1. What Are Attorney Billable Hours?

Attorney billable hours represent the time spent on client-related work that can be charged to clients. This includes legal research, court appearances, client meetings, document preparation, and other direct legal services.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• Total Hours — All tracked working hours during the period
• Non-Billable Hours — Administrative time, training, firm meetings, and other non-client work
• Billable Hours — Client-chargeable time that generates revenue

Explanation: This calculation helps law firms and individual attorneys determine their productive, revenue-generating time versus administrative overhead.

3. Importance Of Billable Hours Tracking

Details: Accurate billable hours tracking is essential for law firm profitability, client billing accuracy, attorney performance evaluation, and business planning. It helps identify productive patterns and optimize time management.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter total tracked hours and non-billable administrative time. Ensure non-billable hours do not exceed total hours. Use consistent time tracking methods for accurate results.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What counts as billable hours?
A: Client meetings, legal research, court appearances, document drafting, case strategy development, and any work directly related to client representation.

Q2: What are common non-billable activities?
A: Firm administration, training, marketing, pro bono work (unless specifically billable), continuing education, and internal meetings.

Q3: What is a good billable hours ratio?
A: Typically 60-80% of total hours should be billable, though this varies by practice area and firm structure.

Q4: How can I improve my billable hours?
A: Use time tracking software, minimize interruptions, batch similar tasks, and delegate administrative work when possible.

Q5: Are there ethical considerations?
A: Yes, attorneys must accurately track and bill time, avoid padding hours, and ensure bills are reasonable for services rendered.