Clio Manage stands out as a leading cloud-based legal practice management software, designed to streamline operations for law firms of all sizes. Initially known simply as “Clio,” it has evolved into a comprehensive platform, especially when combined with Clio Grow, a separate legal intake and CRM software (formerly Lexicata, acquired and integrated in 2018). Together, Clio Manage and Clio Grow form Clio Complete, offering a holistic solution for legal professionals. This article will primarily focus on the robust Clio Features within Clio Manage, highlighting why it’s a top choice for modern law firms.
Who is Clio Manage For?
Clio Manage is particularly well-suited for law firms that prioritize user-friendliness and flexibility in their practice management solutions. Its web-based nature eliminates the need for on-site servers, making it accessible on both Windows and Mac systems. This accessibility is a key clio feature, allowing lawyers to work from anywhere, anytime.
Furthermore, firms that require seamless integration with other essential software will find Clio Manage highly beneficial. It integrates effortlessly with popular tools like Office 365, Google Workspace, Airtable, Asana, and numerous other cloud-based applications. This extensive integration capability is another significant clio feature, enhancing workflow and productivity.
For law practices seeking a straightforward, easy-to-adopt practice management system that can be quickly implemented, Clio Manage is an excellent choice. Its intuitive design ensures a smooth transition and rapid onboarding for all team members, underscoring its appeal as a user-centric legal software.
Exploring Clio Manage’s Interface
One of the defining clio features of Clio Manage is its clean and intuitive user interface. Unlike cumbersome legacy systems, Clio presents a minimalist design that doesn’t overwhelm users with excessive options. Matters are logically organized into tabs for contacts, appointments, tasks, and more, making navigation straightforward and efficient.
Here’s a glimpse into the user-friendly design:
Key Clio Manage Features: Deep Dive
Clio Manage boasts a range of clio features designed to enhance every aspect of legal practice management. Let’s explore some of the standout functionalities:
Simplicity and User-Friendliness
Clio’s rise to market leadership in cloud-based practice management is largely attributed to its ease of use and modern interface. Compared to outdated, complex software, Clio Manage offers a natural and intuitive user experience. This focus on simplicity is a core clio feature, making it accessible to users of all technical abilities.
Extensive Integration Network
The vast network of integrations is a powerful clio feature. Clio Manage connects with a multitude of other services and applications commonly used by law firms. Integrations with Office 365, Google Workspace, QuickBooks, Zapier, Slack, and Zoom, among others, allow firms to extend Clio’s capabilities and create a customized, comprehensive practice management platform tailored to their specific needs.
Streamlined Billing and Payments with Clio Payments
Efficient billing is crucial for any law firm. Clio Payments, a built-in clio feature, simplifies this process. Users can generate professional, customized invoices with varying levels of detail and facilitate fast online payments. The system allows for tracking invoice statuses, applying discounts, and automating late payment interest. Clio Payments supports secure online payment options like credit, debit, and eCheck, directly through invoices, improving client payment convenience and firm cash flow management.
Advanced Case Management
Sophisticated case management is a fundamental clio feature of Clio Manage. Law firms can create custom data fields to capture, store, and search for case details relevant to their specific practice areas and workflows. Each case can be further customized with categories, task lists, billing rates, payment profiles, budgets, and more, providing granular control and organization.
Dashboard: Your Law Firm’s Command Center
The Clio Manage dashboard acts as a central hub, offering an immediate overview of critical law firm metrics. This dashboard clio feature displays upcoming deadlines, tracked billable hours, and other key performance indicators in a single, accessible view, empowering informed decision-making and proactive management.
Intake and CRM with Clio Grow
While this article focuses on Clio Manage, it’s important to acknowledge Clio Grow as a significant component of the Clio ecosystem. Clio Grow provides cloud-based client intake and CRM functionalities designed to optimize client onboarding and enhance client relationships. Its seamless integration with Clio Manage ensures a smooth transition from initial client contact to active case management, saving time and ensuring a consistent client experience.
Specialized Personal Injury Practice Area Module
For personal injury law firms, Clio Manage offers a dedicated practice area module. This specialized clio feature is tailored to the unique needs of personal injury cases, including medical records management and settlement calculator tools, streamlining workflows and improving efficiency in this specific legal field.
Complete List of Clio Features
For a comprehensive understanding of Clio Manage’s capabilities, here is a detailed list of clio features:
Core Management
- Client & Contact Management: Centralized database for client, court, and related party information.
- Matter Management: Organized system for cases and projects, storing essential matter details.
- Calendaring: Individual and firm-wide calendars with Outlook synchronization.
- Task Management: Creation, assignment, and deadline setting for matter-related tasks.
- Time & Expense Tracking: Billable hour and expense tracking per client or matter.
- Billing: Invoicing for hourly, contingency, and fixed-fee billing structures.
- Conflict Checking: Database search and documentation for conflict checks.
Financial and Document Management
- Business Accounting: Standard accounting features including Chart of Accounts and financial reports.
- Trust Accounting: IOLTA accounting for trust fund management and reporting.
- Document Assembly/Automation: Automated document and form preparation and population.
- Document Storage: Built-in cloud storage for case-related documents.
- Document Management: Advanced features like full-text search, tagging, and version control.
- Email Management: Outlook integration for saving emails to specific matters.
Accessibility and Connectivity
- Mobile App: iOS and Android apps for time entry and core functionality access.
- Client Portal: Secure online portal for client communication and document sharing.
- Open API: API access for custom integrations and third-party development.
User Testimonials on Clio Features and Benefits
User feedback consistently highlights the positive impact of clio features on law firm operations. Here are some curated testimonials:
“The perfect software for small law firms.” – Kellie, Small Law Firm
“Everything about Clio has been so intuitive to the point that we really didn’t need much training for any of it. The ease of the program is great for logging time, document management, billing, and more… this one has been the most inclusive of all of our firm’s needs.”
“Clio makes my job much easier.” – Jacy, Small Law Firm
“I love the task list/reminder function, as well as the communication log. Most importantly, access to the timer to bill my time is the most important feature… I also love that you can set billable goals, and it tells you for each day, week, month, and year whether you’re on track to meet those billables.”
“Good for your client billing.” – Roel, Small Law Firm
“It is very easy and simple to bill all of your client matters… The actual billing process is very simple compared to other client billing programs I’ve used in the past. I also like how you can start a timer on the program to keep track of hours you are billing a client.”
“Great option for a small practice.” – Jeffrey, Partner, Small Law Firm
“Moving to a cloud based case management system has been fantastic… Clio provides the most intuitive program for our staff.”
Clio Pricing Structure
Clio offers various editions to suit different firm needs and budgets. Here’s a summary of their monthly pricing (subject to change):
- Clio EasyStart: $69 / User / Month
- Clio Essentials: $89 / User / Month
- Clio Advanced: $119 / User / Month
- Clio Complete: $149 / User / Month (includes Clio Grow)
Conclusion: Leveraging Clio Features for a Modern Law Practice
Clio Manage provides a robust suite of clio features that empower law firms to effectively manage cases, clients, billing, and overall practice operations in the cloud. While Clio Manage is a powerful tool on its own, firms seeking a truly complete cloud-based legal office can consider Uptime Practice, a comprehensive suite of managed IT and cloud services designed specifically for law firms, complementing Clio Manage and other legal software.
To explore how clio features can benefit your law firm, learn more about Clio Manage here.
For a holistic IT and cloud platform tailored for legal practices, consider exploring Uptime Practice and its offerings:
Uptime Practice: The IT & Cloud Platform for Law Firms.
- Practice Next: Technology + Legal Software Support for Modern Law Firms. Learn More →
- Practice Go: Cloudify Your Legal App. Learn More →
- Practice Foundation: Complete Private Cloud for Law Firms. Learn More →
If you’re unsure which solution best fits your firm’s needs, check out their Comparison Chart or Get in Touch with their sales team for personalized guidance.
