Set Up the Client Portal and Invite Clients

The client portal gives your clients a secure place to view case information, upload documents, read messages, see invoices, and pay online — without calling the office for every update.

Configure portal settings

1. Go to Account → Settings → Office → Client portal (/account/settings/office/portal).

2. Turn features on or off:

   Setting	What it does
   Messaging	Secure messages between client and firm
   Document upload	Clients can upload files to their case
   Invoice view	Clients see outstanding invoices
   Online payments	Clients pay through Stripe (requires Stripe Connect)
   Calendar view	Clients see shared case events
   Case notes	Optional read-only notes visible to the client

3. Set document rules:

   • Allowed file types (PDF, Word, images, etc.)
   • Maximum file size
   • Require document review — staff must approve uploads before they attach to the case

4. Choose sign-in options: password, magic link, or both.

5. Set session duration and optional portal name, logo, and welcome message.

6. Save settings.

Connect Stripe for online payments

If clients should pay invoices online:

1. Open Account → Settings → Firm → Integrations (/account/settings/firm/integrations).
2. Complete Stripe Connect onboarding for your firm.
3. Return to portal settings and ensure Enable payments is on.

Invite a client

1. Open the client record (/clients/[id]).
2. Confirm the client has a valid email address.
3. Open More actions → Invite to Portal.
4. MyLawyerLink sends an invitation email with a sign-in link.

Portal status on the client page shows Invited, Active, or No Portal Access. Use Resend Invitation or Revoke Access from the same menu when needed.

What clients see

After signing in at /portal, clients can reach:

• Cases — case summary and status
• Documents — shared files and upload area
• Invoices — balances and payment (when enabled)
• Messages — secure conversation with your firm
• Calendar — upcoming events you share
• Settings — their portal profile

Your firm reads portal messages at Messages → Portal (/messages/portal).

Document review workflow

When Require document review is enabled, client uploads land in a review queue. Staff approve or reject files before they appear on the case. Check Documents → Review for pending uploads.

Tips for a smooth rollout

1. Configure settings before the first invite — clients see your branding and feature set on first login.
2. Start with one pilot client — confirm messaging, uploads, and invoices work end to end.
3. Tell clients what to expect — which features are on and how quickly you respond to portal messages.
4. Keep email addresses current — invitations and magic links go to the address on the client record.

Related guides

• Track Time, Create Invoices, and Set Up Payment Plans — billing clients who pay through the portal
• Creating SMS Templates — complementary channel for quick client updates
• Client Reminders — automated event notifications (separate from portal access)