October 7th, 2009 by The Clio Team
User Review Spotlight: Aaron Hall
Aaron Hall of the Twin Cities Law Firm has published what we consider to be one of the most comprehensive and insightful reviews of Clio to date. His review joins the other User Review Spotlights from Jason Molder, Brian Powers, and Brian Pedigo.
Aaron approached us back in January stating he’d like to write a review, but wanted to use the software in-depth for an extended period before writing his review. We granted his request, and as such his review is based on Aaron’s review of Clio is based on his experiences in using Clio in a live, working, production environment for ten months. The ten-month period Aaron used Clio was an exciting stretch for us – we had only launched the product officially two months prior, and over the subsequent year would continue to release hundreds of bug fixes, polish items, and substantial new features, such as Clio Connect, Clio Express, QuickBooks Integration and Clio Sync to our users.
We encourage you to read the entire review, but here we’ll summarize some of the Aaron’s key findings on Clio. Aaron first points out one of Clio’s key features, Clio Express:
The most unique aspect of Clio is that it is available online and offline (not connected to the internet). Being able to access your law firm software online is great for attorneys who own multiple computers, when attorneys work away from the office, or for access with an iPhone or BlackBerry. Even though Clio is primarily available online, it has software that makes it available offline, which is great if you are on a flight or otherwise temporarily away from the internet.
On invoicing:
Invoicing on Clio is simple. Clio tracks bank accounts (operating accounts) and trust accounts. Clio can export to Quickbooks for those with more advanced accounting or invoicing needs.
Clio’s Clio Connect feature enables online bill-paying for your clients. You simply send your clients a link to an outstanding invoice, and the client can pay the invoice via PayPal or other online payment systems.
On the iPhone interface:
On the iPhone, Clio is accessed using the web browser. However, the website interface is completely customized to the iPhone, which means menus are large, simple, and easy to use.
On our support and responsiveness to customers:
I have called and emailed Clio a few times and always received quick, knowledgeable, and thoughtful responses.
Last winter, another attorney and I suggested some ideas to Clio. They implemented a number of the ideas. Their responsiveness was impressive. It is obvious that Clio is listening to its users and quickly improving its online software. The difference between Clio last December and Clio today is significant. I could not recommend that small firms use Clio last December, but now Clio seems to be the best option for small firms.
And finally, Aaron’s comparison of Clio to traditional desktop-based practice management software:
Clio is simple and intuitive to new lawyers, attorneys who despise computers, and techies alike. This is a stark contrast to PC Law, Pro Law, Time Matters, and all of the other traditional software applications I’ve used.
Select Clio if you want basic practice management software that is easy, saves time, has useful features, and provides online access from anywhere with an internet connection. Select traditional law firm software if you want a complex system with thousands of features and options, significant customization, and software that runs on your server. Clio probably isn’t ready for the demands of a firm with over 20 attorneys. But Clio is great for small firms and solos. Especially noteworthy, Clio won’t require a computer support person or training for personnel.
Aaron, thanks for the kind comments and insightful review. His review also mentions several areas we can improve or streamline Clio and, as always, we’re taking notes and already starting to integrate some of his suggestions into this month’s updates. Click here to read Aaron’s entire Clio Review.
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