LeanLaw uses QuickBooks for storing invoices. Invoices are prepared in LeanLaw, perhaps reviewed as a draft, then synced to QuickBooks. Invoices can be delivered to clients by using the invoice delivery features from LeanLaw, found in the Billing > Manage Invoices tab:
You can find options for individual options under the "three dot" menu to the right. Or you can batch process invoices by selecting some or all of them, then use the functions at the bottom.
There are multiple options for delivery, all reflected in the Deliver batch menu:
Email: This initiates the email workflow in LeanLaw. You'll be able to preview the email being sent to your clients
Combined PDF: All selected invoices are combined into one PDF file including a cover page (or several) that shows an overview of all the invoices. This combined PDF can be printed on an office printer, then mailed.
Download as PDFs: The function creates a ZIP file of individual PDF files, one for each invoices. This is useful for distributing the invoices using other systems. The ZIP file also contains a summary PDF of the invoices.
LEDES: Downloads a ZIP file with LEDES files for each invoice that has LEDES enabled. A LEDES file is a special text file for uploading into other system. If you don't need this function, consider yourself lucky! :)
Smart Emails with Lean Align
Maintaining communication with your clients and within your firm is key for great working relationships. Knowing this, we've built out a feature set to make it easy to send your invoices to clients and get paid.
Note: You can set your firm's default email template in Email Settings, click here to learn more.
To begin, click email in the bulk delivery menu or on the specific invoice you're sending
From the email delivery modal you'll be able to customize the email addresses, subject, body, and payment links.
Note: If you select multiple invoices to send, you won't be able to see or edit the email addresses.
You can use our email keywords in the subject or body to inject information like the invoice due date or amount owed.
You can also choose to override your firm settings for payment links before you send the email:
Invoice Payment Link: Represents the invoice total, not including any outstanding balances. It allows the client to choose an amount less than the full amount owed for their payment.
Full Balance Payment Link: Will generate if the QuickBooks balance for the client or matter is greater than the invoice amount. If you toggle this link on but their is no other balance owed, the email will just show the invoice payment link instead. Full balance links don't allow the client to pay an amount less than the full amount owed.
Note: Payment links require an account with our payments partner Confido Legal. Click here to apply.
When you email through Lean Align, you can track the status of your emails and send reminders in a snap from the Track Sent Emails page.
Click here to learn more.
Setting Preferred Delivery Method for Clients
QuickBooks has a setting that determines the default delivery method for clients. If you set it either Send later (email) or Print later. It can be found in Account and Settings under Sales:
This will reflect on invoices and their initial status will be either "to email" or "to print".
You can override the firm default for individual clients in either QuickBooks, or directly in LeanLaw under the QuickBooks tab:
This is useful if you have some clients that require printed invoices and others that require emailed ones. In that situation you can then manage the delivery of invoices every month in a really easy way:
Create all the invoices for the month
Set the Delivery filter to "Ready to Print"
Select all invoices, then use the batch function Deliver > Combined PDF to create a PDF will all these invoices and print this on your office printer
Set the Delivery filter to "Ready to Email"
Select all invoices, then use the batch function Delivery > Email to email all the invoices
All the invoices will now be marked as Delivered
Wait, My Interface Looks Different
If you don't have the email button on each of your invoices, you may still be emailing your invoices via QuickBooks' email service and lacking full Lean Align functionality.
Submit your application to Confido Legal and reach out to our support team to get switched over to the new emailing service.