Why Lawyers Should Embrace Legal Tech Software Like Clio and LeanLaw

With all the law firms out there, competitive means more than just legal expertise—it requires efficiency, client satisfaction, and adaptability. Legal tech software, such as Clio and LeanLaw, is transforming the way law firms operate, helping lawyers save time, boost profitability, and deliver better client experiences. If you’re a lawyer hesitant to adopt these tools, here’s why you should reconsider, backed by compelling statistics and real-world benefits.

Streamline Operations and Save Time

Lawyers often spend a significant portion of their day on non-billable tasks, such as administrative work, billing, and client communication. According to the Legal Trends Report by Clio, lawyers spend less than three hours per day on billable tasks, with office administration, billing, and payment collection consuming a significant amount of valuable time. 

Legal tech software automates these time-consuming tasks. For example, Clio Manage offers features such as automated client intake, document management, and integrated billing, thereby reducing the need for manual data entry. 

Similarly, LeanLaw streamlines billing with its two-way sync with QuickBooks Online, cutting down the time spent on invoicing from 10–15 hours weekly to just 2–3.  The two-way sync makes this billing software superior.  No worries about duplicate transactions and other messiness of other software with a one-way sync.

By automating repetitive tasks, these tools free up lawyers to focus on high-value legal work, increasing billable hours and firm.  In LeanLaw, we love using snippets and short codes.

Get Paid Faster with Online Payments

Cash flow is critical for any law firm, and delayed payments can disrupt operations. The Legal Trends Report found that law firms offering online payments receive payment twice as fast, with a median wait time of 7 days compared to 15 days for those without online payment options. Additionally, 46% of clients prefer paying lawyers with a credit card, and 40% of consumers won’t hire a lawyer who doesn’t accept debit or credit cards.

 Both Clio and LeanLaw integrate secure online payment processing. Clio’s payment platform allows clients to pay via credit card or ACH through a secure client portal, while LeanLaw’s electronic invoicing and online payment options ensure faster collections. We recommend using Confido Legal.  It is versatile and lets you bill the client for the fees.  They also have payment plan options for clients that need them.

Faster payments mean improved cash flow and less time chasing overdue invoices.

Enhance Client Satisfaction and Retention

This is where Clio shines!  Clients today expect convenience, transparency, and responsiveness. Legal tech software helps firms meet these demands. The 2022 Legal Trends Report revealed that law firms utilizing practice management software, such as Clio, were 33% more satisfied with their client relationships, and attorneys using cloud-based legal technology were 43% more likely to have satisfied clients. 

Clio’s client portal, Clio for Clients, enables secure document sharing, messaging, and payment options, keeping clients informed and engaged. LeanLaw’s focus on transparent billing and real-time reporting also boosts client trust, with a 2023 Clio study noting a 30% increase in client retention for firms using legal tech for faster, more transparent billing. 

Work Anywhere with Cloud-Based Flexibility

The shift to remote and hybrid work has made cloud-based tools essential. An earlier ABA TechReport found that 77% of lawyers work regularly from home, 38% while traveling, and 28% from client offices. 

Cloud-based platforms, such as Clio and LeanLaw, enable lawyers to access case files, track time, and manage tasks from anywhere with an internet connection.

Clio’s mobile app enables lawyers to log time, review documents, and communicate with clients on the go. At the same time, LeanLaw’s cloud-based trust accounting and billing ensure secure access without the need for on-premises servers. This flexibility not only supports remote work but also enhances work-life balance, a key factor in lawyer well-being.

Stay Competitive in a Tech-Driven Industry

The legal industry is embracing technology at an unprecedented pace. A 2024 American Bar Association report found that 82% of law firms now recognize legal technology as essential for staying relevant, up from 68% in 2020. Firms that fail to adopt legal technology risk falling behind competitors who leverage these tools to offer faster and more efficient services.

Clio’s open API and over 200 app integrations enable firms to customize their tech stack, while LeanLaw’s modular approach allows firms to build tailored solutions without vendor lock-in. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or part of a mid-sized firm, these tools help you stay agile and competitive.

Improve Compliance and Security

Lawyers must protect client data and comply with regulations such as HIPAA for firms that handle personal health information. Clio adheres to industry best practices, including HIPAA compliance, and offers data encryption and role-based permissions to safeguard sensitive information. LeanLaw’s trust accounting software ensures compliance with ABA standards through automated three-way reconciliation, reducing the risk of errors in client fund management. Secure, compliant tools build client trust and protect your firm from costly breaches.

Clio vs. LeanLaw: Which Is Right for You?

Clio: Ideal for firms seeking an all-in-one solution. It offers robust case management, client intake, document automation, and billing, with a user-friendly interface and extensive integrations. Ideal for small to mid-sized firms seeking a centralized platform.

 LeanLaw: Ideal for firms specializing in billing and accounting. Its deep QuickBooks integration and modular approach suit firms that prefer a tailored tech stack. Ideal for small and mid-sized firms or those prioritizing financial efficiency.

Both platforms offer free trials, allowing you to test them and determine which one best fits your firm’s needs. 

Conclusion: Don’t Get Left Behind

Legal tech software like Clio and LeanLaw isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a game-changer for modern law firms. From saving time and getting paid faster to improving client satisfaction and staying competitive, these tools deliver measurable benefits. With 82% of firms recognizing the importance of legal tech and clients demanding digital solutions, adopting these platforms is a smart move to future-proof your practice

 Ready to transform your firm? Start with a free trial of Clio or LeanLaw and see the difference for yourself. Your clients—and your bottom line—will thank you.  If you need help migrating off of a system that is no longer serving you, reach out.  It’s our specialty!