Invoice for Lawyers: Hourly, Retainer & Template (2026)
How law firms and solo attorneys should invoice — hourly detail, retainer trust accounting, disbursements and a compliant template.
Invoice for Lawyers
Legal invoices have to satisfy the client, the state bar and (sometimes) an insurance adjuster. This guide shows how to bill hourly, draw from trust, list disbursements and stay defensible if the invoice is ever challenged.
What to include on the invoice
- Firm name, address and bar number where required
- Client and matter name/number
- Unique invoice number and issue date
- Timekeeper initials, rate, activity narrative, time in tenths
- Disbursements at cost
- Trust balance and any draw against it
- Subtotal, tax if applicable, grand total
- Payment methods and due date
Sample invoice
| Item | Qty | Rate | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attorney time — draft motion to dismiss | 3.4 | $450 | $1,530 |
| Paralegal — cite check | 1.2 | $150 | $180 |
| Court filing fee (disbursement) | 1 | $402 | $402 |
| Draw from trust retainer | 1 | -$1,000 | -$1,000 |
Pricing structures that work
| Structure | When to use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly + retainer | Litigation, complex matters | $350–$800/hr |
| Flat fee | Wills, incorporations | $1,500 will package |
| Contingency | PI / plaintiff work | 33–40% of recovery |
| Subscription | Small-business general counsel | $1,500/mo |
Payment terms
- Bill monthly with a detailed narrative per time entry.
- Trust deposits shown separately from earned fees.
- Disbursements at cost with receipts on request.
- Net-30, interest as permitted by your state bar.
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Frequently asked questions
What must a lawyer's invoice contain?
Date, timekeeper, activity code (if used), narrative, time in tenths of an hour, rate and total. Trust balance disclosed if drawn against.
Can I bill for time reviewing my own bill?
No. That's non-billable administrative time in every jurisdiction.
How detailed should time entries be?
Detailed enough that a client — or a fee dispute panel — can see the value. "Legal research" without a topic will get cut.