The Create Invoice action allows you to automatically generate an invoice in Lawcus when a workflow runs. This helps law firms automate billing by creating invoices for billable services, retainer charges, flat fees, or other charges when specific workflow events occur.
You can use the Create Invoice action to:
Automatically generate invoices when a matter reaches a specific stage.
Create invoices after a client signs an agreement.
Generate invoices for flat fees or other predefined charges.
Automate billing based on specific workflow triggers.
Reduce manual invoice creation and ensure charges are issued promptly.
How to Add the Create Invoice Action
Open Workflows from the left navigation menu.
Create a new workflow or open an existing workflow.
Configure the workflow Trigger and any required Conditions.
Click Add Action.
Select Create Invoice.
Configure the invoice details and billable line items.
Save the action.
How to Configure the Create Invoice Action
Fill out the configuration fields to define how the new invoice will be generated.
1. Case & Contact Details
Billing Contact (*): Required field. Map this dynamically using merge fields to pick the client who will receive the bill.
Matter Id: Though not marked with an asterisk, linking the Matter ID dynamically is strongly recommended so the invoice attaches to the correct case file.
Template: Displays your default Lawcus invoice template. Click the dropdown to pick a different template if you use multiple invoice layouts.
Apply Taxes: Toggle this on if you want taxes calculated and added to the line items.
2. Dates & Notes
Issue Date () & Due Date (): Set the invoice issue date and payment due date using relative date calculations or workflow reference dates like trigger date.
Note & Internal Notes: Add notes for the client (visible on the printed or emailed invoice) or internal notes for your team's administrative records.
3. Approval & Reminder Controls
Skip Approval Process:
Toggled On: Marks the invoice as Approved immediately, skipping review so it's ready for payment processing right away.
Toggled Off: Puts the invoice into the Draft stage so a team member can review and approve it manually first.
Disable Reminders: Toggle this on if you want to turn off automated payment reminders for this specific invoice.
4. Adding Line Items
Click the + icon next to any of these sections to add line items:
Time Entries: Add billable time logs. The duration is entered as a fixed number, but rates per hour and dates can be mapped dynamically using matter rates or custom fields.
Expenses: Add hard or soft case costs. Category details, rates, and descriptions can be fixed text or dynamic values.
Flat Fees: Add fixed-cost charges. Rates can be set manually or mapped dynamically using case details.
Helpful Examples
Stage-Change Retainers: Automatically generate a flat fee invoice for an initial retainer as soon as a case moves into a signed agreement stage.
Consultation Fees: Instantly create a draft invoice for a consultation fee when a prospective client books time on your scheduler.
Summary
The Create Invoice action makes billing simple and fast. Whether you want to send approved invoices right away or create drafts for your team to double-check, linking dynamic client and matter details keeps your billing accurate and on time.