7 Free Timekeeping Software Options for Lawyers

Timekeeping software. Not super sexy. About as sexy as timekeeping itself.

But you know what makes everything better? Free!

They say you have to spend money to make money. But with tracking time, that’s not always the case. Here are seven great options for free timekeeping software, geared toward lawyers’ special needs, such as an easy to use timer and integrations with frequently-used programs.

The software platforms listed here were selected for the fact that they’re free, contain features often used by lawyers, and offer real bang for no bucks. They’ve been arranged alphabetically.

1. AccountSight

Screenshot of AccountSight’s reporting features

Capterra’s AcountSight spotlight

AccountSight is free for one user, and that package allows up to three projects and three clients at a time. However, the free version still offers unlimited invoicing and tracking, so if that’s all you need, consider yourself set.

Mobile

Reviewers have commented on how useful they mobile options are.

• Android native app
• iOS native app

Multiple Timers

This feature is not listed on AccountSight’s website or mentioned in any user reviews

Integrations

Just QuickBooks, though if you’re a particularly small firm or solo practice, that might be all you need

What you don’t get with free

• More than a single user
• More than three clients
• Advanced reporting options

Bottom line

If you need high mobile functionality and operate on a very small scale (solo lawyer with just a few, dedicated clients), AccountSight could be helpful.

2. actiTIME

An actiTIME invoice

Capterra’s actiTIME spotlight

With a downloadable version of the software that is free for up to five users, actiTIME is appropriate for a small firm looking to double up employee scheduling and time tracking for cases.

Mobile

• Android native app
• iOS native app

Multiple Timers

Available for multiple users

Integrations

According to actiTIME’s website, the only standard integration is QuickBooks.

What you don’t get with free

• Hosted backups of data
• Free optional integrations (personalized integrations are available for a fee)
• Any of the “pro” features, including more detailed time track reporting, user grouping, and in-app cost calculation

Bottom line

Ever wondered why time tracking and scheduling don’t get smashed together more often? Ask no longer. If you’ve got a small office and want to keep track of your employees’ working time as well as your time spent on clients, actiTime is a helpful option.

3. RescueTime

RescueTime reporting

Capterra’s RescueTime spotlight

Like PayPanther, RescueTime isn’t timekeeping software, per se. It’s actually a productivity app, aimed at giving you a clearer picture of how you spend your time. But it can be used for tracking time, and it does have a free version.

Mobile

• Android native app

However, the website says that tracking time away from your computer requires upgrading to the paid version.

Multiple timers

Not available

Integrations

None.

What you don’t get with free

• Daily goal achievement alerts
• Block distracting websites to stay focused
• Keep a log of your daily accomplishments
• More detailed reports and filters
• Faster data processing
• Unlimited report history

Bottom line

For a lawyer I’d only consider the free version. While the paid features are nice, they certainly aren’t necessary. Also, be sure to check out our timesaving tricks for lawyers post.

4. TimeCamp

A list of tasks in TimeCamp

Capterra TimeCamp Spotlight

Offering both automatic and manual tracking settings and full timesheets, TimeCamp is a solid option, though the features unlocked with the $7/user/month basic plan (such as the integrations and invoicing tools) might make the cost worth it.

Mobile

Well-rated, free apps, including:

• Android native app
• iOS native app

Multiple timers

I couldn’t find the information online so I called customer service. On the plus side, I got to a person right away. On the other hand, it turns out, TimeCamp doesn’t supports multiple timers.

Integrations

TimeCamp has a good number of integrations, including Google Calendar, QuickBooks, and Xero. It’s also got an Evernote integration to more easily track time spent taking notes. We’ve discussed here how Evernote is a must-have app for lawyers.

However, the integrations aren’t available with the free version.

What you don’t get with free

• Multiple users
• Export reports to Excel
• Add-ons and integrations
• Make and track budgets for projects and tasks. Track billable and nonbillable

Bottom line

It’s a reasonable, if basic, free version if you don’t need fancy features. But if you’re OK with shelling out a little bit of cash, this paid version of this timekeeping software is useful and robust.

5. Timeneye

Project list details in Timeneye

Capterra Timeneye spotlight

Easy to use and good for productivity tracking as well as billable time tracking, Timeneye is a nicely designed time tracker that’s appropriate for solo lawyers and small firms.

Mobile

Apps are supported by

• Android native app
• iOS native app

Multiple Timers

Not available

Integrations

Plenty, including Asana, Basecamp, Google Calendars, Todoist, and Zendesk. Timeneye is also open to users reaching out with additional integration suggestions.

What you don’t get with free

• More than one user
• Client group management
• Team reporting

Bottom line

A solid choice for a single user looking for an attractive, responsive user interface without too many additional features bogging down the software.

6. Toggl

Toggl’s dashboard

Capterra Toggl Spotlight

Toggl is such a robust free timekeeping offering, that in a previous version of this post, it was used as the basis for comparing the other options.

The reporting is very thorough—in case you ever wondered how much time you spend on different activities, Toggl will track that for you, a great way to identify productivity sinks. It has free mobile options and more integrations for the free version than any other free timekeeping software I’ve found.

Mobile

Toggl is highly mobile. It’s got well-rated, free apps, including:

• Android native app
• iOS native app

Plus, the website is responsive.

Multiple timers

Randall Ryder at Lawyerist reviewed Toggl and found that “If you download the Toggl desktop app, your timer can have multiple tasks open at the same time. For attorneys who like to (or need to) switch projects quickly, this is a really great feature.”

Integrations

Toggl has tons of integrations, including ones that are especially pertinent to lawyers, including Google Calendar and QuickBooks, and Xero, which integrates with many law practice management software solutions.

It also integrates with Salesforce.

What you don’t get with free

• More than five users
• Billable rates
• Time estimates
• Sub-projects
• Sharing reports

Bottom line

Toggl offers a ton of integrations, thorough reporting, and multiple timers, making it a great choice.

Conclusion

Okay, so bottom line of the bottom lines is that Toggl is the most robust option on this list, compared to the free versions of the other options.

• If you want an even-more robust timekeeping software solution, and are willing to pay a little bit, upgrade to the paid version of TimeCamp for $7/user/month.
• If your goal is a clear, modern UI without too many add-ons, Timeneye is a safe bet.
• If mobile capability is a must, reviewers suggest AccountSight.
• If you need to manage both your people and your own time, actiTIME handles both for you.
• If you want a free timekeeper that also helps you track where your time goes in general, RescueTime is a great bet.

What great free options did I miss? Let me know in the comments. And to compare other time tracking software, and narrow down your options by feature, check out our time clock software directory.