What do I need to know when exporting to LEDES?

When preparing for LEDES exporting, there are five requirements to address before you'll be able to export properly:

1. Is my account capable of LEDES exporting?
2. Is the LEDES export option enabled in my settings?
3. Does my client require ABA codes?
4. Does my client require specific Client/Project (Matter, Case) ID numbers?
5. Does my client require timekeeper ID's or classifications?

If you walk through this article step-by-step and review your account and settings, you'll be ready to export in LEDES format in no time! (If you would prefer to watch a video tutorial for this, please scroll to the bottom of this article.)

Once all of these settings have been properly configured and the necessary information has been entered, you will be able to export your invoices in LEDES format and submit them to your client. More details about the actual exporting process can be found HERE.

IS MY ACCOUNT CAPABLE OF LEDES EXPORTING?

LEDES exporting is only available on the Legal Pro version of our software. If you are not currently on the Legal Pro plan, you will need to upgrade your subscription before proceeding with this set-up.

You can manage your current plan (and process this upgrade) from your Subscription page. Just click on your name in the upper right-hand corner of the screen, then click on "Subscription" in the drop-down menu. If you're not currently on Legal Pro, simply click the blue "Upgrade" button below that plan and the upgrade will take effect immediately!

IS THE LEDES OPTION ENABLED IN MY SYSTEM SETTINGS?

LEDES will not be enabled by default. To unlock LEDES exporting on the Legal Pro plan, please follow the instructions below:

1. Click your name in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
2. Click on "Settings" in the drop-down menu.
3. Click the "System" tab, then click on the blue "Edit Settings" button.
4. Check the box next to "Enable LEDES File Export".
5. Enter your "Firm Federal Taxpayer ID".
6. Click "Save".

DOES MY CLIENT REQUIRE ABA CODES?

If ABA Codes are required by your client(s), these can be enabled for your entire account, or enabled on a client by client basis.

To turn on ABA codes for the entire account:

1. Click your name in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
2. Click on "Settings" in the drop-down menu.
3. Click on the "System" tab, then click "Edit Settings".
4. Check the box next to "Enable ABA Standard Codes".
5. Click "Save".

To turn on ABA codes for a specific client:

1. Click on "Clients" in the row of gray tabs along the top of the screen.
2. Search for and click on the desired client.
3. Click "Edit" while on their Details tab.
4. Change the "ABA Codes" drop-down from "Default" to "On".
5. Click "Save".

DOES MY CLIENT REQUIRE SPECIFIC CLIENT OR PROJECT ID NUMBERS?

Bill4Time will automatically export whatever Client ID is already in the system when you're exporting into LEDES format. If your client requires a specific ID for this, you can enter a customized Client ID on the Client's Details tab. Just go to your Client's profile, click "Edit" while on their Details tab.  Enter their ID under the "LEDES Export Settings" section, then click "Save" at the top of the screen.

If your client has specific Project/Matter/Case ID's, this can also be set up via the "LEDES File Settings" section within the Project Details tab for that specific Project.

DOES MY CLIENT REQUIRE TIMEKEEPER ID'S AND/OR CLASSIFICATIONS?

If your client expects to see a specific ID number or initials for each user, and a classification of each user type, you will need to manually assign this information within your users' profiles.

To edit your users Timekeeper ID's and Classifications:

1. Click your name in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
2. Click on "Users" in the drop-down menu.
3. Click on the desired user's profile, then click "Edit".
4. On the bottom left, you will see the "LEDES File Settings" fields. 
5. Update the Timekeeper ID field and Classification drop-down.
6. Click "Save".

TUTORIAL VIDEO
Please watch this tutorial, for a step-by-step overview of LEDES Exporting.