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October 17, 2025

Save time and streamline your workflow: How automating client onboarding transforms your law firm

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Perfect Portal
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It’s no secret that every fee earner feels bogged down by clunky client onboarding processes. Today, many law firms juggle multiple systems just to get a new client started – one for payments, another for ID verification, and yet another for forms. This fragmented approach isn’t just confusing for clients; it’s time-consuming for staff, opens the door to human error. That’s why automating client onboarding is quickly becoming the smart solution. Not only can it save your team up to 30 minutes on every new file, but it also creates a smoother, faster experience for clients who increasingly expect digital-first, seamless interactions.

The modern client expects more than a bundle of paperwork and countless visits to your branch just to get started. They’re looking for secure handling of data, clear and timely communication, and digital-first experiences that make their lives easier. Studies show that three out of four clients prefer straightforward digital solutions, while 41% get frustrated by unclear updates. Meanwhile, law firms face growing risks when onboarding remains manual and disconnected. Repetitive admin, inconsistent processes, and juggling multiple tools can lead to digital security risks, client drop-off, and workflow bottlenecks that slow case progress. Simply put, outdated onboarding hurts both client satisfaction and overall firm productivity.

Automating onboarding replaces your clunky, step-by-step checklist with a fully branded digital hub where everything is managed in one place – payments, ID checks, document signing, questionnaires, and more. Automation speeds up the onboarding process by eliminating repetitive tasks, ensuring clients only receive relevant steps at the right time, and guiding them through each stage with push notifications and step-by-step instructions. It also guarantees consistency, so every client enjoys the same professional, error-free experience.

The results speak for themselves. Firms that have automated onboarding report greater peace of mind, knowing sensitive client data is secure and human error is reduced. Clients enjoy a simpler, faster, and safer journey, while staff members become more productive, spending less time on repetitive admin and more time on client-focused work. One firm, O’Hara Solicitors, shared that automation saved a full day of work each month for their Conveyancing Team. Another, Bell Lamb & Joynson, confirmed that automating onboarding saves them 30 minutes on every new file.

At the end of the day, automation helps law firms speed up onboarding, reduce training needs, ensure accuracy, and deliver a consistent client experience. The outcome is clear: faster starts, fewer errors, stronger security, and happier clients – all thanks to a more productive team.

Ready to save 30 minutes on every new file?

Start automating your onboarding today and give your clients and staff the smoother, smarter experience they deserve.

Get in touch with our team at sales@perfectportal.co.uk or visit www.perfectportal.co.uk to learn more.