Block billing combines multiple tasks into one time entry with one total duration. Example: 'Reviewed discovery responses, drafted client email, researched privilege issue, and prepared for status conference — 2.4 hr.'
Related vs Unrelated Tasks
Not every multi-action narrative is improper. 'Reviewed revised agreement and analyzed termination and indemnity provisions' may be one coherent task. Research, a client call, and deposition preparation may be more clearly separate.
Why Clients Restrict Block Billing
Clients may want clearer task-level review, better budget analysis, easier write-down decisions, stronger UTBMS reporting, and more transparent staffing.
Ways to Identify Possible Block Billing
Use detection signals and source evidence to support review; a flag alone does not establish a billing violation.
Review area | What to check or do |
Rule-Based Detection | Simple checks can flag several action verbs, semicolons, multiple task codes, long duration, or several source activities. These are signals, not proof. |
AI-Assisted Detection | AI can compare action verbs, objects, matter phase, source activity, duration, task codes, and the client rule, then explain why an entry was flagged. |
Use Source Activity | Source evidence can help determine whether one narrative should be split. Separate research, client call, and drafting records may indicate distinct tasks when the client prohibits block billing. |
Apply Client Rules
The system should know which client prohibits block billing, whether exceptions exist, the effective date, matter scope, required codes, and approval path.
Split Without Losing Context
When splitting an entry, preserve the correct matter, accurate total duration, clear narratives, correct codes, and audit history. Avoid duplicate time.
Avoid Artificial Fragmentation
Over-splitting can create dozens of tiny entries. The goal is enough separation for the reviewer to understand the work, not maximum fragmentation.
Check Before Prebill
Detection during daily time-entry review is better than discovery during prebill because the lawyer still remembers the work and source activity is easier to inspect.
Metrics
Track block-billing warning rate, confirmed rate, false-positive rate, entries split, client reductions tied to block billing, and repeat issues by client or timekeeper.
How MIRA Fits
MIRA can support earlier review with captured activity, draft narratives, code suggestions, and lawyer-controlled editing. Client-specific compliance checks should remain reviewable.
Related Resources
Authoritative References
This guide is for educational purposes only. Billing, accounting, client, and professional-conduct requirements vary by firm, engagement, and jurisdiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is block billing always prohibited?
No. Requirements vary by client and engagement.
Can AI detect block billing?
AI can flag entries that appear to combine unrelated work, but a reviewer should confirm whether the tasks should be separated.
Should every action have its own entry?
No. Related actions can often remain together when client rules allow it and the narrative is understandable.
When should block billing be checked?
Ideally during daily time-entry review, before prebill.
