Can anyone recommend sample billing entries for time spent “thinking” about a case. I routinely look at my files to see where I’m at with discovery, upcoming deadlines, potential dispositive motions, etc., but I’m not necessarily reviewing specific documents or producing work product. I also spend time following up with paralegals/assistants on items to I’ve delegated to them and some days the time spent can be significant. I’d like to find a way to capture this time without it being cut.

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Strategize, evaluate, analyze are my go-to words.

likesmart

I hear some clients think strategy is too buzzy but otherwise agree

Plan and prepare for drafting report per client guidelines by analyzing file, specifically discovery demands and responses, recent correspondence etc. to identify actions items for para X such as ....

Might be a bit insurance defense focused but I think that’s a good baseline for generally reviewing your files to confirm no missing deadlines

likefunny

Following, and please give answers other than "Attend to," because that's *never* making it onto a bill in my line of work...

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Prep strategy for...

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Review and analysis of various file materials re outstanding discovery, necessary discovery to undertake, etc

likesmart

Meet and confer with X about Y.
Direct paralegal to do/prepare X
Analyze file and prepare outline of X
Review prior pleadings and draft initial shell of (document). Later followed by Draft substantive argument section of (document) focusing on blah blah blah.
In my practice, I’m never just thinking for the sake of thinking. I’m always thinking bc it ties to something next to be done. I Bill be thinking time to the next tangible work product.

helpfullike

Conferred with Paralegal regarding case status.

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A8 you can't just expect clients to pay us to talk to people who know more than we do for ten minutes when we could flail alone for an hour instead!

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105 code is basically banned for us

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Address issues related to (or regarding)

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"Prepare further discovery strategy in light of ___"

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Analyze file materials including case management orders to develop strategies for future case handling and compliance.

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I think it's client specific though. Ask a mentor at your firm about how they would bill for a certain task if they were you or review prior billing by more senior attorneys for the same client but different cases

For project management tasks I use “review and coordinate X” (like review and coordinate service of SDT on bank X”) and for more brainstorming/thinking about cases/next steps I’ll do something like “plan further handling of X, review X in preparation of doing Y, etc.

I usually use “Review and analyze file in preparation of further handling” for stuff like that and make it a little more specific if I can (if my efforts are targeted, ie...in preparation of further discovery)

“Review/analysis of..” or “Attention to..”

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