Worked scenario
Open on the system, finished in reality, billed never
Matters that are never formally closed hide unbilled work and make every caseload and capacity figure wrong.
3 min read
Opening a matter is disciplined because it is required before work begins. Closing one is nobody's priority once the work is finished.
Two consequences
Unbilled time sits in matters everyone has stopped thinking about, and the firm's view of how much work it is carrying is inflated by matters that ended months ago.
Closure as a checklist
Final bill raised, papers dealt with, undertakings discharged, file archived. Made explicit, closure happens; left as an intention, it does not.
What changes
- Closure as a defined step with a checklist
- Unbilled time flagged before a matter closes
- Open matters reviewed for genuine activity
- Caseload figures reflecting live work
Questions about anything here, or a situation this does not cover? contact@anantatechhub.com