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Timekeeper rates for Billing guidelines

Alina avatar
Written by Alina
Updated today

This guide explains how to prepare and validate timekeeper rate files for use in LawVu’s AI-powered Billing Guidelines Review.


It outlines the required data, how the process works, and how to align your submissions with the latest LEDES Oversight Committee standards.

Template Overview

The approved timekeeper rates should be provided using the Timekeeper Rates Template, which you can download from the bottom of this article.


Each column in the template has a specific purpose. Use the descriptions below to complete your file accurately.

Header

Definition

Example

Timekeeper

The first and last name of the timekeeper.

John H. Doe

TK Classification

As per the latest LEDES Oversight Committee standard (2023 or later).

PARTNR (Partner)

Expertise [Internal only]

Field from the LSP profile identifying the lawyer’s area of expertise (used internally for reporting).

Litigation

Hourly Rate

Current approved hourly rate.

750

Rate Currency

Currency of the rate.

USD

Prior Rate

Previous rate (optional, but recommended for reporting).

500

Effective Date

Date when the new rate becomes active.

Apr 6, 2025

End Date

Date when the rate expires.

Apr 5, 2026

Approved timekeeper rates can be exported from a law firm’s practice management software.

To ensure accuracy during the billing review process, the exported file should include at least the fields listed above.

Validation Requirements

To ensure your file uploads successfully and supports accurate billing validation, please check that:

  • Format: The file is provided in CSV or Excel (.xlsx) format.

  • One rate per timekeeper: Each timekeeper has only one active rate.

  • Classification: Timekeeper classifications align with the LEDES Oversight Committee standard (2023 or latest version).

  • Prior rate: Optional, but enhances reporting capabilities.

  • Effective and end dates: If these don’t match the billing period, LawVu will flag them as discrepancies (the file will still upload).

Impact on the AI-Powered Billing Guidelines Review

The AI Billing Guidelines Review compares each timekeeper listed on an invoice with the approved rate for that timekeeper at the respective law firm.


If a mismatch is found, the invoice is automatically adjusted by the difference.

This process ensures consistency, compliance, and transparency in billing.

Additional Data Fields

Different practice management systems may include extra data points, such as:

  • Rates by matter

  • Discounted or special rates

  • DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) data (e.g., gender, ethnicity, orientation)

  • Law firm and country details

  • ALSP association

  • Timekeeper ID

To align with LawVu data architecture and reporting, please use our template (below) with the minimum required data for accuracy in the review workflow.

If your organization requires additional fields, please contact the LawVu Support team. If there is broad demand, we may enhance the solution to accommodate these data points.

Approved Timekeeper Rates Template

Use the template below to ensure your data aligns with LawVu’s reporting standards and supports accurate results in the review workflow.

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