How to Set Up Clio: A Step-by-Step Guide for Attorneys

If you’ve recently signed up for Clio or are considering it, you’re making a smart move. Clio is one of the most widely used legal practice management platforms for law firms, especially for small to midsize practices that want to stay organized, compliant, and efficient.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to set up Clio so you can get the most out of it—whether you’re a solo attorney or part of a growing firm.

Step 1: Choose the Right Clio Plan

Clio offers a few different plans:

• Clio Manage – For legal practice management

• Clio Grow – For CRM and intake

• Clio Suite – Both Grow and Manage combined

If you’re unsure what to choose, start with a free trial of Clio Manage, then add Grow later if you want to streamline client intake and marketing.

Step 2: Set Up Your Account

Once you’ve chosen your plan:

1. Visit https://www.clio.com

2. Click “Free Trial” or “Log In” if you’ve already subscribed

3. Enter your basic firm details:

   • Firm name

   • Location

   • Time zone

   • Practice areas

Step 3: Add Your Team (if applicable)

If you have paralegals, associates, or a bookkeeper:

• Go to Settings > Manage Users

• Click “Add User” and enter their name and email

• Assign them a role: Admin, Lawyer, Non-lawyer Staff

Step 4: Create Practice Areas and Matter Templates

This is a great time-saver.

1. Go to Settings > Practice Areas

2. Add areas like Family Law, Real Estate, Estate Planning, etc.

3. Create matter templates with default billing rates, task lists, and document templates for each area.

Step 5: Set Up Billing & Payment Options

To bill clients through Clio:

• Go to Settings > Billing > Payment Profiles

• Set default hourly rates or flat fees

• If you’re using Clio Payments, connect your bank account (via LawPay)

• Customize your invoice templates under Billing > Bill Themes

Step 6: Import Your Existing Data (if switching platforms)

If you’re coming from another platform or using spreadsheets:

• Visit Settings > Import Data

• Use Clio’s built-in importer or request help from their free data migration team

• You can import contacts, matters, time entries, and more

Step 7: Connect Your Calendar and Email

Integrate Clio with tools you already use:

• Google Workspace / Microsoft 365: Go to Settings > Apps and connect your accounts

• This allows Clio to sync your:

  • Emails

  • Contacts

  • Calendar events

  • Documents

Step 8: Set Up Automations and Reminders

If you want to automate reminders for clients or staff:

• Use Clio Grow (if subscribed) for intake forms, reminders, and e-signatures

• In Clio Manage, go to Tasks > Add Task List Template

• Automate common steps like:

  • “Send retainer agreement”

  • “Schedule follow-up call”

  • “Prepare discovery documents”

Step 9: Learn Clio with Built-In Training

Clio offers short tutorials inside the platform:

• Click the question mark icon on the bottom right of your screen

• Choose “Live Training” or watch videos by topic

• Their support team is available by chat if you need help

Need Help Setting Up Clio the Right Way?

As a local IT and cybersecurity firm that works with attorneys, we help law offices across [Long Island / your service area] get fully set up — from Clio installations to device syncing, secure remote access, and even printer setups.

If you’re setting up Clio and want to make sure it’s secure and synced across your team, reach out to us here — we’re happy to help.