Add each timekeeper who will work this matter. Selecting a role auto-fills the standard rate — override it as needed. Enter a client discount if you've negotiated a reduced rate; the tool uses the client rate for all fee calculations.
| Name | Role | Std. Rate ($/hr) | Client Discount % | Client Rate ($/hr) | Remove |
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Build your budget phase by phase using the L100–L500 framework. Assign a timekeeper and estimated hours to each task — fees calculate from the client billing rate automatically.
Exclude phases you don't expect to reach (e.g., L500 Appeal). Excluded phases are tracked as contingent costs and flow into the worst-case scenario.
| Phase / Task | Timekeeper | Est. Hours | Actual Hrs | Rate ($/hr) | Est. Fee ($) | Actual Fee ($) | Remove |
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Enter all anticipated out-of-pocket costs. These are billed to the client in addition to attorney fees. Common categories include court filing fees, deposition costs, expert witnesses, trial exhibits, and mediation fees.
Update costs as the matter progresses — actual disbursements often differ from estimates. Costs flow into all budget totals and scenario projections.
| Category | Description | Amount ($) | Remove |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Estimated Costs | $0 | ||
| Phase | Description | Est. Hours | Actual Hrs | Est. Fees | Actual Fees | % of Total | Status |
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Scenario analysis converts your base budget into a realistic range for the client. Adjust the hours percentage for each scenario — 100% is your base estimate. Best case might assume early resolution at 40%, while worst case includes contingent phases and assumes maximum complexity at 160%.
Present all three ranges in the engagement letter. Clients make better litigation decisions — and have fewer fee disputes — when they understand the full cost spectrum at the outset.
| Phase | Description | Status | Base Hrs | Base Fees | Best Case | Likely Case | Worst Case |
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