Back to Legal
Legal · Workflow

Time tracking and billing

Automatically captures billable time from attorney activities, validates entries against client matter codes, and generates invoices in the firm's practice management system. Reduces manual time entry errors and ensures all billable work is properly captured and invoiced.

Workflow Trigger

Attorney completes a billable activity (document review, client call, court appearance, etc.)

Visual Flow

Each node represents an automated step. Connections show how data and decisions move through the workflow.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Detailed explanation of each automated stage in the workflow.

  1. 1
    Trigger

    Billable Activity Completed

    Attorney finishes work on a client matter such as document review, client consultation, or court preparation. Time tracking begins automatically based on calendar events or manual time entry.

  2. 2
    Action

    Capture Time and Matter Details

    System automatically logs the duration, attorney, client matter code, and activity type. Integrates with calendar systems and document management to pull relevant case information.

  3. 3
    Decision

    Validate Billable Entry Requirements

    Checks if the time entry meets firm billing requirements including minimum time increments, proper matter coding, and client billing arrangements. Routes entries that need review vs. auto-approval.

  4. 4
    Action

    Apply Billing Rules and Rates

    Automatically applies the correct hourly rates, billing arrangements, and any applicable discounts or caps based on client agreements. Calculates total billable amount for the entry.

  5. 5
    Action

    Generate Invoice Line Items

    Creates detailed invoice line items with descriptions, time spent, rates, and total charges. Groups entries by matter and client for organized billing presentation.

  6. 6
    Action

    Process Payment Collection

    Automatically sends invoices to clients through secure client portals and processes payments. Sets up payment plans or retainer deductions as configured for each client.

  7. 7
    Output

    Update Financial Records

    Posts all billing and payment information to the firm's financial tracking systems. Generates reports on billable utilization, collection rates, and attorney productivity metrics.

Outputs

  • Accurate client invoices with detailed time entries
  • Real-time billable hours tracking per attorney
  • Automated payment processing and collections

Key Metrics

  • Billable hour capture rate
  • Time-to-invoice processing
  • Client payment collection rate
OA

Want to build this workflow yourself?

Operator Academy teaches you how to implement AI automation workflows like this one step-by-step — no coding required.

Start Learning at Operator Academy

Ready to transform your Legal operations?

Get a personalized AI implementation roadmap tailored to your business goals, current tech stack, and team readiness.

Book a Strategy CallFree 30-minute AI OS assessment