Overview
PCLaw is a long-standing practice management, billing and accounting solution for small and midsize law firms. It includes lightweight practice management features (clients, cases, and calendars) coupled with robust time tracking, billing, and accounting capabilities designed specifically for legal practices.
Time Tracking Features
Legal-Specific Time Capture
- Activity code-based time entry
- Matter-based time allocation
- Billable vs. non-billable time tracking
- Timer functionality for active work
- Quick entry for past time
- Detailed time slip narratives
Billing Integration
- Seamless time-to-bill conversion
- Customizable billing rates (hourly, flat fee, contingency)
- WIP (Work in Progress) reporting
- Pre-billing review and adjustments
- Client-specific billing preferences
- Electronic billing (e-billing) support
Practice Management Components
Client & Matter Management
- Client intake and conflict checking
- Matter tracking and organization
- Contact management
- Document management integration
- Case notes and communication logs
Calendar & Deadlines
- Court date tracking
- Statute of limitations monitoring
- Task management
- Reminder system
- Staff scheduling
Robust Accounting
PCLaw distinguishes itself with comprehensive legal accounting:
- Trust Accounting: IOLTA compliance and three-way reconciliation
- Operating Accounts: General ledger and financial reporting
- Accounts Receivable: Aging reports and payment tracking
- Expense Tracking: Billable expense management
- Financial Reports: Profit & loss, balance sheets, custom reports
Long-Standing Reliability
As a mature product in the legal software market, PCLaw offers:
- Proven stability and reliability
- Extensive feature set refined over decades
- Strong customer support
- Regular updates and compliance maintenance
- Large user community
Integration Capabilities
- Microsoft Office integration
- Document management systems
- Email systems
- Payment processing
- E-filing systems
- Third-party legal research tools
Target Users
Small to midsize law firms (2-50 attorneys) requiring:
- Comprehensive time tracking and billing
- Legal-specific accounting features
- Trust account management
- All-in-one practice management
- Traditional desktop software with proven reliability
Benefits
- Complete Solution: Time, billing, accounting, and practice management in one system
- Legal Compliance: Built-in trust accounting and ethical billing features
- Mature Product: Decades of refinement for legal workflows
- Cost-Effective: Single platform eliminates need for multiple systems
- Established Support: Extensive documentation and user community
