Quick Overview
- 1#1: Gusto - Gusto delivers automated payroll, benefits administration, and HR tools tailored for small businesses like law firms with seamless compliance and integrations.
- 2#2: QuickBooks Payroll - QuickBooks Payroll integrates payroll processing with accounting software, ideal for law firms tracking billable hours and expenses.
- 3#3: ADP RUN - ADP RUN provides scalable payroll solutions with tax compliance and time tracking for growing law firms.
- 4#4: Paychex Flex - Paychex Flex offers comprehensive payroll, HR, and benefits management with strong multi-state support for legal practices.
- 5#5: Rippling - Rippling unifies payroll, HR, IT, and finance in one platform with automated compliance for professional services firms.
- 6#6: Paylocity - Paylocity streamlines payroll, time tracking, and employee self-service for mid-sized law firms with robust reporting.
- 7#7: OnPay - OnPay provides affordable, full-service payroll with unlimited payroll runs and expert support for small law offices.
- 8#8: BambooHR - BambooHR combines HR management and payroll with performance tracking suitable for law firms focused on talent retention.
- 9#9: Patriot Software - Patriot Software offers simple, low-cost payroll with in-house support and multi-state filing for small legal teams.
- 10#10: SurePayroll - SurePayroll by Paychex delivers straightforward payroll processing with direct deposit and tax filing for solo practitioners and small firms.
These tools were selected based on their ability to deliver features like automated compliance, integration with legal workflows, user-friendly design, and scalable value, ensuring they meet the rigorous standards of legal practice management.
Comparison Table
Navigating payroll software for law firms? This comparison table details tools like Gusto, QuickBooks Payroll, ADP RUN, Paychex Flex, Rippling, and more, clarifying features, pricing, and integration fit. Readers will discover which solution aligns with their firm’s size and operational needs, streamlining the selection process.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gusto Gusto delivers automated payroll, benefits administration, and HR tools tailored for small businesses like law firms with seamless compliance and integrations. | enterprise | 9.5/10 | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | QuickBooks Payroll QuickBooks Payroll integrates payroll processing with accounting software, ideal for law firms tracking billable hours and expenses. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 3 | ADP RUN ADP RUN provides scalable payroll solutions with tax compliance and time tracking for growing law firms. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 4 | Paychex Flex Paychex Flex offers comprehensive payroll, HR, and benefits management with strong multi-state support for legal practices. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 5 | Rippling Rippling unifies payroll, HR, IT, and finance in one platform with automated compliance for professional services firms. | enterprise | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | Paylocity Paylocity streamlines payroll, time tracking, and employee self-service for mid-sized law firms with robust reporting. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 7 | OnPay OnPay provides affordable, full-service payroll with unlimited payroll runs and expert support for small law offices. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 8 | BambooHR BambooHR combines HR management and payroll with performance tracking suitable for law firms focused on talent retention. | enterprise | 7.3/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 9 | Patriot Software Patriot Software offers simple, low-cost payroll with in-house support and multi-state filing for small legal teams. | enterprise | 7.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 10 | SurePayroll SurePayroll by Paychex delivers straightforward payroll processing with direct deposit and tax filing for solo practitioners and small firms. | enterprise | 7.1/10 | 6.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 |
Gusto delivers automated payroll, benefits administration, and HR tools tailored for small businesses like law firms with seamless compliance and integrations.
QuickBooks Payroll integrates payroll processing with accounting software, ideal for law firms tracking billable hours and expenses.
ADP RUN provides scalable payroll solutions with tax compliance and time tracking for growing law firms.
Paychex Flex offers comprehensive payroll, HR, and benefits management with strong multi-state support for legal practices.
Rippling unifies payroll, HR, IT, and finance in one platform with automated compliance for professional services firms.
Paylocity streamlines payroll, time tracking, and employee self-service for mid-sized law firms with robust reporting.
OnPay provides affordable, full-service payroll with unlimited payroll runs and expert support for small law offices.
BambooHR combines HR management and payroll with performance tracking suitable for law firms focused on talent retention.
Patriot Software offers simple, low-cost payroll with in-house support and multi-state filing for small legal teams.
SurePayroll by Paychex delivers straightforward payroll processing with direct deposit and tax filing for solo practitioners and small firms.
Gusto
enterpriseGusto delivers automated payroll, benefits administration, and HR tools tailored for small businesses like law firms with seamless compliance and integrations.
Full-service payroll where Gusto automatically files and pays federal, state, and local taxes on behalf of the firm
Gusto is an all-in-one payroll and HR platform tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, including law firms, offering automated payroll processing, tax filing, and compliance management. It handles employee payments, benefits administration, time tracking, and contractor 1099 filings, with integrations for accounting tools like QuickBooks and Clio commonly used in legal practices. For law firms, it simplifies multi-state payroll, bonus structures for partners, and ACA reporting while ensuring regulatory compliance.
Pros
- Automated full-service payroll with tax calculations, filings, and payments handled by Gusto
- Seamless integrations with law firm tools like Clio, QuickBooks, and time-tracking software
- User-friendly interface with employee self-service portal and mobile app for easy access
Cons
- Per-employee pricing can become expensive for larger law firms with 50+ staff
- Lacks deep customization for complex legal-specific payroll like contingency fee splits
- Occasional delays in customer support during tax season peaks
Best For
Small to mid-sized law firms needing a compliant, scalable payroll solution that integrates with practice management software without requiring in-house expertise.
Pricing
Simple ($40 base + $6/person/month), Plus ($80 + $12/person), Premium (custom quote); contractor-only option at $35 base + $6/contractor.
QuickBooks Payroll
enterpriseQuickBooks Payroll integrates payroll processing with accounting software, ideal for law firms tracking billable hours and expenses.
Automatic payroll journal entry syncing to QuickBooks books, eliminating manual accounting reconciliation.
QuickBooks Payroll, from Intuit, is a robust payroll management solution tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, including law firms, offering automated payroll processing, tax calculations, and direct deposits. It excels in seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting software, automatically syncing payroll expenses, liabilities, and employee data to maintain accurate financial records. Additional features include employee self-service portals for payslip access, time tracking integration for billable hours, and compliance tools for federal, state, and local tax filings, making it efficient for managing attorney, paralegal, and support staff compensation.
Pros
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting for automatic ledger updates
- Automated tax filing and payments with guaranteed accuracy
- Intuitive interface and mobile app for easy payroll runs and employee management
Cons
- Higher costs for larger teams due to per-employee pricing
- Lacks deep legal industry-specific features like advanced trust account handling
- Best suited within the QuickBooks ecosystem, limiting flexibility for non-users
Best For
Small to mid-sized law firms already using QuickBooks accounting that need reliable, integrated payroll with strong automation and compliance tools.
Pricing
Core plan starts at $50/month + $6/employee; Premium at $80/month + $9/employee; Elite at $125/month + $11/employee (requires separate QuickBooks subscription).
ADP RUN
enterpriseADP RUN provides scalable payroll solutions with tax compliance and time tracking for growing law firms.
Expert-assisted payroll guarantee with 100% accuracy for tax filings and compliance specific to professional services industries
ADP RUN is a robust payroll and HR platform from ADP tailored for small to mid-sized businesses, including law firms, offering automated payroll processing, tax filing, and compliance management. It supports essential needs like W-2 and 1099 handling, multi-state payroll, and integration with time-tracking tools crucial for billable hours in legal practices. Additional features include employee self-service portals, benefits administration, and analytics for workforce management.
Pros
- Comprehensive tax compliance and automated filings across multiple states
- Seamless integrations with accounting and time-tracking software like QuickBooks and Clio
- Scalable HR tools including onboarding and performance management
Cons
- Higher pricing that may strain very small law firms
- Steeper learning curve for initial setup and customization
- Occasional reports of slower customer support response times
Best For
Mid-sized law firms with multiple locations or complex payroll needs requiring strong compliance and scalability.
Pricing
Starts at $59/month + $4/employee for Essential plan; scales to $148/month + $11/employee for Complete plan with full HR features.
Paychex Flex
enterprisePaychex Flex offers comprehensive payroll, HR, and benefits management with strong multi-state support for legal practices.
Advanced automated tax compliance and filing across all 50 states plus federal requirements
Paychex Flex is a robust cloud-based payroll and HR platform that automates payroll processing, tax filings, benefits administration, and time tracking for businesses including law firms. It handles complex payroll needs like multi-state compliance, salaried professionals, bonuses, and 1099 contractor payments essential for legal practices. The solution integrates with popular accounting and time-tracking tools, offering scalable features for growing firms while ensuring regulatory adherence.
Pros
- Comprehensive compliance and multi-state tax filing automation
- Scalable HR tools including benefits and onboarding
- Reliable integration with QuickBooks and time-tracking software
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small law firms under 50 employees
- Initial setup and customization require support assistance
- Lacks deep specialization in legal-specific payroll like contingency fee tracking
Best For
Mid-sized law firms with multi-state operations needing an all-in-one payroll and HR solution with strong compliance.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; typically starts at $80-$100 base fee per month plus $4-$6 per employee per pay period, with add-ons for HR and benefits.
Rippling
enterpriseRippling unifies payroll, HR, IT, and finance in one platform with automated compliance for professional services firms.
Everything-connected platform that syncs payroll data across HR, IT, and finance in real-time
Rippling is an all-in-one HR, payroll, IT, and finance platform that automates employee management from onboarding to offboarding. For law firms, it handles complex payroll needs like multi-state compliance, salaried partners, hourly associates, and contractor payments with automated tax filings and deductions. It integrates payroll seamlessly with HR tools, benefits, and device management, reducing administrative burdens in legal practices.
Pros
- Unified platform integrates HR, payroll, IT, and finance for streamlined operations
- Robust multi-state and global payroll compliance with automation
- Scalable for growing law firms with diverse employee structures
Cons
- Lacks law firm-specific features like IOLTA trust accounting integration
- Higher pricing can be steep for small firms with under 50 employees
- Initial setup and learning curve due to extensive customization options
Best For
Mid-sized law firms seeking a scalable, integrated payroll and HR solution without niche legal customizations.
Pricing
Starts at $8 per employee/month for core payroll/HR, plus add-ons for IT/finance; custom enterprise pricing available.
Paylocity
enterprisePaylocity streamlines payroll, time tracking, and employee self-service for mid-sized law firms with robust reporting.
Award-winning mobile-first platform for seamless payroll approvals and employee engagement
Paylocity is a comprehensive cloud-based HCM platform that delivers robust payroll processing, including support for complex pay structures like bonuses and commissions common in law firms. It integrates time and attendance tracking with payroll to handle billable hours and overtime accurately, while ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations. Beyond payroll, it offers HR management, benefits administration, and analytics dashboards tailored for professional services firms.
Pros
- Intuitive mobile app for employee self-service and time tracking
- Automated payroll compliance and real-time reporting
- Strong integrations with popular time-tracking and accounting tools
Cons
- Pricing can be steep for small law firms
- Less specialized for legal-specific needs like trust accounting
- Initial setup and customization may require IT support
Best For
Mid-sized law firms needing an all-in-one payroll and HR solution with excellent mobile accessibility.
Pricing
Custom quote-based; typically starts at $20-30 per employee/month plus implementation fees.
OnPay
enterpriseOnPay provides affordable, full-service payroll with unlimited payroll runs and expert support for small law offices.
Unlimited payroll runs with expert tax filing support and accuracy guarantee
OnPay is a user-friendly payroll platform tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, including law firms, providing automated payroll processing, federal and state tax filings, and benefits administration. It supports unlimited payroll runs, handles W-2 employees and 1099 contractors prevalent in legal practices, and offers multi-state payroll compliance. While not law firm-specific, it integrates with accounting tools like QuickBooks to streamline financial workflows for solo practitioners and small firms.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with unlimited payroll runs and no hidden fees
- Excellent customer support with live experts and 100% accuracy guarantee
- Seamless handling of taxes, garnishments, and multi-state payroll
Cons
- Limited integrations with law firm management software like Clio or PracticePanther
- No built-in time tracking, requiring third-party apps
- Basic reporting lacks advanced analytics for legal billing reconciliation
Best For
Small to mid-sized law firms seeking cost-effective, reliable payroll without complex HR needs.
Pricing
Starts at $40/month base + $6 per active employee; includes unlimited runs, tax filings, and year-end forms.
BambooHR
enterpriseBambooHR combines HR management and payroll with performance tracking suitable for law firms focused on talent retention.
Employee self-service portal for time-off requests, payslip access, and profile updates, minimizing HR admin for busy law firm teams
BambooHR is a cloud-based HR management platform with integrated payroll functionality tailored for small to medium-sized businesses, including law firms seeking streamlined employee compensation processing. It handles payroll runs, tax filings, direct deposits, and time tracking while syncing with core HR data for accuracy. For law firms, it supports basic salaried and hourly pay but lacks specialized features like billable hour billing or partner draw calculations.
Pros
- Intuitive, modern interface with mobile app for easy access
- Seamless HR-payroll integration reduces data entry errors
- Automated compliance features like tax calculations and filings for US payroll
Cons
- US-only payroll with no international support
- Lacks law firm-specific tools like contingency fee handling or advanced time-to-bill integrations
- Reporting customization requires add-ons or exports for complex legal needs
Best For
Small to mid-sized law firms prioritizing ease of use and all-in-one HR-payroll over industry-specific legal payroll customizations.
Pricing
Custom quote-based pricing; core HR starts at ~$6-12/employee/month, payroll add-on ~$4-6/employee/month (US only).
Patriot Software
enterprisePatriot Software offers simple, low-cost payroll with in-house support and multi-state filing for small legal teams.
Payroll Guarantee: Ensures 100% on-time, accurate payroll and tax filing, or it's free for that period.
Patriot Software offers affordable, cloud-based payroll solutions tailored for small businesses, including automated payroll processing, tax filing, direct deposit, and basic HR tools like new hire reporting and employee self-service. For law firms, it reliably handles standard payroll tasks such as W-2 and 1099 processing, multi-state compliance, and garnishments, but lacks specialized features for legal billing integration or attorney-specific compensation structures. Overall, it's a straightforward option for firms prioritizing simplicity over advanced industry customization.
Pros
- Highly affordable pricing for small teams
- Excellent in-house customer support with quick response times
- Simple interface ideal for non-HR experts
Cons
- No native integrations with popular law firm software like Clio or MyCase
- Limited advanced reporting for legal-specific payroll needs
- Basic HR module lacks robust time-off tracking for professional services
Best For
Small law firms with 1-50 employees seeking simple, cost-effective payroll without complex industry-specific requirements.
Pricing
Basic Payroll: $17 base + $4/employee/month; Full Service Payroll: $37 base + $4/employee/month; add-ons like HR extra.
SurePayroll
enterpriseSurePayroll by Paychex delivers straightforward payroll processing with direct deposit and tax filing for solo practitioners and small firms.
Payroll Completion Guarantee: Pays for penalties if payroll isn't processed on time due to their error
SurePayroll is a cloud-based payroll solution from Paychex designed primarily for small businesses, offering automated payroll processing, tax calculations, filings, and direct deposit in just minutes. It includes employee self-service portals for payslips and PTO tracking, multi-state payroll support, and integration with QuickBooks. While reliable for basic needs, it lacks specialized features for law firms such as integrations with legal practice management tools like Clio or advanced handling of billable hours and contingency fees.
Pros
- Intuitive interface with quick payroll runs in under 5 minutes
- Affordable pay-as-you-go pricing with no long-term contracts
- Automated federal, state, and local tax filing with accuracy guarantees
Cons
- No native integrations with law firm software like Clio or MyCase
- Limited support for complex legal compensation structures like bonuses tied to cases
- Basic reporting lacks depth for compliance-heavy legal environments
Best For
Small law firms with 1-50 employees needing simple, straightforward payroll without industry-specific customizations.
Pricing
Pay-as-you-go starts at $19.99/month + $4.99/employee/pay period; full-service plans add ~$10-20/month for guaranteed tax filing.
Conclusion
Among the reviewed tools, Gusto emerges as the top choice, excelling in automated payroll, benefits, and HR tailored to small law firms. QuickBooks Payroll follows, ideal for integrating payroll with accounting software to track billable hours, while ADP RUN secures third, offering scalable solutions with tax compliance for growing firms. Each tool addresses distinct needs, but Gusto’s blend of simplicity and compliance makes it the best overall.
Don’t miss out—try Gusto to experience streamlined payroll processing, seamless integrations, and expert support designed to elevate your law firm’s operations.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
