I’m curious how you keep track of your billable time for your one files? Is it better to write it down or maybe use something like an Excel spreadsheet? We do use software to enter and release it, but I think it may be prudent to keep a written (or electronic record) for myself.

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The firms software is your record for yourself. Don't add more work for yourself. Time entry is the bane of my existence.

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Does your time keeping program allow you to print out a report of what has been entered? I do that and keep a copy in a notebook.

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That makes sense. I’ll check into it. Ty!

Do not keep an extra spreadsheet. Use whatever system the firm wants you to use for billables. Are you looking to see how much time you have billed on one file? If so, there should be a way to access that or you can ask the partner who reviews the bills.

Several time keeping softwares that I have used in the past have a timer feature. Does yours?

Yes it does. But do you also think it best to keep a written list or note pad for yourself of the time you’ve entered?

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With the various RTO rumors/fear out there and in the absence of spring/summer/fall(?) bonuses. Would you consider coming into the office more if your firm offered bonuses linked to days in the office (coupled with billable targets, of course)?

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To the post below- it is quiet, so I’ll bite!
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How do firms give bonuses to associate attorneys? Quarterly, monthly, annually? What is a bonus based on? Money recieved, billable hours, etc?

I'm looking to set up a bonus structure for a new associate.

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Have any of you taken "low bono" clients while working at a firm? I want to take on a low bono client or two but not sure who would get the money. This is a contract opportunity through a non profit so I'm assuming a 1099 will be issued. The per hour rate is significantly less than my billable rate. I would (obviously) like the money but my real objective is just getting experience/networking since I recently moved to a new state and don't have clients of my own.

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Is there an appropriate way to turn down an assignment because it is non-billable? Two of the partners I work for keep asking me to write client bulletins and articles with them, which is great, but now I’m starting to worry about meeting my billable hours requirement.

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If you asked to be considered for early promotion and didn’t get it (despite being highly rated, exceeding billable goal, etc) would you look elsewhere? Is it right to be angry about it? I don’t want to spin myself up unnecessarily if it’s unjustified

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How many billable hours in a month does it take for you to think you are billing a lot?

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Is it just me or the average billable work in infrastructure transactions has blown off steam in the last couple of weeks?

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What is a material billable hours difference from your peers at the same group? If I bill 150 less a year than another associate should I be worried?

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Mental health is busy, looking for tips to help manage tasks, currently I supervise 12 therapists in 3 different departments that are all different with unique dynamics in each dept. I still carry a small caseload on top of this. I'm struggling with my patients and worry I am not giving them my best, I wax and wane between focusing on patients and therapists. Looking for advice navigating this type od conversation with my leadership, we have all been asked to work on increase billable time...

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Curious to know what other firm's bonus structures are, particularly those with billable requirements of 1900 and below. Trying to understand what the norm is and figure out if associates at my firm are getting screwed. thanks

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Received a job offer. Was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on a concern I had about it. It's an entry level position, and I don't have much experience. The billables are 2040 a year. For billable hours in civil litigation and insurance defense, is 2040 hours for a 1st year associate on the high end in this field for a small or midsize firm? It seems like most attorneys I know have minimum requirements of around 1800. The compensation is around 80k a year.

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Looking to leave a govt job for a junior attorney role in a small workers comp defense firm. I have no experience in workers comp. How easy is it to learn the work and make 1850 billable hours? What future opportunities does this experience give?

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Recent lateral junior associate in brand new practice where I'm the only associate. I'm probably going to bill 1,500 hours max this year due to being very slow and taking time off for a delayed honeymoon which I disclosed during my interview process. I have been told my work product is good, I don't turn anything down, I participate in non-billable work, I'm responsive and I always let people know I'm available to help. Do I need to be worried about getting fired for low hours?

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Hi there,

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Additional Posts in Paralegals

Is paralegal burn-out a thing? And if it is, how do you overcome it?

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Has anyone ever had an attorney throw work on them at the last minute?

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BONUS. What’s amount bonus do you get, and how often? Including bonus structure (ex for meeting billable hours), firm/boss randomly bonuses you, Christmas bonus, etc)

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I’m interviewing with another firm next week. Has anyone made a switch like that before? How did you do it? I work in a small criminal firm now. Interview is with a same size/practice area firm.

Have a great weekend Paralegals ✌️

Post Photo
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When you walk in Friday morning to a dumpster fire of a file (that you’ve never worked on before) sitting on your desk, with no note or email to go with it. It’s as if I’m supposed to magically divine what to do with it. 🤦🏼‍♀️

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Hi all, anyone familiar with Skadden in DC? Looking for any insight!

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The thought of Attorneys talking down on Paralegals is sickening.

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Hello, Everyone!

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Thank you so much in advance!

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I write economic loss reports. Am I allowed to give a redacted sample of my written economic appraisals to a recruiter? If so, what specifically should I redact.

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I’m currently a bankruptcy paralegal. Not sure I want to stay in bankruptcy forever. I’ve heard it can be really hard to change practice types and break into a new area of law. Anyone have experience or tips/advice on doing so?

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