Timekeeping software: Eight essential features for lawyers

1. Timekeeping via an app

Clarity and simplicity are crucial elements for optimal use of a timekeeping system. Want to quickly search for previously written timelines and enter your time spent anywhere, anytime? With an app for detailed time recording, this becomes child's play. Whether you are sitting on the couch at home, in court or on the road: no phone call or email is forgotten. If you are not in the office, you can enter hours directly in the app or convert appointments from your calendar to hours when you get back to the office.

2. Personal selection of ways to write time

As a lawyer, how do you want to enter your time? It is important to use timekeeping software for the legal profession in which you have the choice of several ways to enter your time, namely via:

1. Desktop;
2. Mobile;
3. Calendar;
4. Timelines

This allows you to find a way that works for you and makes time entry much easier.

3. AI-based time entries

AI is changing how time is captured, mainly by lowering the effort required to register it. Within Legalsense, this is applied through Verbal Time Entry. Instead of typing everything manually, lawyers can dictate their time entries directly. The system converts this into a structured registration, making it quicker to log work as it happens.

The result is simple: less friction, fewer forgotten hours, and a more complete record of time. Not a gimmick, but a practical way to improve recorded revenue.

4. From time tracking to budget control

With more firms working on fixed fees or hybrid pricing models, timekeeping is no longer just about hours, but about control. Modern tools allow you to:

1. set budgets per matter
2. track progress in real time
3. identify overruns early

This helps prevent surprises and gives better grip on the financial outcome of a matter.

5. Provide visibility into files

It is crucial that your software allows you to easily link the hours worked to the corresponding files. The most recent activity will always be displayed on the file. This gives you instant insight into your productivity and helps you see if everything has been entered correctly. You can also keep track of the ratio of billable to non-billable time.

6. Billing workflow

A billing workflow automates tasks and actions in your billing process so that your valuable time is quickly charged to your customers. You receive a notification when something is ready for you or your colleague. If your practice management software is also connected to accounting software such as Twinfield and Exact, you can quickly bill your time entered.

7. Automatic timer

An (automatic) timer keeps track of your activities. You can register this time directly in your timekeeping software. It is especially convenient to have multiple timers ready at the same time (for example, one timer per file). This way you can quickly enter time into your most recent files.

8. Linking with other systems

By linking your software to other systems, you can link incoming and outgoing phone calls to time entries. Think of integrations with email, calendar, telephony, and document management. When these systems work together, information flows automatically. This reduces administrative work and ensures consistency across the firm.