From first contact to final invoice, a small Canadian law firm can run its entire practice on five well-connected tools. Here's the full stack and how each layer works.
Layer 1: Client intake (Clio Grow)
Clio Grow is Clio's CRM and intake module — separate from but tightly integrated with Clio Manage. It handles web forms, lead tracking, conflict checks, retainer signing, and the handoff to Clio Manage when a prospect becomes a client. For firms already on Clio Manage, adding Grow is the single highest-ROI upgrade available.
Layer 2: Practice management (Clio Manage or LEAP)
Clio Manage handles matters, time entries, documents, tasks, and billing. LEAP is the alternative for firms that need stronger precedent document drafting and Canadian-specific workflows baked in. Both comply with Law Society trust accounting requirements across Ontario, BC, and Alberta. Clio's advantage is a larger Canadian user base and better third-party integrations.
Layer 3: Document management
For most small firms, Clio's built-in document storage is sufficient. For firms with high document volume, NetDocuments integrates with Clio and provides version control, matter-centric organization, and full-text search across the entire document library.
Layer 4: Accounting
Clio's native tools handle trust accounting and billing. QuickBooks Online connects for general ledger, payroll, and tax reporting. The Clio-QBO integration syncs billing data without manual entry — no more double data entry at month-end.
Layer 5: Client communication
Clio for Clients (the client portal) handles secure messaging and document sharing in a PIPEDA-compliant channel. Calendly handles appointment scheduling without phone tag.
A free Intake Process Audit maps your current stack against this framework and identifies your most valuable improvements. Get your free Intake Process Audit →