Can a small law firm have a client portal without case management software?
Yes. Many solo and small firms run on spreadsheets, email and a calendar, and don't want to move everything into a new system just to keep clients informed. A standalone client portal does one job - showing each client where their case stands - and works alongside however your firm already runs.
Two kinds of client portal
Most practice management systems include a client portal as one feature among many: billing, documents, calendars, time tracking. They're usually priced per user, and the portal only works once your cases live in that system.
A standalone client portal is built around the client's view only. You add clients (typed in or from a spreadsheet), move each case through its stages and write short updates. It is usually faster to start and priced per firm rather than per user.
When a standalone portal makes sense
- You don't use case management software, or you're happy with what you have.
- One or two people handle most client communication.
- Your main problem is clients calling for status updates, not billing or documents.
- You want to start this week, not after a migration project.
What to look for
- Private access for each client - they see their own case and nothing else.
- No app or account for clients to create; it should work in a phone's browser.
- Your firm's name and branding, not the vendor's.
- Stages you can rename, with plain-language descriptions.
- Updates in the languages your clients speak.
- Spreadsheet import, so adding clients takes minutes.
- A way to connect your case system later, if you get one.
How Gides fits
Gides is a standalone client portal for law firms. It isn't a case management system: add your clients, pick ready-made stages for personal injury, criminal defense, family law or immigration (or write your own), and give each client their code. If you later use a case system, Gides Integrated can connect it (Neos today; Filevine, Clio and others on request).
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.