In Clio, you can use AI to build workflows that complete repeatable firm processes, such as setting up a new matter, from start to finish. Each workflow runs the same steps every time, and approval steps hold the work for a person to review. The result is a consistent process and a record of every run, with the outcome of each step.
Understand workflows
A task list tells a team what to do next. A workflow does the work, then hands the result back for review. Each workflow has a trigger, a set of steps, and a record of every run. The sample prompt Set up and research new matters shows how the parts fit together.
| Part | What it is | In the sample workflow |
|---|---|---|
| Trigger | What starts the workflow: a schedule, an event in Clio, or a manual start. | A new matter is created. |
| Steps | The actions the workflow takes, in order. | Add Pleadings, Correspondence, and Discovery folders. Create a review task for the responsible lawyer, due in two days. Research the law that applies, and save it as a note with citations. |
| Human approval | An optional pause for a person to review the work before the next step. | An administrator approves the research before the note is saved. |
| Skill | Firm instructions for how one task gets done. A step can use a skill so the work follows firm standards. | A firm research skill sets the format and citation style of the note. |
| Run | One pass of the workflow from trigger to last step, with the result of each step. | Each new matter starts one run. The run record lists the folders, the task, and the note it created. |
Note: Workflows and Automated Workflows are separate features. Automated Workflows in Clio Manage and Clio Grow apply rules a firm sets up. Workflows use AI to complete firm processes end-to-end across Clio.
Access workflows
Workflows are available at firms with a new Clio plan, a Clio Work license, or the Manage AI add-on. Creating, running, and approving workflows requires administrator permission. A workflow uses only the Clio products your firm subscribes to.
- In the left navigation panel, go to Automations > Workflows.
- Select Saved Workflows to open the firm's workflows.
- Select Workflow Runs to open the firm's workflow runs.
- Enter a name in Search workflows to find a specific workflow.
Understand workflow cards
Each workflow on the Workflows tab has a card that states whether the workflow is on, what starts it, and who created it. Select the workflow name to open the workflow.
- Status
Whether the workflow is active or inactive, and its version number, for example, Inactive V.1. A changed workflow gets a new version number the next time it runs.
- Name
The name entered when the workflow was saved. The icon next to the name marks the trigger type: a signal for Clio Event, a calendar for Schedule, or a hand for Manual.
- Description
The summary entered when the workflow was saved.
- Created by
The user who created the workflow.
- Trigger
What starts the workflow, for example, Schedule.
Manage a workflow from its card
The menu (…) on each card holds actions for that workflow.
| Action | What it does |
|---|---|
| Test | Runs the workflow once on the firm's real data. |
| Enable (ON) or Disable (OFF) | Turns the workflow on or off, so it responds to its trigger or stops responding. |
| Duplicate | Creates a copy of the workflow, for example to run the same process on a second weekly schedule. |
| Archive | Moves the workflow off the list of saved workflows. |
| Delete | Removes the workflow. |
Up next
- Create Workflows: Describe a firm process and turn it into a workflow.
- Set Workflow Triggers and Schedules: Choose when a workflow runs.