How to Import Clients & Matters into CaseClock (via CSV)

CaseClock lets you upload a client + matter list in bulk using a CSV file. After import, those clients and matters become available to assign to time entries.

TL;DR (upload in 3 minutes)

• Use a .csv file (not .xlsx).
• Your CSV must follow the exact column order listed below.
• Upload from:
• Important:

If you have not created a client/matter export yet, start here:

• Export clients and matters for CaseClock (CSV guide)

Why CaseClock asks for this file

CaseClock uses your client and matter list to support consistent, structured time entry assignment. It is designed to fit alongside your existing systems and workflows, with a review-first control loop so lawyers can confirm entries before anything is finalized.

Before you start (quick checklist)

To avoid the most common upload failures:

• Save as CSV (.csv).
• Use comma-separated values.
• Use UTF-8 encoding if your tool prompts you.
• Avoid:
• If you use Excel:

1) CSV format (required columns and exact order)

Your CSV must follow this exact column order (with or without a header row):

ID rules (Client ID and Matter ID)

• Allowed characters:
• Not allowed:

Examples:

• OK: C-1001, client_01, matter.01
• Not OK: C 1001, client#01

2) Example CSVs

With a header row (recommended)

Client ID,Client Name,Matter ID,Matter Name,Jurisdiction,Law Practice Area,Hourly Rate
C-1001,Rockland Digital Corp.,M-2001,Services Agreement,BC,Corporate,300
C-1002,Northshore Foods Inc.,M-2002,Supply Contract,Ontario,Commercial,350

Without a header row

C-1001,Rockland Digital Corp.,M-2001,Services Agreement,BC,Corporate,300
C-1002,Northshore Foods Inc.,M-2002,Supply Contract,Ontario,Commercial,350

3) Uploading your CSV

Option A: Upload from the mobile app

1. Open the CaseClock mobile app.
2. Go to the area where you manage or import Clients & Matters.
3. CaseClock opens a secure upload web view.
4. Tap Upload CSV.
5. Choose your CSV from your device storage (Files, iCloud, Google Drive, etc.).
6. Confirm the upload.

Option B: Upload from your computer (web)

1. Visit: https://app.caseclock.ai/upload-csv
2. Sign in if prompted.
3. Click Upload CSV.
4. Choose your file.
5. Confirm.

After upload, CaseClock should show confirmation and highlight any issues that need to be corrected.

4) After upload: how imported clients & matters work

After a successful import:

• Each client–matter pair in the CSV becomes available in CaseClock.
• When you create or edit a time entry, you can:

If you included Hourly Rate:

• CaseClock can use the rate when you log time, depending on your configuration.

5) Deleting a CSV (archiving) — what it does

Deleting an uploaded CSV in the web uploader archives the clients and matters that came from that file.

What to expect:

• Archived clients and matters:
• Existing time entries that already reference those clients or matters are typically left as-is (they keep their original associations).

If you need those clients and matters again later:

• Re-upload the same CSV (or an updated version).

6) Troubleshooting (symptom → cause → fix)

“My file won’t upload”

• Likely cause: Wrong file type.
• Fix:

“The import says required columns are missing”

• Likely cause: Column order does not match exactly, or a column is blank.
• Fix:

“Client ID / Matter ID is invalid”

• Likely cause: Spaces or unsupported characters in IDs.
• Fix:

“Jurisdiction is rejected”

• Likely cause: Value is not in {SUPPORTED_JURISDICTIONS}.
• Fix:

“Law Practice Area is rejected”

• Likely cause: Value is not in {SUPPORTED_AREAS}.
• Fix:

“My data looks shifted into the wrong columns”

• Likely cause: Extra commas inside fields, or the wrong delimiter.
• Fix:

“I updated the CSV but the changes are not reflected”

• Likely cause: You uploaded an old file, or your edits did not get re-exported.
• Fix:

7) FAQ

Do I need both Client ID and Matter ID?

Yes. Both are required so CaseClock can reliably distinguish clients and matters and keep assignments consistent.

Can one client have multiple matters?

Yes. Add one row per client–matter combination.

Can I edit imported clients and matters inside CaseClock?

No. Imports are read-only. To change a name, ID, or optional fields, update the CSV and upload again.

Do I need a header row?

No, but it is recommended. CaseClock relies on the exact column order either way.

What happens if I delete (archive) a CSV?

The clients and matters from that CSV are archived and stop appearing for new entries. Existing time entries are typically left untouched.

What file format should I upload?

A .csv file.

Related guides

• Export clients and matters for CaseClock (CSV guide)
• CSV Import/Export Guide (Using CaseClock without Clio)