Overview
FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting and invoicing platform widely used by solo attorneys and micro-firms who want straightforward billing without the complexity of a full legal practice management suite. Its clean interface lets attorneys log time, attach expenses, and send polished invoices in minutes. FreshBooks accepts online payments via credit card and ACH, and its automated payment reminders reduce the difficulty of following up on overdue invoices. While FreshBooks lacks trust accounting features required for IOLTA compliance, many solo practitioners use it alongside a dedicated trust accounting tool like TrustBooks. Its mobile app is highly rated for on-the-go time capture. FreshBooks offers a 30-day free trial and is frequently chosen by attorneys who also run a consulting practice alongside their legal work. FreshBooks' primary limitations for legal practice are the absence of trust accounting, IOLTA compliance, and LEDES billing support. Attorneys who accept client trust funds or bill under legal billing guidelines will need a dedicated legal billing tool alongside FreshBooks. For transactional and consulting attorneys who operate more like freelancers — billing for project work, advisory retainers, or corporate engagements without managing client trust funds — FreshBooks offers a complete billing solution at a lower price point than legal-specific alternatives. Pricing starts at $17/month for the Lite plan, scaling based on active client count.
Key features
Time Tracking
Timer-based and manual time entry with mobile app support. Time entries attach to projects (matters) and clients.
Invoicing
Customizable invoice templates with online payment via credit card or ACH. Automatic payment reminders and recurring invoices.
Expense Management
Log and categorize expenses, attach receipts, and include expenses on client invoices.
Basic Accounting
Income and expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and profit and loss reports. Adequate for simple freelance accounting.
Online Payments
Accept credit card and bank transfer payments through FreshBooks Payments or Stripe integration. Payment links on invoices.
Client Portal
Clients view invoices and make payments through a simple portal. Not designed for legal matter communication.
Pros and cons
Pros
- $19/month starting price is among the most affordable invoicing tools with time tracking
- Clean, non-intimidating interface designed for non-accountants
- Mobile app with time tracking and expense capture for on-the-go billing
- Connects to hundreds of apps including QuickBooks, Stripe, and PayPal
- Good for freelance attorneys and contract lawyers who invoice project-based work
Cons
- No IOLTA trust accounting — not compliant for attorneys who must maintain client trust accounts
- No LEDES billing — not suitable for insurance defense or corporate billing
- Not legal-specific — no matter management, client portal, or case management
- Attorneys using FreshBooks for client trust funds risk bar complaints and malpractice exposure
- A purpose-built legal billing tool (Bill4Time at $27) adds trust accounting for only $10/month more
Pricing
30-day free trial — no credit card required.
Pricing current as of May 2026; verify with vendor before purchasing.
Who it's best for
Best fit for
- Freelance attorneys and contract lawyers who do not handle client trust funds
- Legal consultants billing project-based work without legal compliance billing requirements
- Solo attorneys in jurisdictions where trust accounting is not required for their practice type
Not a fit for
- Any attorney who handles client trust funds — IOLTA compliance requires legal billing software (use Bill4Time or MyCase)
- Insurance defense or corporate billing requiring LEDES format
- Law firms with multiple attorneys who need shared billing and AR management
Frequently asked questions
Only if they do not handle client trust funds. Attorneys who must maintain IOLTA accounts need legal billing software with trust accounting (Bill4Time, TimeSolv, Clio Manage). Using FreshBooks for a trust account can result in bar complaints.
FreshBooks starts at $19/month for the Lite plan (up to 5 clients), or $17/month billed annually. Plus is $38/month ($30 annual, up to 50 clients). Premium is $65/month ($54 annual, unlimited clients). Select plan has custom pricing and includes 2 users. Additional users cost $11/person/month on any plan. A 30-day free trial is available.
Freelance attorneys, contract lawyers, and legal consultants who do not handle client trust funds and primarily need time tracking and invoicing for project-based work.
No. FreshBooks has no IOLTA trust accounting functionality. Attorneys required to maintain client trust accounts must use dedicated legal billing software.
Bill4Time ($27/user/month) adds IOLTA trust accounting, LEDES billing, and legal-specific billing workflows. For attorneys who need any of those features, Bill4Time is the appropriate choice.
No. FreshBooks is a general-purpose invoicing and accounting tool designed for small businesses, not law firms. It does not support IOLTA trust accounts, three-way reconciliation, or state bar compliance requirements. Law firms with client trust obligations should use a legal-specific billing tool instead.