Client funds requests let your firm collect an initial retainer or top up a matter when client funds reach a minimum, so the funds are in place before you bill against them. Creating a client funds request records the amount you are asking the client to deposit and where to store it. With a request created, you can approve it, send it, and record payment as the client pays.
Understand client funds requests and transactions
Client funds requests and client funds transactions are different tools. A request asks for funds and does not move any money until the client pays. A transaction records money that has already moved.
- Client funds request
An ask for the client to deposit funds into trust, such as a retainer. Your firm will not receive payment until the client pays.
- Client funds transaction
A recorded movement of money in the client funds ledger, such as a receipt, transfer, or payment. A transaction directly changes the client's funds balance.
To record money that has already moved, see Record Client Funds Transactions.
Create a client funds request
Client funds requests collect initial deposits or retainers, or add funds when the balance reaches a minimum. Client funds requests do not include time or expense activities. You can create a client funds request from the contact Dashboard, the matter Dashboard, the main Billing tab, or the global Create new menu.
Important: Skipping the approval process locks the client funds request for editing after you generate it. To keep a request editable, leave the approval process in place.
Note: Without enhanced client funds accounting, you can hold client funds at the client or matter level and choose where and when you create the request. With enhanced client funds accounting enabled, select the matter to comply with client funds rules. The request currency comes from the billing preferences for the matter or the client.
- Go to the contact and select the Dashboard subtab.
- Click New client funds request in the upper right.
- Or click the global Create new + in the top right and select Client request. Select a contact and matter.
- Complete the client funds request details.
- Optional: Select Skip the client funds approval process to send the request directly to the client without approval from another firm member.
- Click Save client funds request.
Autofill the client funds request amount
For matters with a client funds threshold set, Clio can calculate the client funds request amount for you. In the Amount field, select Autofill, then choose an option. You can override the amount before you send the request.
- Replenish to minimum
Tops up the client funds balance to the matter threshold.
- Replenish and outstanding balance
The matter threshold plus any unpaid bills.
- Replenish, outstanding balance, and work in progress
The matter threshold plus unpaid bills plus unbilled work in progress.
Up next
- Issue the request: Approve and Send Client Funds Requests.
- Record the deposit: Record Payments on Client Funds Requests.