Today's issue of TL NewsWire covers a time and billing application (see article below), a practice management and accounting system, a trial presentation iPad app, a remote control app, and a task management program. Don't miss the next issue.
Harvest Your Billable Time and Expenses Wherever You Work
In early 2006 I attended the first Barcamp. No, it's not a bar exam prep course involving tents. It's a free conference for programmers in which anyone can give a presentation. I attended because I'm always looking for talent. In fact, I unsuccessfully tried to recruit John Resig who was a college student at the time, but has since become a rock star in web development. I also met Danny Wen who was running a web design studio. Unhappy with all the time and billing products available then, he pivoted shortly after Barcamp to develop a product that has since become a leading player. It's about time I report on how his company's product helps lawyers track and bill for their time.
Harvest … in One Sentence
Harvest is a time capture and billing solution used by small to midsize law firms in more than 100 countries.
The Killer Feature
Recognizing that lawyers need to capture billable time anywhere they work or risk underestimating or even forgetting about it, Harvest goes wherever you go (it also records expenses).
For starters, Harvest works in any web browser. Some lawyers prefer native software. No problem. Harvest offers lightweight desktop applications for Mac and Windows.
What about when you're out of the office? Harvest has Android and iPhone apps plus it'll work in mobile web browsers on other smartphones. You can even record your time via text message, email, and Twitter (private direct messages).
Other Notable Features
The Harvest applications all feature start-stop timers that tightly integrate with your device. For example, if a client calls you on your iPhone, you can start a timer with one tap before answering the call, not only ensuring that you capture the time but eliminating the need to create a manual time entry. Of course, sometimes you need to manually enter time. Harvest offers a weekly timesheet designed to speed up this task.
Most lawyers work in teams. Harvest enables you to review and approve your staff's timesheets, and automatically remind them to submit their timesheets so that you can send out bills and get paid.
Speaking of invoices, Harvest can create them for you. Alternatively, you can generate reports using various filters (e.g., approved billable time and expenses for a specific matter), and export it in common spreadsheet formats for importing into your billing or accounting system.
Harvest offers a number of reports with visual panache that facilitate data analysis (remember, these guys started out as designers). The newest report shows you all time and expenses that your firm has not yet invoiced.
Harvest uses bank-grade encryption, and backs up all data twice a day. TRUSTe has certified Harvest's privacy policy.
What Else Should You Know?
Harvest offers three plans — Solo ($12 per month for 1-3 users), Basic ($40 per month for 4-10 users), and Business ($90 per month for unlimited users). You can try it for free for 30 days. Learn more about Harvest.
How to Receive TL NewsWire
So many products, so little time. In each issue of TL NewsWire, you'll learn about five new products for the legal profession. Pressed for time? The newsletter's innovative articles enable lawyers and law office administrators to quickly understand the function of a product, and zero in on its most important features. The TL NewsWire newsletter is free so don't miss the next issue. Please subscribe now.
