Clio is one of the most widely used legal practice management platforms for law firms. It handles matters, time tracking, billing, accounting, documents and client communication, with built-in AI on Core and higher plans and Clio Work for AI legal research and drafting. Plans start at $49 per user a month, with a 7-day free trial.
What is Clio?
Clio is a cloud-based platform used by law firms around the world to run their practice. Clio Manage covers case and matter management, calendars, time tracking, billing, trust accounting, documents and a client portal, while Clio Grow handles lead intake and client relationships.
Clio calls itself the Intelligent Legal Work Platform. AI on Core and above drafts bills, creates tasks and calendar events from documents and writes client update drafts. Signature adds AI-built profitability reports, and the Clio Work add-on brings document analysis, legal research across more than 1 billion documents and drafting.
Clio key features
Matter management
Organize cases, contacts, tasks and deadlines.
Time tracking and billing
Track time and create invoices quickly.
AI bill drafting
Let AI draft bills from your work.
AI tasks and events
Create tasks and calendar events from documents.
Client portal
Share documents and updates securely.
Legal accounting
Manage trust and operating accounts.
AI reports
AI-built profitability and productivity reports.
Clio Work
AI legal research, document analysis and drafting.
Clio Grow
Lead capture, intake and client relationships.
Clio pricing plans (2026)
Clio Manage plans start at $49 per user a month. Higher-tier prices are shown on request. All plans include a 7-day free trial.
Starter
Per user. Core practice management with accounting included.
Core
Adds AI features like AI-drafted bills, tasks and client updates, plus client portal.
Signature
Adds custom roles, matter stages, AI reports and multi-currency billing.
Elite
Clio Manage plus Clio Grow for lead capture, intake and reviews.
Clio Work AI is an add-on or bundle. Check the latest prices on the official Clio pricing page.
How to use Clio
- 1
Go to clio.com and start a free trial.
- 2
Import your contacts and matters.
- 3
Set up billing rates, calendars and documents.
- 4
Track time and let AI draft bills and tasks.
- 5
Add Clio Work for AI research and drafting.
Who should use Clio?
Solo lawyers
Run an entire practice in one tool.
Small law firms
Manage matters, billing and clients.
Growing firms
Add intake and reporting.
Legal teams
Use AI for research and drafting.
Pros and cons
What we like
- Complete practice management platform
- Built-in AI on Core and above
- Strong billing and accounting
- Large integration ecosystem
Watch out for
- Higher tiers require a quote
- AI research is a paid add-on
- Can be costly for large teams
- Learning curve for all features
Best Clio alternatives
Clio is one of the best practice management platforms for law firms, and its built-in AI and Clio Work make it a strong choice for firms that want AI inside daily workflows. Start with the free trial and pick Core or higher to get the AI features.
Clio FAQs
Is Clio free?
No, but Clio offers a 7-day free trial with no credit card needed.
How much does Clio cost?
Plans start at $49 per user a month; higher tiers are priced on request.
Does Clio have AI?
Yes. AI is included on Core and above, and Clio Work adds AI research and drafting.
What is Clio Work?
Clio Work is Clio’s AI add-on for document analysis, legal research and drafting.
Who uses Clio?
Solo lawyers and law firms of all sizes.
Where is Clio based?
Clio is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.
