What is the best answering service for lawyers? 7 options lawyers should consider

Every minute you spend answering routine phone calls is a minute you're not billing. For most attorneys, that adds up fast. The average lawyer logs just 2.3 billable hours per day, with phone interruptions and administrative tasks eating up the rest. Meanwhile, hiring an in-house receptionist costs $35,000 to $50,000 annually before you factor in benefits, training, and the reality that they can't answer calls at 2 AM when someone gets arrested.

A legal answering service solves this problem. These services provide trained professionals (or increasingly, sophisticated AI) to answer your firm's calls 24/7, handle client intake, schedule appointments, and ensure you never miss a potential case, all for a fraction of what you'd pay a full-time employee.

But with dozens of providers on the market, how do you choose the right one?

We examined seven of the top legal answering services on the market, comparing their pricing, features, and legal-specific capabilities. Whether you're a solo practitioner looking for an affordable solution or a growing firm that needs robust intake support, this guide will help you find the right answering service fit.

Here's everything you need to know to make the right decision for your practice.

Quick comparison: Best legal answering services at a glance

Our top picks for legal answering services

1. Upfirst – Best overall for law firms and solo attorneys

Why it stands out: Upfirst takes a refreshingly simple approach to legal answering services. While other providers bury you in complex pricing tiers and add-on fees, Upfirst keeps things straightforward: affordable plans, easy setup, and a system that just works.

For solo practitioners and small firms, this simplicity matters. You don't have time to spend hours configuring a complicated system or worrying about per-minute overages. Upfirst gets you up and running in minutes, not weeks, with an AI-powered virtual receptionist that answers calls professionally, captures intake information, and sends you summaries instantly via text and email.

The pricing is what really turns heads. Starting at $24.95 per month, Upfirst costs a fraction of what traditional answering services charge. For solo attorneys who previously couldn't justify spending $300 or more per month on call answering, Upfirst opens the door to professional intake without the financial strain.

The AI can be trained specifically for legal calls. It knows how to gather case details, ask qualifying questions based on your practice area, and capture what you need to evaluate potential clients. You can customize intake questions to match your firm's process, and sync Google, Outlook, and Clio calendars for easy appointment scheduling.

Key Features:

• AI-powered 24/7/365 call answering
• Simple setup process
• Custom intake questions by practice area
• Instant call summaries via SMS and email
• Calendar integration for appointment scheduling
• Lead qualification based on your criteria
• Predictable monthly pricing with no per-minute fees

Pricing: Starts at $24.95/month for 30 calls with scalable plans based on your needs.

Pros:

• Most affordable option on the market
• Extremely easy to set up and use
• No surprise fees or per-minute billing anxiety
• Consistent quality on every call
• Scales with your firm as you grow

Cons:

• AI-first approach may not suit firms wanting exclusively human interaction
• Newer company compared to legacy providers

Best For: Solo attorneys, small firms, practices looking for affordable 24/7 coverage without complexity, and lawyers who want a simple solution that works out of the box.

2. Ruby – Best for small firms wanting all-in-one

Why it stands out: Ruby (formerly Ruby Receptionists) has built a strong reputation as one of the most recognizable names in virtual receptionist services. Their live, US-based receptionists are known for warm, personalized service that makes callers feel like they're speaking with someone in your office.

What makes Ruby particularly appealing is its all-inclusive approach. The price you see is the price you pay, with no nickel-and-diming for appointment scheduling, payment processing, or Spanish language support. Everything comes bundled together.

The Ruby mobile app is a standout feature that competitors struggle to match. You can manage your availability, place outbound calls using your business number, review call logs, and adjust settings on the fly. For attorneys who are constantly in court or on the move, this flexibility is nice to have.

Ruby also integrates with popular legal software including Clio Manage and Clio Grow, reducing data entry and keeping your systems synchronized.

Key Features:

• Live US-based receptionists 24/7/365
• Mobile app for on-the-go management
• Live chat services available
• Bilingual support (English/Spanish)
• Clio and other legal software integrations
• Payment processing included
• All features included at every tier

Pricing: Starts at $250/month for 50 receptionist minutes. Plans scale up to $1,725/month for 500 minutes. Live chat plans available separately or bundled at 20% discount.

Pros:

• Exceptional reputation for customer service quality
• Robust mobile app
• All-inclusive pricing with no add-ons
• Strong legal software integrations

Cons:

• Higher price point than most competitors
• No free trial offered
• Customer support limited to extended business hours (5 AM to 6 PM PT)

Best For: Small to mid-size firms that prioritize a premium client experience and want human receptionists with an easy-to-use mobile app.

3. Smith.ai – Best AI + human hybrid

Why it stands out: Smith.ai pioneered the hybrid approach to answering services, combining AI efficiency with human backup for complex situations. This gives you the best of both worlds: technology handles routine calls quickly while live agents step in when empathy or nuanced conversation is needed.

The platform goes beyond basic call answering. Smith.ai can screen leads, qualify potential clients based on your criteria, schedule consultations, take payments, and even make outbound calls to follow up with website form submissions. It's more of a complete intake solution than a simple answering service.

Their AI receptionist plans start at just $95/month for firms that want primarily automated handling with human escalation available. For those wanting more human involvement, traditional virtual receptionist plans begin at $300/month for 30 calls.

Smith.ai also offers multi-channel capabilities including web chat, SMS, and Facebook Messenger integration, helpful for firms whose potential clients prefer texting over calling.

Key Features:

• AI + live receptionist hybrid model
• Outbound calling to web leads
• Payment collection capabilities
• Lead screening and qualification
• Multi-channel support (phone, chat, SMS)
• CRM integrations (Clio, Lawmatics, and more)
• Conflict checking available

Pricing: AI Receptionist starts at $95/month. Virtual receptionist (human) starts at $300/month for 30 calls, scaling to $2,100/month for 300 calls. Per-call overage fees apply.

Pros:

• Flexible AI/human balance
• Comprehensive intake capabilities beyond call answering
• Strong outbound calling features
• Multi-channel communication options

Cons:

• Per-call pricing can spike during busy periods
• Setup can be complex due to extensive customization options
• Not exclusively focused on legal (serves multiple industries)

Best For: Firms wanting sophisticated lead qualification, multi-channel intake, and the flexibility to blend AI automation with human touch.

4. Answering Legal – Best legal-only provider

Why it stands out: Answering Legal works exclusively with law firms. No plumbers, no dentists, just attorneys. This singular focus means their receptionists train for months specifically on legal intake, terminology, and the sensitivity required when someone calls about a criminal charge or custody battle.

The company emphasizes results over call handling. Their receptionists are trained to capture leads and qualify potential clients, not just take messages. They also offer a free AI intake chatbot that captures leads from your website 24/7 and feeds them into your CRM without additional cost.

All receptionists are 100% US-based and bilingual (English/Spanish), with no offshore call centers. The service integrates with most major legal CRMs and practice management platforms.

Key Features:

• Exclusively serves law firms
• Receptionists trained specifically in legal intake
• Free intake chatbot for websites
• 100% US-based bilingual staff
• Legal CRM integrations (MyCase, Clio, etc.)
• Per-minute billing with no hidden fees

Pricing: Per-minute pricing starting around $360/month for 100 minutes. All features included with no tiered pricing for add-ons. No set up fees.

Pros:

• Deep legal expertise across all practice areas
• Free AI chatbot included
• Flexible call routing options
• US-based bilingual receptionists

Cons:

• Per-minute billing can be unpredictable
• No mobile app
• Limited to phone and chat (no SMS intake)

Best For: Law firms wanting receptionists who truly understand legal practice and prefer working with a legal-only specialist.

5. LEX Reception – Best for CRM integration

Why it stands out: LEX Reception built its service from the ground up for law firms, and it shows in their integrations. The platform connects deeply with legal practice management software, not just syncing contacts, but pushing intake data, scheduling appointments, and tracking performance metrics directly in your existing tools.

Their virtual receptionists handle more than just calls. LEX offers outbound calling to follow up with leads, lead qualification service based on your criteria, and appointment scheduling synced to your calendar. The desktop and mobile apps give you visibility into call activity and let you adjust settings in real time.

LEX also emphasizes corporate responsibility, planting a tree for every customer every month, a nice touch for firms that care about sustainability.

Key Features:

• Built exclusively for law firms
• Deep CRM integrations (Clio, MyCase, Mailchimp, Microsoft 365)
• Outbound calling and lead follow-up
• Bilingual receptionists (English/Spanish)
• Desktop and mobile apps
• Custom call scripting
• Performance metrics and reporting

Pricing: Starts at $425/month for 150 minutes + $75 setup fee. Higher tiers available with additional features and no setup fee.

Pros:

• Excellent legal software integrations
• Comprehensive reporting and analytics
• 24/7 availability
• Easy onboarding process

Cons:

• Higher starting price than some competitors
• Per-minute model can get expensive with high volume
• Some features require higher-tier plans

Best For: Firms heavily invested in legal practice management software who want easy data flow between their answering service and existing systems.

6. Alert Communications – Best for high-volume firms

Why it stands out: Alert Communications has operated exclusively in the legal space since 1965, longer than any other provider on this list. They take a small business call center approach rather than a virtual receptionist model, which makes them well-suited for firms handling high volumes of incoming calls.

Their intake specialists go beyond answering phones. They run complete client intake processes, capture detailed case information, and feed qualified leads directly into your CRM. For personal injury firms running TV ads or high-volume criminal defense practices, this systematic approach prevents leads from falling through any cracks.

Alert's bilingual specialists integrate directly with platforms like Clio and MyCase, delivering intake forms and appointment confirmations within minutes of each call. The company reports that clients typically see 40 to 60 percent cost savings compared to traditional answering services while capturing more qualified leads.

Key Features:

• Legal-exclusive since 1965
• Full-service intake call center model
• Bilingual intake specialists
• Direct integrations with Clio, MyCase
• Outbound confirmation calls
• Digital intake questionnaires
• Scalable for high call volumes

Pricing: Custom pricing based on volume and services. Contact for quote.

Pros:

• Decades of legal-specific experience
• Built for high-volume operations
• Comprehensive intake process
• Strong track record with large firms

Cons:

• Pricing not transparent (requires consultation)
• May be overkill for small or solo practices
• More call center feel than boutique receptionist

Best For: Personal injury firms, practices running advertising campaigns, and any high-volume operation that needs systematic intake processing.

7. Posh Virtual Receptionists – Best low-cost entry point for human receptionists

Why it stands out: For solo attorneys or new practices watching every dollar, Posh offers a genuine entry point into professional call handling services. With plans starting at $65/month, it's one of the most affordable ways to ensure your calls get answered by a live person rather than voicemail.

Posh receptionists are 100% US-based and available 24/7. The service covers the basics well: answering calls, taking messages, scheduling appointments, and transferring urgent matters. Their mobile app lets you manage your status and view messages from anywhere.

What Posh does particularly well is customization. They'll adapt to your preferences, stepping in as much or as little as you need. Want full-time coverage? Done. Just need after-hours backup? They can do that too.

Key Features:

• Live US-based receptionists 24/7
• Mobile app and online portal
• Appointment scheduling
• Customizable call handling
• Status management (in court, busy, available)
• Message delivery via text, email, or app

Pricing: Starts at $65/month plus $2.30/minute. Higher tiers reduce per-minute rates. Plans range up to approximately $1,900/month based on volume.

Pros:

• Very affordable entry point for human receptionists
• Flexible plans without long-term contracts
• 24/7 live answering
• Good mobile app

Cons:

• Per-minute charges add up with higher volume
• Fewer legal-specific features than specialists
• Not exclusively focused on law firms

Best For: Solo practitioners, new firms, and budget-conscious practices that need professional call answering without a large monthly commitment.

How to choose the right answering service for your law firm

Key features to look for

Not all answering services are created equal. Here's what matters most for law firms:

24/7 availability: Legal emergencies don't follow business hours. Arrests happen at midnight. Accidents occur on weekends. Make sure your service answers calls around the clock, including holidays.

Legal intake capabilities: Generic message-taking services aren't enough. Your answering service should capture case details, ask qualifying questions, and gather the information you need to evaluate potential clients.

CRM and practice management integrations: Data shouldn't live in silos. Look for services that sync with Clio, MyCase, PracticePanther, or whatever software you use so intake information flows directly into your systems.

Bilingual support: If you serve Spanish-speaking clients, bilingual receptionists are essential, not a nice-to-have. Nearly 20% of the US population speaks Spanish at home.

Appointment scheduling: The best services can book consultations directly into your calendar, eliminating back-and-forth and capturing leads while they're motivated.

Call screening and transfer: You should control which calls reach you immediately versus which get handled independently. Look for customizable rules based on caller type, urgency, or time of day.

Mobile access: When you're in court or depositions, you need visibility into what's happening with your calls. A mobile app that shows messages and lets you adjust settings is increasingly essential.

Pricing models explained

Legal answering services typically charge using one of three models:

Per-minute billing: You pay for actual talk time, usually in monthly packages (for example, 100 minutes for a set price). This works well for firms with predictable, moderate call volumes but can create anxiety about going over your monthly quota. Overage rates typically run 10 to 30 percent higher than your base rate.

Per-call billing: A flat fee per call regardless of duration. This offers more predictability but may incentivize the service to keep calls short, potentially sacrificing intake quality.

Flat-rate and AI-powered: Newer services like Upfirst offer predictable monthly pricing regardless of volume. This model works particularly well for growing firms that don't want to worry about call spikes during marketing campaigns.

Hidden fees to watch for:

• Setup or onboarding fees ($50 to $300)
• After-hours or holiday surcharges (25 to 50 percent premium)
• Fees for appointment scheduling or payment processing
• Charges for wrong numbers or hang-ups
• CRM integration fees
• Early cancellation penalties

This depends on the service. Before signing up for a plan, make sure to read the finer details and ask about any possible fees or add-ons.

The bottom line on pricing: Traditional per-minute services typically cost $200 to $800 per month for moderate usage. Upfirst's AI-powered approach offers comparable functionality starting at $24.95/month, making professional answering accessible to firms that previously couldn't justify the costs.  

Questions to ask before signing up

Before committing to any service, get clear answers to these questions:

1. What's included in the base price? Make sure you understand exactly what you're getting and what costs extra.
2. Do you have experience with my practice area? Immigration intake differs dramatically from personal injury. Make sure they understand your specific needs.
3. How do you handle urgent or emergency calls? Establish clear protocols for situations that require immediate attorney attention.
4. What's the contract length and cancellation policy? Avoid getting locked into long-term commitments before you've tested the service.
5. Can I listen to call recordings? Quality control matters. The ability to review how calls are handled helps ensure your standards are met.
6. How quickly can you get us set up? Some services take weeks; others can have you live in days or even hours.

Best answering services by practice area

Different practice areas have different intake needs. Here's where each service excels:

Personal injury: Upfirst and Alert Communications handle high-urgency calls well and can manage the volume spikes that come with advertising campaigns. Quick response time is critical since injury victims often call multiple firms.

Immigration: Upfirst and LEX Reception offer the bilingual support essential for immigration practices. Complex intake requirements and multi-step processes are handled well by both.

Family law: Ruby and Smith.ai excel at sensitive, empathetic call handling. Family law callers are often emotional and need patient, understanding receptionists who won't rush them off the phone.

Criminal defense: Upfirst and Answering Legal provide the true 24/7 coverage criminal defense requires. When someone's sitting in jail, they need to reach an attorney now, not tomorrow morning.

Estate planning: LEX Reception and Posh handle the detailed, patient intake that estate planning requires. These calls tend to be longer and more consultative, requiring receptionists who won't rush the process.

Conclusion: Our final verdict

Choosing the right answering service comes down to your firm's specific needs, budget, and growth trajectory. There's no single "best" option for everyone, but there are clear standouts depending on what you're looking for.

For most solo attorneys and small firms, Upfirst offers an unbeatable combination of simplicity, affordability, and reliability. It's easy to set up, easy to use, and priced so that any practice can afford professional call handling.

For firms that prioritize human interaction, Ruby and Answering Legal remain excellent choices, though at significantly higher price points.

For sophisticated multi-channel intake, Smith.ai's hybrid approach is worth the investment.

The worst decision? Sticking with voicemail and hoping potential clients leave messages. They won't, and every unanswered call is revenue walking out the door to your competitors.

Ready to stop missing calls?

Give Upfirst a try and see how simple professional answering can be. Setup takes minutes, not weeks, and you'll wonder why you waited so long to make the switch.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a legal answering service cost?

Prices range from $25 to $800 or more per month depending on the provider and your call volume. Budget options like Posh start around $65/month plus per-minute fees. Premium services like Ruby start at $245/month. AI-powered services like Upfirst offer strong value, starting at just $24.95/month with scalable plans as your firm grows.

Can answering services integrate with Clio or MyCase?

Yes, most legal answering services integrate with popular practice management software. LEX Reception, Answering Legal, Smith.ai, and Ruby all offer Clio integrations. Alert Communications integrates with both Clio and MyCase. Always confirm specific integrations before signing up, as capabilities vary.

Are AI answering services as good as live receptionists?

For most calls, yes, and in some ways better. AI services like Upfirst answer instantly with no hold times, maintain consistent quality 24/7, and cost a fraction of human services. They excel at structured intake and information gathering. For highly emotional or complex situations, human receptionists still have an edge, which is why hybrid models like Smith.ai exist.

Do I need a legal-specific answering service?

It depends on your practice. Legal-specific services understand attorney-client privilege, train their staff on legal terminology, and design their intake processes around how law firms operate. For practices with complex intake requirements (personal injury, immigration, criminal defense), a legal specialist makes a meaningful difference. For simpler needs, a quality general service may suffice.

What's the ROI of a legal answering service?

Consider this: if your average case is worth $3,000 and a missed call means losing that case to a competitor, one captured lead per month more than justifies even premium services. Most firms find that professional call handling pays for itself within the first month through captured leads they would have otherwise lost to voicemail.