Be a SaaSy solo with Clio

When I started out as a solo practitioner, I reviewed practice management software like Amicus Attorney and ProLaw for their value in managing my budding law practice. But after reviewing the cost, in addition to my other startup fees, I passed them by.

As a computer and network geek, I had no trouble coming up with a consistent file system for client matters and installing an intranet and extranet for the home office. As for document creation and management, it was easy to create Microsoft Word templates and macros and, from my editorial experience, manual version control was a forethought, not an afterthought. But then came time and billing: a continuing experiment, even battle, with MS-Excel spreadsheets and MS-Access databases.

At LegalTech West, I hunted down Clio per Robert Ambrogi's sound advice. It is has a lot of promise to provide solos and small firms with time tracking, billing and reporting, client and contact management along with task scheduling, document management, practice performance metrics, and even a facility to manage client trust accounts -- all bundled in software as a service and available via the Internet and a Web browser from a Microsoft Windows or Mac OS. After my discussion with Clio, I found that its price point will be low enough that solos and small firms won't even think twice before tyring it out. But you will still need a facility to create documents locally such as Microsoft Office, Open Office or Star Office. In the alternative, if you want to dabble in more software as a service, there is also Google Docs.

Although Clio is in beta now, when it goes live it may be time to put away the spreadsheets and the haphazard databases for cost-effective, practice management software as a service: Clio. 

Comments

[Jack Newton]

Thanks for spreading the word about Clio! We're currently opening the site up to beta users as we refine and finalize Clio, so if you're one of the many lawyers we've spoken to that's excited by the prospect of web-based practice management, come visit www.goclio.com.

Jack Newton
www.goclio.com

[Aditya Gholap]

Interesting - the amount of developments are amazing. Now u have tools specifically for verticals. Im reminded of Google Health as well for doctors and medical institutions. In my firm we use Deskaway - its not specific - its generic for small services businesses. Im quite happy. In fact - being a tech geek myself ive managed to use Deskaway well with Google Apps i think to merge utility.

[Aditya Gholap]

here's the Deskaway link for anyone interested - http://www.deskaway.com - i would call it project management + process Management + CRM - and you could call me a fan boy :)

[Larry Port]

Hi Folks!

Rocket Matter is generating a ton of buzz on the net - it's the leading SaaS solution for legal practice management and time and billing.

A fast-growing number of attorneys on Mac and PC have embraced Rocket Matter. You can see a video at http://www.rocketmatter.com.

[Chris Monaghan]

Time59 (www.time59.com) is a web-based time and billing application that is gaining notice among solo attorneys. It provides time and expense tracking, invoicing and accounts receivable. $49.95 per year for unlimited use. There's also a free 30-day trial.