The verdict in three sentences
A solid spec is what separates a workable RFP from a budget overrun. For a law firm, custom software costs 45,000-75,000 EUR and covers matters, court-deadline calendar, time-based billing, digital vault and conflict-of-interest checks. Against verticals (Secib, Kleos equivalents) at 40-55 EUR/month/user, custom pays off once your billing processes escape the standard templates.
The modules to specify
A good spec lists modules by priority (must-have vs nice-to-have) and pairs each with a measurable acceptance criterion.
| Module | Priority | Estimated effort |
|---|---|---|
| Matter management | Must | 18-25 d |
| Calendar and court deadlines | Must | 12-16 d |
| Time-based billing | Must | 15-20 d |
| Digital document vault | Must | 8-12 d |
| Conflict-of-interest checks | Should | 6-10 d |
| Secure client portal | Should | 10-14 d |
| Profitability reporting | Could | 8-12 d |
The time-based billing module is the ROI core: it recovers the unbilled time that today evaporates into spreadsheets.
The 2026 pricing versus verticals
Always compare custom to vertical over a 3-year horizon, license included.
| Parameter | 2026 order of magnitude |
|---|---|
| Custom build | 45,000-75,000 EUR |
| Vertical (Secib / Kleos) | 40-55 EUR/month/user |
| Delivery timeline | 20-24 weeks |
| Number of sprints | 3 |
| Developer day rate | 520 EUR |
| Monthly maintenance | 800-1,400 EUR |
| Re-billable time recovered | ~30% |
For a 12-lawyer firm, the vertical costs about 7,200 EUR/year; custom demands a heavy investment but captures a billing gain often above 40,000 EUR/year.
Mini case study
Ms. Lacoste, managing partner of a 12-lawyer firm, bills 220 EUR/h on average. Her lawyers lose, by her estimate, 25% of billable time to missed time entries. Custom software at 62,000 EUR, with mobile time capture and automatic reminders, recovers 30% of that lost time. Across 12 lawyers billing 1,300 h/year, recovering even 8% of billable time = 12 x 1,300 x 8% x 220 = 274,560 EUR of potential additional revenue. Even realizing a fifth of that gain, the build is amortized in under 6 months.
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FAQ
Do we need a spec before consulting vendors?
Yes, absolutely. Without it, quotes aren't comparable and gaps easily reach 40%. Budget 3-6 days to write it, alone or with support.
Should the software manage procedural deadlines and e-filing?
Yes, it's a must-have. The calendar should compute legal deadlines and connect to e-filing. Plan 12-16 days of development for this module.
How do we secure the digital vault?
Document encryption at rest, access logging and local hosting. It's an 8-12 day module that underpins client trust and data-protection compliance.
How much is annual maintenance?
Expect 800-1,400 EUR/month depending on scope, roughly 15-20% of the build per year. It covers fixes, regulatory updates and support.
Custom or Secib/Kleos for a small firm?
Below 6-8 lawyers, the vertical stays more rational. Beyond that, or with atypical billing models (fixed fees, subscriptions), custom becomes profitable.
Let's scope your project. Send us your prioritized module list and lawyer headcount, and we turn it into a costed spec and sprint plan. Detailed quote within 48 h. WhatsApp +221 77 596 93 33.
Mohamed Bah
Fondateur, Kolonell
Passionate about digital and entrepreneurship in Africa, Mohamed has been helping Sénégalese businesses with their digital transformation since 2020. Founder of Kolonell, he believes every SME deserves a professional and accessible online présence.
