How do I find a trustworthy vendor for this?

Ask for references from businesses your size — not general testimonials. Require a 30-day pilot before signing long-term contracts. Get full pricing in writing, including all fees. Ask: what does it cost if this doesn't work? Vendors who can't answer that clearly are a red flag.

What should I realistically budget for this?

Start with the minimum viable spend to test the concept. Most implementations don't need to cost more than $200–500/month to start. Scale spend only after you have proof it's working. Avoid large upfront investments before seeing it operate in your actual environment.

How do I know if it's actually working?

Define success before you start: a specific metric (hours saved per week, revenue per lead, fees reduced) with a 90-day target. If you can't measure it, you can't manage it. Any vendor who resists defining metrics upfront is protecting themselves from accountability.

Legal Tech · Built by SideGuy · Apr 2026

Your firm runs on spreadsheets and email threads. I'll fix that.

⛰ Apex doctrine: SideGuy is the AI Translation Layer for Small Operators →

TL;DR: Your firm runs on spreadsheets and email threads. I'll fix that. — direct read from a single operator. Below: the actual answer (no fluff), what most articles miss, and the path forward — including when to skip the rest of the read and just text PJ at 858-461-8054.

Helped people with this exact issue recently · single operator · no funnel

Custom matter management, client intake portals, and document automation — built specifically for how your firm actually works. Not a SaaS subscription. Your software, your rules.

Built for: Managing Partner / Legal Ops

SaaS fees after build

100%

Your data, your server

1 text

To start the conversation

Investment Range

$8,000 – $40,000

Timeline

4 – 10 weeks

One-time build. You own it forever. No monthly SaaS fees.

What I Build For You

Client Intake Portal

Branded intake form → auto-creates matter, sends welcome email, drops into your workflow. No more copy-paste from emails.

Matter Management Dashboard

One screen: all active matters, deadlines, responsible attorney, last contact. Replaces the spreadsheet you've outgrown.

Document Automation

Generate NDAs, engagement letters, standard pleadings from a template + client data. 30 seconds instead of 30 minutes.

Billing & Time Tracking

Attorneys log time in 2 taps. Auto-generates invoices. Integrates with QuickBooks or standalone.

Client Portal

Secure login for clients to see matter status, upload docs, and message the team — without calling the front desk.

Conflict Check System

Search across all matters and clients before taking a new case. Instant, logged, defensible.

When to text PJ about Your firm runs on spreadsheets and email threads. I'll fix t

Yes — text now

You've read 2-3 articles, still don't know what to do
About to spend $500+ on a tool / contractor / build
Want a 30-second sanity check from someone not selling you
Local to North County San Diego (faster routing depth)

No — figure it out

You haven't tried the obvious built-in fix yet
Looking for a free template you can DIY in 10 min
Just casually browsing, no real decision pending
Need a service we don't actually route (we'll say so)

📲 Text PJ · 858-461-8054

Who this is for

Boutique law firms (3–30 attorneys), legal ops teams at mid-market companies, and solo practitioners who've hit the ceiling of what Clio or MyCase can do for them.

Not a fit: BigLaw with existing IT departments and enterprise contracts.

From PJ · Solana Beach, CA

I've built intake-to-invoice systems for service businesses in San Diego. Legal is the same pattern — intake, matter tracking, billing, client communication. I can have a working prototype in front of you in two weeks.

Text PJ → 858-461-8054 See all builds → Connect on LinkedIn

208K

Pages live

$100

First hour

Team members