Abacus Review

How does Abacus compare to Clio? We’ve put together a side-by-side comparison to help you choose the best cloud-based legal practice management software for your law firm.

Clio versus AbacusLaw

AbacusLaw

AbacusLaw

Support
Support

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AbacusLaw

8 a.m. - 9 p.m. EST (Monday through Friday)

Abacus support is available from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. EST. Customers have to pay for support outside of these hours. Online training access is stuck behind the support paywall. Pricing is determined based on number of users, based on multiples of 10. Support is provided from the UK, Canada, India and Mexico.

24/5 Support (Monday through Friday)

Clio’s award-winning team offers unlimited support at no additional cost. Our North American-based customer support team is available 24 hours a day, Monday through Friday via phone, email, or live chat.

Remote access
Remote access

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AbacusLaw

Limited remote access

On-premise software like Abacus, ties users down to a physical server. Remote access is only available through clunky, costly, and problem-ridden remote desktop apps.

Easy access from anywhere, anytime

Clio is cloud-based so you’re not tied to a single location. The system can be accessed securely from any device, anywhere—all you need is an internet connection. The flexible, mobile infrastructure enables firms to work remotely and on-the-go. Clio offers a financially-backed 99.9% uptime guarantee, so you’ll always be able to get access to your work—even in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.

Security
Security

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AbacusLaw

Security becomes one more thing you need to worry about

Abacus is an on-premise server that requires IT support, is open to physical threats, and requires in-person maintenance and updates. Abacus’ security falls on the law firm. With client data physically located in your office, it’s your responsibility to prevent access to sensitive data.

Dedicated security team with stringent policies in place

Clio understands the obligations firms have to uphold tight security standards when dealing with sensitive client data. Clio performs regular automatic backups and makes use of geo-redundant servers to protect from physical threats. Our dedicated cybersecurity team monitors the software around the clock.

Total cost of ownership
Total cost of ownership

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AbacusLaw

Additional server, hardware, and maintenance costs

A dedicated server, Windows 10, and minimum hardware requirements are necessary to run Abacus. With more intensive needs as user count increases. On-premise software also involves the need for IT support and maintenance. Overlooked expenses often include electricity costs and floor space taken.

We make sure your operating costs stay low

Clio provides users with the ability to keep overhead low. All of Clio’s offerings include maintenance and support costs. Any device can be used so any hardware upgrades are unnecessary.

Debit and credit card processing rates
Debit and credit card processing rates

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AbacusLaw

High fees will cost you

Abacus charges 3% for all standard cards and 3.5% for AMEX and all other reward and specialty cards.

Lower fees and upfront costs

Pay one low rate of 2.95% for all standard cards and 3.5% for American Express—with no additional hidden fees and no per-transaction fees.

Pricing
Pricing

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AbacusLaw

Prepare to pay for costly add-ons

Abacus tries to lock you into long-term contracts. Hardware and software costs create a barrier to entry that can be difficult for firms to overcome.

Flexible pricing that meets your business needs

Choose from a range of flexible pricing plans—starting at $39/month—and update your subscription at any time. Choose to pay monthly or annually, whatever works best for you.

Are you already an Abacus user?

Switching is as easy as 1, 2, 3

Migrating data is never fun. Abacus users switching to Clio get complementary assistance from our dedicated data migrations team. We make it easy for you to securely move your data.


  • 1 number

    Migration Consultation

    Start with a one-on-one meeting with your dedicated Customer Onboarding Specialist to discuss the process and timelines.

  • 2 number

    Data Export / Processing

    Our Migration Specialists will give you guidance on how best to export your data. They will then prepare your data to be imported to Clio.

  • 3 number

    Data Import / Review

    Once the import is complete, our Migration Specialists review the accuracy of your data and make sure you’re ready to get started with Clio!

Other ways Clio supports its customers

  • LTR 2023

    Industry-Leading Content

    Clio is your trusted resource for the latest ideas on running a more efficient, profitable law firm. We produce a variety of content ranging from blog posts and our annual Legal Trends Report to our in-depth webinars.

  • The Law Community

    Exclusive Community

    The Clio Community is an online platform where Clio customers come together to discuss important legal topics, learn how to better use Clio, and ask practice-area specific questions.

  • ClioCon 2024

    Annual Conference

    The Clio Cloud Conference is one of the most highly-anticipated and influential legal events. It attracts thousands of legal and technology leaders from across the world who want to learn, be inspired, and innovate.

See why over 150,000 lawyers chose Clio over Abacus

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