# Write clear narrative time entries that hold up to client review

Rewrites rough timekeeping notes into clear, specific billing entries that avoid block billing and survive client and auditor review.

- Topic: Finance & Accounting
- Framework: Few-Shot
- Level: Standard
- Tags: Finance, Write, Rewrite & Edit, Fill-in Template
- Source: https://www.thinkwithprompt.com/prompts/write-clear-narrative-time-entries-that-hold-up-to-client-review

## Prompt

```text
Rewrite my rough time notes into billable narrative time entries.

**My raw notes:** [PASTE - e.g. "smith matter - emails, research, call w/ opp counsel 2.5"]
**Client billing guidelines:** [PASTE KEY RULES - e.g. "no block billing, 0.1 increments, no billing for internal conferences, task codes required" - or "none"]
**Task code set, if used:** [e.g. UTBMS codes - or "none"]
**Timekeeper role:** [partner / associate / paralegal]

For each entry:
- Split block-billed time into separate tasks with separate time, keeping the total unchanged. If I did not give a split, propose one and mark it [CONFIRM SPLIT].
- Start with an action verb and name the specific document, issue, or person (e.g. "Draft opposition to motion to compel, section on proportionality" not "Work on motion").
- Show the purpose or result where it helps value ("to prepare for Thursday's mediation").
- Do not reveal privileged strategy in more detail than needed; invoices can be disclosed in fee disputes or fee-shifting motions.
- Flag entries clients often reject: administrative or clerical tasks billed at professional rates, internal conferences, multiple attendees at one call, vague entries ("review file"), research on basic law, and time over guideline caps.

Return a table: date, original note, rewritten entry, time, task code, and a flag column with the reason. Then list entries I should consider writing down or not billing. Do not change hours on your own or add work I did not describe.
```

## What to fill in

- e.g. UTBMS codes - or "none"
- partner / associate / paralegal
- CONFIRM SPLIT

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