Most small law firms still run conflict checks in a spreadsheet — or from memory. Retainers get drafted in Word, emailed as PDFs, and returned days later. Both steps are fully automatable with tools you may already have.
Automating conflict checks
Clio Grow's built-in conflict search runs against all existing contacts and matters the moment a new prospect's name is entered — searching opposing parties, related parties, and associated businesses, not just client names. For firms not yet on Clio, a properly structured matter database with consistent data entry habits is a meaningful improvement over memory-based conflict checking.
The critical discipline: every matter must record all parties — client, opposing party, opposing counsel, and related businesses — at intake. Conflicts you don't capture can't be searched later.
Automating retainer signing
Clio Manage includes retainer templates with merge fields — client name, matter type, fee structure — that populate automatically from the client and matter record. The populated agreement goes out for electronic signature via DocuSign or HelloSign in two clicks. Clients sign on any device. The signed document stores automatically in the matter. No printing, no scanning, no waiting for mail.
Connecting intake, conflicts, and retainer in one flow
With Clio Grow and Clio Manage working together: prospect fills in a web form → Clio checks for conflicts → if clear, a retainer generates and goes out for e-signature → upon signing, the matter opens in Clio Manage with all client data pre-populated. Total active lawyer time for a conflict-free intake: under five minutes.
A free Intake Process Audit maps your current conflict and retainer workflow and shows you exactly what's automatable. Get your free Intake Process Audit →