iManage vs NetDocuments: Which Document Management System Is Right for Your Australian Law Firm?

If your law firm is evaluating document management systems in 2026, the conversation almost inevitably comes down to two platforms: iManage and NetDocuments. Both are purpose-built for legal practice. Both have deep integrations with the tools lawyers use daily. And both have strong track records in the Australian market. So how do you choose?

At NewLaw, we've implemented both platforms across dozens of Australian firms — from boutique specialists to large national practices. This comparison is based on real implementation experience, not vendor marketing. We'll cover architecture, security, integrations, pricing, and the firm profiles where each platform tends to excel.

The Core Difference: Architecture Philosophy

The most fundamental difference between iManage and NetDocuments isn't a feature — it's an architectural philosophy. iManage was built as an on-premise enterprise system and has evolved toward cloud. NetDocuments was born in the cloud and has never been anything else.

This distinction matters more than it might seem. iManage's cloud offering (iManage Cloud) is mature and widely deployed, but its DNA is enterprise-grade, on-premise infrastructure. This makes it exceptionally powerful and configurable, but also more complex to deploy and maintain. NetDocuments, by contrast, is simpler to get running and inherently cloud-native — but some large firms find it less configurable for complex workflows.

Neither approach is inherently superior. The right choice depends on your firm's size, IT capability, integration requirements, and tolerance for complexity.

Security and Compliance

Both platforms meet the security requirements of Australian law firms, including compliance with the Australian Privacy Act, ISO 27001 certification, and SOC 2 Type II attestation. However, there are meaningful differences in how they approach data sovereignty.

iManage offers Australian data residency through its cloud platform, with data stored in Australian AWS regions. It also supports on-premise and private cloud deployments for firms with strict data sovereignty requirements — particularly relevant for government-adjacent practices and firms handling sensitive national security matters.

NetDocuments also offers Australian data residency through its AU data centre. Its security model is built around zero-trust architecture, with granular permission controls at the document, folder, and cabinet level. For most Australian commercial law firms, NetDocuments' security posture is more than sufficient.

Integrations: The Ecosystem Comparison

Both platforms integrate with the major practice management systems used in Australia. Here's how the key integrations compare:

Integration	iManage	NetDocuments
Clio Manage	✓ Native	✓ Native
ActionStep	✓ API	✓ Native
Microsoft 365	✓ Deep integration	✓ Deep integration
Harvey AI	✓ Native	✓ Via API
CoCounsel	✓ Native	✓ Native
Draftable	✓ Plugin	✓ Plugin
Email filing (Outlook)	✓ iManage Share	✓ ndOffice

iManage has a slight edge in enterprise integrations, particularly with large-firm tools and AI platforms. NetDocuments has stronger native integrations with mid-market practice management systems like ActionStep. Both platforms integrate well with Microsoft 365, which is the most critical integration for most Australian firms.

Pricing: What to Expect

Neither vendor publishes list pricing, and both use per-user-per-month models with enterprise licensing for large deployments. Based on our implementation experience:

iManage is typically more expensive, particularly for smaller firms. Implementation costs are higher due to greater configuration complexity. However, for large firms (100+ users), iManage's enterprise licensing can be competitive. Expect implementation costs of $30,000–$150,000+ depending on firm size and complexity.

NetDocuments is generally more accessible for mid-sized firms (20–100 users), with lower implementation costs and faster time-to-value. Expect implementation costs of $15,000–$60,000 for a typical mid-sized firm. The platform's simplicity means less consultant time is required to get up and running.

Which Platform Is Right for Your Firm?

Based on our implementation experience, here's a simplified decision framework:

Choose iManage if: You're a large firm (100+ users), you have complex workflow and governance requirements, you need on-premise or private cloud deployment, or you're already deeply integrated with iManage's ecosystem of enterprise tools.

Choose NetDocuments if: You're a mid-sized firm (20–100 users), you prioritise cloud-native simplicity, you use ActionStep or another mid-market PMS, or you want faster time-to-value with lower implementation complexity.

Both platforms are excellent choices for Australian law firms. The decision ultimately comes down to firm size, IT capability, and integration requirements. If you're unsure, our Tech Stack Selector can help you identify the right document management platform based on your specific profile — or contact us for a personalised recommendation.