The end of the year is not the only time to prioritize billing issues. The regular billing and collection of fees not only strengthens a firm financially, it is also consistent with the ethical and professional obligations attorneys owe to their clients.

Rule 3-500 of the California Rules of Professional Conduct provides that “a member shall keep a client reasonably informed about significant developments relating to the employment or representation, including promptly complying with reasonable requests for information and copies of significant documents when necessary to keep the client so informed.” While attorneys may be generally aware of their obligation to communicate regularly with their clients, not all attorneys focus on the fact that regular billing can help ensure that the client is fully apprised as to the status of a matter.