Reading and Analyzing Your Legal Bill

Taking the time to go through your legal bill can save you significant sums of money. Overcharging may be hidden in vague and general descriptions of tasks performed, high turn-over rate of attorneys in the firm, block billing, and duplicative billing, to name a few. Take a few seconds and familiarize yourself with these types of billings.

 

Law Offices of Smith & Wesson		December 5, 2007
Our File No.  123456		Invoice No.  8421
In Reference To:   ABC v. XYZ

Professional Services
Date	Biller		Description	Hrs/Rate	Amount
11/4/07	YJA		Legal research; organize files; revise memoranda; attention to subpoenas; general trial preparation	7.80 hrs  $195	$1,521.00
11/4/07	YJP		Office conference with YJA; review deposition transcripts; prepare examination outlines; trial preparation	8.00 hrs  $275	$2,200.00
11/17/07	EP		Index files and label binders	.   .25 hrs $175	$43.75
11/25/07	YJA		Conference with YJP and attend deposition of Jack Sparrow	8.00 hrs  $195	$1,560.00
11/25/07	YJP		Attend deposition of Jack Sparrow	9.50 hrs $275	2,612.50
11/30/07	OSP		Review email correspondence	0.20 hrs  $450	90.00
For professional services rendered				33.75	$8,027.25
Additional Charges
11/14/2007			Copying 200 pages @  .25		$50.00
11/17/2007			Research cost – Lexis		$120.00
Total of this bill					$8,197.25

Time Keeper Summary
Name		Hours	Rate	Amount
Experienced Paralegal [EP]		0.25	$175.00	$43.75
Old Senior Partner [OSP]		0.20	$450.00	$90.00
Young Junior Associate [YJA]		15.80	$195.00	$3,081.00
Young Junior Partner [YJP]		17.50	$275.00	4,812.50