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Using UTBMS Task & Activity Codes

Tag legal work with the standard codes clients expect on LEDES invoices

Applies to: LawBillity

UTBMS codes (also called ABA codes) are standard codes for describing legal work. Corporate clients and insurers use them to compare legal spending, and they're required for LEDES invoices. See LEDES & LSS Billing Formats.

The Three Kinds of Code

Code type
Example
What it describes
Task
L110 (Fact Investigation)
The broad area of legal work
Activity
A101 (Plan/Prepare)
The specific thing you did
Expense
E101 (Copies/Reproduction)
The type of expense

Adding Codes to Your Time

When you enter time in LawBillity, UTBMS task and activity code fields appear next to the activity. Pick the codes that describe the work. They carry through to your LEDES exports.

Managing Your Code List

  1. Go to Settings > UTBMS Codes.
  2. Look through the list of codes.
  3. Turn codes on or off to match your firm's practice areas.
  4. Set default codes for common activities, so they fill in when you enter time.

Common Problems

  • A code isn’t in the list when you enter time. It may be turned off in your code list.
  • Your LEDES export shows errors. Some entries have no codes. Add them before you finalize the invoice. See LEDES & LSS Billing Formats.
  • You don’t see code fields at all. UTBMS codes are part of LawBillity only.