As an attorney, accurately tracking billable hours is crucial for both you and your clients. It ensures that you are compensated fairly for the time and effort you put into each case, while also providing transparency and accountability to your clients. One effective tool that attorneys use to log the time they spend on various tasks is an attorney timesheet.
These timesheets enable precise tracking of each attorney’s time allocation to specific cases or clients, making it easier to generate accurate invoices and maintain organized records.
This article will explore the benefits of using an attorney timesheet, what it should include, how to create one, and provide some project management tips for lawyers.
What is an Attorney Timesheet?
An attorney timesheet is a document that attorneys use to record the time they spend on various activities related to their legal work. It serves as a logbook to track billable hours, allowing attorneys to accurately bill their clients based on the hours worked.
The timesheet typically includes details such as the date, time spent on each task, the case or client associated with the task, and a brief description of the work performed. By maintaining a detailed record of their time, attorneys can provide clients with transparent billing and ensure they are compensated appropriately for their services.

Why Use a Timesheet?
Using a timesheet as an attorney offers several advantages:
- Accurate Billing: Timesheets allow attorneys to accurately track the time spent on each task, ensuring that clients are billed correctly. This not only helps maintain trust and transparency with clients but also ensures that attorneys are compensated fairly for their work.
- Efficient Time Management: Timesheets enable attorneys to analyze how they spend their time and identify areas where they can improve efficiency. By tracking hours spent on different tasks, attorneys can better allocate their time and resources, ultimately increasing productivity.
- Legal Compliance: In some jurisdictions, attorneys are required to maintain detailed records of their billable hours for ethical and regulatory purposes. A timesheet serves as a reliable source of documentation, helping attorneys comply with legal and professional obligations.
- Client Communication: Timesheets provide attorneys with a clear overview of the work performed on each case. When discussing progress with clients, attorneys can refer to their timesheets to provide accurate updates and answer any questions regarding the time spent on specific tasks.
What Should an Attorney Timesheet Include?
An effective attorney timesheet should include the following components:
- Date: Each entry in the timesheet should include the date when the task was performed.
- Time: Record the start and end times for each task, along with the total time spent.
- Case/Client: Specify the case or client associated with the task. This allows for easy reference and accurate billing.
- Description: Provide a brief description of the work performed during the allocated time. This helps both attorneys and clients understand the tasks completed.
- Rate: If applicable, include the billing rate for each task. This ensures accurate invoicing and helps calculate the total amount owed by the client.
- Total Hours: Summarize the total hours worked for each case or client at the bottom of the timesheet. This provides a quick overview of the time allocation for billing and reporting purposes.
How to Create an Attorney Timesheet
Creating an attorney timesheet is a straightforward process. Here are the steps to follow:
- Select a Template: Choose a professional template that suits your needs. You can use our attorney timesheet template in Excel format available on this website, or you may create your own using spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.
- Design the Layout: Customize the template to include the necessary fields discussed earlier, such as date, time, case/client, description, rate, and total hours. Ensure that the layout is clear and easy to read.
- Print Multiple Copies: Print multiple copies of the timesheet template to have them readily available when you need to log your hours. Alternatively, you can create an electronic version that you can fill out digitally.
- Record Your Time: For each task or activity, fill in the relevant details in the timesheet, including the date, time, case/client, description, and rate. Calculate the total time spent on each task and update the total hours accordingly.
- Maintain Organization: Keep your timesheets organized in a dedicated folder or digital storage system. This ensures easy access and retrieval when needed for billing, reporting, or legal compliance purposes.
Implementing Attorney Timesheets
Implementing attorney timesheets into your daily workflow requires discipline and consistency. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this practice:
- Make it a Habit: Set a routine for recording your time and stick to it. Consistently updating your timesheet ensures accurate and up-to-date records.
- Be Specific: Provide detailed descriptions of the work performed in each entry. This helps you and your clients understand the tasks completed and justifies the time spent.
- Regularly Review: Take time to review your timesheets periodically. Analyze how you are allocating your time and identify opportunities for improvement or efficiency.
- Automate Where Possible: Utilize time-tracking software or apps to automate the process of logging your hours. These tools can streamline the recording process and provide additional features like automatic calculations and integration with billing systems.
Project Management Tips for Lawyers
Alongside using an attorney timesheet, implementing effective project management techniques can further enhance your productivity and success as a lawyer. Consider the following tips:
1. Set Clear Goals and Prioritize Tasks
Define clear goals for each case or project and prioritize tasks accordingly. This helps you stay focused and ensures that you allocate your time and resources effectively.
2. Break Down Complex Tasks
Complex tasks can be overwhelming. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks to make them more approachable and easier to track on your timesheet.
3. Delegate When Appropriate
Recognize when tasks can be delegated to other members of your team or outsourced. Delegating frees up your time to focus on higher-level tasks and improves overall efficiency.
4. Communicate Effectively
Maintain open and clear communication with clients, colleagues, and support staff. Regularly update them on progress, discuss any potential challenges, and ensure everyone is on the same page.
5. Embrace Technology
Utilize technology tools and software that can streamline your workflow, such as case management systems, document automation software, and online collaboration platforms.
6. Manage Deadlines and Timeframes
Stay organized by managing deadlines and timeframes effectively. Use calendar and reminder tools to ensure you meet all important milestones and deliverables.
7. Prioritize Self-Care
Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, rest, and leisure to maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoid burnout.
Free Attorney Timesheet Template!
Keep track of billable hours efficiently with our attorney timesheet template in Excel! This customizable template helps legal professionals record client work, case details, and hours spent on each task. Perfect for accurate billing and time management, it simplifies the process for law firms and solo practitioners.
Start now to streamline your time tracking and ensure precise, organized records for your legal services!
Attorney Timesheet Template – Excel
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