In the dynamic world of legal practice, efficient time management is not just a prerequisite; it’s the foundation upon which success is built. Attorneys navigate the delicate balance of providing exceptional legal services while ensuring they are duly compensated for their time. The age-old debate between block billing and Flowace time tracking software has persisted, but a paradigm shift is underway. More and more law firms are veering towards the precision and transparency offered by cutting-edge time-tracking tools, and for good reason. What are billable hours for lawyers? Before delving into the nuances of time-tracking methodologies, let’s establish a clear understanding of what constitutes “billable hours.” According to US Legal, billable hours refer to the time dedicated to a business matter, chargeable to a client based on a predetermined contractual rate. In the legal context, these billable hours are often calculated in tenths of an hour. This definition sets the stage for the meticulous tracking of attorney work, a process integral to both legal practitioners and their clients. The Pitfalls of Block Billing Historically, attorneys have relied on block billing to consolidate tasks over a set duration. For instance: While block billing may seem convenient at first glance, it introduces ambiguity and confusion in retrospect. As the legal landscape evolves, this practice is losing its relevance and faces several challenges: Ambiguity in billing Blocks obscure the breakdown of tasks, making it challenging for clients to understand where their resources are allocated. This lack of transparency can lead to dissatisfaction and strained client relationships. Inefficiency Unveiled Despite its perceived simplicity, block billing masks inefficiencies within legal workflows. The inability to analyze time spent on individual tasks impedes productivity improvements, which are crucial in the legal profession. Risk of Underbilling Block billing carries the risk of underbilling, undermining the financial sustainability of law firms, and undervaluing the dedication of legal professionals. Embracing Ethical Time Tracking: Best Practices for Attorneys Be Descriptive In the realm of billing, transparency is paramount. Your time sheets ought to include a narrative that explains the value added, as Michael S. LeBoff advised. Generic descriptions can lead to client pushback, while detailed descriptions foster understanding. Track Your Time Immediately Recording your time immediately after completing a task is the best way to ensure accuracy. Sally Kane emphasizes that attempting to reconstruct activities after the fact encourages time “padding” and jeopardizes the accuracy of billing records. Write Down Everything Especially for young attorneys, recording all time spent on tasks is crucial. It provides a comprehensive record, allowing the billing attorney to make informed decisions about what to pass on to the client, according to Michael S. LeBoff.

1. Why Law Firms Prefer
Time Tracking Over
Block Billing
In the dynamic world of legal practice, efficient time management is
not just a prerequisite; it’s the foundation upon which success is
built. Attorneys navigate the delicate balance of providing
exceptional legal services while ensuring they are duly
compensated for their time. The age-old debate between block
billing and Flowace time tracking software has persisted, but a

2. paradigm shift is underway. More and more law firms are veering
towards the precision and transparency offered by cutting-edge
time-tracking tools, and for good reason.
What are billable hours for lawyers?
Before delving into the nuances of time-tracking methodologies,
let’s establish a clear understanding of what constitutes “billable
hours.” According to US Legal, billable hours refer to the time
dedicated to a business matter, chargeable to a client based on a
predetermined contractual rate. In the legal context, these billable
hours are often calculated in tenths of an hour. This definition sets
the stage for the meticulous tracking of attorney work, a process
integral to both legal practitioners and their clients.
The Pitfalls of Block Billing
Historically, attorneys have relied on block billing to consolidate
tasks over a set duration. For instance:
While block billing may seem convenient at first glance, it
introduces ambiguity and confusion in retrospect. As the legal
landscape evolves, this practice is losing its relevance and faces
several challenges:

3. Ambiguity in billing
Blocks obscure the breakdown of tasks, making it challenging for
clients to understand where their resources are allocated. This lack
of transparency can lead to dissatisfaction and strained client
relationships.
Inefficiency Unveiled
Despite its perceived simplicity, block billing masks inefficiencies
within legal workflows. The inability to analyze time spent on
individual tasks impedes productivity improvements, which are
crucial in the legal profession.
Risk of Underbilling
Block billing carries the risk of underbilling, undermining the
financial sustainability of law firms, and undervaluing the dedication
of legal professionals.
Embracing Ethical Time Tracking: Best Practices for Attorneys
Be Descriptive

4. In the realm of billing, transparency is paramount. Your time sheets
ought to include a narrative that explains the value added, as
Michael S. LeBoff advised. Generic descriptions can lead to client
pushback, while detailed descriptions foster understanding.
Track Your Time Immediately
Recording your time immediately after completing a task is the best
way to ensure accuracy. Sally Kane emphasizes that attempting to
reconstruct activities after the fact encourages time “padding” and
jeopardizes the accuracy of billing records.
Write Down Everything
Especially for young attorneys, recording all time spent on tasks is
crucial. It provides a comprehensive record, allowing the billing
attorney to make informed decisions about what to pass on to the
client, according to Michael S. LeBoff.
Avoid Block Billing
Block billing should be avoided at all costs. It introduces
unreliability, devalues work, and can be perceived as an attempt to
hide organizational shortcomings. Most courts disapprove of block
billing due to complications in reimbursing attorney fees.

5. Non-Billable Hours and Firm Growth
While the focus is often on billable hours, acknowledging the
importance of non-billable hours is equally vital. These hours,
dedicated to administrative tasks, networking, education, and
marketing, contribute significantly to the growth of a law firm.
Flowace Time Tracking Software for Lawyer
As we bid farewell to the shortcomings of block billing, the legal
profession embraces advanced time-tracking tools like “Flowace
Time Tracking Software. These tools seamlessly integrate into legal
workflows, offering real-time insights, customization for legal
nuances, and enhanced efficiency.
The Flowace Advantage: Revolutionizing Time Tracking
for Law Firms
Law firms seeking a robust solution for time tracking can turn to
Flowace. This time-tracking app offers a seamless experience,
aiding in the meticulous recording of hours, detailed task
itemization, and clear and reliable billables. With features for easy
report export, payroll management, and timesheet clarity, Flowace

6. empowers both clients and managers with accurate insights into
tasks accomplished.
In conclusion, the legal landscape is evolving, and so should the
methodologies employed by law firms. Time tracking, especially
with advanced tools like Flowace, emerges as a beacon of
precision, transparency, and efficiency. Attorneys who value their
time and seek to elevate their operational efficiency are steering
away from outdated practices and embracing the future of legal
billing.