The verdict in three sentences
The core problem of a law firm is not drafting documents but capturing billable time and rigorously tracking matters. A vendor licence (Secib, Kleos, Diapaz) covers 80% of standard needs at 40-90 EUR per user per month. A custom build (20,000-70,000 EUR) is justified as soon as you have an atypical workflow, complex time-based billing or deep RPVA and accounting integration needs.
Vendor or custom: real functional coverage
Vendors excel at the standard base. Custom wins when your organisation breaks the mould: mixed fees, multi-partner matters, bespoke client reporting, connection to an existing back office.
| Need | Vendor (Secib, Kleos) | Custom |
|---|---|---|
| Matter management | Yes, standard | Your exact workflow |
| Granular time tracking | Yes, framed | Adapted to mixed rates |
| Time + fixed-fee billing | Partial | Fully modelled |
| RPVA connection | Yes | Yes, via gateway |
| Custom client reporting | Limited | Unlimited |
| 2026 cost | 40-90 EUR/user/month | 20,000-70,000 EUR one-off |
Budget, timeline and billing gain
The real ROI for a firm comes from the recovered billing rate. Moving from approximate entry to disciplined time tracking typically recovers 10 to 15% of previously unbilled hours.
| Item | 2026 range | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor licence (6 users) | 2,880-6,480 EUR/yr | 40-90 EUR × 6 × 12 |
| Custom development | 20,000-70,000 EUR | 10-16 weeks |
| RPVA + accounting gateway | 4,000-10,000 EUR | Depends on systems |
| Existing-matter migration | 3,000-9,000 EUR | Volume and data quality |
| Recovered billing gain | +10-15% of hourly revenue | 2026 estimate |
Mini case study
Mr Rousseau is managing partner of a 6-lawyer firm in Lyon, billing on average 280,000 EUR in hourly fees per year. By moving to rigorous time tracking, he recovers 12% of hours previously forgotten, roughly 33,600 EUR/year of additional billing. A custom build at 45,000 EUR therefore pays back in 16 months, then generates a recurring net gain, not counting the admin time saved on monthly invoicing.
FAQ
Need a professional website?
Kolonell builds websites that attract clients, optimized for the Sénégalese market. Free quote in 2 minutes.
Is custom justified for a small firm?
Not always. Below 4 or 5 lawyers with standard operations, a Secib or Kleos licence is often enough. Custom becomes relevant with complex fees or deep accounting integration.
How does the RPVA connection work?
We use a secure gateway that enables communication with courts without re-keying. It is a technical point we validate at the scoping stage.
How long for a custom deployment?
Expect 10 to 16 weeks, including modelling your billing, migrating ongoing matters and a testing phase with the partners.
Will time tracking slow lawyers down?
On the contrary: two-click mobile entry with a timer and pre-filled categories takes less time than a spreadsheet and captures 10 to 15% of hours lost today.
Can we keep our existing accounting software?
Yes, we build a gateway to your accounting rather than replacing it, which limits cost and risk.
Let's scope your project. Tell us your lawyer headcount, billing model (time, fixed, mixed) and your RPVA/accounting integrations: indicative budget 20,000-70,000 EUR by scope. 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.
