Many paralegals dream of landing that elusive in-house role where billing is a thing of the past. But for most, time entry remains a critical part of the job.

It may never be your favorite task, but the good news is that billing is a skill you can master. Even better, strong time entry habits can open doors to new opportunities… and even lead to higher pay throughout your career.

If you’re currently in a billing position, this class will help you improve your skills and reduce the stress that often comes with meeting quotas. If you’ve never billed before but want to be ready for a job search or a new role where billing may be required, this seminar will give you a head start and the confidence to succeed on day one.

Linda knows firsthand the stress of moving from a non-billing to a billing position. Drawing from her own experiences and success, she’ll share practical tips and strategies to help you get on the right track.

In this comprehensive seminar, you’ll learn:

• Why contemporaneous billing is so important
• How to know when—and what—you should bill for
• Why tracking your time matters even when clients aren’t being billed
• Best practices for entering time clearly and accurately
• How to divide up your quota so you aren’t scrambling at the end of the cycle
• Why your billing rate doesn’t always equal a bigger paycheck
• How strong billing skills can position you for career growth and higher salaries

Billing doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right strategies, you can handle it confidently, avoid end-of-month panic, and use your skills to stand out as a true paralegal superstar.

Course Format

This is an on demand seminar – you’ll receive immediate access to the on demand recording. You will also receive handouts including a PDF copy of the slides, sample time entries related to discovery, links to ABA billing code resources and sample list of NON billable tasks along with a certificate of attendance/CLE. You have lifetime access to this program, so once it’s in your account, you can return to complete it whenever it is convenient for you.

Video length: 50 Minutes.

Continuing Legal Education Credit (CLE)

NALA CP or ACP: This program meets the requirements of the NALA Certifying Board for continuing legal education credit required to maintain the CP (Certified Paralegal) credential. This program is pre-approved by NALA for 1.0 hours of substantive CLE.

Florida Bar FRP: As approved by NALA, this seminar meets the requirements under Rule 20-6.1 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar for continuing legal education credit required to maintain the FRP credential.

NFPA RP® or CRP™: NFPA automatically accepts substantive CLE hours which bears the accreditation of NALA on the certificate of attendance.

State Bar of Texas – Paralegal Division – The Division will accept substantive law CLE approved by the National Association of Legal Assistants for credit towards the Paralegal Division mandatory membership renewal CLE requirement.

North Carolina – This program has been pre-approved by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Paralegal Certification for 60 minutes of general credit plus 0 minutes of ethics credit. This approval shall expire on March 8, 2027 unless extended.

Meet your Speaker – Linda McGrath-Cruz

Linda McGrath-Cruz brings a wealth of hands-on experience to her seminars, accumulated since 1997, from the dynamic world of civil litigation. Specializing in areas such as products/premises liability, bodily injury, wrongful death, and medical malpractice defense, Linda’s expertise is not just theoretical but deeply rooted in real-world practice. As a testament to her dedication and skill, she has earned the designation of NALA Advanced Certified Paralegal in key areas including discovery, eDiscovery, trial practice, social security, and entity medical liability, alongside her recognition as a Florida Registered Paralegal. Linda is the Program Coordinator and Lead Instructor for the St. Johns River State College Paralegal Program.

Linda’s academic journey underscores her commitment to the paralegal profession, holding two paralegal certificates, a Bachelor’s in Paralegal Studies from Barry University, and a Master’s in Paralegal Studies from National Juris University. Linda also holds degrees in medical assisting and secondary education. Her educational background, paired with her extensive experience, positions her as an instructor with a deep understanding of the field’s nuances and complexities.

She is the proud founder and operator of Perfectly Paralegal, a vibrant community that offers resources, support, continuing education, and much more for paralegals across all levels of experience and education. This initiative highlights Linda’s commitment to nurturing the paralegal community, making her not just a mentor but a relatable ally who understands the challenges and triumphs of the profession.

In Linda’s classes, you’re not just learning theory; you’re gaining practical insights from someone who has lived it. Her approachable nature and dedication to sharing her wealth of knowledge ensure that every participant leaves with valuable, actionable information. Join her to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, and empower yourself with the tools for success in the dynamic world of paralegal work.