Payroll SoftwareGusto Review
Full-service payroll with automatic tax filing and benefits, built for small teams that want it simple.
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What is Gusto?
Gusto is a full-service payroll and benefits platform aimed at small businesses, and it maps cleanly onto a solo or small law firm that needs to pay W-2 staff and associates without hiring a payroll administrator. Pay runs are simple, and the system files federal, state, and local payroll taxes automatically.
For a practice, the appeal is the low-friction setup: employees self-onboard, you can pay both W-2 staff and 1099 of-counsel or contractors, and benefits like health insurance and 401(k) plug into the same system. Multi-state support helps firms with a remote associate or a satellite office.
This is an independent editorial overview, not legal or accounting advice, and inclusion here is not an attorney endorsement of the product. Note too that Gusto is general business-payroll software — it does not handle client-trust or IOLTA accounting, so your firm must keep client funds in dedicated legal trust-accounting software and follow your state bar's IOLTA rules.
Gusto key features
Full-service tax filing
Automatically calculates, files, and pays federal, state, and local payroll taxes so the firm avoids missed deadlines.
W-2 and 1099 payments
Pay salaried staff and associates alongside 1099 of-counsel and contractors from one pay run.
Employee self-onboarding
New hires enter their own details and tax forms, cutting the office manager's setup work.
Integrated benefits
Health, 401(k), and other benefits administer through the same platform that runs payroll.
Pros
- Simplest full-service payroll for a solo or small firm
- Automatic federal, state, and local tax filing
- Handles W-2 staff and 1099 contractors together
- Employee self-onboarding reduces admin work
Cons
- Per-employee fees add up as headcount grows
- Does not do legal trust or IOLTA accounting — you still need dedicated trust software for client funds
Gusto pricing
Tiered monthly plans with a base fee plus a per-person charge; higher tiers add HR and compliance tools. Contractor-only pricing is lower. Confirm current pricing on Gusto's site.
Best for
- Solo and small firms that want payroll handled with minimal effort
- Practices paying a mix of W-2 staff and 1099 of-counsel
- Office managers who want self-onboarding and automatic tax filing
How Gusto compares
See Gusto ranked side-by-side against the alternatives in our independent comparison.
Gusto FAQ
Is Gusto good for a law firm?
Yes — for a solo or small firm it is one of the easiest ways to run W-2 and 1099 payroll with automatic tax filing and built-in benefits. Just remember it is business payroll only and does not manage client-trust or IOLTA funds, which still require dedicated legal trust-accounting software. Confirm current pricing on Gusto's site.
Does Gusto handle multi-state payroll?
Yes — Gusto supports paying employees across multiple states and files the relevant state taxes, which helps firms with a remote associate or a second office. Verify that your specific states are covered before switching.
How much does Gusto cost?
Gusto charges a monthly base fee plus a per-person amount, with higher tiers adding HR and compliance features. Contractor-only plans cost less. Check the current plans directly, as pricing changes.
Top alternatives to Gusto
The highest-ranked law-firm payroll software options worth comparing before you decide.
ADP
Scalable payroll and HR that grows with the firm, backed by deep compliance tooling and support.
Paychex
Payroll plus full HR and benefits administration, with a dedicated specialist and 24/7 support.
The bottom line
Gusto earns a 4.7/5 in our editorial review. If it fits your needs, you can visit it directly below — or see how it stacks up against the alternatives first.
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Important disclosure
This review is produced by the AttorneyReview editorial team for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Despite the “AttorneyReview” name, this platform does not provide legal advice or legal validation of any company, product, or service, and attorneys do not review, endorse, or certify Gusto or any provider listed.
Affiliate disclosure. AttorneyReview is reader-supported and may receive compensation when you sign up with the provider via outbound links on this page. Our assessment is an independent editorial judgment and is not altered by compensation.
Methodology. Our rating reflects an editorial assessment of features, value, ease of use, and reputation, reviewed as of June 2026 and subject to change. Confirm current features and pricing on Gusto's own site before purchasing.
