Introduction: Why Are We Even Talking About This?
Picture this: You’re running a busy law firm focused on high-stakes litigation, foreclosure, or bankruptcy. Your legal software provider keeps hiking prices, and you’re frustrated paying a premium for features that don’t seem all that complex. Someone in your network mentions open-source software (OSS)—a free, flexible, and customizable alternative—and you think, “Why not us? How hard can it be to tailor something to fit our needs?”
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The conversation among legal professionals is shifting. Many are questioning the value of traditional legal software and exploring alternatives that could give them more control. But before you dive headfirst into a “build” project, let’s talk about the big question at hand: build vs. buy.
The Big Idea: Build vs. Buy
When evaluating software for your firm, you face a classic decision: Should you build a custom solution or buy an off-the-shelf product?
Buying offers simplicity. You pay for a finished product, gain access to ongoing support, and can typically rely on the provider for maintenance and updates. But, as many of you know, this convenience often comes at a cost—literally. Pricing for legal software can be exorbitant, and the lack of customization may leave your team working around the software rather than the other way around.
Building, on the other hand, means taking charge of your technology. Customizing OSS allows you to create exactly what you need—no more, no less. But it comes with hidden costs: technical complexity, ongoing maintenance, and the risk of things breaking when you least expect it.
So how do you decide? The answer often depends on your priorities and resources. If you’re leaning toward “build,” you’ll want to proceed with caution—and help.
Why You Want Help If You Choose to Build
The allure of building your own software is understandable. It feels empowering to take control of your tech stack and cut costs in the long term. But unless you have a background in software development, trying to go it alone is risky.
Here’s why you’ll need professional help:
- Writing the Code
Customizing OSS isn’t a drag-and-drop exercise. It involves diving into the codebase, understanding how it works, and modifying it to fit your needs. Ideally, you’d hire a developer who’s familiar with the specific OSS library you’re using. If that person isn’t available, work with an agency that specializes in the tools you’ve chosen. - Deploying the Code
Once the software is customized, it has to live somewhere. That means setting up a secure cloud server (e.g., AWS, GCP), configuring the environment, and ensuring only your firm can access it. This isn’t a one-time task—it requires expertise to get right. - Maintaining the Codebase
Software evolves. Operating systems update, OSS libraries get patched, and dependencies change. Without ongoing maintenance, your shiny custom solution can become outdated—or worse, vulnerable to security risks. A professional developer can help you navigate these updates and fix any bugs that arise.
Trying to handle these tasks in-house without technical expertise is like trying to repair your own car without knowing how to change a tire. You might get lucky, but the risks are too high for a firm that relies on reliable tools to deliver legal services.
Your Build Project Checklist
If you’ve weighed the risks and still want to customize OSS, here’s a step-by-step checklist to get started.
1. Start with Core Requirements
- What specific problems are you solving?
- List the must-have features and workflows your firm needs.
2. Evaluate Open-Source Options
- Research OSS libraries that align with your requirements.
- Check the library’s health: Is it actively maintained? Does it have good documentation and community support?
3. Decide Between Single or Multiple Libraries
- Single Library: Simpler to implement but may lack certain features.
- Multiple Libraries: Offers more flexibility but requires integration expertise.
4. Hire Technical Help
- Engage a developer or agency with experience in your chosen OSS tools.
- If possible, hire someone who has contributed to or is familiar with the specific library you plan to customize.
5. Plan Deployment
- Choose a secure hosting provider (e.g., AWS, GCP).
- Configure the server for secure, private access.
6. Prepare for Maintenance
- Establish a process for regular updates to the OSS libraries, server, and any integrated tools.
- Budget for ongoing developer support to handle bugs or compatibility issues.
7. Involve Stakeholders Early
- Engage your team in the planning process to ensure the solution meets their needs.
- Provide training to help everyone adapt to the new system.
8. Start Small
- Begin with a minimal viable product (MVP).
- Test the system thoroughly before rolling it out firm-wide.
Closing Thoughts: Building with Confidence
The “build vs. buy” debate is ultimately about control and cost. If you’re tired of paying for overpriced software that doesn’t fit your needs, building a custom solution could be the right move—but only if you approach it with clear goals and the right expertise.
With the right preparation, professional support, and a detailed plan, your firm can take advantage of the flexibility of OSS without falling victim to its complexities. Whether you’re litigating high-profile cases or managing routine foreclosures, the right tools can make all the difference—and you have the power to create them.
