Maximizing billable hours is a prerequisite for more profitable law practice. It is all about getting more done within a short time without compromising the quality of the legal service. It entails being more productive and efficient. Keep on reading and we’ll talk about some of the best ways to maximize the billable hours of lawyers.
- Use Time-Tracking Solutions
To maximize billable hours, one of the simplest things to do is to track time more effectively. Gone were the days when the common practice is to do this manually. We are living in a digital age, and hence, tracking billables should rely on digital tools, such as legal billing software. Aside from automating time tracking, the latter can also be used to create detailed billing descriptions and automate the sending of invoices to ensure timely payments.
Looking for the best law firm billing to use for time tracking? Among others, RocketMatter is one option that should be on your radar!
- Delegate Effectively
Work less and create more value – this is how the art of delegating works. For lawyers, this means delegating tasks so that they can focus on the more important aspects of their jobs. For instance, administrative tasks should be the responsibility of the assistants of lawyers. It will allow lawyers to accomplish more while spending time on non-essential work.
- Automate Administrative Tasks
Especially for lawyers who have a solo practice, automation is an effective solution for maximizing billables hours. For instance, there is no need to answer emails manually. Using the right tools, it is possible to be responsive to potential clients without wasting time. Like with delegation, automation allows lawyers to focus on their core jobs.
- Create Accurate Billing Descriptions
Billing disputes can happen. It is common when there are billing inaccuracies, which often result from the lack of clear and accurate descriptions. Lawyers must avoid vague descriptions. Be as descriptive and specific as possible, making sure that an hour worked is an hour paid.
- Eliminate Distractions
Eliminating distractions is one of the sure-fire ways to improve productivity, and in turn, this will help in maximizing billable hours. One of the most important is to create an ideal work environment. From lighting to cooling, set-up the office in such a way that it will make it easier to focus.
- Avoid Shortchanging
Another effective way to maximize billable hours is to not shortchange. Lawyers must never underestimate their value. No matter how little time is spent doing one thing, add it to the billables. For instance, it is easy to omit a five-minute phone call from the billables, thinking that it’s just a short time. If this happens a couple of times in a week or a month, it can accumulate and can represent lost income if not recorded.
Make the most out of every minute as a lawyer! Take note of our recommendations above to maximize billable hours and become more profitable!
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