#Legal timekeeping and billing software software

Some systems allow users to accept credit card payments. Sends automatic notices when clients’ retainer fees are getting low. Some systems can also calculate late fees automatically. Bills can be delivered via email, or electronically in Legal Electronic Data Exchange Standard (LEDES) format.Īllows users to customize invoices with their firm’s logo.Īutomatically notifies clients when bills are past due. Users can also define their own codes.Īllows users to track expenses associated with clients’ accounts.Īllows the system to report on gaps in your billable time.īill Preparation and Payment FunctionalityĪutomatically generates client invoices based on the billable time recorded in the system. Users can set timers to track each minute of billable time.Īllows users to assign activity codes to billable time, including the codes established by the American Bar Association (ABA). Primarily used by larger firms.ĭraws on calendar data, documents and tasks to fill in gaps in your billable time. Multiple fee schedules/billing arrangementsĪllows users to bill time in hourly, contingency, transactional, user-defined, flat fee (monthly, annual or user-defined), retainer fee and split fee increments.Īllows users to bill by timekeeper level: e.g., individual attorney, partner, associate, practice area type and client levels. In some systems, calendar information can be used to fill in gaps in billable time. Events created in your calendar can automatically feed into calculations of billable hours.

#Legal timekeeping and billing software software

Time Tracking FunctionalityĬalendar may be included, or software may integrate with a calendar application (e.g., Microsoft Outlook). Common Functionality of Legal Billing Softwareįunctionality of legal billing software can be divided into three categories: time tracking bill preparation and payment and general ledger. If all you need is a better way to track billable hours, look into the many stand-alone solutions on the market created for this purpose.

For example, you can track time in a document management module without having to use a timer. Some suites even integrate time tracking capabilities throughout the system’s modules. If you need extensive case management, document management or contact management functionality in addition to time tracking and billing, you should definitely look into practice management suites. A practice management suite is a single system that manages all areas of your law practice.

Time tracking and billing modules are also integrated into more comprehensive practice management software suites. Practice Management Suitesīecause billing is foundational to a law office’s operations, there are a number of stand-alone solutions on the market. What Type of Buyer Are You? Best-of-Breed Options vs. Practice Management SuitesĬommon Functionality of Legal Billing Software This guide will help you understand the major categories and features.īest-of-Breed Options vs. There are many different types of software that can streamline time tracking and billing for lawyers and legal departments. To automate the billing process and make sure billable time isn’t slipping through the cracks, you’ll need dedicated legal billing software. Even after you’ve calculated billable hours, you’ll still need to generate invoices and stay on top of client accounts.Īccurate tracking of billable hours ensures a steady flow of revenue for your law firm or private practice. What’s worse, these methods create lots of potential for human error. Tracking billable hours using paper-based methods, or even spreadsheet programs such as Microsoft Excel, can be tedious and time-consuming. These systems offer capabilities like time tracking, invoicing, and accounting. Legal billing software is any technology that enables lawyers and law firms to track consulting time and receive payment for their services. Buyers Guide Last Updated: March 16, 2023