What Should a Law Firm Time Clock Track?

The short answer

A law firm time clock should track payroll hours, not replace billable-time software.

Track the payroll record

A law firm time clock should track:

  • Clock-in and clock-out times.
  • Missed punches.
  • Manual edits and edit reasons.
  • Role, office, or department when it helps review.
  • Manager approval.
  • Payroll export or summary status.
  • Searchable records after payroll closes.

Keep billable time separate

Billable time supports clients, matters, invoices, and legal work. Payroll time supports a different record: when employees worked, what changed, who approved it, and what payroll received.

For more detail, read time clock app for law firms. If you need a starting policy, use the law firm time tracking policy template.