How to Create Fixed Fee Time Entries

Creating a Fixed Fee time entry is similar to a standard time entry, with one key difference: the billing type is set to Fixed Fee.

This tells LeanLaw the work is covered by a flat fee, so it should not generate hourly charges—while still tracking effort for reporting and profitability.

Before you begin

Make sure you know:

• Whether the work is included in the flat fee (or should be billed hourly)

• The activity code you should use

• Whether a Fixed Fee exists for the matter (so you can associate time, if needed)

Note: A matter’s billing type sets the default time entry type, but it doesn’t lock you in. You can usually choose Fixed Fee time on most matter types.

Create a Fixed Fee time entry

You can log Fixed Fee time using the method that best fits your workflow.

Option 1: Using the Timer

1. Start the timer
2. Select the matter
3. Choose an activity code
4. Stop the timer to open the time entry
5. Set Billing Type to Fixed Fee
6. (Recommended) Select a Fixed Fee to associate the time
7. Add a description
8. Save

Option 2: Manual time entry

1. Create a new time entry
2. Select the matter
3. Choose the date
4. Select an activity code
5. Enter duration
6. Set Billing Type to Fixed Fee
7. (Recommended) Select a Fixed Fee
8. Add a description
9. Save

Key fields to review

• Billing Type: must be Fixed Fee

• Fixed Fee (Recommended): choose the specific fixed fee the time relates to (critical for accurate reporting)

• Description: include enough detail to understand the work later (1–2 sentences is ideal)

After you save

• The entry is included in time reports and profitability

• It does not create hourly charges

• Whether time details appear on the invoice depends on your firm’s invoice settings (covered in a separate article)

Best practices

• Log time daily (or in real time)

• Double-check billing type before saving

• Use consistent activity codes

• Associate time to a fixed fee when possible—especially if there are multiple fixed fees on the matter