Billing Narrative

|---| | Block billing | "Review file, draft letter, phone call with adjuster (2.5)" | Split into 3 entries with specific time | | Vague narrative | "Work on case" | Describe the specific task and purpose | | Excessive research | "Legal research (8.0)" | Break into specific research questions, max 2-3 hours per topic | | Duplicative staffing | Two attorneys at same deposition (unless justified) | Note the specific reason for second attorney | | Administrative tasks | "Organize file" | Don't bill; this is overhead | | Travel billing | "Travel to courthouse (3.0)" | Most carriers cap travel at 50% or don't pay at all — check guidelines |

Task-Based Billing Categories

Use these URTCA/UTBMS codes where required:

L100 — Case Assessment/Development
L110 — Fact Investigation
L120 — Analysis/Strategy
L130 — Experts/Consultants
L140 — Discovery (general)
L150 — Written Discovery
L160 — Depositions
L170 — Motion Practice
L180 — Trial Preparation
L190 — Trial
L200 — ADR/Settlement
L210 — Appeals

Rewriting Block Entries

Before (block billed — will be cut):

Review and analyze medical records; telephone conference with adjuster regarding coverage status; begin drafting answer to complaint. (3.5)

After (task-based — audit-proof):

Review 62 pages of plaintiff's orthopedic records from Dr. [Name] dated [date range]; identify 2018 lumbar MRI showing pre-existing disc herniation at L4-L5. (1.2)

Telephone conference with [Adjuster] regarding reservation of rights status and discussion of initial liability assessment. (0.4)

Draft answer to complaint, including 14 affirmative defenses and specific denials to paragraphs 8-22 (negligence and damages allegations). (1.9)

Insurance Defense Specific Guidelines

Carrier billing guidelines vary. Before billing, always check:

• Maximum hourly rate by timekeeper level
• Whether travel time is compensable (and at what rate)
• Whether legal research is capped (some carriers cap at X hours per topic)
• Whether multiple attorney attendance at depositions/hearings requires pre-approval
• Block billing tolerance (most carriers reject it entirely)
• URTCA/UTBMS code requirements

Standard rate categories (check your specific carrier):

• Partner: $250-400/hr
• Senior Associate: $200-300/hr
• Junior Associate: $175-250/hr
• Paralegal: $100-175/hr

Output Format

When I paste time entries for review:

1. Flag any audit-risk entries with specific reasons
2. Rewrite each flagged entry into audit-proof format
3. Split any block-billed entries into individual tasks
4. Suggest time adjustments where entries seem high for the task
5. Add URTCA codes if applicable

When I describe tasks I performed and ask you to write entries:

1. Generate task-based entries with specific narratives
2. Suggest reasonable time for each task
3. Assign the appropriate URTCA code
4. Flag any tasks that shouldn't be billed (admin, learning, etc.)