Legal Definitions - time check

A time check refers to the process of recording, verifying, or reviewing the duration an individual has spent on specific tasks, projects, or overall work. It is a fundamental practice in many professional settings, used to accurately track work hours for purposes such as payroll, client billing, project management, or compliance with labor laws.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of a time check:

• Example 1: Employee Payroll Verification
  A large manufacturing company uses an electronic system where employees swipe their ID badges when they start and end their shifts. At the end of each pay period, the human resources department performs a "time check" by reviewing these digital records to ensure all hours worked are accurately captured before processing payroll. This ensures employees are paid correctly for the exact time they spent on the job.

• Example 2: Freelance Project Billing
  A freelance graphic designer is hired by a marketing agency to create a new logo. Their contract specifies an hourly rate. Throughout the project, the designer meticulously logs the time spent on research, design iterations, and client revisions using a project management tool. Before sending an invoice, the designer conducts a "time check" by compiling these logged hours into a detailed report for the client, demonstrating the work performed and justifying the total billable amount.

• Example 3: Legal Case Management
  A law firm is representing a client in a complex litigation case. Multiple attorneys and paralegals are working on different aspects of the case, such as legal research, drafting documents, and attending court hearings. Each professional records their time spent on specific tasks related to the client's case daily. The lead attorney periodically performs a "time check" by reviewing these detailed entries to monitor progress, manage the budget allocated for legal services, and prepare accurate billing statements for the client, ensuring transparency and accountability for the hours expended.