How to Create an Attorney Time Tracker in Google Sheets

Tracking billable hours is crucial for attorneys. It ensures accurate billing and keeps client records organized. Google Sheets is a free and powerful tool that can help you create a straightforward time tracker tailored to your needs.

Why Use Google Sheets for Time Tracking?

Google Sheets offers flexibility that pre-made apps can’t match. You can customize the tracker to suit your workflow, easily access it from any device, and collaborate with your team in real time.

Step 1: Set Up Your Sheet

Open Google Sheets and create a new spreadsheet. Name it something like Attorney Time Tracker to make it easy to find later.

At the top of the sheet, create these column headers:

• Date
• Client Name
• Case No.
• Project
• Checkboxes
• Start Time
• End Time
• Total Hours
• Description

These columns will cover the key details you’ll want to track.

Step 2: Format the Sheet

Format the headers to make your tracker more professional and easier to read. Bold the text in the first row. Use a light background color for the headers to differentiate them. Adjust the column widths so all the text fits comfortably.

Step 3: Add Drop-Down Menus for Clients and Cases

Using drop-down menus can save time and reduce errors. Select the cells under the “Project” column. Go to Insert > Dropdown. In the “Criteria” field, select Dropdown and type in the names of your projects. This makes it easy to select projects from a list without typing them every time.

For checkboxes, select the column where you would like to put them, then click Insert > Checkboxes.

Step 4: Set Your Formula

To automate timestamps in Google Sheets, insert the formula to your preferred cells. In this case, to get the time stamps by just clicking the checkboxes, you have to use:

=LAMBDA(d,if(E7=TRUE,d,””))(now())

Once you enter the formula and click the checkbox under the checkbox columns, the timestamp will automatically appear in the Start and End columns.

Step 5: Calculate Total Work Hours

To calculate total hours, input this formula in the Total Hours column, in this case:

=H7-F7

This formula subtracts the start time from the end time and multiplies it by 24 to convert the result into hours.

Copy the formula down the column to apply it to other rows.

Step 6: Add Conditional Formatting

Highlight important details automatically with conditional formatting Select the Total Hours column.

Go to Format > Conditional formatting. Set a rule, such as highlighting cells with 8+ hours in green or less than 1 hour in red. Customize the colors to fit your preferences. This feature makes it easier to spot discrepancies or long work sessions at a glance.

Step 7: Share and Collaborate

If you work with a team, share the tracker by clicking Share in the top-right corner. Adjust permissions so others can view or edit it as needed.

Get the Free Attorney Time Tracker Template

Get a copy of the free Attorney Time Tracker Template. I’ve populated some cells as examples, but you can customize them as needed.

Final Thoughts

Using a time tracker isn’t just about billing; it’s about valuing your time and understanding how you spend it. As an attorney, every minute matters. A well-organized tracker can help you focus more on your work and less on administrative tasks. Whether you’re handling one case or juggling several, this tool can bring clarity and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate total hours automatically?

Use this formula in the Total Hours column: =(End Time – Start Time)*24. Ensure the Start Time and End Time columns are formatted as time.

Can I set different billable rates for each client?

Yes. Add the client’s specific hourly rate in the Billable Rate column, and use this formula to calculate the amount due: =Total Hours * Billable Rate.

Can I automatically calculate weekly or monthly totals?

Yes. Use the SUMIF formula to sum hours or amounts due based on dates within a specific range. For example, to sum totals for a specific month: =SUMIF(Date Range, “>=01/01/2024”, Total Hours Range)