Welcome back to the All Rise Mentors Sunday Scaries Podcast! Today we’re diving into a crucial topic for all attorneys: billing. As a law student or a newly minted attorney, the prospect of tracking time, billing clients, and navigating firm and client guidelines can be overwhelming. But fear not! In this episode, I’ll share five essential billing tips designed to simplify your process and enhance your clients’ satisfaction. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, these strategies will help you approach billing with confidence and professionalism.
Five Tips for Effective Billing
Enter Your Time Contemporaneously
If there’s one takeaway from today’s episode, it’s this: always enter, track, and bill your time every day. The best practice is to do this while you’re working, but at the very least, make it a habit to do it at the end of each day. Waiting until the end of the week or month will only lead to lost time and forgotten details. This small discipline will save you hours of guesswork down the line.Be Consistent with Your Billing
Consistency is key! Your time entries should be uniform in style, format, and detail across all clients and matters. This not only makes it easier for clients to understand your work but also protects you from potential red flags. Develop a system for logging entries—whether it’s dedicating the last 10 minutes of each day to this task or using software for real-time tracking. The more consistent you are, the less time you’ll waste trying to recall specifics later.Know Your Client’s Billing Guidelines
Understanding each client’s specific billing guidelines is essential for a smooth billing process. Every client has different requirements, and billing mistakes often stem from a lack of clarity about these rules. Before starting any work, ensure you know their expectations, such as maximum allowable time for tasks and non-billable work. This upfront knowledge can help you avoid time write-offs and ensure your billing aligns with their preferences.Tell a Story with Your Billing Entries
Your billing entries should do more than just list tasks; they should tell a story that highlights the value you’re providing. Instead of vague entries like “Research,” specify the purpose, such as “Evaluate state case law regarding employer liability for workplace injuries.” This not only clarifies the task but also underscores its importance in the context of the client’s case, reducing the likelihood of disputes over your bill.Show Value – Every Time
Finally, always demonstrate the value you’re providing in each entry. Don’t just describe the time spent; explain how that time contributes to solving the client’s problem. For instance, instead of simply stating “Drafted motion,” articulate its strategic significance: “Begin drafting motion to dismiss based on statute of limitations defense to reduce client’s exposure.” Clients are paying for your expertise, so ensure every entry reflects that.
Billing may seem like a daunting aspect of practicing law, but it doesn’t have to be a source of stress. By entering your time promptly, maintaining consistency, understanding client guidelines, telling compelling stories through your entries, and always showcasing your value, you can improve your billing practices and strengthen client relationships.
Register for Billing Seminar
Don’t forget to register for our upcoming billing seminar on October 22nd tomorrow, October 14th! Together, let’s tackle billing like the pros we are and demonstrate the true value of the work we do.