Deciding to pull the plug on an internally developed client-facing tech tool isn't always an easy decision, law firms and their tech consultants said. Sure, some software and initiatives never gain traction, but high client usage rates aren't the only considerations firms weigh. Sometimes an influential shareholder, usage by key clients or public interest is enough for firms to continue maintaining software.

To be sure, as law firms delve into product development, they are closely following metrics to determine a software's success, future modifications or potential termination.

"I think it's a little bit of an art and science to figure out if something has reached its end of life," said Fisher & Phillips director of knowledge management, innovation Jennifer Mendez. "You have to figure out how a product is performing."