10 Best Legal Document Management Systems in 2025 Reviewed
A survey of legal professionals showed that 78% of them view legal technology as a must‑have for their operations. That's a 15% increase since 2021.
Every law firm needs law practice management software for organizing and storing client files, seamless document sharing and editing documents. DMS is perfect for all of the above.
Legal document management software (DMS) is a digital platform where law firms and legal teams store, organize, retrieve and securely share documents. Great legal DMS solutions like Clinked also work for client management, giving legal teams strict compliance, collaboration and data security on one centralized client portal.
Let's look at the ten best legal document management systems in 2025 to see how they can help your firm better organize and file information.
What to look for in legal document software
There are a few key benefits and features a good DMS solution needs to have. You’ll probably use your legal document management software for basic file storage and document retrieval, version control, audit trail and role-based permissions. If your law firm works with multiple cases, clients and deadlines, you'll need a little something extra.
Here’s what to look out for:
- Compliance & security: Ensure the document management software platform provides end-to-end encryption, detailed audit trails and granular access control to keep sensitive documents safe. Legal DMS tools must meet standards like ISO 27001, SOC 2, GDPR, and HIPAA.
- Client collaboration: Look for secure client portals, controlled file sharing and built-in messaging to communicate with clients. Clinked has automated, instant notifications (in an app, mobile and email) that remind clients and legal teams about document submission deadlines, task updates and court dates.
- Document management: Prioritize portals with bulk uploads, folder-level permissions, version control, tagging and expiry dates for easier organization and compliance. Audit trails and instant notifications are important as they keep teams updated on changes or comments.
- Content automation: Opt for something that gives you auto-generated tasks from uploaded files or forms, with metadata like due dates and assignees pre-filled. Reusable templates speed up recurring workflows by applying predefined task and document structures.
- Search & version control: Look for fast, intelligent search with tagging, filters and full-text scanning to locate case files instantly. Version control tracking and rollback to previous versions ensure that all your files are up to date.
- Integrations: A good legal document management software should integrate with the tools you use, like Clio, DocuSign, Microsoft 365 and your other case management software.
- Cloud-based or on-premise: Decide between cloud-based, on-premise or a hybrid of both, depending on your firm’s needs. Cloud-based platforms give remote access, automatic updates, and easier scalability. On-premise systems are good for firms with strict data control policies or limited internet access. Some law practices benefit from a hybrid setup that combines local data control and cloud flexibility.
- Pricing & scalability: Choose document management software with flexible pricing tiers and scalable features that match your firm’s size and growth plans. Solo attorneys want low-cost entry plans with essential features, while larger firms need multi-user support, advanced workflows and integrations. We based our comparisons on the lowest available annual pricing plans.
- Remote + mobile access: Look for mobile-friendly platforms and apps with a user-friendly interface. Mobile access lets you manage files, assign tasks or work with clients remotely.
Best legal document management systems
Here’s an overview of key features, prices and ratings of the top legal DMS on the market today.
10 top legal document management systems in 2025
Let’s dive deeper into each tool to get a good look at what they have to offer your firm. Here are ten top-rated legal document management systems in 2025. They each offer different security, pricing and storage features to help law firms choose the right fit for their size, compliance requirements and document workflows.
Clinked
Clinked is a secure client portal for law firms that doubles as the best document management system for legal teams. It offers both cloud-based setups and on-premise document management, depending on the client’s needs. This gives legal teams the flexibility to choose how and where their data is stored.
What sets Clinked apart in the legal industry is its proactive approach as a customer communication tool. Our legal document management software includes built-in mobile and email notifications that alert lawyers, paralegals, legal teams and clients of upcoming court dates, approaching document submission deadlines, document changes or task status updates.
Clinked legal document management software also focuses on enhancing security and compliance for legal firms. It’s ISO 27001 certified, with granular permission controls, full audit trails and two-factor authentication that keeps sensitive documents safe. It’s a fully white label software for legal services, so your law firm can brand the client portal with your logo, colors and domain, Clinked disappearing into the background.
Key features
- Customer portals with secure file sharing and messaging
- Bank-grade security (ISO 27001, two-factor authentication, encrypted and unlimited storage)
- Mobile and email notifications for tasks, document deadlines and event reminders
- Document version control with audit trails
- White-label branding (logo, URL, color scheme)
- Role-based permissions and access control
- Native integrations with DocuSign, Google Workspace and Microsoft 365
- Real-time task management and discussions
- Cloud-based or on-premise hosting options
- Customizable dashboards and group spaces for each case or client
Best for
Clinked is the best document management system for law firms of all sizes, handling complex, high-volume legal documents and needing tight compliance controls. It’s great for firms that want a branded client-facing portal to communicate with clients and securely manage case files.
Pricing
- Lite: $95/month
- Standard: $239/month
- Premium: $479/month
- Enterprise: Individual pricing
What makes Clinked different
Clinked is built for secure collaboration between legal teams and their clients. It combines advanced document management with task tracking and proactive client notifications so legal professionals can balance compliance, deadlines and transparency.
iManage
iManage is a legal document and email management system originally built for on-premise setups and has evolved into a cloud-based platform.
It works for small and midsize firms, AmLaw 100 and global legal departments. Legal professionals enjoy that iManage integrates with Microsoft Office and legal project management software. Teams use this to organize, access and secure documents easily.
However, according to Reddit users, monthly storage overages can cost around $5,000 per TB. It's one of the biggest legal DMS solutions, but also the most expensive.
Key features
- Centralized document and email management with Outlook and Office 365 integration
- Enterprise-grade encryption, audit trails, ethical walls and advanced access controls
- AI with powerful search capabilities using natural language queries and document classification
- Legal project management tools like Closing Folders and iManage Tracker
- Version control with real-time co-authoring in Microsoft Office
- Mobile access through the iManage Mobility app
Best for
iManage is best for large, global law firms like AmLaw 100 practices and corporate legal departments. It’s also an option for midsize and individual firms that have scaling legal departments.
Pricing
Cost & pricing options are based on the number of users and the amount of storage.
What makes iManage different
iManage combines cloud capabilities and AI to organize your law firm's documents. It integrates with Microsoft Office, has advanced search capabilities and tools like Closing Folders and iManage Tracker.
Clio
Clio is an all-in-one law practice management software with document management, improved client communication, billing and case workflows on a cloud-based platform.
The document management tool is a central hub for administrative and case-related legal documents. It keeps intake forms and court filings organized and accessible. Users can upload, tag, search, edit and share files in a secure, permission-based environment.
Clio document management platform integrates with DocuSign, Dropbox, QuickBooks Online, Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.
Key features
- Unlimited storage of cloud-based documents with secure encryption and role-based access
- E-signature integration and court e‑filing via Clio File
- Full version control with comment threads that track edits and collaboration
- Desktop sync via Clio Drive and Clio Launcher for editing in native apps
- Global search across matters, metadata and file contents
Best for
Clio shines for workflow automation, billing integration and its client communication software. It’s an all-in-one solution for law firms that need a unified platform to tie together case files, each client's information and administration tasks.
Pricing
- EasyStart: $49/month
- Essentials: $89/month
- Advanced: $119/month
- Complete: $149/month
What makes Clio different
Clio legal document management software combines document automation, a legal client portal, billing and calendar on one platform. Its open API and app directory also let firms customize the system.
NetDocuments
NetDocuments was one of the first SaaS-based legal DMSs launched in 1999 for legal document and email management. It helps firms seeking secure, centralized control over documents, emails and workflows.
NetDocument can organize content using matter-centric workspaces, track edits with version control and securely share documents using CollabSpaces. It's simple to draft and edit with built-in integrations like Microsoft Office, Outlook and Adobe Acrobat. Tools like PatternBuilder automate document generation through logic-based templates so routine contracts and forms are created faster, with fewer human errors and consistent formatting.
Key features
- Document, email and knowledge management software
- Analytic reporting on clear usage data and security alerts
- Integrations with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Teams, eSignature collaboration and document bundling tool
- CollabSpaces for sharing files both internally and externally
- ndMAX Legal AI assistant that helps search files for inquiries
- Data loss prevention and ethical walls for regulatory compliance and data security
Best for
NetDocuments works well for email and document management, automated workflows and complete control over compliance regulations. It works in the financial, healthcare and government industries to collaborate on a secure platform.
Pricing
Individual pricing plans are available based on edition and features
What makes NetDocuments different
NetDocuments connects legal teams and clients with law firm collaboration and document automation. It has high security: encryption, redundancy, compliance and integrations with Microsoft, making it a scalable solution.
LexWorkplace
LexWorkplace is a modern, cloud-native legal document management system. The platform includes matter-centric organization for legal professionals to manage documents, emails and notes by case. It’s compatible with both Windows and Mac, so hybrid teams or firms with mixed operating systems can stay connected and productive across locations.
LexWorkplace includes inline document comparison, metadata profiling and custom matter templates that simplify repeatable workflows. The Document AI tool summarizes, reviews and queries documents using natural language.
Key features
- Matter-based organization of documents, emails and notes
- One-click open/save with native Windows & Mac add-ins
- Inline document comparison and version tracking
- Unique document IDs, check-in/check-out, tagging and metadata profiling
- Document AI for conversational summaries and Q&A
- Two-factor authentication, which only authorized personnel can enter, encryption and geo-redundant backups
Best for
LexWorkplace is for small-to-mid-sized law firms that need matter-based document workflows. It works well for law teams using both Windows and Mac systems who like built-in intelligence, inline compare and AI summarization.
Pricing
- Starter: Free
- Core: $395/month
- Advanced: $595/month
There are also onboarding fees for those who need help with it.
What makes LexWorkplace different
LexWorkplace provides Office-like editing on Mac. This is a rare feature in legal DMS. It also has embedded AI, allowing lawyers to interact with documents conversationally and pull insights and summaries without leaving the platform.
Filevine
Filevine is a legal document management solution for firms that handle high volumes of cases and information. Most Filevine users work in personal injury, immigration, insurance defense or structured litigation practices.
The document management software Docs+ upgrade adds in-platform PDF editing, redaction, page reordering and OCR search across all stored documents. Its built-in e-signature tool, Vinesign, helps securely send, sign and track agreements via email or text.
Key features
- In-context file editing with Microsoft Word, Excel and PDF in the case workspace
- PDF redaction, annotation, page manipulation, OCR-based search
- E-signature via Vinesign
- AI Doc Review, AIFields, DemandsAI, ImmigrationAI
- Secure external sharing with link controls and expiration
- API and integrations with QuickBooks, Microsoft 365, Slack, Gmail, Zapier
Best for
Filevine is for personal injury, immigration and insurance defense firms that handle process-heavy caseloads. The AI automation handles document review, generates letters or contracts and automates repetitive tasks.
Pricing
Filevine doesn’t have transparent pricing available on the website.
What makes Filevine different
Filevine differentiates itself by managing cases, editing documents and providing AI-powered legal assistance simultaneously. The Docs+ module redacts, annotates and OCR-searches PDFs without external tools while DemandsAI and ImmigrationAI automate drafting.
SmartVault
The SmartVault legal document management system is for firms that require secure, branded collaboration. The DMS tool includes client-facing portals, workflow templates and Office tools integrations that help with completing administrative tasks.
Client confidentiality and compliance are key at SmartVault; it includes bank-grade security like SOC 2 Type 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, CCPA and GDPR. The platform supports desktop workflows so legal professionals can work from their local drive, scan documents or upload files directly. Clients can securely access case files via a branded portal with automatic alerts whenever documents are uploaded or downloaded.
Key features
- Secure, cloud-based centralized storage with bank-grade encryption
- Branded client portal linked to your firm’s website with upload/download access and email alerts
- Pre-built folder templates that help to auto-create case structures
- Built-in e-signature integration via DocuSign
- OCR-enabled full-text search across scanned PDFs
- Secure external sharing with permission control and expirations
Best for
SmartVault integrates with many legal applications, accounting document management software and productivity tools. It works well for offices that already rely on tools like QuickBooks or Lacerte. Law firms that need client branding, easy file collection and simple setup will like SmartVault.
Pricing
- Business Pro: $50/month
- Accounting Pro: $55/month
- Accounting Unlimited: $75/month per user
What makes SmartVault different
SmartVault's desktop-style access via a Connected Desktop client and the branded client portal make it an attractive option. The pre-built folders and integration save time and make it easy to get started.
OpenText
The OpenText legal document management solution is for large-scale enterprises and legal departments. It manages documents with long lifecycles using strong security, compliance and governance controls. The platform also offers AI for faster information retrieval and guided decision-making.
OpenText document management is not only meant for legal teams. The site has OCR-powered indexing, Lucene full-text search, and workflow automation with BPM that saves time on important document-centric tasks.
Key features
- Customizable dashboards and a modern interface with OpenText InfoCenter
- Records management with audit trails, retention policies and legal holds
- AI-powered search with natural language processing and result summarization
- Automatic document classification with AI-based smart profiling
- Built-in records management with legal holds, audit trails and retention policies
- Generative AI tools for document automation and conversational search
Best for
OpenText is used for healthcare, financial and retail organizations, not just legal teams. It appeals to firms that manage mixed document types and need customizable workflows.
Pricing
Firms purchase features based on the number of users and resources they need, but no pricing information is available.
What makes OpenText different
OpenText lets law firms tailor their plans without paying for unused features. It's a good choice for businesses that need to handle documents across departments, not strictly within legal.
LogicalDOC
LogicalDOC document management software lets teams organize and control business documents, from contracts and case files to HR records and financial reports. The indexing, versioning and workflow automation tools make it an option for law firms to manage documents across departments.
This tool has a modular design. Firms can choose on-premise, cloud or open-source Community editions to scale the platform to match their compliance needs and budget.
Key features
- Mass uploading of multiple documents simultaneously
- Automatic indexing that assigns metadata and tags to documents
- Keyword search, filters and Boolean operators to find documents quickly
- OCR that turns documents into searchable text
- Extended, regulatory-compliant archiving
- Hierarchical categorization that organizes documents
Best for
LogicalDOC is best for teams that manage a mix of business documents. It gives more control over hosting, compliance settings and integration of business systems.
Pricing
There is no pricing information available on the website.
What makes LogicalDOC different
LogicalDOC’s flexibility is its biggest strength. It can handle complex workflows, multilingual environments and cross-platform integration for document management that isn't through legal-specific software.
Docsvault
Docsvault document management solution and client database software help firms handle contracts, invoices and HR files. It has a Windows-style, user-friendly interface with enterprise-grade features that scale with growing businesses.
This DMS works as an on-premise and cloud-based legal document management solution. Its key features include bulk scanning, automated document capture and email integration. Plus, it’s a secure client portal for sharing specific documents with full permission control.
Key features
- Document capture and management
- Structured filing templates
- Document scanning and digitization
- Relations between documents for better grouping
- Records retention module for different documents according to local and industry laws
- Document statuses creation like draft, under revision, published or finalized
Best for
Docsvault is a solid choice for teams transitioning from traditional shared drives or paper-based filing systems who want familiar folder structures, PDF tools and client collaboration without the steep learning curve.
Pricing
Pricing is not available on the website.
What makes Docsvault different
Docsvault has a Windows-style interface that should be easy to use for office teams. It also has PDF redaction, client portals and workflow automation that join modern document management software with simplicity and structure.
Take your team to the next level with better legal document management
Managing case files, client interactions and compliance requirements doesn’t have to feel impossible. The right paperless document management system brings everything into one secure, centralized portal.
If you're looking for a solution built with law firms in mind, Clinked is your best bet. Our legal document management software provides custom branding and extensive customization options, permission-based document access and a client-friendly UX. Clinked helps your team stay professional and efficient by combining chat, collaboration and file storage on one ISO 27001-certified platform.
If you want to stay ahead of the game, check out our 10 predictions for the future of legal compliance and see how smart document tools like Clinked stand out.
FAQs
What is a legal document management system?
A legal DMS is software that law firms use to store, manage, organize and retrieve legal documents.
What are the top 5 document management systems?
The best document management systems are Clinked, iManage, Clio, NetDocuments and LexWorkplace.
What is the best way to organize legal documents?
You can organize legal documents is by using legal document management software. These tools offer a law firm organization, advanced search, version control, workflow automation, secure access and compliance features.
Do most law firms use iManage?
iManage is popular among large law firms for storing and managing documents. However, this legal document management software is more expensive than some of its competitors. Clinked can be a better choice if you want a DMS with transparent pricing and great security.