Clio to Discontinue LawPay Integration
Clio to discontinue its LawPay integration will reshape how many law firms handle payments. This change matters because payment processing is mission critical for legal practices. Clio announced the integration will end on August 31, 2026, giving firms time to plan.
However, Clio will continue to offer integrated payments through Clio Payments. Meanwhile, LawPay will remain available directly to customers outside the Clio integration. Therefore, firms must evaluate their payment workflows and vendor choices now.
Because transitions affect billing, trust accounting, and reconciliation, careful planning is essential. Many firms rely on next day processing and buy-now pay-later features. As a result, law firms should map current flows, identify gaps, and test alternatives.
This article examines the impact, outlines migration options, and recommends next steps. It also covers implications for security, fee structures, and client experience. For partners and practice managers, these changes require both technical and operational responses. Read on for details and timelines.
Clio to Discontinue LawPay Integration
Clio to discontinue its LawPay integration marks a clear contract conclusion that will reshape payment workflows for many firms.
Clio confirmed the integration between Clio Manage and 8am LawPay will end on August 31, 2026. Because the agreement will not be renewed, Clio Manage users can no longer rely on the embedded LawPay connector after that date. However, Clio will continue to offer integrated payments through Clio Payments. For more information on Clio Payments, see Clio Payments Features.
What the change means for firms
- Clio Manage users who processed payments via LawPay through the integration must plan migrations. Consequently, firms should audit active payment flows, trust accounting setups, and recurring billing configurations.
- After August 31, 2026, firms will still be able to use LawPay directly outside the Clio integration. For direct LawPay details and services, visit LawPay.
- Clio Payments remains available as an integrated alternative inside Clio Manage. Therefore, firms evaluating vendor consolidation can consider Clio Payments for an embedded experience.
Operational impact and continuity
The operational impact is practical and immediate. Reconciliation processes may change because account mapping differs across platforms. As a result, bookkeepers will need to test end-to-end flows before the contract ends. Firms that use buy-now, pay-later or next-day guarantees should compare feature parity. 8am LawPay has expanded into broader financial services, and AffiniPay rebranded as 8am in 2025. Meanwhile, Clio has added Pay Later and Clio Capital as complementary financial features.
Vendor statements and context
Clio framed the transition as a planned contract conclusion. Clio said, “The agreement supporting the LawPay integration within Clio Manage is expected to conclude in August 2026. This is a natural contract conclusion. Because the ability to accept payments is mission-critical for law firms, customers have been informed well in advance so they can evaluate their options and prepare for business continuity. Our priority is ensuring firms have the time, information, and support they need to plan their next steps with confidence. Clio will continue to provide integrated payment capabilities within Clio Manage through Clio Payments and customers are able to continue using LawPay outside of the integration.” See Clio’s site for their payment offerings at Clio’s Payment Offerings.
8am LawPay offered a parallel comment. “8am LawPay and Clio have offered law firms an integrated payment option for years. As that concludes at the end of August, our commitment to these firms doesn’t change. LawPay remains available to customers directly, and we’re working closely with each of them to ensure a smooth transition and continued access to the payment experience they expect and rely on. Law firms benefit from flexibility in how they manage payments, and LawPay is committed to delivering that directly and without disruption.”
Next steps
Firms should inventory integrations, schedule technical tests, and discuss timelines with vendors. Additionally, update client-facing billing workflows and train staff on new reconciliation steps. Because the calendar is fixed, start migration planning now.
| Feature/Option | Clio Payments | LawPay (Direct) | 8am LawPay/AffiniPay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Integrated Features | Built-in with Clio Manage, invoicing, and financial management features | Transaction tracking, client payment management | Legal-specific financial tools, including trust account management |
| Benefits | Single platform strategy, improved cash flow, Clio Pay Later | Access to buy-now, pay-later, and reliable customer support | Advanced client data security, flexible payment options |
| Processing Time | Varies depending on the bank, typically 1-2 business days | Next-day payment processing guarantee | Next-day payment processing guarantee |
| Financing Options | Clio Capital financing program available | Buy-now, pay-later feature | Flexible payment terms and financing options |
| Vendor Info | Clio | LawPay | 8am LawPay/AffiniPay |
The announcement that Clio to discontinue its LawPay integration sits inside a wider shift in legal payments and law practice management technology.
Firms now face a market where payment rails and financial services are becoming features of practice platforms. Therefore, understanding recent innovations helps firms choose the right path.
LawPay and financial platform innovations
- LawPay introduced a buy-now, pay-later option in 2021, and has since expanded into a broader financial management platform. As a result, firms gained flexible client payment options and staged billing capabilities.
- LawPay also markets a next-day payment processing guarantee for some transactions, which matters for firm cash flow and payroll planning. For vendor details, see LawPay.
- 8am LawPay expanded through acquisitions, including MyCase, and rebranded from AffiniPay to 8am in 2025. Consequently, the company now offers more integrated legal payment and practice tools.
Clio’s payment strategy and new products
- Clio launched Clio Payments in 2021 to embed payment processing inside Clio Manage. Therefore, firms could reduce integration steps and simplify reconciliation. See Clio Payments at Clio Payments.
- Clio added Pay Later as a client financing option and introduced Clio Capital in March to offer financing programs. As a result, Clio widened its financial services beyond simple processing.
- By building payments and financing into the platform, Clio aims to keep more firms on a single vendor stack. However, this raises questions about competition and vendor dependence.
Market implications for law firms and vendors
- The rise of built-in payment features increases the appeal of vendor consolidation. However, consolidation can reduce choice and bargaining power.
- Financial management platform features now include billing automation, trust accounting support, client financing, and payment guarantees. Consequently, firms must compare feature parity closely.
- Interoperability and data portability grow more important. Therefore, firms should demand clear export options and API access from vendors.
Practical takeaways for firms
- Audit current payment features and list must-haves, such as buy-now, pay-later or next-day processing guarantees.
- Test alternatives for reconciliation, trust accounting, and refunds before August 31, 2026.
- Ask vendors about fees, funding timelines, and API access to ensure continuity.
Because the payments layer now carries strategic value, firms should treat payment vendor decisions as core technology choices, not peripheral add-ons.
CONCLUSION
Clio to discontinue its LawPay integration will force many firms to plan and act now. The contract ends on August 31, 2026, and Clio Manage will no longer support the embedded LawPay connector. Clio will continue to offer integrated payments through Clio Payments, and LawPay will remain available directly outside the integration.
Because payments are mission-critical, this change affects billing, trust accounting, client experience, and cash flow. Therefore, firms should inventory integrations, map current payment flows, and test reconciliation end to end. Start migrations early to avoid service interruptions and to validate funding timelines. As a result, vendor negotiation and clear export policies are essential to protect data portability and business continuity.
Immediate action items
- Audit active payment integrations and trust accounting setups
- Compare Clio Payments, LawPay direct, and other vendors for feature parity
- Test refunds, recurring billing, and next-day processing guarantees
- Confirm API access, data export formats, and fee structures
Finally, preparedness reduces risk and preserves client trust. Firms that prioritize testing and staff training will transition more smoothly. For firms that need help aligning payments strategy with growth and marketing, Case Quota offers specialized legal marketing services. Visit Case Quota to learn how their strategies help small and mid-sized law firms adapt, compete, and dominate their markets. Take action now so your firm controls the payment transition rather than reacting to it later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does the announcement “Clio to discontinue its LawPay integration” mean for my firm?
When Clio to discontinue its LawPay integration, the contract ends on August 31, 2026. As a result, Clio Manage will no longer include the embedded LawPay connector. However, Clio will continue offering integrated payments through Clio Payments. LawPay remains available directly to customers outside the Clio integration. For details on Clio Payments, visit Clio Payments. For LawPay information, see LawPay.
Will my firm lose the ability to process client payments on August 31, 2026?
No. Payment processing will not automatically stop on that date. However, the integrated connector will stop working inside Clio Manage. Therefore, firms must confirm alternate setups. You can switch to Clio Payments inside Clio Manage. Alternatively, you can continue using LawPay directly. For continuity, test the chosen flow well before August 31, 2026.
What are the main alternatives for Clio Manage users after the integration ends?
– Clio Payments: Offers embedded processing and additional features like Pay Later and Clio Capital. See Clio Payments.
– LawPay direct: Keeps the LawPay processing platform without the Clio connector. See LawPay.
– 8am LawPay or AffiniPay services: The vendor has evolved and rebranded to 8am, expanding its legal financial tools. Explore 8am.
Compare processing times, financing options, and trust accounting support. For example, some vendors promote a next-day payment processing guarantee. As a result, cash flow considerations should guide your decision.
How should firms prepare technically and operationally for the transition?
– Inventory integrations and list active payment flows. Because this reveals gaps, start here.
– Test reconciliation and refunds in a sandbox or staging environment. Confirm mapping for trust accounts and client ledgers.
– Export transaction history and check API access. Therefore, you keep portability and reporting intact.
– Train staff on new workflows and update client-facing billing pages. Additionally, document funding timelines and fee structures.
How do I evaluate features like buy-now, pay-later and next-day processing guarantees?
Buy-now, pay-later affects client acceptance and conversion. Next-day guarantees affect cash flow and payroll. Compare these factors when assessing vendors:
- Feature parity: Does the vendor support staged payments and client financing?
- Funding timelines: How fast will funds land in your account?
- Fees and chargebacks: What are effective rates and risk policies?
- Trust accounting support: Does the solution meet your jurisdiction rules?
Ask vendors to demonstrate end-to-end scenarios. As a result, you avoid surprises and maintain billing integrity.
If you need help planning the migration, prioritize testing and vendor conversations now. Early preparation reduces operational risk and protects client trust.