CSV Upload Errors & Troubleshooting

The data in a CSV file must match our template requirements and general formatting standards. Please make sure to download/use our template to enter and save timekeeper information.

A CSV file is processed as a plain-text file; commas are recognized as separators between entries in a list of values. For example, if an hourly rate was listed as "1,000.00," it would be recognized as 2 separate values when uploaded: "1" and then "000." Make sure to confirm that commas are not used for any values within a CSV file (e.g., hourly rates, location information, etc.). 

The CSV template appears as follows if opened in Excel:

TIP: If you have access to Excel, we recommend using our Excel template instead to avoid upload errors and reduce time spent entering data. Click here for information.

An error message appears if the uploaded CSV file does not meet formatting requirements:

Click Download Errors CSV and/or view the details from the error window in CounselGO to fix the issues and re-upload the file. 

General File Formatting

The CSV template includes 7 rows of information. Confirm that the following applies:

Row	Description/Notes
1	Column names for timekeeper information (e.g., First Name, Last Name, ID, etc.). The values in this row cannot be modified or deleted before upload. Confirm that values in this row are the same as the original template if there are upload errors in CounselGO.
2	Descriptions for each column name. Review this for guidance in filling out the template, including which fields are required and formatting standards. Confirm this row has been deleted from the uploaded file if there are errors.
3	Rows 3-7 list additional instructions for how to format timekeeper information. The timekeeper information for upload should start on row 2 of the CSV file. Confirm these rows have been deleted from the uploaded file if there are errors.
4
5
6
7

Data Error Troubleshooting Tips

Below are common formatting issues for specific column headers that can cause CSV upload errors:

Column Name(s)	Tips & Fixes
Rate Rack Rate Location	Confirm there are no commas in values that typically have commas, such as billing rates (e.g., 1000.00) or location (e.g., a physical address).
Rate Rack Rate	Rack Rate is optional but sometimes required by clients. Rack Rate must be equal to or greater than the value for the Rate column (required).
Currency	Must follow ISO Code Currency Standards (i.e., 3-character code) with no extra spaces or other characters. Commonly used codes include: USD = US Dollar CAD = Canadian Dollar EUR = Euro GBP = British Pound AUD = Australian Dollar For a full list of ISO 4217 currency codes, click here.
Country	Countries must be listed per ISO's 3-character code or standardized name. For a list of supported values for country in CounselGO, click here.
Effective Date	Date must be in MM/DD/YYYY format.  If the format is automatically changed in Excel, go to the data format drop-down from the Home tab, click on More Number Formats, go to the Date category, select the MM/DD/YYYY, and click OK.
Race	Must be one of the following options or blank: African American/Black American Indian/Alaskan Native Asian Hispanic/Latinx Multiracial Pacific Islander White Prefer not to say
Gender	Must be one of the following options or blank: Female Male Non-Binary Prefer not to say
Veteran Status Disability Status LGBTQ+ Status	Each status field must list one of the following or can remain blank: Yes No Prefer not to say

Additional Considerations

• If submitting an existing timekeeper to a new/different client in SimpleLegal, confirm the Timekeeper ID, First Name, and Last Name match what is already in the system.
• Any timekeepers who bill the same client with more than one hourly rate must have separate rows for each rate (i.e., the only difference should be the rate). 
• If using abbreviations for Classification (optional), are they consistent and do they follow set standards? Examples include AS = Associate, LA = Legal Assistant, PT = Partner, or OT = Other.
• Are minimum required fields populated and correctly formatted? Minimum required fields are First Name, Last Name, ID, Effective Date, Rate, Country, and Currency. 

Once you have corrected any errors in your CSV file, save it and then go back to CounselGO to upload the file. For additional instructions, click here.