Venable LLP transformed invoice processing into real-time intelligence

Paper slowed billing and put revenue at risk

For Venable LLP, invoice processing was historically rooted in paper. It was a system that worked for the time. But as the business scaled, boxes of documents filled offices, approvals moved desk to desk, and locating supporting invoices for clients was often difficult, or flat-out impossible.

That friction had real consequences. If a client couldn’t quickly receive invoice documentation for a disbursement, payment was delayed or denied. Manual handling also created bottlenecks, limited visibility, and left invoices vulnerable to sitting unattended on someone’s desk.

Key challenges included:

• Paper-based invoice storage and retrieval
• Manual routing across desks and approvers
• Limited transparency into invoice status
• Delayed client billing for reimbursable disbursements

Why Emburse

Venable LLP needed a modern, hosted solution that could eliminate paper without adding complexity. Emburse stood out for its ability to centralize invoice intake, digitize end-to-end workflows, and adapt to the firm’s approval rules without requiring on-premises storage or manual intervention.

“If you’re looking for a solution that brings transparency to the entire workflow and is customizable across the board, Emburse stands out,” said Lucius Jackson II, Sr. Manager, Accounts Payable.

The solution: faster billing, stronger control

With Emburse, Venable LLP replaced fragmented, manual processes with a centralized digital workflow:

• Invoices are emailed directly into a centralized intake inbox
• Automated workflows route invoices through approvals digitally
• All invoices are stored securely in a hosted system
• AP can retrieve invoice documentation in seconds
• Configurable rules ensure compliance and eliminate stalled approvals

Business impact

The shift to centralized, digital invoice intake delivered immediate operational and financial benefits. Instead of physically moving invoices between desks, Venable LLP now processes them through a single, transparent workflow. AP teams can locate invoices instantly—supporting faster responses to client requests and quicker billing of reimbursable disbursements.

Most importantly, billing velocity improved. Because disbursements represent direct costs to the firm, accelerating client billing helps Venable recover funds sooner and protect cash flow.

The result is a cleaner workflow, stronger compliance, and an AP function that moves at the speed of the firm.

“Now we can pull up an invoice within seconds—and bill clients faster.”— Lucius Jackson II, Sr. Manager, Accounts Payable, Venable LLP