Anyone aware of good sample billable hour narratives floating around the internet? I’m relatively new to a firm from government. It would be helpful to have a cheat sheet that covers both common tasks, but more importantly uncommon tasks, like researching opposing counsel’s background.

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The best thing you can do is look at bills in your document management system for the files/clients you are working on. Looking at generic examples from the internet might do more harm than good.

likesmarthelpful

OP - No problem welcome to private practice where billables rule everything! You will soon see that it’s more of an art than a science and every partner and client has their own expectations and preferences - it will greatly behoove you to learn and implement their quirks before the time is submitted.

When in doubt, my partners prefer that I ask before hand rather than them having to deal with it while reviewing the bills before it’s sent to the client. Being good at billing is often one of the biggest factors in how partners perceive you. Keep trying to learn how it’s done and you shouldn’t have any issues!

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No, but ask your partners and associates who work for them. Also read client guidelines to know how to bill for that particular client. Here are some standard examples: detailed analysis and review of _ pages out of _ pages of medical records from [provider] for purposes of evaluating plaintiff’s claimed injuries and further litigation strategy. Receipt and review of correspondence from. Analyze [your state] authority in preparation to/for further litigation strategy. Prepare [document] in accordance with client guidelines/instructions

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Also agree - if you’re concerned, ask your assistant or the assistant for the person you’re working with (the partner probably) to pull the billing reports for clients you’re concerned about, you can see how they phrase certain tasks and how it appears to the client

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Why were you researching their background 👀

likehelpful

There have been some threads before in this bowl discussing this topic and providing some examples. You might be able to find them.

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Ask for past invoices with narratives from your assistant.

It would be a good gauge of what is acceptable (and paid for) by the clients because some clients are really nitpicky about the narratives.

likesmart

Hit ‘em with a detailed “for purposes of” and you should be good. Also if you can get your hands on some insurance defense bills, those are the best examples because getting insurance adjusters to pay is an art.

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"Worked on file" does the job for me 😜

likefunny

Definitely ask your partner! Because everyone has their own preferences. Partners will know exactly what client will pay for

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But do they?

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Great suggestions Associates 1 and 3. Thanks!

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