Creating time entries is how you turn your tracked Work Activity into billable records in Laurel. You have several options for creating entries, from using Laurel's AI-powered work Groups to building entries manually from scratch. This guide walks you through all available time entry creation methods so you can choose the approach that works best for your workflow.
What you'll need:
Timekeeper permissions in Laurel.
Access to the Laurel web app.
Matter (project, initiative) codes and other billing information from your firm.
Method 1: Create entries from predicted work Groups
This is the fastest method for creating time entries.
Step 1: Find predicted work Groups
Go to the "Groups" tab in your Work Activity panel. Look for work groups that show a matter (project, initiative) prediction - these appear as grouped activities with a suggested matter (project, initiative).
Step 2: Create the entry instantly
Click the plus (+) icon next to the predicted matter (project, initiative). This immediately creates a new time entry using both the grouped activities and Laurel's matter (project, initiative) prediction.
The more you use and release time from Laurel, the better this method becomes as Laurel's AI learns your work patterns and improves its predictions.
Method 2: Select activities from the Work Activity panel
Use this method when you want control over which specific Work Activities to include in an entry.
Step 1: Choose your view
Open the Work Activity panel and select either the "Groups" tab for AI-organized work Groups or the "All" tab for a chronological list of your activities.
Step 2: Select your activities
Click to select one or more work Groups or individual Work Activities. You can select multiple items by clicking their checkboxes or using Shift + click to select a range.
Step 3: Create the entry
After making your selections, click the "Create Entry" button that appears at the top of the Work Activity panel.
Method 3: Create manual entries
Use this method to build entries from scratch without using tracked activities.
Step 1: Access manual creation
Click the "Create Entry" button at the top of your Timesheet panel.
Step 2: Build your entry
The entry creation modal will open. You'll need to input all details yourself, including matter, duration, narrative (description), and billing codes.
Method 4: Use recent and starred matters (projects, initiatives)
This method works well for matters (projects, initiatives) you work on frequently.
Step 1: Find your matter (project, initiative) shortcuts
Look at the bottom of the left panel where your "Recent" and "Starred" matters (projects, initiatives) are listed.
Step 2: Create an entry for specific matter (project, initiative)
Click the plus (+) button next to any matter (project, initiative) in these lists. This opens the entry creation modal with that matter already selected.
Method 5: Create entries from Timers
When you use Laurel's Timer feature, entries are automatically created on your timesheet.
Step 1: Access the Timer Board
Click the "Timers" tab in the far lefthand panel of the Laurel web app to open your Timer Board.
Step 2: Start a Timer
Create and start a Timer for your work. The running Timer will appear as a draft entry on both your Timer Board and Timesheet.
Method 6: Duplicate existing entries
Save time when creating similar entries by copying existing ones.
Step 1: Select an entry to duplicate
From your Timesheet, click on any unreleased entry you want to copy.
Step 2: Create the duplicate
In the entry modal that opens, click "Save & Duplicate" in the upper left corner. This creates a new entry with identical details.
Step 3: Adjust the date if needed
The new entry will have the same date as the original. To change it, click "Change Date" in the upper left corner of the entry creation modal and select the correct date.
Important: Only unreleased entries can be duplicated. If an entry has been released to your firm's practice management system (PMS), it cannot be duplicated.
Complete your entry
Regardless of which creation method you use, you'll finish the process of preparing an entry in the entry creation modal.
Step 1: Review pre-filled information
Check any suggestions Laurel has provided for matter (project, initiative), duration, description, and billing codes. Make sure everything looks accurate for your work.
Step 2: Complete required fields
Fill in any missing required information such as billing codes, billing increments, descriptions, or other mandatory fields your organization requires.
Step 3: Save your entry
When everything looks correct, click "Save" to add the entry to your timesheet.
Important considerations
Entry accuracy: Always review Laurel's AI suggestions before saving to ensure they accurately reflect your work.
Required fields: Entries cannot be saved with blank required fields. Look for warning indicators that show missing information.
Duplicate entry dates: Duplicated entries keep the original date unless you change it using the "Change Date" button.
If you're having trouble
If the "Create Entry" button not appearing: Make sure you've selected activities in the Work Activity panel first.
If you're getting an error related to required fields: Check that all mandatory fields are completed before saving.
If you have the wrong date on a duplicated entry: Use the "Change Date" button in the entry creation modal.
If you don't have any matter/project/initiative predictions in your work Groups: Try manual methods while the Laurel's AI model learns your work patterns - predictions improve with use.
What happens next
Your new time entry will appear on your Timesheet where you can edit it as needed. When you're satisfied that the entry is accurate and complete, you can release it to your firm's PMS.