After years of teaming up, we’re thrilled to share our new partnership with Clio. In this collaboration, we want to shine a light on one of Clio’s standout features: their legal client portal software.
Good communication is vital in the legal world, and having technology that lets clients work with their lawyers from just about anywhere is a real game-changer.
Understanding Legal Client Portal Software:
The software is designed for clients to securely communicate with their lawyers allowing them to share information with their legal counsel and receive case status updates from virtually anywhere. Information sharing is no longer complex as uploading and downloading information is as simple as using social media. Everything they need to know about their case can now fit in the palm of their hand thanks to the mobile app.
Challenges in Legal Client Communication:
Lawyers are familiar with legal cases, but for most clients the terms and requirements are completely foreign. This makes it very important for lawyers to be deliberate in their communication to ensure their clients understand. Simple language and empathy are paramount especially in a time where a bad review can change public perception in an instant.
Benefits of Legal Client Portal Software:
The convenience of having all case documentation and communication at your fingertips is one of the biggest client portal benefits. The law firm technology allows lawyers to keep everything in a centralized location which streamlines the workflow and frees up time for other tasks.
The benefits are not only on the law firm’s side, as the legal client portal provides a direct line of communication between clients and the legal team making clients feel like they are receiving one-on-one attention.
Clients also feel more empowered as they become active stakeholders in their case rather than taking a passive role.
Enhanced Client Service: Convenient and secure communication.
Confidentiality is a pillar of the legal profession. Lawyers are entrusted with a wide range of private client information from financial details to personal data, with legal client portal software, security is taken care of. Clients receive a signup link from their lawyer, the portal can then be securely accessed via Face ID or Touch ID, or their fingerprint if using the mobile app.
Clients can send files securely using the mobile app’s built-in document scanner or by uploading images from their camera. Other client portal features include the financial elements. Invoices and payment history can be viewed on the app and payments can be made right from the portal.
Key Features in Legal Client Portal Software:
According to the 2020 Legal Trends Report, law firms using client communication apps perform better and collect more revenue than those who do not.
The popularity of legal client portal software can be attributed to many things with certain features standing out, such as convenience. Accessibility is one of the client portal benefits, both in location and language. Clio for Clients is available in English and Spanish and can be accessed virtually anywhere provided you have access to the app.
Ease of use is another important feature, and with a user interface that is as simple as using social media the legal practice management software covers those bases. Being able to log in using facial recognition or fingerprints, and then being able to directly communicate with your legal team puts the power in the client’s hands – quite literally, when it comes to the mobile app.
The case communications, documents, invoices, and calendar events can be accessed at any time which eliminates constant back-and-forth contact and eases workflow. All data shared with lawyers is automatically and securely saved.
Clients can be updated on the status of their case in real-time and they can share files and documents with the click of a button using the mobile app’s built-in document scanner.
Selecting the Right Legal Client Portal Software:
There are a few options available when looking to start with legal client portal software when selecting a client portal system, here are some features to look out for:
- The software should offer secure uploading and downloading of documents.
- Look for software that offers a secure communication platform that allows for direct, real-time communication.
- Portals which provide scheduling, task management and deadline tracking is beneficial
- Billing and invoicing features are convenient and streamline the financial aspect of the job.
- Being able to give case status updates improves a clients overall experience working with the law firm
Best Practices for Implementing Legal Client Portals:
Using a client portal ensures that client communication at the firm runs smoothly. To get the most out of your portal here are some factors to consider:
- Ensure the vendor you decide to work with takes security and client confidentiality seriously and that messages are encrypted.
- For convenience consider a portal which is able to handle multiple files and folders at the same time.
- Be sure to onboard clients effectively, a little extra time explaining the app to clients can save time in the future.
- Provide in-house training to ensure everyone at the firm knows how to use the app and how to onboard clients.
Conclusion
Communication is important in the legal industry which makes software designed for clients to securely communicate with their lawyers, a godsend. Clio for Clients offers the convenience of having all case documentation and communication at your fingertips. The software streamlines workflow and frees up time for other tasks while clients feel like their case is a top priority.
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