Free document template
A matter invoice clients can follow
Legal billing needs enough detail to explain the work without exposing confidential advice in an accounts-payable queue. This sample separates document review, drafting and a reimbursable record expense. It is an ordinary billing layout, not a trust-account statement or guidance on which fees a firm may charge.
Example document · illustrative amounts
Example law firm invoice
Reference: [Unique billing reference]
From
[Firm legal name, office address and accounts contact]
To
[Responsible billing party; approved matter identifier]
| Description | Quantity / unit | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Review supplied agreement and prepare issue summary ? timekeeper AB | 1.4 hours | $210.00 | $294.00 |
| Draft revisions to identified contract provisions ? timekeeper CD | 2.1 hours | $260.00 | $546.00 |
| Approved public-record copy expense supported by receipt | 1 expense | $18.00 | $18.00 |
Total (USD): $858.00
Example: fictional USD billing entries demonstrate a layout, not attorney rates or court charges.
[Replace initials and matter reference using the firm's approved billing conventions.]
[State the billing period, engagement reference and payment instructions after internal review.]
How to use the template.
- Check the engagement's billing terms before selecting hourly, fixed-fee or milestone entries. Match each charge to the correct matter.
- Convert internal time notes into useful task descriptions. Remove sensitive names, strategy and document contents that do not belong on the client's invoice.
- Review timekeeper initials, billable durations, approved write-downs and expense receipts together so the narrative agrees with the financial record.
- Have the responsible reviewer reconcile any advance payment or client funds separately under the firm's procedures. This document does not calculate those balances.
Useful answers.
How detailed should a legal billing narrative be?
Describe the action and purpose sufficiently for the client to understand the charge, using the firm's confidentiality standards. Avoid pasting privileged advice or an entire internal note into a bill.
Does this replace a trust ledger?
No. A billing document does not establish how client funds must be held or applied. Follow the applicable professional rules and consult qualified counsel or your firm's accounting adviser.
Can I use task codes instead of prose?
Where a client has agreed billing codes, include them alongside a readable description. Check the client's submission instructions; downloading this sample does not produce a specialized electronic billing file.
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