JDs Rising

There is a huge supply of applications that lawyers can use for timekeeping.  After reviewing numerous iOS apps, I have selected the top three based on the ones that appear to be the most useful for attorneys with the best bang for your buck.

iTimeKeep

My rating: (5 out of 5)

Cost: Variable

This iPad and iPhone app is actually an interface application that works with a variety of desktop applications, such as TABS.  You might consider this application, if your office already uses a desktop application like TABS.

So how does this app work? When you load iTimeKeep, you can login to your account at work and have instant access to all of your clients, tasks, entries, etc. In addition, there is no limit of the amount of users you want to add.  Further, all data is stored “in the cloud” with bank-grade security protocols.

Verdict: What do I love about this app? It’s easy-to-use and can appeal to all attorneys, not just techie attorneys. I also love the fact that you can use Siri to write your entries.

The drawback of this application is that the cost might not work for all attorneys. The cost of this interface will depend on the number of users and the law firm size. There is a one-time implementation fee. When I talked to the iTimeKeep representative, he explained the cost as follows: “The cost is about an hour of the billed time [per year].”

Time Master

My Rating: (4 ½ out of 5)

Cost: $9.99

This iPad and iPhone app is a great stand-alone app for the lawyer on the go.  The features of this app are easy to use for all attorneys.  They include:

• Time Entry: (1) You can enter time manually or by using the timer; (2) the timer keeps on running even if you close the app; (3) billing rates can be defined as Global, by Client, by Project, by Task, or by Custom Entry; (4) you can choose when your workweek starts; (5) you can copy client info from your contacts, but it’s not required for the app to work; (6) sessions have the option of tracking punch in/out for a single time entry; (7) has the ability to customize events and calendar integration;
• Users:  You can have one or multiple users;
• Sorting/Searching: (1) you can search, sort and arrange individual tasks or group the tasks by a certain client; and (2) you can use multiple filters;
• Tracking:  You can track time and expenses (including mileage, meals and any other expenses);
• Export:  You can export files in an HTML or CSV format by either client or timesheet;
• Import: You can import IIF files;
• Invoicing: For a one-time fee, you can complete invoicing within the app itself and export it to Quickbooks; The invoicing may be done by client, timesheet, or project;
• Other Devices:  For a one-time fee, the app allows you to sync between two or more devices;
• Backup:  You can do a full backup and restore.

Verdict: What I love about this app is the fact that you can edit entries as needed and have different billing rates. In addition, I love that you can track time and expenses. I also like that it has a backup system and you are able to create invoices.

OfficeTime (desktop for PC and iMac, iPad)

My Rating: (4 ½ out of 5)

Cost: $7.99

This PC, Mac, iPad and iPhone app is great for the attorney on the go. This app is great to keep tabs on all group projects, time and expenses. If you want to get the PC or Mac desktop application, you must buy it separately. The features of this app are as follows:

• Time Entry: You can create time entries with a timer. You can edit the time entry, as well as the notes, category and project. In addition, the timer keeps running if you close the app;
• Users: You can have one or multiple users;
• Sorting/Searching: There are graphics that help you view your activity by day, week, month, project, category and employee. You could also narrow the summary graph by items that were invoiced, by expenses and by sessions;
• Tracking: It tracks hours, expenses and projects;
• Export: You can sync it to your calendar (iCal);
• Import: You can import the report in different formats, including Excel, Numbers, and regular text;
• Invoicing:  This app allows you to prepare customized invoices at no extra cost;
• Other Devices:  You can use it on the iPhone, iPad and desktop (PC or Mac).  There is no fee to use the app in other devices. What is really great is that you can sync it very easily from your iPad or iPhone application.

Verdict: There are so many things I love about this app. First, you can sync all of your work with your desktop and not worry about your work being lost. Second, the timer keeps running even if you close the app! This makes the use of this app very handy because you can keep working in other apps (such as Numbers, Pages, iA Writer, Dropbox, and so on) and your email. Another feature that is a must is how easy it is to use. You can create different projects and categories either from the main screen or from the time entry screen. You can also edit entries as needed (time, notes, projects and categories). Overall, this app is a great addition to the lawyer’s arsenal.

And what about the desktop application, you may ask? The desktop application gives you a fuller picture to the smartphone/tablet app. In addition to all the features of the smartphone/tablet app, the desktop version offers even more. You can have multiple windows running, you can restart an old session, you can have multiple timers, and a very friendly and easy to use invoice report. In addition, the report shows billable and non-billable entries. This app is a great, competitive desktop application that is a must see.

Notes about other apps

There were other apps that did not quite cut it, yet their versatility earned them an honorary position in this list. TDF Tracker (cost $9.99) allows you to edit entries, to have numerous users, and you can export entries as Excel or CSV. FreshBooks ($19.95 to $39.95 a month) is not an attorney-oriented app, but I’m mentioning it because it is great to keep up with businesses affairs – including expenses, billing, invoices, payments and it allows you to receive online payments.