Any fellow attorneys have advice on how to better keep time records?

Question

I have such difficulty in doing my time and keeping current on entering my time. I know better, but keep I letting it get away from me and (i) reconstructing off phone logs and email and docket sheets is such a pain, and (ii) I end up losing a lot of billable time.

Do you have suggestions for a program, or calendar program/system?

How do *you* make yourself keep current and accurate records?

Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

Although its somewhat old fashioned, I have a dictaphone at my desk. (I rarely dictate any more, but its useful for time and billing). I then, after a telephone call, or after working on a matter for a client, will generally dictate a time entry for the client matter.

In the rare events that I actually dictate something, such as a lengthy letter that I'm too lazy to type, I will then, at the end of it, indicate to my assistant how much to bill, and she does that for me.

I also keep a PDA, in which I keep a copy of my Outlook Calendar, and I can enter time and billing entries in there as well. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I know exactly how you feel. The other day I spent an hour on phone calls and e-mails; but somehow could only figure out .7 - lost .3 hours.

But I've gotten better as I've experienced. My phone has a timer on it so I don't have to guess how long I've been on the phone.

The easiest time to record is big chunks - depositions and hearings that tend to take at least a few hours. With the small stuff, I've timed enough phone calls and letters to know about how long it takes me to do; e.g. a one-page letter is typically a .1. It means that my clients probably get the benefit of the doubt if I spend 8 minutes on a letter; but at the firm I'm at now, there's no pressure to bill 30 - 40 hours a week, so long as I'm doing my job.

Answer 3

Open up a solo practice. I guarantee that if you want to succeed, you will keep very good time records.