In 2008 the LEDES Oversight Committee ratified the LEDES XML Ebilling Ver. 2.1 format as an update to LEDES XML Ebilling 2.0. Subsequent revisions to the format included publishing the math statement to try to align how math worked in the different vendor systems, as well as more comprehensive tax support, additional data elements to capture all data elements required by foreign jurisdictions including an extensible Regulatory Statement segment to support jurisdictional invoice-level requirements.
When originally published, the standard included a White Paper on tax support in the format that is available here: XML E-Billing 2.1 White Paper
The 2.1.4 versions included a new schema for how rates are entered, allowing for the submission of rates in the timekeepers’ home currency when an invoice is presented in a different currency. With this new schema, law firms only need to receive rate approval in the timekeepers’ home currency instead of for each various permutation of this value when currency conversion rates change. Law Firms should confirm with their client vendor that this update has been released on the Client’s platform before using this new Rate schema.
The format documentation has been updated 5 times since the original release. This newest version, authorized by the Board in April 2026, corrects a math error in the 2.14 versions that had Clients Funds applied twice in the invoice total.
LEDES_XML_E-Billing_2-1-5 4-2026
LEDES_XML_E-Billing_2-1-5 4-2026 showing markup from 2-1-4 Update
Sample files coming shortly.
A White Paper for vendors on implementing the new Rate features in XML 2.1.4 to be posted shortly.
For more information on which ebilling format to use, please refer to this page.
Revision History:
2.1, 4-2008. XML/XSD, 191 data elements in 16 segments
2.1.1, 11-2009. 191 data elements in 16 segments
2.1.2, 7-2014. 191 data elements in 16 segments
2.1.3, 1-2020. 192 data elements in 16 segments
2.1.4, 3-2023. 205 data elements in 16 segments
2.1.4 Update, 6-2023. 205 data elements in 16 segments
2.1.5, 4-2026, 205 data elements in 16 segments
Looking for information on past versions of the XML Ebilling 2.1x file specification documents? It is available for download here: All LEDES XML Ebilling 2.1x Versions 4-2026