Today's issue of TL NewsWire covers a new Android and iOS practice management app designed for fast access to information (see article below). In addition, you'll find links to the previous 11 TL NewsWire features, including our coverage of a legal research service that color codes your search terms to help you find relevant cases faster, three practice management apps, client relationship management software that leverages external data, a contract analysis add-in for Microsoft Word, a document management add-on, and much more. Don't miss the next issue.
Designing a practice management app for the iPhone poses several challenges. You want to maximize functionality and the amount of information displayed without clutter. You also want to minimize the number of taps required because the whole point of such an app is to use it on the go in environments like airports, courts, taxis, etc.
Clio Mobile App … in One Sentence
Launched recently, the revamped Clio Mobile App enables you to use the Clio practice management platform on your iPhone, iPad, or Android phone.
The Killer Feature
The Clio Mobile App stems from three years of user feedback and data. Clio's lawyer-in-residence Joshua Lenon told me during my demo that the app nearly matches the Clio web app in functionality, and enables you get to all of these functions faster.
For example, the redesigned Home screen lists your next five events, your next five most important tasks, and a list of matters you've most recently accessed. This reduces the need to access multiple screens. When you need to dig deeper, See All buttons list all tasks and all matters. Also, a new Global Search resides at the top right of every screen, taking you to whatever you need.
The bottom of every screen contains three tabs for fast access to the Home screen, Calendar, and Matters (the iPad app offers more of these defined tabs thanks to its larger display). Another tab labeled More brings up a menu for one tap access to all other functions such as bills and tasks.
The last tab displays a + symbol. This is the new Global Create function. Tap it to create a new contact, matter, event, task, document, time entry, expense, etc. Clio prepopulates fields with data where it can to save you time. A banner across the bottom of your screen confirms the creation of this new record and enables you to view it.
Other Notable Features
Lenon pointed out that this focus on user experience permeates the entire app. For example, the Tasks home screen groups your tasks into six categories. At a glance, you can see your total number of tasks as well as the number due today, in the next seven days, overdue, without a due date, and completed. Similarly, each Matter offers a Timeline view that shows all activities in reverse chronological order — a modern day tickler file. Colors connote the type of activity — blue for time entries, red for calendar entries, etc.
Also new in the Clio Mobile App is a document scanner. Tap Global Create to create a new document, and then choose the scanner option. You can also use the scanner function to record video and store it in a matter.
Given the sensitive information in the Clio Mobile App, you can add an extra layer of security by requiring a PIN for access. On iOS devices, you can use Touch ID.
What Else Should You Know?
Clio offers three plans, all of which enable you to use the Clio Mobile App at no additional cost. When billed annually, Starter costs $39 per month, Boutique costs $59 per month, and Elite costs $99 per month (add $10 for monthly billing). Learn more about Clio Mobile App.
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