Clio’s annual Clio Cloud Conference—affectionately known as ClioCon—has become much more than just a user event. It’s a celebration of legal tech innovation and a testament to the connection Clio has fostered with its customers. Clio CEO Jack Newton set the tone for this year’s event in his opening keynote, thanking attendees for the ongoing support.
“I want to thank all of you for helping facilitate what has been one of the most incredible years in Clio’s history. It is thanks to the support that all of you have shown us over our 16-year journey, which manifests itself most directly here at ClioCon. So please take from me and the entire Clio team a true and profound thank you for the support you’ve shown us and the way you’ve helped us grow over the years,” Newton said.
Newton’s gratitude speaks to the company’s customer-centric ethos, a principle that has guided Clio since its inception. ClioCon serves as both a reflection and celebration of that ethos, gathering more than 5,000 legal professionals from across the industry.
After attending my first ClioCon this year, it’s clear the company’s impressive growth trajectory is based on an unwavering commitment to customers. This commitment transcends the usual transactional relationships between software providers and users, creating a dynamic where Clio and its customers grow and even innovate together.
The importance of this connection resonated throughout the two-day event, both during presentations and in my conversations with Clio employees and customers alike.
Deep Connection with Customers
One of the best examples of Clio’s impact comes from Jenny Dingus, Senior Vice President of Global Sales. By recounting a conversation from last year’s ClioCon, Dingus was able to highlight just how personally Clio’s technology can transform a legal professional’s life.
“I sat next to a woman last year at the closing keynote, and she looked at me with tears in her eyes,” Dingus recalled. “‘Because of Clio, I can seamlessly pass my law firm down to my daughter when I’m retiring next year.’”
This story illustrates how Clio goes beyond solving operational issues for law firms; it empowers users to achieve personal and professional milestones. In this case, the technology enabled the smooth generational transition of a law firm—a deeply personal event.
For Clio, success isn’t just about software functionality. It’s about creating solutions that meaningfully impact their customers’ lives and businesses.
ClioCon as a Reward
For Clio employees, ClioCon is a coveted opportunity to engage more deeply with the company’s mission and values. Chief People Officer Marina Harris views the event as a powerful experience, not only for attendees but also for the employees who make it happen.
“We think of it as a reward,” Harris shared. “You’re getting closer to why we do what we do. And because we’re mission-driven, that means a lot to our employees.”
The event allows employees to see first-hand the impact their work has on customers and the broader legal industry. But it’s not just about attending the event—employees actively participate in making it a success. Whether they’re staffing registration desks or hosting speakers, ClioCon offers a hands-on experience for employees, connecting them directly with the company’s mission of improving access to justice.
“You don’t just come as a reward,” Harris added, “you’re literally rolling up your sleeves, and you’re in it all day.”
Harris views ClioCon as a reflection of Clio’s internal culture, where values like collaboration, low ego, and mutual support come to life. For many employees, the event serves as a tangible reminder of Clio’s core mission and reinforces the sense of purpose that drives the company.
Marketing Tool for Growth and Connection
From a strategic perspective, ClioCon serves as a vital marketing tool that extends far beyond customer acquisition. Chief Marketing Officer Reagan Attle sees ClioCon as both a cultural milestone and a strategic platform to engage with customers and partners, building lasting relationships and boosting brand awareness.
“It’s truly my favourite time of year because it brings our entire customer community together,” Attle said. “When our employees connect with customers at ClioCon, it brings our mission to life in a whole new way. Hearing their stories and seeing the impact of our work sparks a deeper sense of purpose and reminds us why we do what we do.”
The event is more than a showcase for new features and developments—it’s a reflection of the trust and connection Clio has built with customers over the years. Whether it’s through a personal story like Jenny Dingus’s customer encounter or the meaningful participation of employees like Marina Harris and Reagan Attle, Clio’s success has been rooted in its ability to listen, engage, and evolve with its customers.
As Clio continues to grow and shape the future of legal technology, there is no question its commitment to customers will be its most vital driver of innovation. And for me, ClioCon again reinforces that the future of any successful tech sector is built with cutting-edge technology (of course) but also upon deep human connections.
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