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. With a request created, you can approve it, send it, and record payment as the client pays.
Note: Create a client funds account in Clio Manage before completing this procedure. See Create and Manage Bank Accounts to set one up.
Understand client funds requests and transactions
Client funds requests and client funds transactions are different tools. A request asks for funds and moves no 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 a client funds account, such as a retainer. A request moves no money until the client pays it.
- Client funds transaction
A recorded movement of money in the client funds ledger, such as a receipt, transfer, or payment. A transaction changes the client funds balance directly.
To record money that has already moved, see Record Client Funds Transactions.
Create a client funds request
Client funds requests collect initial client funds deposits or retainers, or add funds to a matter 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.
Note: Without enhanced client funds accounting, you can store client funds at the client or matter level, and you choose where and when you create the request. With enhanced client funds accounting enabled, select the matter where the funds are held to meet client funds compliance rules. The request currency is determined by the billing preferences for the matter or the client. Client funds do not earn interest and are not eligible for an early payment discount, in compliance with SRA rules. Payments made on client funds requests are deposited in full into your Clio client funds account.
- Go to the contact and select the Dashboard subtab.
- Click New client funds request in the upper right.
- Complete the client funds request details.
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Optional: Select Skip the client funds request approval process to send the request directly to the client without approval from another firm member.
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.
- 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
- Approve and Send Client Funds Requests: Approve a client funds request and send it to your client.
- Record Payments on Client Funds Requests: Record a payment on a client funds request when your client pays.