Legal Client Portal Development

Document upload from the matter management system to the client portal with access permissions set at the individual document level -- the fee earner controls which client contacts can access which documents without making all matter documents visible by default. Access log recording every document view, download, and forwarding action with the client contact's name, device, and timestamp, so the firm has an auditable record of who has seen each document. Version management showing the client the current version of a document while retaining previous versions for the firm's own records -- the client doesn't see superseded drafts unless the fee earner decides to share them. Bulk document sharing for transactions or matters where a large number of documents need to be shared at the same time -- the documents organised into folders within the portal rather than sent as email attachments. Link-based sharing with configurable expiry for documents shared with contacts who don't have a portal account, with the access controlled by a time-limited secure link.

Matter timeline showing the key stages of the client's matter -- the phases, the milestones, and the next steps -- updated by the fee earner as the matter progresses, visible to the client in a clear, non-technical presentation that doesn't require the client to understand legal process terminology. Milestone completion notifications sent to the client when a significant stage is reached -- exchange of contracts, settlement agreement signed, regulatory approval received -- without requiring the fee earner to send a separate email for each update. Next steps visibility so the client can see what is expected of them and what the firm is working on, reducing the uncertainty that generates inbound status calls. Matter summary accessible to clients on mobile without logging into a complex system -- the portal designed for clients who check status occasionally from a phone rather than fee earners who use it all day. Fee earner contact details for the matter visible from the portal home page so the client knows who to contact and when, without having to find a business card or search their email history.

Invoice access within the portal so clients can view, download, and query invoices without a separate billing email from the accounts team -- the invoice notification directing the client to the portal rather than attaching the invoice to an email. Invoice detail view showing the time entries, disbursements, and narrative descriptions on each invoice so clients can review the work before paying -- reducing the payment queries that arise when clients receive an invoice with no supporting detail. Online payment integration processing card and bank transfer payments from within the portal, with the payment allocated to the correct matter and client account automatically. Payment receipt generated and stored in the portal immediately after payment, accessible to the client for their own records without requesting a copy from the firm. Invoice query workflow where the client can flag a specific line item for review and the query is routed to the billing partner as a task rather than arriving as an unstructured email.

Secure messaging within the portal linked to the matter record so every client communication is captured in the matter file rather than in individual fee earner email inboxes. Thread structure organising conversations by topic -- the conveyancing enquiries thread, the insurance disclosure thread, the completion checklist thread -- so the matter communication is navigable rather than a single undifferentiated inbox. Fee earner assignment for messages so replies are routed to the correct team member rather than all matter messages going to one person. Read receipts for messages sent from the firm to the client, so the fee earner knows whether the client has seen a time-sensitive communication without having to follow up by phone. Client-initiated message notifications sent to the fee earner team by email so messages sent through the portal are picked up even if the fee earner doesn't log into the portal frequently.

E-signature requests sent to the client through the portal with the document presented for review before signing and the signed copy automatically archived to both the portal and the matter management system. Signing sequence management for documents requiring multiple signatories -- the document presented to each signer in order with each party notified when the document is ready for their signature. Signing deadline alerts sent to clients who have not signed within the configured window, with escalation to the fee earner if the deadline approaches without signature. Signing history recording the date, time, IP address, and authentication method used for each signature event on the document. Wet signature upload for documents that cannot be executed electronically -- the client uploads a scan of the signed document to the portal rather than emailing it as an attachment.

White-labelled portal under your firm's domain and branding -- the firm's logo, colour scheme, and typography applied throughout so clients see the portal as your firm's product rather than a third-party tool. Client contact management controlling which individuals at a client organisation have portal access, with the ability to add, remove, or suspend access when the client's contact changes. Role-based access within a client organisation for clients with multiple contacts who need different levels of visibility -- the lead contact seeing all matters and invoices, a subsidiary contact seeing only the matters relevant to their entity. Two-factor authentication for portal login with the authentication method configured to your firm's security requirements -- SMS, authenticator app, or email OTP. Inactivity timeout and session management configured to your firm's security policy, with the session expiring after the configured idle period and requiring re-authentication to continue.