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There Goes That Attorney Leaving a Trail of Money Again

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By: Laura McDonald

One way a legal assistant can make herself absolutely indispensable to her boss is to help him keep up with his billable time. Sounds strange, doesn't it, that someone would have to FIND an attorney's billable time. It gets lost.

Let me explain.

At the beginning of the work day, a paralegal or legal secretary checks her boss' calendar. It is filled with activities like:

1. Court appearances;
2. Depositions;
3. Meetings/consultations;
4. Mediations;
5. Phone conferences;
6. Continuing Legal Education seminars; and
7. Deadlines.

There are also unwritten items that fill the rest of an attorney's day, including time for:

1. Research;
2. Dictating correspondence and pleadings; and
3. Returning phone calls.

It seems pretty straightforward. How does billable time get lost if it’s so easily apparent?

Busy attorneys are just that – busy. Off they go to cover hearings that are on a court’s motion hour docket. They may have even been asked, on the way out the door, to stand-in for another attorney’s motions. If the court isn’t conveniently local, there is drive time involved that may be billable. The mileage may be reimbursable. Some work may be accomplished during drive time, in the form of dictation or phone calls. He might make a quick detour to view an accident scene that’s the site focus in another case. Once at court and while waiting for cases to be called by the judge, there’s a chance to discuss settlement (of that case, or an entirely different one) with another attorney.

Motion hour runs long. The attorney makes it back to the office just in time for a client consultation, which turns out to be more involved than originally detailed. In-between meetings, calls are returned rapid fire. More dictation. A senior partner assigns a big research project to the attorney, who is now wondering at this rate if he’ll be able to leave the office by 7:00 pm for his daughter’s birthday dinner.

Do you begin to see how billable time might get lost in the shuffle?

Even the most organized attorney needs assistance in capturing billable time. In a day’s rush, not recording one phone call and momentarily forgetting that settlement discussion with opposing counsel at motion hour means loss of earning. The loss created by many unrecorded entries throughout the year creates a major impact on a firm’s income.

Diligent legal assistants remain aware of their bosses’ activities. They are in contact with their attorneys throughout the day, in-person or by phone and e-mail. Little reminders to record billable events are very welcome and appreciated.

Help your career by helping your boss’ career. He will thank you for it.

Are you fascinated by trials? Do you like helping people? A career as a Paralegal is challenging, rewarding, and NEVER boring. Sign up for my free newsletters that show you how to step into this exciting career. Adventures await you....

http://www.paralegalsecretary.bravehost.com

Laura McDonald is a paralegal, employed by Michael L. Hawkins & Associates, P.L.L.C. She is a member of NFPA (National Federation of Paralegal Associations). She is experienced in the areas of personal injury, civil litigation, family, environmental and corporate law, estate planning and bankruptcy.

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