agency-legal-billing-time-tracking

Legal billing narratives should describe what was done, on what matter, and why, using specific task descriptions rather than vague phrases like "legal services" or "review file." The Skill provides narrative templates by practice area covering litigation research, contract drafting, title review, and client meetings.

Use a structured collections sequence: friendly reminder at day 35, past-due notice at day 60, final notice at day 90, then escalation to the responsible attorney. All communications must stay professional and firm, with payment plan options documented in writing.

Three-way reconciliation compares the bank statement balance, the sum of individual client ledger balances, and the trust journal balance each month. All three figures must agree exactly, and any discrepancy requires immediate investigation and escalation to the supervising attorney.

Yes, it covers hourly, flat fee, contingency, and hybrid arrangements. Contingency work requires a signed written fee agreement before any confirmation, plus case cost tracking and settlement statement preparation; flat fee matters include scope definition and milestone billing.

The Skill sets targets of at least 90% realization (billed versus worked) and 95% collection within 90 days of invoice. Rates below these thresholds trigger investigation into write-down patterns, collections process gaps, or client creditworthiness issues.

Write-downs and write-offs always require the responsible attorney's approval and must never be made unilaterally. Every adjustment needs a documented reason code, and client billing disputes must be escalated to the billing attorney immediately.