Hopefully you’re already aware of the innumerable benefits of using a product like Rocket Matter or Clio in your law firm. These software collectively fall under the categories of case management or legal practice management software (but because that’s such a mouthful, we’ll just call them by their names).
Software like Rocket Matter helps your team work more cohesively. They help you organize cases, reports and payments. No more nightmares of missing paperwork, overlooked deadlines and payments.
Client Portals ease the burden on operations. Clients are able to track the status of a case on their own and your associate’s valuable time isn’t spent writing a personalized email. That’s a win-win.
There’s more. Rocket Matter (or Clio) can provide Legal Gantt charts. Or want to send out an email blast to a specific group of clients? Connect it to Mailchimp and export your contacts into their own list with just a few clicks.
When Rocket Matter Comes Up Short
From time to time, Rocket Matter proves it isn’t as robust as Clio. For the most part, that’s a good thing. Rocket Matter makes it easier to get started. You get to experience a return on investment sooner. Eventually, though, your firm grows and you start to need the things other software like Clio can do.
Don’t panic. It’s not time to lament or switch to Clio just yet.
Third-Party Integrations
Clio has a lot of tools ready to connect from day one. The technical phrase for these tools are 3rd party app integrations via API.
In general, there’s a reason no one talks about third party app integration. It speaks the truth to just how much of a learning curve one of these tools may take.
To be fair, most of Clio’s integrations are quick and easy. But not all. And some integrations are in name only, not doing much even though they promise a lot.
Because this functionality is so critical to Clio, it’s worth taking a moment to understand that third-party integration refers to the way that your legal practice management software interacts with other applications and shares data. This could mean integrating your email client, accounting service, document production system, and so much more.
The API is what allows Clio to communicate directly with third-party software.
Rocket Matter, too, offers an API, but it doesn’t offer as many ready-to-go integrations. That’s where a developer can help.
Clio vs Hiring a Developer
Most of our clients prefer ease of use and simplicity when it comes to their software and tech. That’s why they went with Mac over PC. So, when it comes to a Clio versus Rocket Matter debate, our clients tend to lean toward the software that makes their lives easier and their practice more efficient.
This makes Clio tempting and a great choice. Everything is one click away. But it’s hard and time-consuming work to know what integrations work and, specifically, which will work for your firm. It’s a lot of trial and error. It’s accepting limited functionality. In the end, hiring a developer may be a better option.
The decision at its core is largely one of pragmatism. Is there a specific functionality or way of doing something that you are looking for? Does it make sense to unlearn Rocket Matter to learn how Clio does tasks instead? Either way, switching to Clio or hiring a developer can be expensive and time consuming.
We don’t want to take sides on which option is best because each and every law firm has different needs, different niches and unique software solutions that are ideal for their practice. If you’re running into integration issues with your legal practice management software, reach out to us. We can help you figure out if a customized solution is right for you or if switching from Rocket Matter to Clio (or visa-versa) might be in your best interest.
