Client portal options for small law firms, compared
If clients keep calling for updates, a client portal is the usual answer. There are three main kinds, and the right one depends on how your firm already works.
1. The portal inside your practice management software
Clio, MyCase and similar systems include a client portal alongside billing, documents, calendars and time tracking. If your firm already runs on one of them, its portal is the natural first choice. These are generally priced per user, and the portal depends on your cases living in that system.
2. Dedicated client-communication platforms
Platforms such as Case Status focus on client communication - messaging, mobile apps and updates - and connect to a firm's case management system. They tend to suit larger, high-volume firms, and pricing is usually by quote.
3. Standalone client status pages
A standalone portal gives each client a private page with the current stage of their case and the firm's latest update, without requiring a case management system. Firms can start the same day by typing clients in or uploading a spreadsheet. Gides is in this group.
How to choose
- Already use practice management software? Try its built-in portal first.
- A high-volume firm that wants in-app messaging and a branded mobile app? Look at dedicated platforms.
- A solo or small firm without case management software, or whose main problem is status calls? A standalone status page is the fastest, simplest fix.
- Many Spanish-speaking clients? Check how each option handles Spanish - not just the interface, but your updates.
About Gides
Gides gives every client a private page in your firm's name and colours, in English or Spanish, with ready-made stages for personal injury, criminal defense, family law and immigration. It's priced per firm, not per user, with unlimited case managers.
Plans start at $99 a month for up to 50 active cases, with unlimited case managers. New firms: your first month is free with code FREEMONTH.
Questions: support@gidescase.com. Gides Case LLC.