securely store and manage all client-related documents in a centralized location, improving organization and accessibility.

Price: Custom pricing plans

Smokeball integration: Smith.ai calls appear in Smokeball as new leads with call details and recordings (if available).

8. Law Ruler

Best for: Time tracking

Law Ruler is practice management software for law firms. It features essential tools for casework and firm growth, notably its law firm CRM and client intake solutions. With its robust toolkit, including analytics, email campaigns, document automation, and more, you can efficiently handle leads, clients, and cases.

Key features:

• Online forms: Create simple online forms to capture essential client information during intake.
• Task management: Assign tasks and track progress with detailed time-tracking features, ensuring a smooth workflow for your team.
• Reporting tools: Gain basic insights into your intake process with reports that can help you identify areas for improvement.

Price: Custom pricing plans

Law Ruler integration: Smith.ai creates new leads or updates existing ones in Law Ruler, adding call details and notes for easy reference.

9. Lawcus

Best for: Law practice management

Lawcus is a cloud-based legal practice management software suite with legal intake tools. It offers features like web forms, automated workflows, and client communication tools, helping firms capture leads, qualify them, and convert them into clients.

Key features:

• Web forms: Create and customize online intake forms to capture all the necessary information from potential clients.
• Automated workflows: Automate tasks and streamline your intake process with workflows that trigger specific actions based on predefined criteria.
• Client communication tools: Communicate with potential and existing clients through various channels, including email, SMS, and live chat, fostering collaboration and keeping everyone informed.

Price: $44 per user/month

Lawcus integration: Smith.ai receptionists can qualify leads, complete your Lawcus intake forms, and sync all relevant information to your account.

10. Bonus: Smith.ai

Best for: Virtual receptionist service

Smith.ai isn't your typical legal intake software, but it can be a powerful force multiplier for your lead intake process. Our team of virtual receptionists can answer calls and messages 24/7, ensuring you never miss a lead again. 

Beyond answering calls, you can train Smith.ai receptionists on your specific qualification criteria and conduct intake interviews with potential clients. This allows you to capture essential information upfront, prioritize high-value leads, and free up your time to focus on what matters most — your existing clients and cases. We integrate with all the leading legal intake software to map call data and conversations directly in your systems. 

Key features:

• 24/7 answering: Agents can answer calls and messages 24/7, including nights and weekends.
• Lead qualification: Agents can qualify leads based on your criteria during the initial call, allowing you to prioritize high-value prospects.
• Payment collection: Agents can monitor and track down missed payments on your behalf so you’ll always get paid and on time.

Price: $285 per month

How to choose the best legal intake software for your firm

Choosing the right legal intake software is crucial for streamlining your client acquisition process and maximizing efficiency. The best software will seamlessly integrate with your existing workflow, cater to your firm's size and specific needs, and ultimately contribute to achieving your overall business goals. Here are some things to consider when outsourcing your legal intake.

Identify your needs

Start by evaluating your current intake process and pinpointing areas for improvement. What challenges are you facing? Are you looking to automate tasks, improve lead qualification, or enhance client communication? Identifying your specific needs will guide your software selection process.

Consider your firm’s size and budget

Legal intake software solutions cater to firms of all sizes, with features and pricing structures to match. Solo practitioners and small firms may prioritize affordability and user-friendliness, while larger firms may require more robust functionalities, customizations, and integrations.

Evaluate features and functionality

Make a list of the features that are most important to you. This might include online forms, lead capture and management tools, task management, client communication options, reporting and analytics, and integrations with other legal software you use.

Read reviews 

Researching user reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the user experience and potential drawbacks of different software options. Prioritize reviews from credible users, like practicing lawyers in your area. These reviewers can offer insights relevant to your specific needs and challenges.

Test it yourself

Many legal intake software providers offer free trials or demos. Take advantage of these opportunities to test the software and see if it meets your expectations before committing to a paid plan.

Smith.ai can support your legal intake process

Choosing the right legal intake software can significantly improve your firm's efficiency in capturing and converting leads. As you navigate the various legal intake software solutions, consider your firm's specific needs.

By pairing your legal intake software with our legal answering service, you create a powerful one-two punch for your lead capture and qualification process. This allows you to capture more leads, qualify them effectively, and convert them into paying clients.

To learn more about how Smith.ai can help your law firm, book a free consultation.