Free Paralegal Timesheet Template
Paralegals working on a freelance or contract basis for law firms and legal departments need to record time against specific matter references and activity types to ensure invoices align with firm billing records. A timesheet that captures both billable and non-billable activity gives the supervising solicitor a complete view of the paralegal's work and helps the firm allocate time correctly across client matters. Accurate records also support the paralegal's own professional development log.
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What should a paralegal put on a timesheet?
A paralegal timesheet records the hours worked on each matter, with the date, the task, and the time spent, usually in short increments. Note the matter reference and a clear description of each entry. Accurate, dated time records support billing to the firm or client and meet the detail many legal bills require.
Typical line items
- Date of work
- Matter or case reference
- Task description (research, drafting, filing)
- Time spent (in increments)
- Billable or non-billable flag
- Fee earner or supervising lawyer
- Hourly rate
- Running total for the period
How the work is charged
Paralegals usually log time by the hour in small increments against each matter. The timesheet feeds billing, whether the work is charged hourly to a client or recorded for the firm's own purposes.
Payment terms and deposits
A timesheet supports an invoice rather than collecting payment itself. Firms commonly bill the recorded time monthly, so keep entries dated and described well enough to stand up to client review.
Tax and compliance
If you are registered for sales tax or VAT, that applies on the invoice the timesheet supports, not the timesheet itself. What a paralegal may bill for is limited in many places, so confirm the rules that apply to you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I record time when I am working simultaneously on multiple matters?
Switch between matter time entries as you move between tasks. Use the matter reference number in every entry description so there is no ambiguity about which matter the time belongs to. Paralegal errors in matter allocation are a common source of billing disputes in law firms, so accuracy here is particularly important.
Should I record non-billable time on my timesheet?
Yes. Non-billable time such as internal training, file management, and administrative work should be logged separately. This gives the supervising solicitor a true picture of your capacity and ensures that client matters are not inadvertently absorbing overhead time that should be categorised differently.
How do I handle document review work where the volume and time were greater than anticipated?
Log all time accurately and flag the overrun to the supervising solicitor as soon as it becomes clear. The firm may need to reassess the matter budget or have a conversation with the client. Your detailed timesheet records are the evidence that supports that conversation.
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Read the complete timesheet guide to see how to log hours and turn a tracked timesheet into an invoice.
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