As soon as the agreement has been signed and your new engagement has been added to your dashboard, you can start billing hours for your new client. Based on the worklogs submitted through the Lawtrades platform or mobile app, Lawtraders are paid through direct deposit on a pay schedule outlined on their Independent Contractor Agreement/Employment Agreement and Statement of Work (SoW).

Make sure to log your hours on a daily basis, at the end of each day worked. This is a standard procedure all Lawtraders should follow to ensure a seamless and timely payment, as well as to maintain a good relationship with their clients.

Clients not only receive regular reports of your hours worked, but they can also log in and check them anytime. Be sure to keep your clients informed by submitting your hours on a daily basis!

In certain cases you may have to advance payments on behalf of your client, which may include filing charges, printing or copying fees, courier services, online subscriptions (Adobe, Docusign, Microsoft Office, etc). In other cases you may be invited to an event by your client, such as a company offsite, team building or a Christmas party.

Before making any payments or travel arrangements, always discuss it with your client! We can only reimburse you for expenses that have your client’s written approval and a valid invoice.

What is Utopia Tech?

Utopia Tech is Lawtrades subsidiary that we're using to process payments for the folks that work on Lawtrades. The new payment system we're using will allow you to get paid faster.

What happens if you submit after the processing deadline?

Those hours cannot be added to your payment anymore, and will result in delayed- or underpayments, as well as incorrect invoices to your clients. Should you have missed a deadline, please let us know immediately.

Why can’t I submit my hours?

It’s probably because you are trying to submit after the 3rd day of the new month. Please note that the previous month will be locked on the 3rd, and no further worklogs can be submitted.

I received incorrect payment. What should I do?

Reach out to us immediately, and we’ll look into it for you!

How are my taxes handled?

W2 Employee in the US - Justworks will file and produce Form W2 for you by the January 31st deadline of the following year.

1099 Independent Contractor or Vendor in the US

[2022 and years prior] Justworks will file and produce Forms 1099-MISC /1099-NEC if you meet certain requirements and if your 1099 filing status is set ‘Justworks to file’ in their contractor or vendor settings.

International Contractor - All taxes and compliance documents will be managed through Deel. In short, this depends on the country you are from and if you are an independent contractor or a business. For more information, this is a link to Deel’s Guide To Tax Form W-8BEN (US).

Who should I contact for general payment support?

You’re always welcome to reach out via Lawtrades Help