Best AI tools for lawyers and small law firms
For most small firms, Clio is the best place to start: AI comes with its Core plan and above, and every plan includes legal accounting. MyCase is the pick if you want clear, posted prices, with AI writing and document help from its Pro plan. Smokeball suits firms that want automatic time tracking and a quote built around their practice.
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The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Clio | AI built into the plan | From US$49/user/mo |
| MyCase | Posted prices | From US$50/user/mo |
| Smokeball | Automatic time tracking | Quote from sales |
Prices are each maker’s regular list price in US dollars, read on the date shown. We never convert currencies. MyCase’s lowest price is billed annually.
1. Clio: best overall
Why it stands out. Clio’s plans start at US$49 per user a month. Every plan includes matter and contact management, time tracking, online payments, and trust and operating account reconciliation without separate bookkeeping software. From Core up, AI is part of the plan: it drafts bills on schedule, turns documents into calendar events and tasks, and drafts client updates from matter activity. Clio says your firm’s data is never used to train AI, and you review everything before it goes out.
Watch out. Only the Starter price is posted; you’ll need a quote for Core, Signature, and Elite. Starter doesn’t include the AI features or the client portal.
2. MyCase: best posted prices
Why it stands out. MyCase posts every price. Basic is US$50 per user a month billed annually, or US$60 billed monthly, with case management, invoicing, trust accounting, and online payments. Pro (US$100 billed annually, US$120 monthly) adds the 8am IQ Writing and Document Assistant, which MyCase describes as AI that adjusts tone, translates, and summarizes documents. Advanced (US$130 billed annually, US$150 monthly) adds an AI case assistant and AI document discovery. There’s a 10-day free trial with no card.
Watch out. The AI tools start on Pro, not Basic. Full accounting is an extra US$39 per user a month on Pro and Advanced.
3. Smokeball: best for time tracking
Why it stands out. Smokeball’s AutoTime tracks your time and activity automatically. It’s included on Prosper+ and available as an add-on for Grow. Plans from Boost up include "Communicate powered by Smokeball AI," and Smokeball offers an AI assistant, Archie, as an add-on. Smokeball says there’s no limit to the number of firm users or clients.
Watch out. Smokeball doesn’t post prices. The cost depends on users, plan, contract term, and add-ons, so you’ll need a quote.
How to choose
- Want AI without add-ons? Clio includes it from Core up.
- Want to know the price up front? MyCase posts every plan.
- Lose track of billable time? Look at Smokeball’s AutoTime.
- Practicing in Canada? Check that the tool supports your provincial or territorial Law Society’s trust accounting rules before you buy. Clio’s Canadian site says its trust accounting software records every trust transaction according to industry regulations and supports three-way reconciliation. MyCase’s and Smokeball’s trust accounting pages describe US IOLTA compliance.
- Check your review process. Each maker says you review AI drafts before they go out. Keep it that way.
Questions people ask
What is the best AI tool for small law firms?
For most small firms, Clio. AI is included from its Core plan up, and every plan includes legal accounting. Plans start at US$49 per user a month (checked October 2026).
How much does MyCase cost?
Basic is US$50 per user a month billed annually or US$60 billed monthly. Pro is US$100 or US$120, and Advanced is US$130 or US$150.
Does Clio use my firm’s data to train AI?
Clio says no. It says your firm’s data stays in Clio and is never used for AI training.
How much does Smokeball cost?
Smokeball doesn’t post prices. It quotes based on your number of users, plan, contract term, and add-ons.
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