Bill4Time vs Law Ruler

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Our analysts compared Bill4Time vs Law Ruler based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Legal Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

Product Basics

Bill4Time provides law firms of all sizes with productivity and practice management solutions. Track and review billable activities from any device in real time. Expedite payment with pre-filled digital invoices and secure online payments. Provide clients with a self-service portal to track their invoices, payment status and transaction history. Use the customizable dashboard to keep tabs on all case-related activities and transactions and centrally access firm data.

Administrators can design automated workflows to assign, track, schedule and prioritize tasks and legal obligations. Supports trust accounting with IOLTA reconciliation and QuickBooks integration. Run preconfigured reports on KPIs, productivity, task management, brand recognition, reputation and more.
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Law Ruler provides legal practitioners with integrated CRM, case management and billing solutions. Leverage dashboard analytics and immersive visualizations to get data-driven insights on productivity. Add a personal touch to automated workflows for daily procedures such as emails, appointments, invoices and e-Signature requests. Maintain complete visibility over the firm’s communication channels, including social media, digital marketing campaigns, calls and websites. Access a built-in settlement wizard to streamline contingency settlements. Sort contacts and leads with custom tags and reach them instantly via dedicated communication channels.

Create online intake forms with the customizable form builder. Retrieve medical records in case of mass tort and personal injury cases. Use best practice templates to create legal documents and contracts. Automate calls and follow-ups with an AI-powered Click and Call Dialer. Integrate with Microsoft Office 365 for easy access to the entire enterprise technology suite.
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$27/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
$40/User, Monthly
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Tailored to your specific needs
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Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Windows
Mac
Linux
Android
Chromebook
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile
Cloud
On-Premise
Mobile

Product Assistance

Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Documentation
In Person
Live Online
Videos
Webinars
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support
Email
Phone
Chat
FAQ
Forum
Knowledge Base
24/7 Live Support

Product Insights

  • Uninterrupted Service: Provides maximum uptime with environmental controls and power systems designed to resist local outages and natural disasters. 
  • Unlimited Storage: Never lose track of critical case information with easy uploading and storage of legal documents. 
  • Mobile Access: Stay connected to important tools and tasks with a mobile app. 
  • Flexible Project Management: Efficiently juggle multiple projects by customizing default labels according to the firm’s requirements. 
  • Maximize Billable Time: Capture every moment of billable time with offline time tracking, mobile tracking and retroactive addition of time entries. 
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  • Enhanced Efficiency: Streamline legal processes, automate tasks, and reduce time spent on administrative duties, freeing up attorneys to focus on high-value work.
  • Improved Case Management: Centralize case information, track progress, set deadlines, and manage documents efficiently, ensuring seamless case handling and reducing the risk of errors.
  • Increased Collaboration: Facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among attorneys, paralegals, and clients, fostering a cohesive team environment and enhancing productivity.
  • Enhanced Client Service: Provide clients with real-time case updates, secure document sharing, and personalized communication, building stronger relationships and increasing client satisfaction.
  • Reduced Costs: Optimize resource allocation, minimize administrative expenses, and improve billing accuracy, resulting in significant cost savings for law firms.
  • Improved Compliance: Ensure adherence to ethical and regulatory guidelines, manage conflicts of interest, and maintain accurate records, mitigating risks and protecting the firm's reputation.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Analyze case data, track key performance indicators, and identify areas for improvement, enabling data-informed decision-making and strategic planning.
  • Enhanced Security: Safeguard sensitive client information with robust security measures, including data encryption, access controls, and disaster recovery plans, ensuring data integrity and compliance.
  • Scalability and Flexibility: Adapt to changing caseloads and firm growth with a scalable platform that can accommodate the evolving needs of law firms of all sizes.
  • Exceptional Support: Benefit from dedicated technical support, training, and ongoing updates, ensuring a smooth implementation and maximizing the value of the software investment.
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  • Time Tracking: Track billable and non-billable time, staff contractors, consultants and internal non-client time with separate timers. Convert meetings to billable hours and run multiple timers at the same time. Review daily and weekly time entries to measure the firm’s productivity and financial health. Set up custom activity types and work code lists to improve efficiency. 
  • Expense Tracking: Upload images of receipts to track case-related expenses in real time. Leverage two-way image syncing to track expenses internally or charge a flat percentage markup. Comes with built-in configurable UTBMS billing codes. 
  • Integrations: Integrate with third-party applications such as QuickBooks, Outlook, Google Calendar, Box, NetDocuments, Cyber Revolution and more. 
  • Billing and Invoicing: Create pre-filled bills, detailed invoices and statements with configurable payment terms, currency and late fees. Set up tailored payment plans and link invoices to online payment options. 
    • Invoice Templates: Track the status of invoices in real time. Override default payment rates and add a brand logo, currency, company details, payment terms, late fees and more. Prepare invoices en masse and generate summary reports. Provide clients with flat rates, percentage discounts, hybrid billing options and online payment methods. 
  • Online Payments: Securely process online payments with various flexible payment options, including eCheck and credit cards. Ensure compliance with IOLTA, ABA and state bar guidelines. Run payment-related reports to maximize efficiency. 
  • Client Management: Get 24/7 access to client and project information from any device. Customize the dashboard for quick access to specific information, such as client info, outstanding balances, assigned account manager and more. Centrally store all case-related data, contacts and notes. Tailor the client’s budget according to the firm’s financial goals. 
  • Case Tracking: Organize cases with custom notes and files. Assign activities to specific cases and track pending tasks with the shared schedule. Get status updates on essential activities with the customizable notification center. 
  • Tasks: Set up automated workflows to assign, track and schedule tasks. Add custom descriptions, details, priority levels and due dates. Search for specific tasks with custom filters, such as due date, assigned employee, completion status and priority level. Convert completed tasks into time entries. 
  • Accounting: Get complete visibility of outstanding balances, credits and debits, pending projects and balance adjustments. Supports trust accounting. 
  • Reporting: Run preconfigured reports to evaluate accounting activity, client details, entry specifics, legal matter, user activity and productivity. Export recorded data in PDF or CSV format for analysis by external auditors. 
  • Client Portal: Provide clients with a self-service portal. Get real-time access to invoices, payment history, outstanding balances and the payment portal. Improve brand awareness by embedding the firm’s logo into the client portal and payment gateway. 
  • Customization: Prepare custom invoices to match the firm’s existing layout, data fields and format. Create custom reports with extra columns, optional views and additional filters. Set up custom rate tables with flexible billing rates. 
  • Firm Metrics: Leverage the configurable dashboard to track monthly performance metrics, measure key performance indicators, set utilization targets and develop competitive billing rates. Evaluate unique data points to generate actionable insights. Track the firm’s reputation on review sites and take corrective action where necessary.  
  • Data Security: Protect the firm’s data with 256-bit SSL encryption. Provide round-the-clock protection and comply with SSAE 18 SOC 1 reporting standards. 
  • Permissions and Access: Limit visibility into restricted information with permission-based access. Assign permissions for every function and provide third-party contractors with temporary access. Track logins automatically. 
  • Mobile Application: Get unrestricted access to the firm’s data, legal matters, dashboard and activity timers via a native app for mobile devices. Get daily, weekly and monthly progress reports, add case details, communicate with clients and view outstanding balances.  
  • Legal Documentation: Upload and store an unlimited number of case-related documents. Create custom folders and subfolders and share access with the entire firm. Leverage file duplication and templates to standardize document creation. Search for specific documents and quotes faster with fuzzy search. Implement completely new conventions or use the built-in structure.  
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  • Dashboard Analytics: Leverage sonar dashboards and custom analytics to measure key performance indicators for marketing intake, referrals, staff productivity, litigation and case management. Identify historical trends and patterns, track dockets and evaluate return on investment. 
  • CRM: Tag contacts with custom labels. Assign multiple labels to a single contact and mass populate entries based on tags. Create notes, tasks and reminders to always stay on top of deadlines, tasks, meetings and important events. Automatically create new leads from referrals and inquiries. Leverage lead source tracking to gain actionable insights into top-performing marketing sources.  
  • Mobile Application: Enjoy unrestricted mobile access through an app optimized for on-the-go use. 
  • Legal Calendar: Connect to Outlook for two-way synchronization of calendar entries. Link client correspondence in Outlook to associated legal cases to maintain a centralized source of truth. 
  • Case Management: Manage the entire case lifecycle from referral to billing with one dedicated module. Eliminate data duplication and errors and omissions (E&O) with automated entries. Access turnkey integration of the firm’s calls, contacts, cases, websites and legal matters. 
  • Workflow Automation: Create custom templates and apply them to different workflows. Implement automation in regular processes like online intake forms, social media marketing, calls, text messaging and email marketing. Add a personal touch to follow-up emails and text messages regarding matters, invoices, electronic signatures, appointment reminders and more. 
    • Workflow Tracking: Get complete visibility into upcoming tasks, appointments, signature requests, emails and intake forms. 
  • Security: Provides around-the-clock intrusion detection and prevention facilities. HIPAA-compliant cloud hosting available. Secure firm data with 256-bit AES encryption. 
  • Billing: Supports contingency billing, flat-fee billing, timer-based hourly billing, fee splits, pro-bono billing, client medical bills, expenses and settlement tracking. Track time, expenses and invoices in real time and generate UTBMS and LEDES billing codes. 
  • Integrations: Connect to Office 365 for access to robust security and dictation and transcription tools. Other supported integrations include LawPay, Outlook Calendar, Zapier, QuickBooks, ApexChat, Google, Thomson Reuters and more. 
  • Click to Call Dialer: Automate follow-up calls and schedule callbacks with the built-in AI-powered dialer. Automatically follow-up on web and live chat leads and record all communication with date and time stamps. 
  • Online Intake Forms: Leverage a user-friendly form builder to create online intake forms with data fields tailored for every practice area and purpose. Automatically populate forms with existing data and add custom logos and images. Embed forms in the website and application. Send reminders to potential clients with incomplete progress. 
  • Legal Documentation: Automate document creation and delivery with custom templates and workflows. Process documents faster with electronic signatures. Send automated reminders to clients about incomplete contracts, waivers and NDAs. Eliminate redundant data and E&Os. 
  • Settlement Wizard: Evaluate settlement options in real time and approve transactions and payments with a single click. Calculate attorney fees for multiple firms and digitally review and approve settlements. Send invoices and opening and closing statements via text messages, emails or postal service.  
  • Record Retrieval: Directly order medical records for mass tort and injury cases. Get notifications on successful retrievals. 
  • Firm Reports: Use the built-in report builder to prepare custom reports via a no-code interface. Run reports on marketing campaigns, case milestones, productivity, case metrics and conversion rates. 
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Product Ranking

#11

among all
Legal Software

#78

among all
Legal Software

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Analyst Rating Summary

72
81
88
97
57
95
99
100
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Task Management
Time and Expense Management
Dashboard and Reporting
Mobile Capabilities
Billing and Payments
Dashboard and Reporting
Task Management
Billing and Payments
Client and Contact Management
Matter/Case Management

Analyst Ratings for Functional Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

Bill4Time
Law Ruler
+ Add Product + Add Product
Billing And Payments Calendaring And Legal Docketing Client And Contact Management Dashboard And Reporting Document Management Matter/Case Management Mobile Capabilities Task Management Time And Expense Management 88 57 99 33 65 89 100 100 97 95 100 46 92 67 100 79 0 25 50 75 100
88%
0%
12%
94%
0%
6%
50%
0%
50%
100%
0%
0%
50%
0%
50%
92%
0%
8%
100%
0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
29%
0%
71%
50%
0%
50%
67%
0%
33%
89%
0%
11%
89%
0%
11%
67%
0%
33%
100%
0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
100%
0%
0%
80%
0%
20%

Analyst Ratings for Technical Requirements Customize This Data Customize This Data

71%
0%
29%
71%
0%
29%
75%
0%
25%
75%
0%
25%

User Sentiment Summary

Excellent User Sentiment 329 reviews
Excellent User Sentiment 41 reviews
95%
of users recommend this product

Bill4Time has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 95% when considering 329 user reviews from 3 recognized software review sites.

96%
of users recommend this product

Law Ruler has a 'excellent' User Satisfaction Rating of 96% when considering 41 user reviews from 2 recognized software review sites.

4.3 (13)
4.0 (1)
4.77 (166)
n/a
4.8 (150)
4.8 (40)

Awards

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Bill4Time and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Task Management. Bill4Time stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award
Task Management Award

SelectHub research analysts have evaluated Law Ruler and concluded it earns best-in-class honors for Dashboard and Reporting and Task Management. Law Ruler stands above the rest by achieving an ‘Excellent’ rating as a User Favorite.

User Favorite Award
Dashboard and Reporting Award
Task Management Award

Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Customizable Invoices: Users appreciate the ability to personalize invoices with their firm's branding and preferred layout, ensuring a professional presentation to clients.
Detailed Reporting: Bill4Time offers comprehensive reports that provide insights into billable hours, expenses, and overall firm performance, enabling data-driven decision-making.
Client Portal: The secure client portal facilitates seamless communication and collaboration, allowing clients to access invoices, make payments, and share documents conveniently.
Mobile App: The mobile app empowers attorneys to track time, manage expenses, and stay connected while on the go, enhancing flexibility and productivity.
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Intuitive Interface: Law Ruler's user-friendly design makes it easy to navigate and find the features you need, even for users with limited technical expertise.
Comprehensive Features: The software offers a wide range of features tailored to the specific needs of legal professionals, including case management, document automation, and billing.
Time-Saving Automation: Law Ruler automates repetitive tasks such as document creation and scheduling, freeing up lawyers to focus on more strategic work.
Enhanced Collaboration: The platform facilitates seamless collaboration between team members, allowing them to share documents, track progress, and communicate efficiently.
Excellent Customer Support: Law Ruler provides responsive and knowledgeable customer support, ensuring that users have the assistance they need to maximize the software's benefits.
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Limited Functionality for Legal Professionals: Bill4Time may not be the best fit for all law firms due to limitations in features specifically designed for legal professionals, such as trust accounting and conflict checking.
Usability Challenges: Some users find the interface to be clunky and outdated, leading to a steeper learning curve and potential frustration during daily use.
Customer Support Concerns: A portion of users have expressed dissatisfaction with the responsiveness and effectiveness of Bill4Time's customer support, which can be crucial when encountering technical issues or needing assistance.
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Limited Customization: Law Ruler offers limited customization options, making it difficult to tailor the software to specific firm needs.
Steep Learning Curve: Users have reported a steep learning curve when using Law Ruler, requiring significant time and effort to become proficient.
Lack of Integration: Law Ruler lacks seamless integration with other legal software and applications, limiting its functionality and efficiency.
Limited Reporting Capabilities: Users have expressed concerns about Law Ruler's limited reporting capabilities, making it challenging to generate comprehensive and customized reports.
Inconsistent Support: Some users have experienced inconsistent support from Law Ruler's customer service team, leading to delays and unresolved issues.
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Time is money, and when it comes to billing for your time, you need software that doesn't waste either. Bill4Time has been making waves in the legal software arena, but is it all hype or does it truly hold up in court? Let's delve into the jury's verdict on this popular time-tracking and billing solution. Bill4Time users rave about its intuitive interface and robust features, especially its time-tracking capabilities. The ability to track time across projects with ease, generate detailed reports, and seamlessly integrate with accounting software streamlines the billing process, saving valuable time and ensuring accuracy. Users also appreciate the flexibility of the platform, allowing customization to fit individual workflows and preferences. However, some users find the mobile app to be less user-friendly than the desktop version, and others desire more advanced reporting options. Compared to competitors like Clio and TimeSolv, Bill4Time stands out with its competitive pricing and user-friendly interface. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some higher-priced options, it provides a solid foundation for time-tracking and billing needs, making it a compelling choice for solo practitioners and small to medium-sized law firms seeking an efficient and cost-effective solution.

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Law Ruler has received mixed reviews in the past year. Users praise its intuitive interface, comprehensive features, and affordable pricing. They find it particularly useful for managing cases, tracking time, and generating documents. However, some users have reported occasional bugs and glitches, and they wish the software offered more customization options. Compared to similar products, Law Ruler stands out for its ease of use and affordability. Its intuitive interface makes it accessible to users of all experience levels, and its low price point makes it a great option for small law firms and solo practitioners. However, Law Ruler may lack some of the advanced features found in more expensive software, such as document automation and e-signature capabilities. Overall, Law Ruler is a solid choice for small law firms and solo practitioners who are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use legal software solution. Its strengths lie in its intuitive interface, comprehensive features, and affordable pricing. However, users who require more advanced features or customization options may want to consider other products.

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