Free Solicitor Timesheet Template
Solicitors are required by professional regulators to maintain accurate time records for client matters, and billing guides issued by law societies in most jurisdictions set expectations around time recording practices. A timesheet that captures matter references, activity types, and time in standard billing units protects the firm from costs disputes and supports transparency in client invoicing. It is also an important risk management tool for time-sensitive matters.
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What should a solicitor put on a timesheet?
A solicitor timesheet records billable time by matter, activity, and fee earner, with the date, the task, and the time spent in short increments. Note the matter reference and a clear description of each entry. Detailed, dated records support compliant billing and the breakdown clients and regulators expect.
Typical line items
- Date of work
- Matter or file reference
- Activity (drafting, correspondence, attendance)
- Time spent (in increments)
- Billable or non-billable flag
- Fee earner
- Hourly rate
- Running total for the matter
How the work is charged
Solicitors usually log time by the hour in short increments against each matter and fee earner. The timesheet feeds the bill, whether charged hourly to the client or recorded against an agreed fixed fee.
Payment terms and deposits
A timesheet supports an invoice rather than collecting payment itself. Firms commonly bill recorded time monthly or at the end of a matter, so keep entries dated and described well enough to stand up to client and regulatory 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. Confirm the rules that apply to your firm.
Frequently asked questions
What activity codes should I use on a solicitor's timesheet?
Most law firms use a standard set of activity codes such as drafting, research, correspondence, calls, meetings, and court attendance. Using consistent activity codes across all timesheets allows the firm to analyse time by type across matters and fee earners, which is useful for budgeting and staffing.
How do I handle time spent on a matter where a costs cap applies?
Log all time accurately regardless of any cap. Record the cap limit in the matter notes and flag to the supervising partner when billable time approaches the limit. Your timesheet records will be important if the cap is challenged or if a costs assessment is required.
Should a trainee's time be recorded on the same timesheet as the supervising solicitor?
Trainees should submit their own timesheets at their own rate. The matter file will then show the total hours by fee earner. This is standard practice and allows the firm to bill accurately at the correct grade rate for each activity.
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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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