Check an outside-counsel invoice against billing guidelines

About this exercise

Compare the invoice lines to the billing guidelines. Make a markdown table with columns Line, Billed, Guideline issue, Amount to query, one row per line in order. Show the math in each Amount to query cell (for example "2.0 x ($480 - $450) = $60"); write $0 if there is no issue. Follow the guidelines exactly, including the block billing rule. After the table, write one last line exactly in this form: Total to query: $X - for GC review. Do not say whether the invoice is proper or reasonable.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Block billing missed. The AI only checks rates. Try: Say: "Query the full amount of any entry covering several tasks."
• Travel at full rate. The AI skips the 50% travel rule. Try: Say: "Travel time is billed at 50% of the rate."
• Verdict given. The AI calls the invoice reasonable or overbilled. Try: Say: "Do not say whether the invoice is proper or reasonable."
• No math shown. The AI gives totals without working. Try: Say: "Show the math in each Amount to query cell."
• Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting. Ask for a total word limit and it often lands over it. Try: Cap each part instead, for example: "each line under 15 words."

What a strong prompt includes

• Table columns
• Show the math
• Block billing rule
• Travel at 50%
• Exact last line

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