Hi everyone! I need some advice about switching our practice management software. Right now we’re using MyCase with QuickBooks and LawPay integration, but we need to upgrade to meet new cybersecurity compliance rules like access logging features that MyCase doesn’t offer.
I’ve been checking out Clio but honestly I’m not impressed so far. It costs way more than what we pay now and seems like you have to buy extra add-ons for stuff that comes built into MyCase. The main issue is client intake - MyCase has lead tracking included but with Clio it looks like we’d need to pay extra for Clio Grow just to get that functionality.
Anyone here have hands-on experience with Clio? Or maybe suggestions for other legal software that might work better? We’re a medium sized practice with 11 lawyers, 13 support staff working from 2 main offices plus some remote attorneys. We handle criminal defense, civil litigation, military law, family cases and personal injury work.
Thanks for any help!
We just did a compliance audit and found most firms don’t think about how their integrations will work with new software. Your QuickBooks and LawPay setup with MyCase probably won’t transfer smoothly to other platforms. When we looked at alternatives for a similar practice, we started with the actual compliance requirements first. That showed us what features were must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. Half the time, the logging you actually need is way simpler than what vendors pitch you.
Been through this exact headache when my practice grew. Honestly? Check out PracticePanther before you commit to Clio. Way more transparent pricing and client intake’s already built in - no add-on BS. With Clio’s tiered system, those per-user costs hit hard for practices like yours. PracticePanther handles compliance logging without needing separate modules. Switched last year and it’s been solid for managing different case types without blowing the budget on stuff that should be standard.
Accounting software integration’s seamless too. Saved me from rebuilding my whole workflow.
Quick question that might be obvious - when you talk about access logging for compliance, does that track every file open or just major stuff like edits? My supervising attorney brought this up during my internship but I never got the complete story. I’m curious if some cheaper options actually log more than we think, or if there’s specific requirements that force you into the pricey software.
Here’s something I’ve learned about compliance transitions - most practices miss how their document retention policies will work with new software. Had a case where I realized access logging isn’t just checking a box. You need to know how detailed those audit trails actually are for your compliance needs. Platforms like Smokeball or CosmoLex have really solid logging without the crazy modular pricing. They handle multi-practice workflows way better than the big-name options too.
We had the same issue last year - our compliance officer told us the old system wasn’t working anymore. We ended up going with ActionStep since it’s made for mid-size firms. The access logging works well and they don’t charge extra for basic features. What sold us was how cleanly it handles different practice areas, which sounds like what you need. Have you checked what logging details your compliance rules actually require? The requirements are often more flexible than they seem at first.
What really surprised me during my software search was how expensive those integrations get when you rebuild them. Vendors always downplay migration costs and the time you’ll waste training your team on new systems. I stuck with a boring option because switching meant three weeks of terrible productivity during setup. For compliance logging, smaller platforms like TimeSolv beat the big names with better detailed tracking. Plus their support actually picks up the phone when you need help with setup.
