What Is ELM Software?

Editor’s Note: For a comprehensive overview, read Enterprise Legal Management Software for Legal Departments. To explore cost control and automation in greater depth, see Best Legal Spend Management Software Explained.

The landscape of enterprise legal management (ELM) software continues to evolve rapidly, driven by the increasing complexity of legal operations and the demand for greater efficiency, transparency and strategic value in the law department. In 2025 and beyond, ELM technology is defined by artificial intelligence, workflow automation and unified platforms that help legal departments manage matters, contracts, spend, and compliance more effectively than ever before.

What Is ELM Software?

Enterprise Legal Management software is the operational backbone of the modern corporate law department. Legal operations professionals use this technology to streamline workflows, improve collaboration and enhance productivity. By unifying AI applications, matter management, contract lifecycle management, financial management, and vendor oversight, ELM software positions the legal department as a strategic business partner.

LexisNexis® CounselLink+™ delivers the foundational ELM platform that connects these capabilities into one cohesive environment. Trends in 2025 and in the next several years emphasize AI-powered automation, integrated dashboards and enterprise-level security to support law departments globally.

Set up a demo to learn more about how CounselLink+ creates efficiencies in your law department.

Critical ELM Software Features to Know

AI-Powered Automation

Modern ELM software uses artificial intelligence to automate workflows and optimize efficiency with many of the following features:

• Contract Review and Analysis - AI tools scan and flag contract risks in minutes, identifying non-standard clauses and inconsistencies. Approved clause and fact libraries supplement contract drafting with hundreds of templates from which to choose. CounselLink+ offers hundreds of LexisNexis Practical Guidance® templates and AI-enabled clause extraction for drafting and review.
• One-Click Access - The CounselLink+ platform provides seamless access to the LexisNexis ecosystem for all subscribers and users.
• Invoice Review and Billing - The CounselLink+ SmartReview® legal spend management feature is AI-powered to evaluate outside counsel invoices automatically, flag errors and enforce billing guidelines.

These AI-driven functions help legal teams eliminate redundant processes and focus on high-value legal work.

Integrated and Unified Platforms

Today’s ELM solutions integrate core applications, including matter management, e-billing and contract management within a single dashboard. CounselLink+ unifies these functions through single sign-on access, improving collaboration across legal, finance and procurement teams.

Advanced Analytics and Predictive Insights

ELM software provides predictive analytics and visual dashboards to inform smarter decisions.

• Data-Driven Decision-Making - Predictive analytics help forecast outcomes, monitor spend and identify operational bottlenecks.
• Matter and Spend Analytics - Drill-down dashboards reveal case histories, vendor performance and budget allocation trends.
• Contract Analytics - Real-time visibility into contract status and value enables proactive planning and compliance management.

Analytics tools turn data into strategy, allowing legal departments to anticipate risks and align with business goals.

Automation of Operational Workflows

AI-enabled workflow tools automate document intake, triage and communications.

• Routine Task Automation - Legal request intake and document management are streamlined for faster turnaround.
• Self-Service Intake - Tools like Ask Legal within CounselLink+™ enable enterprise stakeholders to submit and resolve legal questions efficiently.
• Seamless Collaboration - The seamless collaboration of ELM software enhances communication, workflows and the structured integration of how business units interact with the legal department. The more standardized engagement enables legal departments to work cross-functionally with finance, procurement and stakeholders in other business units across the enterprise.

Enhanced Security and Compliance

Security remains central to enterprise legal technology.

• Zero-Trust Architecture - Continuous authentication, audit trails and strict access controls ensure data protection and regulatory compliance.
• Automated Redaction and Retention - AI tools automate redaction and document retention to mitigate risk.
• Cloud-Based Accessibility - Cloud hosting enables secure, remote collaboration for global legal teams.

Customization and Scalability

ELM platforms adapt to evolving department needs.

• Configurable Workflows - Legal teams can customize templates and integrate external systems.
• Professional Services - Providers like LexisNexis CounselLink offer professional services to assist with data analysis, dashboards and maturity assessments to optimize ELM utilization.

Why ELM Software Matters

Adopting ELM software is essential for modern law departments to:

• Increase operational efficiency and productivity
• Reduce legal spend and administrative overhead
• Improve collaboration and transparency across the organization
• Enhance compliance and data security
• Deliver measurable value to the business

LexisNexis CounselLink+ Creates Value in the Legal Department

LexisNexis CounselLink+ is an enhanced, next-generation ELM platform that integrates generative and extractive AI, matter management, contract lifecycle management, vendor management, and AI-powered legal spend management within a unified, cloud-based environment.

The platform’s features, such as SmartReview® for billing, Ask Legal for intake, and LexisNexis Protégé™ in CounselLink+ for AI-driven insights, help legal departments improve collaboration, control costs and make informed, data-backed decisions.

Learn more about LexisNexis CounselLink+ and how integrated legal management software supports every aspect of your legal department.

Next Steps

To see how enterprise legal management transforms law department operations, explore:

• Improve Legal Matter Management with ELM Software
• ELM Solutions Transform Legal Departments
• How an ELM Platform Benefits Corporate Legal