A legal time entry template helps lawyers record work in a consistent format. It gives timekeepers a structure for capturing the client, matter, duration, billing status, codes, and description of completed work.
A strong template does not make every entry sound the same. It helps lawyers include the right information without relying on vague notes or memory.
Basic Legal Time Entry Template
Use this structure for most legal time entries:
Field | What to Enter |
Date | The date the work was completed |
Timekeeper | Lawyer, paralegal, or professional who completed the work |
Client | The client connected to the work |
Matter | The correct matter or project |
Duration | Time spent, using the correct billing increment |
Billable status | Billable or non-billable |
Task code | Required legal task code, if applicable |
Activity code | Required activity code, if applicable |
Description | Clear explanation of the work performed |
Review status | Draft, reviewed, approved, or released |
A useful entry should answer: what was done, what it related to, and why it mattered.
Simple Time Entry Formula
Use this sentence pattern:
[Action verb] + [document, issue, meeting, or task] + [purpose or matter context].
Examples:
Reviewed revised purchase agreement and analyzed indemnity provisions for client comments.
Drafted motion section addressing document production deficiencies.
Joined client call to discuss settlement strategy and next steps.
Researched enforceability of limitation of liability clause for contract negotiation strategy.
Legal Time Entry Examples
Weak Entry | Better Entry |
Reviewed documents. | Reviewed revised asset purchase agreement and analyzed indemnity and termination provisions for client comments. |
Research. | Researched pleading standards for fraud claim in support of draft motion to dismiss. |
Call with client. | Joined client call to discuss discovery timeline, document production scope, and next steps for response strategy. |
Drafted agreement. | Drafted revised service agreement provisions addressing payment terms and renewal obligations. |
Email. | Prepared email to client summarizing revised contract comments and recommended response. |
The better entries provide enough detail for billing review without turning the description into a legal memo.
Time Entry Template by Work Type
Research
Template:
Researched [legal issue] related to [matter purpose] for [document, advice, motion, or strategy].
Example:
Researched enforceability of restrictive covenant provisions for employment agreement review.
Drafting
Template:
Drafted or revised [document] addressing [specific issues].
Example:
Drafted revised settlement agreement addressing release scope, payment timing, and confidentiality obligations.
Review
Template:
Reviewed [document or material] and analyzed [specific issue] for [matter purpose].
Example:
Reviewed document production set and analyzed privilege issues for discovery response strategy.
Communication
Template:
Prepared communication to [recipient] regarding [specific matter topic].
Example:
Prepared email to opposing counsel regarding proposed deposition schedule and outstanding document production issues.
Meeting
Template:
Joined [type of meeting] to discuss [specific topics and matter purpose].
Example:
Joined client meeting to discuss litigation budget, discovery schedule, and upcoming filing deadlines.
Billable Time Entry Template
For billable work, use this format:
Field | Example |
Duration | 0.6 |
Matter | Smith acquisition |
Billing status | Billable |
Description | Reviewed revised stock purchase agreement and analyzed representations, indemnity, and closing conditions. |
The description should show how the work supported the client matter.
Non-Billable Time Entry Template
Non-billable time should also be clear.
Field | Example |
Duration | 0.5 |
Category | Training |
Billing status | Non-billable |
Description | Attended internal training on revised document management and matter filing workflow. |
Tracking non-billable work helps firms understand administrative workload, training, operations, and utilization.
Time Entry Checklist
Before submitting a time entry, check:
Is the correct client selected?
Is the correct matter selected?
Is the duration accurate?
Is the billable status correct?
Are task or activity codes required?
Does the description explain the work?
Is the description too vague?
Does the description avoid unnecessary privileged detail?
Does the entry follow client billing guidelines?
Has the entry been reviewed before release?
Common Template Mistakes
Avoid these problems:
Using the same description repeatedly
Writing only “email,” “call,” or “research”
Waiting too long to enter time
Forgetting short tasks
Selecting the wrong matter
Using the wrong billing code
Including unnecessary confidential detail
Combining unrelated tasks into one entry
Ignoring client billing guidelines
A template helps only if lawyers use it consistently and review entries carefully.
How MIRA Helps
MIRA helps law firms capture work activity, prepare clearer descriptions, and review time inside Microsoft Teams before entries are saved or released.
A template gives lawyers a structure. MIRA helps reduce the manual effort required to remember and prepare entries from scratch.
For a connected workflow, explore AI Billable Time Entry for Law Firms.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a legal time entry template?
A legal time entry template is a structured format for recording legal work, including client, matter, duration, billing status, codes, and description.
What should a legal time entry include?
A legal time entry should include the date, timekeeper, client, matter, duration, billable status, description, and any required task or activity code.
What is a good legal time entry description?
A good description explains what work was performed, what issue or document it related to, and why it mattered to the client matter.
Should non-billable time use a template?
Yes. Non-billable time should also be recorded clearly so firms can understand administrative workload, training, business development, and operations.
Can AI help prepare legal time entries?
Yes. AI can help draft descriptions and suggest codes, but lawyers should still review and approve final entries before release.
