What This Means
If an invoice is flagged with:
“Invoice narrative lines & fee details not formatted correctly”
it means Brightflag could not accurately extract the invoice data from the PDF due to formatting issues.
Why This Happens
Common causes include:
The invoice uses a customized template instead of a standardized billing format
Line items are split across multiple tables (e.g., separated by timekeeper)
The invoice detail section is not presented in a single, continuous table
Required billing fields are unclear or inconsistently formatted
Incorrectly formatted invoices can lead to:
Inconsistent extraction
Incorrect totals
Delays in approval
Automatic rejection
How to Resolve the Issue
Reject the invoice
Notify the vendor of the formatting issue
Direct them to the PDF Invoice Formatting Guidelines
Ask them to resubmit using the required format
If the Vendor Cannot Update Their PDF Format
Most legal billing systems support the required standardized format.
If updating the format is not feasible, the vendor should:
Contact the billing software provider for assistance
Switch to LEDES submission
Recommended Alternative: LEDES
LEDES invoices are structured data files and:
Do not rely on PDF formatting
Reduce formatting-related errors
Process more accurately
Minimize rejections
If consistent PDF formatting cannot be maintained, LEDES submission is strongly recommended.
Key Takeaway
PDF invoices must follow structured formatting standards for accurate processing.
If formatting requirements cannot be met, LEDES submission is the preferred solution.