Lawyers have plenty of pressing responsibilities. Regardless of whether you’re self-employed or work at a traditional law firm. From representing clients in court to drafting legal documents, you dedicate a lot of time to your practice.
How to create a lawyer invoice (with a free template)
What is a lawyer invoice?
An invoice is a financial document that displays the services provided by a lawyer to a client.
As with any other type of invoice, a legal invoice is vital for record-keeping, both for you and for your clients. Without an invoice, you couldn’t ensure you’ve accurately billed your client. Which could have devastating effects for you and your business.
When working at a law firm, you must ensure that you uphold ethical standards in legal billing.
Why should you use a legal billing template?
- Accuracy: As a financial document, it’s important that you accurately show all services and fees. As a result, you’ll reduce the risk of finding missing or incorrect information in your invoice data.
- Flexibility: As a lawyer with many clients, your invoice structure may vary. An invoice template provides a standard format for information that doesn't change.
- Efficiency: Using a lawyer invoice template saves you time on non-billable hours. By providing a solid foundation of essential information. With a ready-made template, you can create and distribute invoices quickly.
- Consistency: An invoice template helps build client trust by showing consistent invoicing practices. When clients know when and how you invoice, it's easier for them to manage their accounting.
What to include in your lawyer invoice
Regardless of how you approach your invoicing process, here’s what you should include.
1. Personalise your lawyer invoice: Personalise your invoice with your business name, logo, and other branding elements. Ensure that every personal touch reflects your identity and legal expertise.
2. Adding your law firm’s details: Ensure that you’ve added details that the client can use to identify and contact you.
Note: If you work for a law firm, be sure that you’ve added the firm’s name.
From here, you’ll add the following details:
- Your/Your law firm’s phone number.
- Your/Your law firm’s email address.
- Your/Your law firm’s physical address.
1. Incorporating your client’s details
The next step is to add your client’s details. Needless to say, what you add to this section of your invoice will vary depending on your client.
Typically, you’ll address your point of contact in your invoice. Some clients may opt to provide you with a billing contact. Regardless of whom you address your invoices, you must leave room for their name, address, and relevant contact details.
2. Adding your invoice number and relevant dates
Assign a unique invoice number to each invoice you send. A simple way of doing this is to draft your invoices in sequential order (INV0001, INV0002, etc.).
By adding a unique invoice number, you’ll make it so much easier to find a financial record if required. You should also add the invoice issue date.
3. Including a list of services or hours worked
You should provide the client with an itemised list of your services. Add corresponding dates that clarify what exactly your client is paying for.
Some lawyers charge their clients based on the amount of time spent on a certain task. For this reason, you should also provide a detailed timesheet. Your timesheet should outline the duration of every service you’ve provided.
4. Adding your rates for each service or billable hour
You must add a billing rate for every service or billable hour you’ve worked. You should also include a list of expenses incurred during the client’s case. Such as court filing fees and travel expenses.
You’ll also need to provide a total amount. This will be based on your itemised list, as well as a subtotal for all services you’ve provided, plus taxes.
5. Adding the terms of payment
This section outlines the terms and conditions for the client’s payment. I should include preferred payment methods, the payment due date, and late payment policies.
By providing clear payment instructions, you’ll diminish the risk of confusion between you and your client.
Using a free customisable law firm invoice template with QuickBooks
If you’re still unsure about how to add a personal touch to your legal invoices, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered. Download our free, customisable lawyer invoice sample and reap the benefits of having more time on the business you love!
Simplifying your invoicing process with QuickBooks
Managing a growing law firm often means you’re jumping through a multitude of hoops. With QuickBooks, you can streamline your expense tracking, invoicing, and so much more. This ensures that you’ll maintain your professionalism while fostering financial transparency. Strengthening the relationship between you and your clients.
Intuit helps put more money in consumers’ and small businesses’ pockets, saving them time by eliminating work, and ensuring they have confidence in every financial decision they make.
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