Client intake software hasn't fully gained traction in most U.S. law firms. But legal tech observers say the path toward greater adoption will likely require dismantling common misconceptions that client intake software creates a tech-only process, and finding easy-to-deploy platforms that live up to their marketing hype.

Deciding whether to leverage client intake software can be difficult because a platform's accuracy varies by its level of integration into the firm's other tech tools, said practice management attorney Hong Dao of the Oregon State Bar's Professional Liability Fund.

"If they just have the software but it isn't connected to other platforms, that's where it may fall short for opportunities because that takes a lot of time to set up," Dao said. "And I'm not sure if they are aware of the all-in-one bundles."