This SOP explains how to create fee schedules in Black Diamond and apply them to a client account at the account level. It is designed to help team members set up billing accurately and assign the correct fee schedule to the appropriate client.
1. Open Firm Maintenance from the Billing Tab 0:11
-
From the Black Diamond landing page, locate the Billing tab.
-
Click Firm Maintenance.
-
This is where fee schedule setup begins.
2. Navigate to Fee Schedules and Start a New Schedule 0:30
-
In Firm Maintenance, locate the Fee Schedules card.
-
Open the Fee Schedule List.
-
Click Add New to create a new fee schedule.
-
Enter a clear, descriptive name for the schedule so it is easy to identify later.
3. Create a Flat Fee Schedule 0:46
-
Enter a description for the fee schedule so other team members understand when to use it.
-
Assign the schedule to the correct team.
-
Under Rate Type, select Flat Fee.
-
Enter the flat fee amount (example shown: 100).
-
Click Save to store the fee schedule.
4. Create a Tiered Fee Schedule 1:20
-
Click Add New again to create another fee schedule.
-
Enter a name for the schedule (example shown: Sample Number Six).
-
Add a description that explains the intended client type or use case.
-
Assign it to the correct team.
-
Under Rate Type, select Tiered Rate.
-
Enter the tier thresholds and corresponding basis points.
-
Example thresholds: 200, 500, 700
-
Example basis points: 2, 5, 7
-
-
Leave the final tier open-ended if needed.
-
Leave Apply Billing Rule as the default auto-populated option unless your process requires otherwise.
-
Click Save.
5. Open Client Setup and Locate the Account 2:09
-
Open the square menu/tab in the corner to access all available cards.
-
Click Client Setup and Accounts.
-
Search for the client account using an account number or client name.
-
Open the correct account record.
6. Assign the Fee Schedule to the Client Account 2:31
-
In the client account, go to Billing Maintenance.
-
Open the Add Assignment dropdown.
-
Select the fee schedule you want to apply (example shown: Sample Six).
-
Leave Standard Configuration as the default unless your process requires a change.
-
Leave Include Non-Billables open/default unless instructed otherwise.
-
Click Save.
-
Confirm that the billing schedule now appears on the account.
7. Verify the Billing Assignment 2:52
-
Reopen the account if needed.
-
Return to Billing Maintenance.
-
Confirm the correct fee billing schedule is selected and applied to the client.
-
Use this step to verify the assignment before exiting the account.
Cautionary Notes
-
Ensure the fee schedule name and description are specific enough that other team members can apply it correctly.
-
Confirm you are assigning the schedule to the correct team before saving.
-
Double-check the client account before applying billing to avoid assigning fees to the wrong record.
-
Review tier thresholds and basis points carefully, especially when using open-ended tiers.
-
Leave default billing settings unchanged only if they match your firm’s billing policy.
Tips for Efficiency
-
Use consistent naming conventions for fee schedules to make them easy to find later.
-
Add descriptions every time to reduce confusion across the team.
-
Keep a standard set of fee schedule templates for common client types such as general clients or family/friends.
-
Use account number search when available to locate clients faster.
-
Verify the assignment immediately after saving to catch errors early.