Billables Are Not The Same As Cash Flow. Here's Why That's Important. - Above the Law
Briefly

Despite high client influx and increasing billable hours, many law firms face cash flow issues related to fee collection, as highlighted by the 2025 Legal Industry Report, which states that 68% of law firms struggle with this challenge. Common obstacles include inefficient invoicing and time tracking, with many firms facing delays in bringing in revenue. This situation often stems from lawyers' lack of business training and discomfort in billing follow-ups. Understanding these challenges can help firms streamline operations to enhance their profitability.
The disconnect between billable hours and firm profitability is exacerbated by industry challenges like delayed invoices and inadequate fee collections, impacting cash flow.
Law schools don’t teach business management, leaving many lawyers unprepared to navigate the financial challenges of running a successful law firm.
68% of law firms find collecting fees a significant hurdle, indicating a widespread problem in the legal industry that affects many firms' financial health.
Firms facing cash flow issues can optimize billing and collections to improve profitability by addressing inefficiencies in time tracking and invoicing.
Read at Above the Law
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