Billable Hour Check In

January is done and dusted—and I can't say I'm sad to see it go. Now, onto February and my monthly billable hour check-in.

At my firm, partners are expected to track 2,400 hours a year—a mix of billable and non-billable (investment or productive) time.

My hours dipped a bit in January, but with 11 months to go, that just means I’m adding 7 hours to February’s goal: 207 hours all in.

February is a short month, and I’ll be taking some time off for a visit from my Southern family (their braving February in Wisconsin for ice fishing).

But it'll also have some long days: depositions, a final evidentiary hearing, and several evening programs and events.

So, 207 hours isn’t impossible.

When I break it down, I see 18.5 working days—14 full days and 4.5 half days (weekends, travel, and other non-work obligations).

That means a goal of 11.2 hours on full days and 5.6 on half days.

I know—11.2 sounds wild. And, no, I won’t hit it every day. But keeping the goal in mind helps me stay on track so I don’t fall too far behind early in the year.

This life isn’t for everyone, but it’s manageable if you go in with your eyes open and build systems and routines that put you in the driver’s seat.

The key is to focus on progress, not perfection, and to give yourself credit for the full picture—not just the hours.

Here’s to a full February.

✌🏻♥️🔥

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed here are solely my own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Husch Blackwell LLP or any other organization. Examples are generalized and do not reflect current client matters or firm positions.