The Lawyer’s Guide to Ethical Billing and Accurate Timekeeping (On-Demand)

Course Description

Ethical billing starts with knowing where your time goes. This session is all about getting control over one of the most challenging parts of legal practice: accurately estimating your time, billing with confidence, and collecting what you’ve earned. Diane L. Camacho of DLC Consulting Services, LLC, brings extensive experience in the field and will cover everything from setting realistic expectations with clients to handling the inevitable surprises that can throw even the best plans off track—and how technology can help you stay ahead.

Principles

• Ethical Billing Begins with Accurate Timekeeping
  • Reliable timekeeping is the foundation for fair billing, accurate fee estimates, and compliance with professional responsibility obligations.
  • Attorneys who consistently track their time are better positioned to justify fees and improve profitability.
• Transparency Builds Client Trust
  • Clear communication about billing practices, fee structures, and changing expectations helps prevent misunderstandings and strengthens attorney-client relationships.
  • Addressing billing questions proactively can reduce disputes and improve client satisfaction.
• Fee Arrangements Should Be Both Ethical and Financially Sound
  • Whether billing hourly or using flat fees, attorneys should understand how to calculate fees that are reasonable, defensible, and aligned with applicable ethical standards, including ABA guidance.
  • Effective billing practices balance client value with the financial health of the practice.
• Technology Improves Accuracy, Efficiency, and Revenue
  • Modern timekeeping and billing tools help attorneys capture more billable time, reduce administrative burdens, and support more accurate invoicing and collections.
  • Leveraging technology can improve both compliance and law firm profitability.

Syllabus

1. Understanding ABA billing guidelines
2. Calculating flat fees
3. Dealing with client complaints about billing
4. Using the latest technology to manage your time and maximize revenue