Client-Level Rates allow firms to define billing rates at the client (contact) level so that all newly created matters for that client automatically inherit the same rate structure. This eliminates the need to manually configure billing rates for each matter and helps maintain consistency across matters.
How Client-Level Rates Work
Billing rates are configured at the contact level
Any new matter created after the rates are configured will inherit client rates automatically
Existing matters are not affected
Matter-level rate overrides are still supported and take precedence when enabled
Enabling Client-Level Rates
Navigate to Contacts from the left navigation menu.
Open the client (contact) for whom you want to configure billing rates.
In the client profile, locate the Billing Preferences section.
Enable the Client rates toggle to use client-level rates on the matter.
Once enabled, Client rates will have two options:
a. Fixed rate for all Timekeepers - This will apply one flat rate for all timekeepers billing this client.
b. Individual Timekeeper rates - Here, you can assign an individual rate to each timekeeper or user group.
Click Save to apply the changes. These rates will apply automatically to all new matters created for this client.
Overriding Client-Level Rates at the Matter Level
Lawcus supports matter-level billing rate overrides for cases where a specific matter requires billing rates that differ from the client’s default rate configuration. This functionality is typically used when a matter has negotiated or special pricing, involves a one-time billing arrangement, or requires temporary rate adjustments.
How to Override Client-Level Rates
Open the Matter Edit page.
Navigate to the Billing Preferences section.
Enable Override Client Rates with Matter Rates.
Enter the custom billing rates for the matter based on the individual timekeeper or user group.
Click Save.
The override applies only to the selected matter.
Client-level default rates remain unchanged.
Other matters for the same client will continue to inherit the client-level rates unless overridden individually.
Use Cases
Client-Level Rates are recommended when:
A client has multiple matters with the same billing structure
Firms want consistent rates across matters for the same client
Administrative users want to reduce the repetitive rate setup
Firms want to minimize billing discrepancies caused by manual entry
Important Notes and Limitations
Client-Level Rates apply only to matters created after the feature is enabled.
Existing matters and historical invoices are not updated.
If matter-level overrides are enabled, they take precedence over client-level rates.
Disabling client-level rates does not retroactively change any matters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1. What are Client-Level Rates in Lawcus?
Client-Level Rates allow you to define billing rates directly on a client (contact) record. These rates are automatically applied to all new matters created for that client, helping ensure consistency and reducing manual setup.
FAQ 2. Do Client-Level Rates affect existing matters?
No. Client-Level Rates are forward-looking only. They apply only to matters created after the rates are configured. Existing matters and historical billing data remain unchanged.
FAQ 3. Can I still set different rates for a specific matter?
Yes. Lawcus supports matter-level overrides. You can override client-level rates on an individual matter when exceptions are needed, such as special pricing or one-time billing arrangements.
FAQ 4. If I override rates at the matter level, will it change the client’s default rates?
No. Matter-level overrides apply only to the selected matter. The client’s default billing rates remain unchanged and will continue to apply to other new matters.
FAQ 5. What happens if client-level rates are not configured?
If client-level rates are not set, billing rates must be configured manually at the matter level, or you can continue to use your default hourly rate depending on your requirement.
FAQ 6. Can client-level rates be updated later?
Yes. You can update client-level rates at any time. Any changes will apply only to new matters created after the update and will not affect existing matters.
FAQ 7. Who can configure or modify client-level rates?
Only users with the appropriate permissions to edit contacts and billing settings can configure or modify client-level rates.