Real estate attorneys need secure closing software to streamline transactions and protect clients. Learn how to select the right product for your business.
Real estate attorneys need secure closing software to streamline transactions and protect clients. Learn how to select the right product for your business.
Matt Kilmartin
6 minutes
Real Estate
Jul 12, 2022
Jun 13, 2025
As a real estate attorney, you face unique challenges that title companies don't.
Your Bar membership holds you to higher ethical standards, your small team manages multiple responsibilities, and your professional reputation depends on maintaining attorney-client privilege throughout complex transactions.
And unlike title companies, you need systems where all documents and communications funnel through you first, maintaining your critical role as trusted advisor.
In 2024, the FBI Internet Crimes Complaint Center (IC3) reported $12.5 billion in cyber-crime losses, with real estate wire fraud accounting for $500 million of that total.
Attorneys are increasingly targeted because fraudsters know it's easier to impersonate parties in transactions involving distant buyers or complex ownership structures—precisely the high-risk situations where phone or email verification alone falls short.
It can be difficult to keep up with the latest technology while maintaining your ethical obligations and managing your practice.
Yet falling behind on security protocols can expose you to malpractice claims and Bar complaints.
To protect your clients' assets—and your professional reputation—you need closing software designed with legal practice in mind.
Let's explore the features that matter most for attorneys and the solutions that address your specific needs.
Real estate attorneys need efficient software to manage documents, ensure compliance, and prevent errors in closing transactions.
The right platform can deliver benefits tailored to legal practice:
With so many options, it can be difficult to determine which real estate closing software is right for your business.
Most products sell you on their host of features while neglecting to explain how these features will affect your business’s security and efficiency.
Whether you have an inkling of how to enhance your operations or you just don’t know where to start, here are some key features that you should be looking for when assessing real estate closing software.
Each platform that you select should empower you to create and implement the workflows you and your team need to thrive.
Unlike title companies, attorneys need systems where all client communications and document exchanges funnel through proper legal review channels first.
Look for software that allows you to implement approval steps before documents are released to other parties, ensuring you maintain control of the closing process.
With new custom workflows in place, your team will also get quick access to necessary forms via a digital document library.
Automating field entries based on existing information will also reduce the risk of making mistakes on paperwork. When closing is complete, your team can generate the complete, organized final versions of all documents with just a few clicks.
To comply with real estate best practices, the software you select should also comply with the Bar Association and ALTA best practices, with audit trails that can protect you in case of disputes or complaints.
Track your organization’s larger portfolio of work using software that lets you create different project views. Compare your team’s projects and tasks against milestones, and gain greater insight into your team’s resources.
Home purchases represent some of the largest transactions your clients will make in their lifetimes. They expect you to protect their data, privacy, and life savings—especially given the risk of wire fraud and data breaches.
Select a platform that meets industry standards for security and compliance, ideally with the ability to create and manage multiple user permission levels based on job role, and tech support for security updates.
Attorneys need tools to track billable hours, ensuring profitability in every case. Great software can automatically generate invoices and track payments, reducing need for accounting support.
To collaborate with title companies and lenders, look for tools that include escrow accounting, disbursement tracking, and reconciliation.
Finally, the closing software that you choose should offer transparent pricing without hidden fees. Some software is available for purchase by flat-fee, while others charge per-transaction.
Choose a pricing model that is best for your company size and transaction volume.
Real estate closing software is also different from title production software.
Closing software (or settlement software) manages the logistics of the closing process, including timelines, documents, escrow funds, and transaction communications.
Title production software, on the other hand, handles the behind-the-scenes work around title searches and insurance policy creation.
For attorneys, this distinction matters because your role often requires oversight of both processes, with particular attention to the legal implications of title exceptions and requirements.
Now, take a look at the comparison of best closing software for law practices.
Overview: SoftPro is a comprehensive title and escrow production software for attorneys and title companies.
Target audience: Best for law firms handling high transaction volumes.
G2 reviews: 10 SoftPro Reviews — 4.1 out of 5 stars
"Accuracy Speed And Control Improver Over Every Phase Of Your Process"
What do you like best about SoftPro?
What do you dislike about SoftPro?
Features:
CertifID integration: ✔ Yes (secure wire fraud protection). Now, you can also use CertifID’s PayoffProtect within SoftPro.
Pricing: Higher-end pricing—best for firms that handle frequent closings.
Overview: LEAP is a cloud-based legal practice management system with real estate law tools.
Target audience: Small and mid-sized law firms needing general legal software.
G2 reviews: 35 LEAP Reviews — 3.6 out of 5 stars
"Leap and Aneta K. have been invaluable."
What do you like best about LEAP?
“The attention that my dedicated support staff has offered when we are all really learning this for the first time.
The system itself may take getting used to but everything is there to use.”
What do you dislike about LEAP?
“Split billing is not easy and the system is not designed for it. Additionally, there are a million reports that tell me all I need but I sometimes need a singular dashboard report that would be quick access to the data.”
Features:
Pricing: Subscription-based model—affordable for small firms but can get expensive for multiple users.
Overview: Smokeball is a practice management platform for small law firms, with real estate closing features.
Target audience: Small law offices needing automated closing solutions.
G2 reviews: 322 Smokeball Reviews – 4.8 out of 5 stars
"Gamechanger for my practice!"
What do you like best about Smokeball?
What do you dislike about Smokeball?
"Not many downsides I can think of. Certainly, nothing that makes me regret getting SB. I wish there was a little more access to reps, but that is how it goes with most services providers. That said, the rep are fantastic and work hard to satisfy your needs."
Features:
Pricing: Tiered pricing—affordable for solo attorneys.
Overview: Easysoft is a cost-effective closing software designed for real estate attorneys.
Target audience: Solo practitioners and small firms.
Features:
Pricing: $69/user/month, making it one of the most affordable options.
Overview: SnapClose is a real estate closing platform for attorneys and title agents.
Target audience: Law firms handling high transaction volumes.
G2 reviews: 1 SnapClose Pro Reviews — 3.5 out of 5
What do you like best about SnapClose Pro?
“Snapclose is an excellent program that organizes all files in a very user-friendly manner. It has a tremendous amount of functionality, from generating and storing documents/covers to managing the accounting for escrow accounts.
I love the accounting functionality as I can easily see my file balances and can do most escrow-related tasks, including cutting checks directly from this software.
You can also assign sales agents and run commission reports directly from Snapclose. It manages sales tax, remits, and more.”
What do you dislike about SnapClose Pro?
Customization is limited. Adding anything new or creating new reports has to be done by the Snapclose customer support team. They are, however, extremely responsive.
Features:
Pricing: Not publicly available—requires direct inquiry.
Overview: Caret Legal is a comprehensive legal practice management system with real estate-specific tools.
Target audience: Law firms that need all-in-one legal management.
G2 reviews: 166 CARET Legal Reviews — 4.5 out of 5
"i've offered to go on tour for them to tell everyone how great it is!!"
What do you like best about CARET Legal?
“I've tried a half dozen of these and Caret/Zola is the best one I've found so far. The integration of tasks, email, time, accounting together into the matters is perfect.
It's not the most robust solution, but that means that it's way easier to use than those more complex options (and the price is much lower also).
The bigger names cost more, have a much steeper learning curve, and still you end up only using a fraction of the available features because you don't need them. So far I haven't found anything I need to do that caret/zola don't cover.”
What do you dislike about CARET Legal?
My only disappointment with them is the lack of full mac integration. Since the system is primarily web-based this isn't more than a minor issue, but the optional add-ins for MS Office products don't play well with Mac.
Features:
Pricing: Various pricing tiers depending on features. Not publicly available—requires direct inquiry.
Overview: Clio is a popular legal practice management platform used across multiple areas, including real estate law.
Target audience: Firms that need case management alongside real estate transactions.
G2 reviews: 643 Clio Reviews — 4.6 out of 5
What do you like best about Clio?
Clio (primarily Clio Manage) is our practice management software. It is our central digital platform and life support.
We use Clio every day, it's easy to introduce in onboarding and easy to update as our processes change—though robust enough to support our needs. The Clio support team is consistently the best customer support (always very helpful and friendly) I have experienced.
What do you dislike about Clio?
Clio is very customizable, but it's not a platform where you can cherry-pick everything you want (like we see with Salesforce).
If you need something that falls outside of the parameters of the platform, Clio does not offer custom solutions (at the time of writing this). If you need a specific feature implemented or a specialized report (outside of what is offered from the website), you'll need to find a third party solution.
Clio does compile a list of feature requests, but this is obviously not an immediate solution. These are not bad things, I can't expect one company to answer all my problems. Clio will guide you towards partnered third-party solutions if you ask.
Features:
Pricing: Subscription model—pricing depends on the plan. Ranges from $39/user/mo to $139/user/mo. Mid-sized and large firms are encouraged to contact for custom quotes.
The right technology streamlines your operations while upholding your ethical obligations.
Based on our analysis, SoftPro offers the most robust solution for attorneys, with strong document control features that support your oversight requirements.
For complete protection, pair your closing software with wire fraud prevention.
CertifID integrates with SoftPro, providing attorney-grade identity verification. Plus, CertifID customers are covered with up to $5M in direct insurance per file, covering all payments and wires verified using CertifID software—giving you and your clients peace of mind even for high-risk closings.
Want to learn more about how CertifID can integrate with your real estate closing software?
VP of Sales
Matt has over a decade of experience bringing disruptive Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions to market in the automotive, MarTech, and real estate industries. He excels in high-growth tech companies with a passion for building and leading sales teams that deliver a memorable, consultative experience to prospective clients.
As a real estate attorney, you face unique challenges that title companies don't.
Your Bar membership holds you to higher ethical standards, your small team manages multiple responsibilities, and your professional reputation depends on maintaining attorney-client privilege throughout complex transactions.
And unlike title companies, you need systems where all documents and communications funnel through you first, maintaining your critical role as trusted advisor.
In 2024, the FBI Internet Crimes Complaint Center (IC3) reported $12.5 billion in cyber-crime losses, with real estate wire fraud accounting for $500 million of that total.
Attorneys are increasingly targeted because fraudsters know it's easier to impersonate parties in transactions involving distant buyers or complex ownership structures—precisely the high-risk situations where phone or email verification alone falls short.
It can be difficult to keep up with the latest technology while maintaining your ethical obligations and managing your practice.
Yet falling behind on security protocols can expose you to malpractice claims and Bar complaints.
To protect your clients' assets—and your professional reputation—you need closing software designed with legal practice in mind.
Let's explore the features that matter most for attorneys and the solutions that address your specific needs.
Real estate attorneys need efficient software to manage documents, ensure compliance, and prevent errors in closing transactions.
The right platform can deliver benefits tailored to legal practice:
With so many options, it can be difficult to determine which real estate closing software is right for your business.
Most products sell you on their host of features while neglecting to explain how these features will affect your business’s security and efficiency.
Whether you have an inkling of how to enhance your operations or you just don’t know where to start, here are some key features that you should be looking for when assessing real estate closing software.
Each platform that you select should empower you to create and implement the workflows you and your team need to thrive.
Unlike title companies, attorneys need systems where all client communications and document exchanges funnel through proper legal review channels first.
Look for software that allows you to implement approval steps before documents are released to other parties, ensuring you maintain control of the closing process.
With new custom workflows in place, your team will also get quick access to necessary forms via a digital document library.
Automating field entries based on existing information will also reduce the risk of making mistakes on paperwork. When closing is complete, your team can generate the complete, organized final versions of all documents with just a few clicks.
To comply with real estate best practices, the software you select should also comply with the Bar Association and ALTA best practices, with audit trails that can protect you in case of disputes or complaints.
Track your organization’s larger portfolio of work using software that lets you create different project views. Compare your team’s projects and tasks against milestones, and gain greater insight into your team’s resources.
Home purchases represent some of the largest transactions your clients will make in their lifetimes. They expect you to protect their data, privacy, and life savings—especially given the risk of wire fraud and data breaches.
Select a platform that meets industry standards for security and compliance, ideally with the ability to create and manage multiple user permission levels based on job role, and tech support for security updates.
Attorneys need tools to track billable hours, ensuring profitability in every case. Great software can automatically generate invoices and track payments, reducing need for accounting support.
To collaborate with title companies and lenders, look for tools that include escrow accounting, disbursement tracking, and reconciliation.
Finally, the closing software that you choose should offer transparent pricing without hidden fees. Some software is available for purchase by flat-fee, while others charge per-transaction.
Choose a pricing model that is best for your company size and transaction volume.
Real estate closing software is also different from title production software.
Closing software (or settlement software) manages the logistics of the closing process, including timelines, documents, escrow funds, and transaction communications.
Title production software, on the other hand, handles the behind-the-scenes work around title searches and insurance policy creation.
For attorneys, this distinction matters because your role often requires oversight of both processes, with particular attention to the legal implications of title exceptions and requirements.
Now, take a look at the comparison of best closing software for law practices.
Overview: SoftPro is a comprehensive title and escrow production software for attorneys and title companies.
Target audience: Best for law firms handling high transaction volumes.
G2 reviews: 10 SoftPro Reviews — 4.1 out of 5 stars
"Accuracy Speed And Control Improver Over Every Phase Of Your Process"
What do you like best about SoftPro?
What do you dislike about SoftPro?
Features:
CertifID integration: ✔ Yes (secure wire fraud protection). Now, you can also use CertifID’s PayoffProtect within SoftPro.
Pricing: Higher-end pricing—best for firms that handle frequent closings.
Overview: LEAP is a cloud-based legal practice management system with real estate law tools.
Target audience: Small and mid-sized law firms needing general legal software.
G2 reviews: 35 LEAP Reviews — 3.6 out of 5 stars
"Leap and Aneta K. have been invaluable."
What do you like best about LEAP?
“The attention that my dedicated support staff has offered when we are all really learning this for the first time.
The system itself may take getting used to but everything is there to use.”
What do you dislike about LEAP?
“Split billing is not easy and the system is not designed for it. Additionally, there are a million reports that tell me all I need but I sometimes need a singular dashboard report that would be quick access to the data.”
Features:
Pricing: Subscription-based model—affordable for small firms but can get expensive for multiple users.
Overview: Smokeball is a practice management platform for small law firms, with real estate closing features.
Target audience: Small law offices needing automated closing solutions.
G2 reviews: 322 Smokeball Reviews – 4.8 out of 5 stars
"Gamechanger for my practice!"
What do you like best about Smokeball?
What do you dislike about Smokeball?
"Not many downsides I can think of. Certainly, nothing that makes me regret getting SB. I wish there was a little more access to reps, but that is how it goes with most services providers. That said, the rep are fantastic and work hard to satisfy your needs."
Features:
Pricing: Tiered pricing—affordable for solo attorneys.
Overview: Easysoft is a cost-effective closing software designed for real estate attorneys.
Target audience: Solo practitioners and small firms.
Features:
Pricing: $69/user/month, making it one of the most affordable options.
Overview: SnapClose is a real estate closing platform for attorneys and title agents.
Target audience: Law firms handling high transaction volumes.
G2 reviews: 1 SnapClose Pro Reviews — 3.5 out of 5
What do you like best about SnapClose Pro?
“Snapclose is an excellent program that organizes all files in a very user-friendly manner. It has a tremendous amount of functionality, from generating and storing documents/covers to managing the accounting for escrow accounts.
I love the accounting functionality as I can easily see my file balances and can do most escrow-related tasks, including cutting checks directly from this software.
You can also assign sales agents and run commission reports directly from Snapclose. It manages sales tax, remits, and more.”
What do you dislike about SnapClose Pro?
Customization is limited. Adding anything new or creating new reports has to be done by the Snapclose customer support team. They are, however, extremely responsive.
Features:
Pricing: Not publicly available—requires direct inquiry.
Overview: Caret Legal is a comprehensive legal practice management system with real estate-specific tools.
Target audience: Law firms that need all-in-one legal management.
G2 reviews: 166 CARET Legal Reviews — 4.5 out of 5
"i've offered to go on tour for them to tell everyone how great it is!!"
What do you like best about CARET Legal?
“I've tried a half dozen of these and Caret/Zola is the best one I've found so far. The integration of tasks, email, time, accounting together into the matters is perfect.
It's not the most robust solution, but that means that it's way easier to use than those more complex options (and the price is much lower also).
The bigger names cost more, have a much steeper learning curve, and still you end up only using a fraction of the available features because you don't need them. So far I haven't found anything I need to do that caret/zola don't cover.”
What do you dislike about CARET Legal?
My only disappointment with them is the lack of full mac integration. Since the system is primarily web-based this isn't more than a minor issue, but the optional add-ins for MS Office products don't play well with Mac.
Features:
Pricing: Various pricing tiers depending on features. Not publicly available—requires direct inquiry.
Overview: Clio is a popular legal practice management platform used across multiple areas, including real estate law.
Target audience: Firms that need case management alongside real estate transactions.
G2 reviews: 643 Clio Reviews — 4.6 out of 5
What do you like best about Clio?
Clio (primarily Clio Manage) is our practice management software. It is our central digital platform and life support.
We use Clio every day, it's easy to introduce in onboarding and easy to update as our processes change—though robust enough to support our needs. The Clio support team is consistently the best customer support (always very helpful and friendly) I have experienced.
What do you dislike about Clio?
Clio is very customizable, but it's not a platform where you can cherry-pick everything you want (like we see with Salesforce).
If you need something that falls outside of the parameters of the platform, Clio does not offer custom solutions (at the time of writing this). If you need a specific feature implemented or a specialized report (outside of what is offered from the website), you'll need to find a third party solution.
Clio does compile a list of feature requests, but this is obviously not an immediate solution. These are not bad things, I can't expect one company to answer all my problems. Clio will guide you towards partnered third-party solutions if you ask.
Features:
Pricing: Subscription model—pricing depends on the plan. Ranges from $39/user/mo to $139/user/mo. Mid-sized and large firms are encouraged to contact for custom quotes.
The right technology streamlines your operations while upholding your ethical obligations.
Based on our analysis, SoftPro offers the most robust solution for attorneys, with strong document control features that support your oversight requirements.
For complete protection, pair your closing software with wire fraud prevention.
CertifID integrates with SoftPro, providing attorney-grade identity verification. Plus, CertifID customers are covered with up to $5M in direct insurance per file, covering all payments and wires verified using CertifID software—giving you and your clients peace of mind even for high-risk closings.
Want to learn more about how CertifID can integrate with your real estate closing software?
VP of Sales
Matt has over a decade of experience bringing disruptive Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions to market in the automotive, MarTech, and real estate industries. He excels in high-growth tech companies with a passion for building and leading sales teams that deliver a memorable, consultative experience to prospective clients.