TIME KEEPING AND CLIENT BILLING

Time Entry Tips

Keep a time sheet form or slip on your desk as a reminder to record your time.

Record all time for all services — telephone calls, drafting of correspondence, etc. You can decide later if you want to bill for that time.

Record time contemporaneously as you complete a task. You will not remember all the work performed at the end of the month, week or day!
    • Before starting a task, mark your starting time and the name of the client and matter on your time sheet. When you stop, mark the stopping time and the description of the work performed.

    • Mark time as billable ("B") or non-billable ("NB").

    • Review time records at the end of the day and add up all billable and non-billable time.

    • Enter all time sheets into the client billing system daily.

    • Keep all time records in case they are needed for evidence to support your fee or to assist with malpractice claims or disciplinary complaints.
Client Billing

Client billing should be automated via the use of a time and billing software application. Such software will ideally integrate with the firm’s accounting system. However, this is not necessary. See "Popular Software Applications for the Small Firm" for time and billing software applications designed for the small firm.
    • Time/Expense Entry Procedures
      • Timekeeper time should be recorded contemporaneously and entered into the time and billing system daily.
      • Client related expenses should be entered against client accounts as they are incurred or paid.
    • Monthly Billing
      • The attorney should establish a monthly billing cycle and provide detailed billing to clients. This is another way to communicate to the client the work being done on their behalf.
      • Accounts Receivable Management
      • A system should be implemented which allows for the monitoring of accounts receivable.

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