Legal payments have moved on from cheques and slow bank transfers. Today’s clients want to pay when they want, how they want. 

This is where digital payment systems come in. 

Online links, card payments, automated reminders, and open banking have transformed the payment experience. Clients no longer need to pay using specific methods, during specific hours. Firms no longer have to manually chase payments or wait for clients’ money to arrive. 

Our upcoming report, 2025 legal payment trends: how law firms are adapting to a digital-first future, explores how leading firms are modernising their payments – and what others can learn from them. Here’s a preview of some of the report’s insights.

Increased efficiency

Chasing payments shouldn't be a full-time job. But for many law firms, it is.

Every hour spent chasing payments is an hour of high-value work lost. Manual invoicing, following up via email or phone, reconciling payments, and creating/sending receipts is more costly than you might think. It eats into finance professionals’ productivity and erodes firms’ margins.

Using digital payment solutions doesn’t just make it easier to get paid – it means your finance team can focus on what actually matters: financial strategy, forecasting, and firm growth. 

‍

More stable cash flow

Cash flow is the lifeblood of any law firm, yet too many firms struggle to generate predictable cash flow. The average lockup period in the UK—the time between firms starting to work on a matter and being paid for it—is currently 146 days.

‍

Digital payment solutions help firms generate reliable cash flow. And when cash flow becomes predictable, everything else falls into place. You can invest confidently in growth, weather unexpected expenses, and create a foundation for long-term success.

‍

Happier clients   

Did you know that 66% of clients prefer to pay legal bills online?

‍

When it comes to payments, clients want options. The option to pay online or over the phone. The option to use a debit/credit card, or even use Apple Pay. The option to set up installment plans and spread the costs over multiple months. They might even want to pay directly from payment links embedded into their engagement letter. 

‍

By introducing digital payment solutions, you’ll make life easier for both your finance team and your clients. Most importantly, you’ll give your clients the option to pay as they wish. 

‍

Gain a competitive advantage

Clients don’t always understand the difference between firms – but they do notice the client experience. Payment flexibility is a subtle but powerful way to signal that you’re modern, efficient, and client-first.

Better yet, this advantage grows stronger as more clients experience it. Satisfied clients recommend you to others, meaning your reputation continues to grow.

Boost transparency 

Modern payment systems create clear, searchable audit trails. Every transaction is tracked, every payment is timestamped and automatically reconciled, and every action is recorded. This visibility strengthens your internal controls and boosts client confidence.

Most importantly, you’ll always have the answers your team, clients, and regulators need.

‍

Ready to learn more?

Want to learn more about the future of law firm payments? Sign up to grab a copy of our upcoming report, 2025 legal payment trends: how law firms are adapting to a digital-first future.

‍