Solo Firms Have Different Requirements
Most case management software reviews evaluate platforms from the perspective of growing firms. But solo practitioners have fundamentally different needs: tighter budgets, no IT support, limited time for training, and a need for tools that work immediately without extensive configuration. The best platform for a solo isn't necessarily the highest-rated platform overall — it's the one that fits a solo's workflow and budget.
Must-Have Features for Solos
At minimum, solo practitioners need: case and contact management, calendaring with deadline tracking, basic document management, time tracking, invoicing and payment processing, and a client portal for secure communication. Everything beyond this is nice to have. Don't pay for enterprise features you'll never use.
Our Recommendations for Solo Practitioners
MyCase is our top recommendation for most solo practitioners at $109/user/month — it's affordable, intuitive, and covers the essential features without overwhelming complexity. PracticePanther is a close second at $89/user/month with stronger built-in billing and the lowest price point among quality options. Clio at $149/user/month (Complete tier) is the best choice for solos who anticipate growing beyond solo practice, as it offers the most room to scale. For solo PI attorneys specifically, inTrial Manage at $199/user/month offers purpose-built workflows that eliminate the adaptation work required with general-purpose tools — and because it includes eSign, intake, e-fax, texting, team chat, and AI features, it can replace multiple separate subscriptions.
What Solos Can Skip
Enterprise workflow builders (Filevine), Salesforce-based platforms (Litify), and highly customizable project management features are typically unnecessary for solo practitioners. These tools are designed for larger organizations and come with complexity and cost that doesn't align with solo practice needs. Focus your evaluation on platforms designed for your firm size.
Budget Considerations
For solos watching every dollar, look for platforms with monthly billing (no annual lock-in), transparent pricing without hidden add-on costs, and free trials long enough to properly evaluate the platform with real work. PracticePanther at $89/user/month is the most affordable quality option, followed by MyCase at $109/user/month. Both offer budget-friendly entry points for general practice solos. For solo PI attorneys, the math shifts — inTrial Manage at $199/user/month replaces multiple standalone tools (eSign, fax service, texting platform, AI document drafting) that would otherwise cost $50-$150/month each on top of a cheaper base platform. Factor in the total cost of all tools you need, not just the case management subscription.