Time59 is web-based time and billing software designed for solo and small firm lawyers.
We suggest you print this document (only 2 pages) and follow along with it as you explore Time59 for the first time.
There are four basic elements to Time59:
Clients are the entities you provides services to and will send bills to.
There are two basic ways to use Clients in Time59.
1) You can set up each person or company you provide services to as a Time59 Client. This approach is simple and is appropriate when there is no requirement to keep the accounting (balance due, trust balance, etc.) completely separate by matter/case.
2) You can also set up individual matters as separate Time59 Clients. This allows you to keep the accounting completely separate by matter for clients with multiple matters.
Use either approach depending on the situation.
Projects define the services you provide to your clients, and the amount you charge for them.
Projects can represent matters, types of work, or timekeepers (attorneys, paralegals, etc) and can be used for hourly or fixed fee billing.
An unlimited number of Projects can be set up for each Client. (NOTE: Projects are set up separately for each Client.)
You will assign a Project to every Time Record you create in Time59. This allows the program to automatically do all of the math for invoices (bills).
The following links are highly recommended for learning more about Projects:
Using Projects To Set Hourly Billing Rates
Using Projects For Fixed Fee Billing
Time Records are used to record the billable work you have done for your Clients.
Entering a Time Record is quick and easy. Once your time is entered it is easily available for review and editing.
The Time Records you enter will automatically flow through to invoices without retyping.
Expense Records represent expenses you want to bill your Clients for. These expenses will appear on invoices along with Time Records.
Click on the "my account" link located on the top menu bar.
After clicking, the My Account menu will be displayed. The first two items on this menu are User Information and User Preferences.
User Information allows you to enter your firm's name and address information that will appear on the invoices you produce. Click on the Save Changes button on the bottom of the form when you are finished.
User Preferences allows you to specify date, currency and time formats for your Time59 account. There are other settings in User Preferences that will allow you to further tailor Time59 to your specific needs. After making changes, click on the Save Changes button at the bottom of the form.
Click on the "dashboard" link located on the top menu bar. The Time59 dashboard will be displayed. The dashboard is your "home base" in Time59. When in doubt, click on the dashboard link.
The most important feature of the dashboard is the row of "tabs" starting with the "Clients" tab. If you are not already on the Clients tab, click on it, then click on the Add New Client button.
You will now see the Client maintenance form. The only required field is "Client / Matter Name". You can enter address information now if you like, or add it later. When you are finished, click the Save button at the bottom of the form.
The Add New Client process also allows you to create the first project for the new Client. Additional Projects can be created by going to the Projects tab after the new Client record has been saved. You will need to have entered at least one Project to begin entering billable time.
You are now ready to enter time for your Client. To do this, find your Client on the Clients tab and click on the 'Enter Time' button. You will be taken to the Add New Time Record form. Select a project then enter the number of hours worked and a description of the work performed. When you are finished, click the Save button. You can also create Time Records by going directly to the Time tab.
Entering Expenses is similar to the Time entry process. Click on the Expenses tab. NOTE: You may be prompted to create Expense Type items. Do this and then return to the Expenses tab to create your first expense record.
Once you have created some time and/or expense records you can create an invoice (bill). For instructions on invoicing, click on the following link:
Introduction To Invoicing and Accounts Receivable
Here are some other help topic links:
Establishing Beginning Account Balances For Clients
Introduction To Trust Accounting
Introduction To LEDES Invoicing
One more thing...
We know that no two practices are alike, but Time59 is flexible. If you need help setting up Time59 to match your requirements please contact us. We'll listen carefully and get you set up right.