How (and why) to get a job at Clio

Welcome to Vancouver Tech Journal’s series on how to land a job at a Vancouver company, where we look at the people behind them, how they got to where they are today, opportunities available — and key things to know if you’re job hunting!

Meet Sasha Perrin, the director of content and communications at Clio.

With a wealth of expertise in driving lead generation through compelling thought leadership and content, Perrin is a master at elevating brand awareness.

Her skill in crafting captivating narratives has garnered the attention of industry titans, propelling Clio's brand to new heights through strategic messaging and digital engagement. With an unwavering focus on harnessing leads and amplifying brand presence, Perrin plays a crucial role in driving Clio's global impact and consistently delivering measurable results.

Tell us about Clio.

Clio is the world's leading provider of cloud-based legal technology, providing lawyers with low-barrier, affordable solutions to manage and grow their firms more effectively and profitably and with better client experiences. Our products redefine how lawyers manage their firms by equipping them with the tools they need to run their firms securely from any device, anywhere.

I've had the privilege of being a part of Clio for many years now, and I can confidently say that it’s made a significant impact in the legal tech industry. Our mission at Clio is to transform the legal experience through our client-centered and cloud-based legal technology.

In terms of scale, Clio has achieved remarkable milestones. We have over 150,000 customers spanning over 100 countries. We have received substantial investments, allowing us to fuel our growth and establish our presence on a global level. With a CAD $6 million Series B investment by Acton Capital in 2012 and a CAD $20 million Series C investment by Bessemer Venture Partners in 2014, we have been able to make a lasting impact and continue to innovate.

Clio offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a company that’s at the forefront of transforming the legal industry. Our focus on client-centered technology ensures that we’re always pushing boundaries and improving the legal experience for both legal professionals and their clients.

How many employees does the company have today?

This month, we celebrated a significant milestone in our company growth —surpassing 1,000 employees worldwide.  

This speaks to not only the quantity but also the exceptional quality of the individuals who make up ‘Team Clio.’ From software engineers in Vancouver, to legal experts in Dublin, and customer support specialists in Toronto, our diverse and talented team has played a pivotal role in our continued success.

But the growth doesn’t stop there. This year, we have plans to hire over 100 new roles.

Where are you headquartered? 

Clio is headquartered in Burnaby, with office hubs in Toronto, Calgary, Dublin, and, recently, Sydney. 

Has the company raised money? 

We have a total of CAD $386 million in funding through various rounds.

Being a part of Clio's Series E funding round was an exhilarating experience. Securing $110M in funding in April 2021 was a career highlight for me at Clio. This achievement not only reinforced our position as a leader in legal technology but also marked a significant milestone as our valuation soared to USD $1.6 billion — making Clio the first legal practice management unicorn globally.

What does growth look like over the next couple years?

Over the next couple of years, Clio is all about doubling down on what we do best: building amazing products and reaching new horizons.

We’re continuously pouring our hearts into enhancing our platform, making sure every update or new feature makes a real difference in the day-to-day work of legal professionals. It's about more than just adding bells and whistles; it's about creating meaningful solutions that resonate with the needs of legal professionals.

This means that we won’t be stopping at borders; global expansion is on our agenda. We see a world full of opportunities, and we're eager to tailor our solutions to fit the unique challenges faced by legal professionals in different corners of the globe. It's an exciting time as we gear up to bring Clio's magic to new communities — fostering a more efficient, accessible, and just legal world everywhere we go.

How does Clio differentiate itself?

One thing that makes Clio special is our mission-driven approach to investment and growth. With a focus on adding value and making a positive impact, Clio carefully evaluates investment opportunities that align with its strategic goals and core values. Our strong leadership position is further solidified by our executive team — who bring a ton of experience in global expansion. 

By prioritizing product-market fit and continuously refining and innovating on our offerings, we ensure that we’re delivering solutions that empower legal professionals and enhance the legal experience. While already leading the industry, we still have a vast blue water opportunity for growth and innovation ahead — which is a pretty unique and exciting position to be in.

Another rarity that makes Clio such a great place to work is our emphasis on human connection and peak performance. The company is committed to providing world-class resources and mentorship programs that support employees in achieving their personal and professional goals — with the added benefit of flexibility in how these goals are pursued. 

You said you’ve been with Clio for many years. How did you end up there?

It was a bit serendipitous. While I had loved working in the hospitality marketing field, everything changed when Clio reached out to me. As I learned more about their mission and the incredible client work they were doing, I felt an immediate connection. This was the video that inspired me to join. 

From that point onwards, no year has ever been the same. I've experienced exponential personal and professional growth during my time here. The work I do at Clio is the most meaningful I’ve ever done, and I’m constantly inspired by the dedication and excellence of our team.

Jack Newton's visionary approach to innovating the industry has also been a driving force behind our success.

Joining Clio has been an incredible journey, filled with purpose and the opportunity to make a real impact.

As the director of content and communications, what’s your day-to-day like?

Each day brings something new and exciting, and I have the privilege of leading an exceptional team of creative minds and communication experts. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is supporting them in their individual journeys of growth and success.

I’m immersed in the world of strategy and problem-solving daily, constantly seeking fresh perspectives to stand out from the crowd and truly make a difference. It's an opportunity to unleash my creative spirit. I firmly believe that storytelling is the heart and soul of our work. Mastering the art of storytelling allows us to captivate and capture market share, forge genuine connections, and leave a lasting impact.

In this role, I get to weave narratives that inspire and engage, crafting content and campaigns that not only convey our brand's essence but also resonate on a deeper, more emotional level. Together with my team, we strive to paint a vivid and compelling picture of our mission, add value to the industry through thought leadership and education resources, and communicate the transformative power of our offerings.

Being part of Clio means having the freedom to think outside the box, infusing creativity into every aspect of our work. It's about making a real difference, challenging the status quo, and leaving an indelible mark on the world. 

How long have you been with Clio?

This July will make it seven years. 

How can someone join the team?

At Clio, our team is the cornerstone of our success, and we’re constantly on the lookout for individuals who are not just exceptional in their skills but also bring innovative thinking and a passion for thinking outside the box. We believe in fostering an award-winning culture where creativity, diversity, and collaboration are not just encouraged but celebrated.

For those interested in becoming part of our dynamic team, check out the unique environment we've cultivated at Clio by visiting our careers page. You'll find a comprehensive overview of our values, the accolades our culture has earned, and, most importantly, the current openings across our various teams. 

Whether you're an expert in your field or a rising talent with a fresh perspective, if you share our commitment to innovation and excellence, we would love to hear from you.

Our careers page is regularly updated with opportunities in a range of departments, from engineering and product development to marketing and customer success, each offering the chance to contribute to groundbreaking work in the legal technology space.

Joining Clio means becoming part of a community that not only aims to transform the legal industry but also places a high value on personal growth and professional development. We encourage prospective employees to apply for positions that align with their skills and aspirations and to reach out to us through the application process outlined on our careers site. 

What does the company value most?

At Clio, we believe on a foundational level that we have a responsibility to change the world around us with our words, our choices, and our actions. We envision a world in which our legal and judicial systems promote justice in the truest sense of the word; where it’s easy for anyone who needs legal services to access them; for lawyers to have the freedom to practice the way they want; and for underrepresented groups in our society to get the advocacy they deserve.

By focusing on the legal experience, Clio’s mission encompasses every stakeholder within our legal and judicial systems — from legal professionals to legal organizations, clients, and consumers. This encompasses more than improving our software products; it’s about the larger impact we can have on the legal experience on a global scale.

At the core of our philosophy is the belief that the future of legal services is cloud-based and client-centered and that fostering these advancements will drive positive social change. By centralizing and simplifying business operations for law firms and enabling legal professionals to connect with clients anywhere, anytime, we can transform the ways in which legal services are sought out and delivered. 

This is an opportunity for a paradigm shift, requiring lawyers to adopt a client-centered approach to pricing, packaging, and delivering legal services. We believe doing this will break down barriers to legal services for consumers and make it easier for clients and law firms to work together more thoughtfully and effectively. It’s time to create a more inclusive legal community and a more equitable legal system.

Macs or PCs?

Our preference for Macs is rooted in several key factors that align closely with our operational needs and company culture. Firstly, we highly value the seamless integration and reliability that Macs offer. This integration enhances our productivity, allowing for a more fluid workflow between devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs.

Before joining Clio, I was a devoted PC user, but now I've become a full-fledged member of the Mac squad, and let me tell you, it's been a game-changer. 

What tools and apps are used in the workplace?

In our dynamic and collaborative work environment, we rely on a carefully selected suite of tools and apps that enhance our productivity, streamline communication, and foster innovation. 

At the heart of our daily operations is Slack, our go-to communication platform. Slack's versatility as a messaging app allows for real-time communication across teams, departments, and even with external partners. The platform’s intuitive channels, direct messaging, and integration capabilities ensure that everyone stays connected, informed, and engaged — no matter where they’re working from.

Beyond Slack, we leverage a range of other tools that integrate seamlessly with it, enhancing our operational efficiency. For project management and task tracking, we use apps like Asana, which are directly integrated into Slack, enabling updates and notifications to flow smoothly into our communication channels. This keeps everyone on the same page and allows for quick adjustments to project timelines and deliverables.

For document collaboration and sharing, we rely on Google Workspace, including Docs, Sheets, and Slides. The real-time editing and commenting features, combined with Slack integration, mean that collaborative document work is streamlined — with changes and discussions easily accessible to all relevant team members.

Zoom is our preferred app for video conferencing, crucial for our remote and hybrid work setups. Its integration with Slack allows us to quickly start meetings from within a Slack channel or direct message, making the transition from text to video seamless and efficient.

Does the team predominantly work remotely or in person?

At Clio, we embrace a hybrid work environment. With team members located across various cities, we place great importance on finding the right balance between remote work and in-person collaboration. We understand the value of face-to-face interaction in building relationships and nurturing collaboration, which is why we have introduced the concept of an ‘Anchor Day’ in respective cities for local employees. 

Our Anchor Day is a designated day each week when we expect our local team members — whom we affectionately refer to as ‘Clions’ in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Dublin — to be present in the office. This practice ensures that while our team enjoys the flexibility and benefits of remote work, they also have a regular opportunity for in-person collaboration, team-building activities, and direct engagement with the company culture.

These days are not only an opportunity for team bonding within our own departments, but also a chance to connect and collaborate with colleagues in other departments. When we gather in the same physical space, we find that the energy and synergy that arise spark innovative and out-of-the-box ideas that wouldn't have surfaced otherwise. Being able to witness real-time reactions and engage in face-to-face discussions greatly facilitates alignment on priorities and enhances our collective creative drive. 

What perks and benefits should people know about?

Clio has garnered attention for its award-winning workplace culture and exceptional management. Consistently awarded a top employer, Clio stands out for its unwavering commitment to employee wellbeing, with a focus on supporting family life, promoting mental wellness, and embracing the flexible hybrid workplace model.

There are a range of perks and benefits that are designed to meet the diverse needs and motivations of our employees. Some key highlights include:

• Flexible hybrid work: Our hybrid approach allows for a better work-life balance while still fostering teamwork through intentional gatherings like team on-sites and team days.

• Mental health support: Each employee receives a $2,000 mental health stipend annually.

• Parental leave: Clio offers generous parental leave benefits to support employees during significant life milestones, such as the birth or adoption of a child. 

• Performance coach & training: Clio invests in employee development by providing access to performance coaches and training opportunities.

• Mission-driven culture: Being a mission-driven company with a clear focus on transforming the legal industry, we take pride in being a part of a purposeful organization that’s making a positive impact on the legal community and beyond.

• Stability: We prioritize our employees' job security by maintaining a strong financial situation.

• Exceptional senior leadership: Employees have the opportunity to learn from incredible senior leaders who bring extensive experience and expertise to the table. This mentorship and guidance contribute to professional growth and development at all levels.

• Ongoing challenges and opportunities: Each year brings new challenges and opportunities. This dynamic environment keeps things fresh and exciting.

• Career advancement: At Clio, you have the ability to propel your career forward. It’s a supportive and empowering environment where you’re encouraged to take on new responsibilities, tackle meaningful projects, and achieve your career aspirations.

Anything else we should know about working at Clio?

Working at Clio has reshaped my career in profound ways. 

Immersing myself in an environment surrounded by incredibly talented individuals has accelerated my learning and growth exponentially. The ethos here is simple yet powerful: the energy and dedication you invest directly influence the magnitude of your achievements. 

Clio isn't just about the day-to-day; it's about being at the forefront of defining moments, like crafting our mission statement, celebrating major funding rounds, and playing a role in strategic acquisitions. These experiences highlight the boundless opportunities available, where success is not just about seizing these chances but also about having the right mindset to embrace them fully. 

Joining this rocket ship has been an incredible journey, and I couldn't be more thrilled to be on board.

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