Introduction

Time entry is one of the most frustrating parts of a lawyer’s job - tedious, repetitive, and entirely non-billable. From logging hours to writing detailed narratives and matching the right codes, it’s a process that steals time from actual legal work.

But with modern AI-powered tools, that process can now happen automatically - in real time, with greater accuracy. In this post, we’ll break down how automated timekeeping helps attorneys reclaim hours every week and bill more effectively.

Tip 1: Time Entry is a Hidden Time Sink

Whether you’re logging hours at the end of each day or scrambling to reconstruct your week on Friday, time entry eats into your schedule.

On average, attorneys lose 3 to 5 hours per week just tracking time - hours that could have been spent on client work, strategy, or simply reducing stress.

Step 2: Real-Time Tracking Means Zero Manual Logging

Modern AI tools can passively detect your work activity across platforms like Outlook, Word, Adobe, and more - without you needing to click “start” or “stop.”

As you work, time entries are automatically generated, complete with matter numbers, task codes, activity codes, and even compliant narratives.

Step 3: Say Goodbye to “Friday Catch-Up”

With automated timekeeping, you no longer need to rely on memory to fill in your week. No more trying to remember which matter you worked on Tuesday afternoon - the system tracks it for you, moment by moment.

This reduces errors, removes guesswork, and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.

Step 4: Better Accuracy = Fewer Write-Offs

Real-time time entries are not just more convenient - they’re more precise. Instead of generic or vague descriptions, the software captures exactly what you were doing and when.

This results in:

• Fewer billing disputes

• Less time spent editing narratives

• Higher trust with clients

• Reduced write-downs and rejections

Step 5: Simplicity That Gets Out of Your Way

The best timekeeping tools don’t require training or behavior change. You don’t need to learn a new workflow - just do your job, and the system handles the tracking.

The goal is simple: you focus on practicing law, the software handles the rest.

Conclusion

Manual time entry is a hidden cost that adds up quickly - in lost hours, revenue, and energy. AI-powered timekeeping gives that time back. Attorneys using automated tools are saving hours each week, improving billing accuracy, and maximizing revenue with less effort.

Want to see how much time your firm could reclaim? Schedule a demo with Traced today.