TimeBinder adds a layer of protection against AI and human fraud and disputes. If your firm offers it to clients, the engagement letter is where the service, the charge and the limits should be written down.
Most of the work is already in your template: scope, fees and expenses, what the client must do. This guide gives you three clause styles, a short “what it shows” clause, and a client explainer you can adapt. It follows the same logic whether you charge for the service or include it, and it is general information for firms in the US, UK and Europe first, not legal advice.
The wording below is sample text only. Adapt it to your jurisdiction, your fee arrangements and your professional rules, and have it checked by whoever signs off your templates.
Table of Contents
Where it belongs in the engagement
Put the service in three places: the scope (what you will do), the fees and expenses section (what it costs and how it is shown), and a short client note that explains it in plain English. ABA Model Rule 1.5(b) requires the scope and “the basis or rate of the fee and expenses” to be communicated, “preferably in writing”. The SRA’s client care letters guidance asks for plain English, specifics for that client, and a clear statement of what is included and what it costs. In Australia, section 174(3) of the Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) asks for reasonable steps to be satisfied the client understands and consents to the proposed costs.
Choose a clause style
| Style | Use when | Charge shown as |
|---|---|---|
| A. Included in a fixed fee | You sell a package, such as an executed-agreement set | Part of the professional fee |
| B. Separately stated firm charge | You want the service visible on the invoice | A firm charge, not a pass-through |
| C. Opt-in | The client decides, matter by matter | Stated at the time they opt in |
How a charge is shown affects what you may add to it; see the conduct checklist and the pricing examples.
Sample clauses
A. Included in a fixed fee.
As part of the [package name], we will make a dated record of the final signed documents using TimeBinder, an independent timestamping service, and keep the resulting certificate on your file. This is included in our fixed fee of [amount].
B. Separately stated firm charge.
We offer a service in which we make a dated record of the exact documents you give us, using TimeBinder, and keep the certificate on your file. Our charge for this service is [amount], shown as a separate line on our invoice. It is our professional service and not a pass-through of a third-party cost.
C. Opt-in.
If you would like us to make a dated record of [documents] using TimeBinder, please tick the box below. Our charge is [amount]. If you do not tick the box, we will not make one.
What it shows, for any style.
A TimeBinder record shows that the exact files existed no later than the time recorded and still match their fingerprints. It does not show who created them, that they are accurate, or how a court or other body will treat them. It does not replace our advice.
Confidentiality, for any style.
The fingerprint is made in the browser on our own device, and the document stays with us. TimeBinder processes the fingerprint and a reference we choose, which will be your matter number and not your name.
A client explainer you can adapt
A dated record of your documents. When it matters which version of a document was signed or sent, an argument can start months later. We can make a dated record of the exact files. Our browser makes a fingerprint, a short code worked out from the file’s exact contents, and the file stays with us. The service records that fingerprint with a time that can be checked later. If a file is edited, even slightly, its fingerprint changes and will no longer match. What it does not do: it does not show who made the file, that what it says is true, or how a court would treat it. We will keep the certificate on your file and send you a copy. Ask us if you would like a copy of the check instructions.
Keep it to one page. The SRA guidance recommends short sentences, headings, and a named contact.
What not to write
- Do not describe it as a way to establish who owns, wrote or originated a file.
- Do not promise how a court, tribunal or insurer will treat it.
- Do not describe the confidentiality position loosely. The fingerprint and reference text are processed by TimeBinder, so say exactly that.
- Do not list it as a disbursement if you are adding a margin.
Rolling it out
- Add the clause to one template, such as your contract-execution or intake letter.
- Try one TimeBind on a live matter. Your first Pooled TimeBind is free.
- Brief staff on the note and the limits.
- Review after 30 days: did clients ask questions you can pre-empt?
The related workflows are in timestamping at matter intake and the contract execution checklist.
How a TimeBind fits, and what it does not show
The clause makes the service, the charge and the limits visible before the work starts. A TimeBind adds a layer of protection against AI and human fraud and disputes; the letter makes sure the client knows exactly what that means.
A TimeBind shows that this exact file existed no later than the recorded time and still matches its fingerprint. TimeBinder makes the fingerprint in your browser and the file stays on your device. It does not show who made the file, who owns it, or that anyone agreed to it. It does not show that the client read or agreed to the clause. It complements your engagement terms, your professional rules and legal advice; it does not replace them. This is general information, not legal advice.
A related habit is to pause before a client file goes into an AI tool. The free client-file AI tool checklist covers the current terms and the copies to keep. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a separate clause if the service is in a fixed fee?
State what the package includes, and the fee, in the engagement terms. The sample clause A does that in two sentences.
Should the client sign to opt in?
Clause C uses a tick box. Your own rules decide whether you need more than that.
Can we give the client a copy of the certificate?
Yes. The certificate can be checked publicly or restricted to chosen email addresses.
Does a TimeBind show the client agreed to the terms?
No. It shows the exact files existed no later than the recorded time and still match.
What does it cost to try?
Your first Pooled TimeBind is free, with no credit card required. After that, Pooled TimeBinds start from US$5, and an ASAP TimeBind is US$15.
Sources checked
Checked on 10 November 2026. We quote only what these documents say and mark where a point depends on your own rules or local law. Anything we could not verify from a primary source is left out.
- ABA Model Rule 1.5: 1.5(b)
- SRA client care letters guidance: plain English, what is included, cost, contact
- Legal Profession Uniform Law (NSW) s 174: 174(3)
- TimeBinder pricing: prices
- TimeBinder business plans: certificate sharing options
Add the clause to one template
Pick one template, add the clause and the explainer, and try one TimeBind on a live matter. Your first Pooled TimeBind is free, with no credit card required. After that, Pooled TimeBinds start from US$5, and an ASAP TimeBind is US$15. Prices checked 10 November 2026. See plans and pricing. Open TimeBinder
