I’ve been pulling my hair out lately trying to fix my version of PCLaw, a comprehensive practice management solution for both daily client management and back office accounting (which replaces Quickbooks.)
PCLAW is a bit glitchy at times and while their support is excellent, the annual maintenacne support costs have shot up quite a bit since Lexis bought the rights to the software.
So I’m looking for the next best comprehensive solution and would prefer web based options over downloadable software.
Clio has shown serious promise however, I still need at a minimum, a proper Quickbooks export or some other back office accounting solution to work seamlessly with Clio.
Rocket Matter has what appears to be a great product as well, however they apparently have no option for a free trial account (though they do offer a free guided demo preview but I prefer to tinker around myself.) They have also increased their pricing across the board which is probably good for business but makes me hesitate. I would probably need 3 accounts which would run about $160/month! Too rich for my taste but nevertheless a solid product I’m sure.
I chatted over email with Andrew Flusche about his choice to go with Freshbooks but I prefer to have my an integrated trust accounting system built in.
What Does A Perfect Law Practice Management System Contain?
Here’s what I need:
1. Client/Contact Management
2. Daily income/expense tracking
3. Attractive, user friendly note taking system
4. Integrated back office accounting OR export system to Quickbooks, etc)
5. Trust accounting solution
Here’s what I want:
6. Basecamp like communication with clients
7. Web based document assembly (a pipe dream)
PCLAW has everything except for item #3. But it’s glitchy and frustrating (infuriating) at times.
Hi Long,Nice post. We've been working hard to make Clio the perfect system for firms like yours, and you should definitely give Clio another look. We offer a free trial, and we think the pricing model we've got is the right fit for the solo/small firm market.In terms of your needs and wants, we're a really good fit:> Here’s what I need:> 1. Client/Contact ManagementCheck.> 2. Daily income/expense trackingCheck.> 3. Attractive, user friendly note taking systemCheck.> 4. Integrated back office accounting OR export system to Quickbooks, etc)Check. We export to QuickBooks now.> 5. Trust accounting solutionCheck.> Here’s what I want:> 6. Basecamp like communication with clientsCheck. ClientConnect (rolled out at LTNY this year) is exactly what you're looking for.> 7. Web based document assembly (a pipe dream)We can export to CSV for assembly with Outlook/Word etc.
Jack,About #6. I knew that you had a ClientConnect system that was made for commenting on documents uploaded to Clio. But can I communicate with the client without uploading a document?
Hi Long,Right now comments/communications are centered around documents, but we're working on rolling out a more direct communication system to supplement this.
I understand that Smart Matters from <a href="http://www.balaboss.com” target=”_blank”>www.balaboss.com has everything except the document assembly – but in addition has email broadcasting, electronic deal rooms etc.They can set up free demos for people – but looking at a demo version takes a lot of time.
I understand that Smart Matters from <a href="http://www.balaboss.com” target=”_blank”>www.balaboss.com has everything except the document assembly – but in addition has email broadcasting, electronic deal rooms etc.They can set up free demos for people – but looking at a demo version takes a lot of time.