Legal Authority vs Referent

Legal Authority is a web-based AI platform for law firms that brings intake, client communication, document preparation, case workflows, and CRM together. Intake tools include adaptive forms, a 24/7 AI chatbot, lead scoring and routing, automated follow-ups, and e-signatures for engagement documents. Its document engine uses firm templates and client information to prepare materials such as demand letters, pleadings, motions, and contracts. Client updates can be sent by SMS, email, or client portal, while workflow tools automate task assignment, deadline calculation, and notifications. CRM dashboards track pipelines and follow-ups. The maker describes Practice plans for firms focused on documents and deadlines, and Clinical plans for personal injury, disability, and medical malpractice firms. MedChron provides chronology services, including a pay-as-you-go option at $399, paid once; monthly plans are also listed. Practice Associate starts at $449 a month, and Clinical Associate at $679 a month. There is no free plan, but a free trial is listed. The maker says AI outputs are flagged for attorney review and firm data is not used to train general AI models.

Referent is AI-native practice management software for law firms, with agents handling work across intake, matters, email, deadlines, billing preparation, and follow-ups. Its intake workflow screens inquiries, opens matters, and prepares engagement materials for lawyer approval. After an inbox connection, it files emails, attachments, and context to the relevant matter. Users can direct work by voice. Lawyers retain approval control: client-facing and high-risk actions require explicit sign-off, and actions are recorded in an audit trail. Referent works with Gmail, Google Calendar, and Google Drive; Outlook and Microsoft 365 are marked as coming soon. An MCP server connects with compatible AI apps, while iPhone and Android apps let lawyers review agent work, approve actions, and check matters. Data is hosted on Google Cloud Platform with US and EU residency options, encryption at rest and in transit, encrypted backups, and per-firm workspace isolation. Referent says it does not train AI models on client or matter data. The service is in private beta or invitation-only access and is not an accounting system.