Legal Billing Compliance Checklist: Avoid Costly Mistakes

Why Billing Compliance Matters

Billing compliance isn't just about avoiding rejections—it's about:

• Ethical obligations: Bar rules require reasonable fees
• Client relationships: Trust depends on transparent billing
• Revenue protection: Non-compliant bills get reduced
• Malpractice risk: Billing disputes can trigger claims

Ethics Rules Compliance

ABA Model Rule 1.5 Requirements

Fees must be reasonable considering:

• Time and labor required
• Novelty and difficulty of questions
• Skill required for the service
• Likelihood of precluding other work
• Customary fees in the locality
• Results obtained
• Time limitations imposed
• Attorney experience and reputation

Fee Agreement Requirements

Most jurisdictions require:

• Written fee agreements for new clients
• Clear explanation of billing basis
• Disclosure of rate changes
• Statement of expenses charged

Client Guidelines Compliance

Outside Counsel Guidelines Checklist

Before submitting any invoice, verify:

Rates:

• ☐ All timekeepers within approved rate caps
• ☐ Rate increases properly approved
• ☐ Correct timekeeper levels assigned

Tasks:

• ☐ No non-billable tasks included
• ☐ Staffing levels comply with guidelines
• ☐ No duplicative work billed

Format:

• ☐ Correct LEDES format version
• ☐ Proper UTBMS task codes
• ☐ Description length requirements met

See our guide on managing client billing guidelines.

Time Entry Compliance

Entry Quality Checklist

• ☐ Each entry describes specific work performed
• ☐ No block billing (multiple tasks combined)
• ☐ Time increments comply with guidelines
• ☐ Entries dated contemporaneously
• ☐ No vague descriptions ("research," "review")

Prohibited Practices

• ☐ No overhead tasks billed (file organization, training)
• ☐ No excessive research time
• ☐ No duplicative attendance at meetings
• ☐ No clerical work at attorney rates

Expense Compliance

Reimbursable Expenses

Typically allowed:

• Filing fees and court costs
• Deposition and transcript costs
• Expert witness fees
• Travel (within policy limits)

Often Prohibited

• In-house copying above threshold
• Postage and delivery (often included in overhead)
• Legal research database access
• Administrative supplies

Trust Account Compliance

IOLTA/Trust Account Rules

• ☐ Client funds deposited in trust account
• ☐ No commingling with firm funds
• ☐ Earned fees transferred promptly
• ☐ Detailed records maintained
• ☐ Regular reconciliation performed

Learn more in trust accounting best practices.

Invoice Review Process

Pre-Submission Checklist

1. ☐ All entries reviewed for accuracy
2. ☐ Client guidelines checked
3. ☐ Rates verified against agreement
4. ☐ LEDES validation passed
5. ☐ Supporting documentation attached
6. ☐ Partner approval obtained

Common Rejection Reasons

Avoid these frequent issues:

• Vague or generic descriptions
• Block billing entries
• Rate cap violations
• Missing task codes
• Unauthorized expenses

Documentation Requirements

Maintain Records Of:

• Fee agreements and amendments
• Client guideline acknowledgments
• Rate approval correspondence
• Scope change authorizations
• Budget vs. actual reporting

Technology for Compliance

Automated compliance checking:

• Rate validation against client rules
• Block billing detection
• Description quality scoring
• LEDES format verification

See how AI billing solutions automate compliance verification.

Regular Compliance Audits

Monthly Review

• Sample invoice review
• Rejection rate analysis
• Write-off pattern identification

Annual Review

• Guideline currency verification
• Rate agreement updates
• Process improvement identification

Need help with billing compliance? Schedule a demo to see how IntelliBill automates compliance checking.

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