Task Codes, Activity Codes, and Expense Codes

Overview

• Task codes: Categorize legal work into specific tasks, such as pleadings, motions and document production.

• Activity codes: Categorize the action performed to carry out the legal task, such as researching, drafting, and communicating with other parties.

• Expense codes: Categorize legal expenses, such as travel costs, photocopying fees, and court fees.

For the most up-to-date UTBMS code sets, visit utbms.com.

UTBMS Code Requirements for LEDES Invoices

🧾 LINE_ITEM_TASK_CODE

How to use it:

• Enter the appropriate UTBMS task code for the work performed

⚠️ Important rule:

• Task Codes may be used without Activity Codes

• Most expense line items will not require a task code

Whether this field is required is determined by the receiving client.

💼 LINE_ITEM_ACTIVITY_CODE

How to use it:

• Enter the applicable UTBMS activity code for fee line items

⚠️ Important rule:

• Activity Codes should only be used when a Task Code is also present

• Expense line items typically leave this field blank

💸 LINE_ITEM_EXPENSE_CODE

Required for: Expense line items

How to use it:

• Enter the relevant UTBMS expense code for each expense line.

• Fee line items usually leave this field blank.