Picking the right litigation support service software to run your company is a bit like getting married—you really want to be sure.
So, how to choose the right system? There are many factors to consider: cost, platform features, and geographic coverage, among other things. You may want to do some research on how to compare software products.
We’d like to help you narrow your choice by digging into the differences between LegalConnect and another established platform: TriStar Software.
Comparing TriStar and LegalConnect at a Glance
| TriStar Software | LegalConnect | |
| Services/Qualifications | ||
| Certified EFSP | ✅ | ✅ |
| Multistate eFiling | ❌ (most CA counties only) | ✅ (CA, TX, IN, IL, MD) |
| eService | ✅ | ✅ |
| Nationwide Process Serving | ✅ | ✅ |
| Physical Services | ✅ | ✅ |
| Private Investigation | ✅ | ❌ |
| Platform Features | ||
| Customer Account Sign-Up Tool | ✅ | ✅ |
| Customer Portal | ✅ | ✅ |
| Operations Portal | ✅ | ✅ |
| Vendor Portal | ❌ | ✅ |
| Mobile App | ✅ | ✅ |
| Analytics and Reporting | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tech Integrations | ❌ | ✅ |
| Custom Programming | ✅ | ❌ |
| Security | ||
| SOC 2 Compliant | ❌ | ✅ |
| Finances | ||
| Payment Gateway Integration | ✅ | ✅ |
| QuickBooks Integration | ❌ | ✅ |
| Payment Preauthorization | ❌ | ✅ |
| Customer Support | ||
| Dedicated Team | ❌ | ✅ |
| Business Growth Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| Online Support Resources | ✅ | ✅ |
| Cost | ||
| Starts at $250 a month, plus $30 per user | $100 per month, $25 eFiling per state | |
A Closer Look
A comparison chart is useful…to a point. To make the best decision for your litigation support company, you need to look at the details. For example, everyone says they have customer support, but what does that mean exactly?
Let’s take a closer look at some of these features and services.
Customer Support
LegalConnect has a dedicated Partner Success team available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific time (and often after hours for urgent matters). We have demo videos, up-to-date guides and explainers, and webinars on how to grow your business.
LegalConnect has its roots in filing and serving; the software was developed exclusively for litigation support service providers by an attorney service. Our customer support folks not only know the system inside and out, but also the industry—court rules, process serving requirements, and the latest developments in the law.
What’s more, we act as your strategic partner. We offer one-on-one guidance, webinars, and online articles to help you operate and grow your business.
TriStar support is available 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific time. They have several recent demo videos available online. They are first and foremost a software company—you’re going to get sharp technical minds who know the software well, but their understanding of the legal support service industry may not be as deep.
Multistate eFiling
If you eFile with multiple states or plan to in the future, LegalConnect has got you. We’re currently certified to file in California, Texas, Illinois, Indiana, and Maryland, and we’re working on the other 45.
TriStar is certified to eFile in every county in California except San Francisco.
Custom Programming
LegalConnect is a turnkey system. Setup time is modest, and customization is limited. You can brand your portal by choosing colors and adding your logo, and you can set prices and other details. Our software was designed by litigation support service professionals; we’re confident that it will support your business in delivering superior service to your clients.
The upside of a turnkey system is a predictable monthly fee. TriStar can build a system to your specifications, but it’s going to cost you.
Payment Preauthorization
LegalConnect is designed to help our partners modernize their finances. One of the best ways to do that is to move away from the traditional net-30 terms. With the coming of e-commerce, getting paid at the time of transaction is the standard. For instance, you wouldn’t buy a book from Amazon then expect to get a bill. Your business is no different.
LegalConnect enables you to preauthorize payment with a credit or debit card so that you can process payments automatically and daily if you choose. This change can improve your cash flow overnight. But you still have the flexibility to create terms for your clients or to set payment frequency to weekly, semi-monthly, monthly, or manually.
TriStar doesn’t allow payment preauthorizations, although customers can prepay.
Tech Integrations
One of the reasons you’re probably shopping for process serving and litigation support service software is that you need to deliver the services your clients are demanding. Tech integrations let you do just that.
LegalConnect integrates with the apps your clients are using, like Clio, NetDocuments, and iManage. Your customers automatically receive court-stamped files and billing data back into their systems for a faster, safer, more organized workflow, and that adds up to happier clients.
LegalConnect also integrates with QuickBooks and Stripe, the accounting software and payment processor you either rely on already or are aware of as best in class.
TriStar can do custom APIs, but they don’t offer the tech integrations we do. They do offer an accounting program as part of their platform.
Network of Fulfillment Partners
LegalConnect gives you AffiliateConnect™, our network of fulfillment partners. This is your command center to easily receive, manage, and update orders in real time with other LegalConnect partner affiliates. With this resource, you can expand your service offerings, reducing the need for your customers to go anywhere else.
Analytics and Reports
Being able to view and analyze data about your and your customers’ performance is a powerful tool. LegalConnect gives you robust reporting capabilities. You can run reports that give you insights into orders, users, invoices, court eFiling turnaround times, staff utilization, and more. Make sure whatever system you choose offers this capability.
Cost
For a flat, monthly fee, you get a turnkey solution, setup, training, and elite customer support. You can add eFiling by state for a modest monthly fee. If you’re handling large orders, our Platform and eFiling APIs can be added for an additional cost.
While transaction costs might be a little higher than you’re used to paying, you’ll be delivering a superior experience to your customers, so passing on some of the cost is a reasonable step.
To Sum It Up
Tristar may be a better fit if:
- You do process serving only.
- You need investigation services.
- You want custom programming and are willing to pay more for it.
LegalConnect may be a better fit if:
- You’re eFiling in multiple states or want to in the future.
- You want the ease and affordability of a turnkey system.
- You’re ready to move away from terms and start improving cash flow.
- You want robust customer support that includes support for business growth.
Ready to compare for yourself? Get in touch. We’ll be happy to set up a demo or answer any questions.