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How an Am Law 100 Firm Transformed Its Billing—and Dramatically Reduced Disputes
- Inemesit Edet
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
A Real-World Example for Smart eBill Con Attendees
Why This Matters
At Smart eBill Con, we believe that legal billing innovation is not just about technology—it’s about transforming the way law firms serve clients, manage cash flow, and build trust. The following case study, drawn from a leading Am Law 100 firm’s real experience, shows what’s possible when a firm commits to modernizing its billing processes. This success story offers practical insights and inspiration for every attendee looking to reduce friction, increase transparency, and drive sustainable growth in the legal sector.
The Challenge: “We Needed to Centralize and Modernize”
For years, this Am Law 100 firm (profiled in the Aderant BillBlast Case Study) found itself bogged down by billing disputes and inefficiencies. With billing managed across multiple platforms and teams, the process was inconsistent and prone to error. As the firm’s Director of Finance put it:
“Our billing was spread across multiple systems and teams. That made it difficult to ensure consistency, transparency, and timely responses to client questions.”
The consequences were clear: frequent disputes, delayed payments, and a drain on both staff and attorney time.
The Solution: Embracing Legal Billing Technology
To address these challenges, the firm implemented Aderant BillBlast, a centralized eBilling solution designed for large, complex legal organizations. This move was not just about adopting new software—it was a holistic transformation of their billing culture.
Key steps included:
Centralization: Migrating all billing operations to a single, unified platform.
Automation: Streamlining invoice creation, review, and submission to minimize manual errors.
Transparency: Providing real-time visibility into billing status for attorneys and clients alike.
As the Billing Manager explained:
“BillBlast enabled us to bring everything under one roof. Suddenly, we had a single source of truth for all billing activity.”
The Transformation Process
1. Automation and Efficiency
The transition to BillBlast allowed the firm to automate previously manual, error-prone steps. This not only improved accuracy but also freed up valuable time for attorneys and billing staff.
“Automation was a game-changer. We eliminated so many manual steps, which meant fewer errors and less back-and-forth with clients.”
2. Clarity and Consistency
With standardized templates and approval workflows, every invoice met consistent standards for clarity. Attorneys and clients could track progress and understand charges at a glance.
“Now, our clients can see exactly what they’re being billed for, and when. That’s gone a long way toward building trust,” said the Client Relations Lead.
3. Culture Shift
Beyond technology, the firm invested in training and change management to ensure everyone—from partners to billing clerks—understood and embraced the new approach.
“Transforming billing isn’t just about technology—it’s about culture. When everyone is on the same page, the benefits multiply,” the Billing Manager emphasized.
The Results: “Disputes Dropped, Payments Accelerated”
The impact was swift and substantial:
Billing disputes dropped significantly. The firm saw a sharp reduction in disputed invoices, thanks to greater accuracy and transparency.
Faster payments. With fewer disputes and clearer invoices, clients paid more quickly, improving the firm’s cash flow.
Productivity gains. Less time spent on administrative corrections meant more time for client service and legal work.
“We’re not chasing down issues anymore. Our team can focus on client service and legal work, not paperwork,” said the Director of Finance.
Lessons for the Legal Industry
This case study offers key takeaways for Smart eBill Con participants:
Invest in technology that fits your firm’s needs. Centralized, user-friendly platforms reduce disputes and administrative overhead.
Prioritize transparency and client communication. Clear invoices and real-time status updates build client trust and speed up payments.
Standardize and automate processes. Consistency is critical for reducing errors and improving efficiency.
Make it a team effort. Change management and training are essential for success.
Be Part of the Legal Billing Revolution—Sponsor Smart eBill Con
The journey of this Am Law 100 firm is proof that billing transformation is achievable—and delivers real results. At Smart eBill Con, we’re bringing together the brightest minds and most innovative companies in legal billing. If your organization is committed to shaping the future of legal billing, we invite you to join us as a sponsor and become part of the movement driving transparency, efficiency, and client trust across the industry.
Ready to connect and explore sponsorship opportunities?
Together, we can set the standard for legal billing innovation.
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