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How to Create Time Entries in LeanLaw

How to create time entries in LeanLaw from the web app, desktop tracker, and mobile app — including Standard and Advanced entry modes, required fields, and billable vs. non-billable entries.

Time entries are the foundation of billing in LeanLaw. This guide covers how to create them from every platform — the web app, the Desktop Tracker, and the mobile app.

 

Creating a Time Entry from the Web App

There are two ways to create a time entry from the browser — the Time Entries page and the Calendar page. Both support the same entry form.

From the Time Entries Page

  1. Click Time in the top navigation to open the Time Entries page.
  2. Click the green Create Entry button in the top left corner.
  3. The New Entry panel opens on the left side of the screen. Choose Standard or Advanced mode (see below).
  4. Fill in all required fields.
  5. Click Create Entry to save. The entry appears in the Time Display and is highlighted yellow to confirm it was just created.

From the Calendar Page

  1. Click the calendar icon or navigate to the Calendar tab.
  2. Click on any time slot on the calendar to open the time entry form.
  3. Fill in the required fields and click Save.

💡 Tip: The Calendar page is ideal for visually blocking out your day. Use it when you want to see your entries laid out against a daily or weekly view. See Article 3 in this collection for a full guide to the Calendar page.

 

Required Fields

Field

Notes

Timekeeper

The person whose time is being recorded. Defaults to the logged-in user. Role settings for Pro firms can be adjusted so users can enter time on behalf of other users.

Date

The date the work was performed. Defaults to today.

Client

Select from your firm's client list. Select from the dropdown or type to search.

Matter

Select from the matters associated with the chosen client. Select from the dropdown or type to search.

Description

A narrative description of the work performed. Appears on invoices.

Hours

Time in decimal format (e.g., 1.5 = 1 hour 30 minutes). 

 

⚠️ After client/matter fields populate: The Rate, Billing Type, and Billable checkbox will auto-populate based on the matter's settings. Review these before saving — especially if rates vary by matter.

 

Billable vs. Non-Billable Entries

Each time entry has a Billing Type dropdown. When Billable is selected, the entry will appear in the billing queue and be included on the next invoice. When Non-Billable is selected, the entry is tracked internally but will not appear on any invoice.

  • Non-billable matters: If a matter is designated as non-billable, all new entries on it will have Billable automatically unchecked. You can manually check it to override.
  • Internal notes: Toggle 'Show Internal Notes' on the Time Entries page to add notes visible only to your firm — these do not appear on client invoices.

 

Creating a Time Entry from the Desktop Tracker

The LeanLaw Desktop Tracker (Windows and Mac) lets you create entries and run timers without a browser. To create a manual entry:

  1. Open the Desktop Tracker and go to the My Matters tab.
  2. Find the matter and click the + icon to open the entry form.
  3. Fill in the description and hours.
  4. Click Save. The entry syncs automatically to LeanLaw.

 

Creating a Time Entry from the Mobile App

The LeanLaw mobile app (iOS and Android) lets you create time entries on the go.

  1. Tap the large green + button at the bottom of any page.
  2. Select New Time Entry.
  3. Fill in the client, matter, description, and hours.
  4. Toggle the Billable switch as needed.
  5. Tap Save in the top right. The entry syncs immediately to LeanLaw.

💡 Tip: Enable Add Multiple Entries mode on mobile to keep the client/matter fields pre-filled after saving — ideal for entering a full day of time at once.