CounselLink Answer Center for Clients

Creating and Applying Budget Templates

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This article covers the following:

Applying a Budget Template

If you plan to use the same budget configuration for multiple matters, you can save it as a Budget Template. Templates are reusable and help reduce data entry time when creating budgets.

To view and manage Budget Templates, client users must have the Budget Template Administrator role and the appropriate system configurations.

Benefits of Budget Templates

  • Reusable templates reduce data entry time.
  • Any template can be designated as the default template.
  • Templates can include predefined budget values, further minimizing manual entry. This is particularly useful when matter expenses are predictable.

Creating a Budget Template

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If you create a budget that may be useful for future matters, you can save its configuration as a Budget Template.

You must have the Budget Template Administrator role to create a Budget Template. 

  1. Select +Create from the Budgets section of the Financials tab on the matter. The Create Matter Budget page displays.
  2. Complete all required fields. 
    1. Complete the Template Name and Budget Contact fields.
    2. Place a check mark in the Default Template box if it will become the default budget template.

    3. If necessary, use the Second Budget Approver drop down to select an approver from the list.

      The Second Budget Approver must be different than the Budget Contact.

    4. Enter a Template Description as applicable.

    5. Complete the Budget Duration and Structure fields as required.

      If your organization uses an alternative fiscal calendar structure, you can select a budget be created using Calendar Months or Fiscal Calendar Structure. The options in your drop down menu will change based on your selection.

  3. Place a check mark in the applicable Email Notifications box(es).
  4. Complete the Law Firm Permissions fields as required.

  5. At the bottom of the page, click the Save as a Budget Template check box.

  6. Enter a Template Name, Location, Budget Contact, and Template Description if necessary.
  7. Click Save.

Using a Budget Template

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The easiest way to create a budget is to apply an existing Budget Template to a matter. Templates can save you time when creating multiple budgets with similar values or structures.

Only client users with the Budget Template Administrator role can create and save a Budget Template. 

  1. Click the Financials tab on the Matter Overview page.

  2. Under the Budgets section, click +Create. The Create Matter Budget screen displays.

  3. Complete the required fields.

  4. In the Apply Budget Template section, select a template from the drop-down list. The fields in your Create Budget page automatically update based on the template selected.

    If the selected template includes predefined fees and expenses, the budget will automatically display as Active. If you want to retain the template’s amounts but require law firm approval, select Request Budget from Law Firm Offices at the bottom of the page.

  5. Complete any remaining required fields.
  6. Click Save. 

The Matter Overview page displays with the new budget added.

Applying a Budget Template from the Matter Search Page

  1. From the Matter Search page, select the matter to which the template will be applied.

  2. Click the More Actions button to access the drop-down menu.

  3. Select Apply Budget Template. The Apply Budget Template window displays.

  4. Select a Budget Template from the drop down list and click Apply.
  5. Add the budget start date in the Start Date field.

The Matters Search Page displays with a message that your matter has been successfully updated.

Applying a Budget Template via Mass Action

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If multiple existing matters require the same budget structure, you can apply a Budget Template to them simultaneously.

You must have the Budget Template Administrator role to assign a Budget Template. 

  1. From the Matter Search page, select the matters to which the template will be applied.

  2. Click the More Actions button to access the drop-down menu.

  3. Select Apply Budget Template. The Apply Budget Template window displays.

  4. Select a Budget Template from the drop down list and click Apply.
  5. Add the budget start date in the Start Date field.

The Matters Search Page displays with a message that your matters have been successfully updated.