UK legal softwareBuyer-intent guide
UK Legal Software Requirements Template
Most firms do not need more legal software content. They need a requirements document that keeps demos honest and gives partners a way to compare vendors without guesswork.
This template is designed for UK firms evaluating case management, billing, intake, document workflows, and migration risk.
Use it forRFP, shortlist scoring, demo prep
Primary outcomeComparable vendor answers
01
MUST-HAVE FEATURES
Copy-paste requirements checklist
- Matter management with contacts, documents, deadlines, tasks, notes, and reporting.
- Role-based permissions for fee earners, assistants, finance, and partners.
- Billing, payments, write-offs, approvals, and finance exports that match your operating model.
- Client intake, forms, conflict checks, and document templates where relevant.
- Export rights for matters, contacts, documents, deadlines, time, bills, and payments without a services hostage model.
02
RED FLAGS
What should make a buyer slow down
- The vendor cannot explain export coverage clearly.
- Migration is described as custom work before the data map is visible.
- Quote excludes templates, intake, reporting, or document automation but sales language implies they are part of the product.
- Permissions and finance controls are answered in generic terms only.
03
ASK EVERY VENDOR
Questions to ask before the second meeting
- Can matters, contacts, documents, deadlines, time entries, bills, and payments be exported without a services contract?
- Does the platform support role-based permissions for fee earners, assistants, finance, and partners?
- What happens to client data after cancellation?
- Which accounting platforms are supported in the UK?
- Are document templates included, or sold as implementation work?
- Does the quoted price include client intake, payments, and document automation?
04
MIGRATION
Migration and pricing checklist
- Count matter types, document templates, custom fields, reports, billing rules, and user roles before you ask for a quote.
- Ask for separate lines for licences, onboarding, migration, template work, integrations, training, and optional products.
- Do not accept “migration included” without a scope document.
05
SCORING MATRIX
Simple scoring model for the shortlist
| Criterion | Weight | Vendor A | Vendor B | Vendor C | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matter workflow fit | 25% | 0-5 | 0-5 | 0-5 | Use one sample matter |
| Billing and finance fit | 20% | 0-5 | 0-5 | 0-5 | Include approvals and exports |
| Migration risk | 20% | 0-5 | 0-5 | 0-5 | Score data map clarity |
| Document and template fit | 15% | 0-5 | 0-5 | 0-5 | Include precedent workflow |
| Client intake and communication | 10% | 0-5 | 0-5 | 0-5 | Check forms and follow-up |
| Commercial terms | 10% | 0-5 | 0-5 | 0-5 | Model year-one and renewal cost |
Use the same weights across every vendor. Change the vendors, not the scorecard.
06
CONNECTED PROFILES
Software profiles in this silo
07
SILO LINKS
Where to go next
5 LINKS
Legal software cluster
08
FAQ
Questions buyers ask before they commit
09
SOURCES
Sources and last checked
Last checked 2026-06-23. Verify final pricing, regional packaging, and contract terms directly with the vendor before purchase.