How to Correctly Format your LEDES File

Timekeeper Name Format: The timekeeper's name must be formatted as “surname, first name.” For example: Smith, John.

INVOICE_TOTAL: The total amount should match the sum of all LINE_ITEM_TOTALs.

Client Matter ID: While the client matter ID does not need to be present on the file, this field cannot be left blank. You can locate the client matter ID by using this guide: How do I find a Matter ID for a LEDES file

Adjustments: Ensure no lines have a negative value for LINE_ITEM_NUMBER_OF_UNITS. To apply an invoice-level discount, add a new line with a negative LINE_ITEM_TOTAL and set EXP/FEE/INV_ADJ_TYPE to ‘IF’.

INVOICE_DESCRIPTION: This must be consistent across all lines of the invoice.

LINE_ITEM_DESCRIPTION: Must be less than 1024 characters.

Date Format: INVOICE_DATE, BILLING_START_DATE, and LINE_ITEM_DATE should be formatted as YYYYMMDD.

LAW_FIRM_COUNTRY: Use the Alpha-2 country code found at https://www.iban.com/country-codes.

File Type: The file must be in .txt format. If your software generates a .edi or .dat file, rename it to .txt to convert it.

Column Count: Ensure the file has the correct number of columns: 24 for LEDES1998B and 52 for LEDES98BI V2.

File Extension: The file should be saved as a .txt file.