Matter Budget Evidence Agent

Outside-counsel invoices often bill work outside the agreed scope, at unapproved rates or against billing rules. When an invoice arrives, this agent parses every line and matches the work to the approved matter scope and rate card. It checks dates, timekeepers, task codes and rules such as block billing or minimum increments. Any line outside scope, rate or rules is recorded as a discrepancy with the evidence. Rate changes count only with approved evidence. It prepares a reviewer workpaper. Legal ops decides on disputes and payment. Edge case: a partner bills at a new rate from January 1, but no approved rate letter exists, so the difference is listed.