Mastering the Billable Hour

This associate year, my goal is to meet, but not exceed the base billable requirement.

That's right: I do not want to work as much as I did last year.

With last year's hours, I gathered invaluable experience and restored my confidence in myself and my professional goals.

But, it was not sustainable.

So, this year: I want to hit the goal in a more endurable fashion.

Of course, when the work is there, I will do it.

I cannot control court deadlines or emergencies.

But I can use big months to my advantage,

Reminding myself to turn it down when I can.

Remembering to enjoy slow times when they come.

With this new month, let's revisit that goal.

In July, I exceeded my billing requirement by 19.8 hours.

I have two options for this surplus:

(1) Take it out of August's hours; or

(2) Annualize it over the next 11 months, decreasing each month's hours accordingly.

My husband and I have not planned our vacation(s) for the next 11 months, so this time, I'll annualize the surplus.

That make's August's billable goal: 156.6 hours.

There are 23 work days in August, of which 3 will be half days for me.

156.6 / 21.5 = 7.3 hours for each full day and 3.7 hours for each half day.

So, this week, which includes a half day, I need to bill 32.9 hours total.

I will revisit these goals each work day and at the end of each work week.

Adjusting when behind and when ahead.

How do you keep on top of your billable requirement?