Streamlining Law Firm Time Entry Process

Streamlining Law Firm Time Entry Process

Law firm time entry is crucial for attorneys to get paid, yet many put it off, leading to significant revenue loss. Some lawyers switch to flat fees to avoid this issue. However, according to an article by Attorney at Work, streamlining time entry can boost revenue and reduce frustration, whether using hourly billing or flat fees. 

The article suggests these tips:

Use Automatic Time-Tracking Platforms: These systems, like Ajax, track activity across various platforms and use AI to generate billing narratives and assign time to files.

Make Contemporaneous Time Entry a Habit: Entering time daily prevents revenue loss. Delaying time entry can result in losing up to 50% of billable hours.

Use Billing Codes: Standard codes, such as ABA’s uniform task codes, simplify time entry and ensure consistent billing.

Standardize Billing Narratives: Use drop-down menus with standardized descriptions to speed up the process and make invoices clearer for clients.

Utilize Mobile Time Tracking: Platforms like Clio, MyCase, TimeSolv, and Toggl allow tracking time on the go, ensuring no billable time is missed.

Improving law firm time entry is about reducing the friction that prevents immediate recording. Viewing time entry as a revenue-generating activity, rather than a chore, can help shift the mindset and ensure more efficient time management.