In legal practice, time is not just money — it’s your most billable asset. Yet, many law firms lose thousands each year due to inconsistent or inaccurate time tracking. The solution? A strategic approach to time logging and review. This blog explores the Track, Review, Improve framework — a practical process that helps legal teams tighten their operations, enhance client transparency, and recapture lost revenue.
1. TRACK – Capture Time Accurately
Accurate time tracking begins with discipline and smart tools. Lawyers juggle multiple matters daily, and without consistent logging, it’s easy to forget micro-tasks that add up.
Best Practices:
• Use time-tracking software or timers integrated with your case management system.
• Leverage voice-to-log tools to capture billable tasks on the go.
• Encourage real-time entry, not end-of-day recollections.
Why it matters: Firms that fail to capture time accurately lose up to 30% of their billable hours, according to industry studies.
2. REVIEW – Analyse Billable Hours Effectively
Once the time is logged, the next step is a structured review. Reviewing logged time helps detect inefficiencies, spot scope creep, and ensure billing accuracy.
Key Review Checks:
• Compare logged hours against expected outputs or case complexity.
• Look for inconsistencies like underbilling or duplicated entries.
• Align recorded hours with client expectations and agreements.
Tip: Time reviews should be done weekly, not just monthly, to catch discrepancies early.
3. IMPROVE – Turn Insights into Action
With clear tracking and regular reviews in place, the final step is to refine operations for better productivity and profitability.
How to Improve:
• Create benchmarks for routine legal tasks or cases.
• Use time data to redistribute workloads or highlight training needs.
• Share transparent time logs with clients to build trust and reduce disputes.
Outcome: Over time, this process helps eliminate billing leakage, streamline workflows, and increase realisation rates.
Conclusion
Implementing a “Track, Review, Improve” model isn’t just about saving money — it’s about building a more agile, transparent, and client-aligned law practice. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or managing a full-service firm, better time logs can redefine your performance.
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