Leveraging Legal Tech To Win Back Billable Hours

Attorneys work long hours, but too few of them are billable.

According to the most recent Legal Trends Report, the average lawyer bills just 2.9 hours of an 8-hour workday. This means over 60% of the day is lost to non-billable tasks like scheduling, chasing paperwork, and tracking down court dates. The more time spent on administrative work, the less time there is to focus on client advocacy and case strategy.

So, how can legal professionals reclaim their time and boost productivity? The answer lies in modern legal tech tools and streamlined workflows that help eliminate repetitive tasks, improve transparency, and move cases forward faster.

The Real Cost of Non-Billable Hours

Non-billable hours directly impact profitability for solo attorneys, small firms, and large legal teams alike. Time lost to manual processes drains revenue, affects client satisfaction, and hinders the long-term growth of your firm.

Whether it’s emailing for status updates, printing and mailing documents, or waiting on proof of service, each minute spent on administration is a minute not dedicated to building your case or serving your clients.

That’s why efficiency isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a strategic advantage.

Legal Tech That Frees Up Your Day

Fortunately, attorneys don’t have to go it alone. From case management platforms to AI-powered tools, today’s legal technology helps streamline every part of a firm’s operations.

Here are just a few ways these tools are transforming legal workflows:

• Automated document generation: Reduce time spent on repetitive drafting with templates and smart forms.
• Cloud-based case management: Centralize documents, client communications, and deadlines.
• eFiling: Cut down on courthouse visits and mail delays with digital filing.
• Time tracking and billing software: Make every minute count with smarter, integrated time capture.
• Digitized legal services: Manage the services that keep your case moving by using vendors with online portals for things like service of process and subpoena domestication.

Bonus tip: Tech-savvy vendors help you streamline tasks into existing workflows. For example, at ABC Legal, we integrate directly with leading platforms like Clioand Litify—helping you keep service of process and case progress in sync without switching tabs or losing momentum.

Boosting Efficiency With Smarter Service of Process

One of the most time-consuming—and often frustrating—parts of litigation is managing service of process. Tracking down defendants, verifying addresses, and waiting for proof can delay cases or bring them to a standstill.

That’s where we make a difference. With ABC Legal, attorneys and legal teams can:

• Upload documents instantly – Our secure platform lets you send documents for service in just a few clicks.
• Track real-time progress – Get updates with GPS-evidence, time-stamped photos, and live status alerts from process servers.
• Receive faster proof – We provide timely, court-ready proof of service, filed when applicable, so you can move forward with confidence.
• Simplify billing – Pay online, see service histories, and manage invoices from a single account dashboard.

ABC Legal + Docketly: The Power of ABC+D

Need a court appearance? With Docketly, a nationwide appearance counsel network,you can easily schedule and manage hearings and appearances, allowing you to focus on more strategic casework.

Docketly also streamlines calendaring.Instead of juggling platforms and playing phone tag, firms can use Docketly to assign in-house or appearance counsel to hearings with just a few clicks.

The color-coded calendar clearly shows hearing statuses, while automated notifications and mobile access keep everyone informed, whether plans change or coverage shifts. Hearings can be reassigned instantly, and post-hearing reports are submitted through a standardized mobile form, reducing delays and confusion.

Whether you’re tracking a single appearance or managing a full caseload, Docketly brings clarity, speed, and flexibility to attorney scheduling—no spreadsheets required.

Together, ABC Legal and Docketly (ABC+D) offer powerful support tools designed to save time and drive results.

Final Thoughts: It’s Time To Work Smarter

Reclaiming your billable hours starts with recognizing where your time is spent—and finding tools that can assist you in regaining it.

By leveraging modern legal technology and choosing partners that prioritize speed, transparency, and ease, you can reduce admin work, impress clients, and grow your practice—all without adding hours to your day.

Looking for a smarter way to manage your caseload? Explore how ABC Legal helps you move cases forward fasterwith less friction and more efficiency.

Service is simple with ABC Legal. Create a free account todayand have America's most trusted process server ready when you need it. Already have a case that you need served? Order online anytime, hassle-free.