The Hartford is committed to the timely payment of reasonable legal fees incurred in the defense of its insureds. All legal bills are subject to review by The Hartford. The Hartford does not utilize third party audit services. All legal invoices are reviewed by Hartford employees, and the bill review unit includes attorneys trained and experienced in legal bill review.
Answers to some commonly asked questions are included on this page. We welcome your inquiries if additional information is needed.
How does my firm submit legal bills for payment?
Panel Counsel for The Hartford submits bills electronically. At the discretion of The Hartford, non-panel law firms may submit legal bills directly through our secure electronic billing system. Electronic billing offers advantages to both The Hartford and outside counsel by reducing delays in communication and providing a common view of billing status and any adjustments.
How quickly will my bill be paid?
Our goal is to approve invoices within 35-45 days of receipt by the review team. While some invoices may be delayed as additional information or documentation is sought, The Hartford recognizes the importance of timely payment, and payment of undisputed amounts will be made in a timely manner together with documentation of any adjustments. Legal bills that are submitted electronically are easily tracked by the law firm, and you can direct any question about the timing of payments to the review team.
For more information about the prompt pay option, please contact your Regional Manager.
Can my firm contest adjustments made to an invoice?
Yes. The Hartford's goal for legal bill review is accuracy, and we recognize that an adjustment may warrant review. Appeals should be submitted electronically through Legal eXchange and the “Appeal Allowed Until” date is displayed on the approved invoice. You may be asked to provide additional information or documentation to help assess the charges.
Who can I speak with if I have a billing issue?
Inquiries about specific legal billing questions can be addressed to the bill review unit by e-mail. You may also contact a Regional Manager of Panel Counsel.
What does "at least every 90 days starting from the time of assignment" meant for the timing of the billing?
Billing should be submitted quarterly based initially from the assignment date. Monthly billing is not permitted. Final bills, indicated as such, may be submitted sooner than the quarterly billing cycle.
Does a Preferred Vendor need to be used if we are able to undertake the task within the firm?
No, a preferred vendor should be sought only “when the services are required”.
How do I map timekeepers in Legal eXchange?
The Hartford has defined timekeepers based upon years since first bar admittance and thus should be mapped accordingly:
Sr. Partners – over 15 years’ experience
Partners/Jr. Partners/Of Counsel – less than 15 years’ experience
Sr. Associates – over 7 years’ experience
Associates/Jr. Associates – less than 7 years’ experience
Bottomline can also be contacted to demonstrate how to map a timekeeper in Legal eXchange. Bottomline Help Desk: 888 923-9553