Another Writing Issue: Clarity in Billing

Dan Hull recently had a nice post about writing for clients in his What About Clients blawg.  As I sit here reviewing several bills (I am national counsel and review local counsel invoices), I see entries like "analytical review of of plaintiff's threshold information".  What does that mean?  Should we contrast this review from a "non-analytical review"?  What is threshold information?  With entries like this, how can I advise our client that these bills are meaningful and reasonable?  It drives me crazy.  And if it drives me crazy, I'm sure it would be driving the client crazy.

Invoices are a communication device.  They market you and your firm to the client.  Prepare time entries as if you really give a damn what the client thinks about you and what you are doing.  Even if you don't care, pretend.