test-fixtures/sample-outside-counsel-guidelines.md

# Acme Industries — Outside Counsel Billing Guidelines (Test Fixture)

Effective date: 2026-01-01

## Rule GL-1: Time increments

Time must be recorded in 0.1-hour increments; round each entry up to the next tenth.

## Rule GL-2: Narrative detail and block billing

Narratives must describe the task and work product. Block billing is not permitted; separate distinct tasks into separate entries.

## Rule GL-3: Administrative work

Clerical, scheduling, file-opening, and internal administrative work is nonbillable.

## Rule GL-4: Travel time

Travel is billable only for active work performed while traveling; pure travel time is nonbillable. When the entry does not state whether active work occurred, request confirmation and do not reduce the charge automatically.

## Rule GL-5: Expenses and meal cap

Reimbursable expenses must be itemized. Meals are capped at $75 per person and entertainment is not reimbursable. When the receipt identifies the number of attendees, reduce a meal only to the stated per-person cap.

## Rule GL-6: Required invoice fields

The invoice must include matter number, billing period, timekeeper, hours, rate, time amount, expense amount, and line amount.

Entries that cannot be safely reconstructed must be flagged rather than guessed.