# News Summary
Cadwalader attorneys face an unexpected administrative burden following the firm's merger. Legacy Cadwalader timekeepers must review and audit six months of time entries as part of post-merger integration procedures. The task represents a routine but tedious compliance requirement typical of large law firm consolidations, where billing systems and time-tracking protocols must be reconciled across merging entities.
The time entry review serves multiple purposes for the combined firm. Audits ensure accurate client billing, verify attorney compliance with billing standards, and integrate disparate timekeeping systems into unified platforms. For attorneys accustomed to standard billing practices, the six-month retrospective review creates administrative overhead beyond normal practice management.
The merger reflects broader consolidation trends in BigLaw. When major firms combine, operational integration demands extend beyond practice group coordination to encompass fundamental business processes. Timekeeping audits catch discrepancies, ghost time, and billing inconsistencies before they create client disputes or regulatory exposure. The requirement protects both the merged firm's reputation and its clients' confidence in billing accuracy.
For Cadwalader attorneys, the assignment serves as a practical reminder that mergers carry hidden costs beyond practice disruptions. While strategic combinations promise expanded capabilities and market position, integration work falls on existing staff who must absorb additional duties during transition periods. Time entry audits represent unglamorous but necessary due diligence that supports firm governance and client service standards.
The timing and scope of such reviews typically correlate with deal size and complexity. Larger combinations with more substantial legacy systems require deeper audits. Cadwalader's six-month window represents a reasonable audit horizon balancing thoroughness with practical workload constraints.