Can Your Lawyer Charge You for Every Phone Call and Email?

One of the most common questions we hear from clients is, "Can my lawyer really charge me every time they send an email or answer the phone?"

The short answer is yes – lawyers can usually charge for phone calls, emails and other work completed on your matter. However, that doesn't mean every charge is automatically fair, reasonable or properly disclosed.

Understanding how lawyers bill for communication can help you identify whether your legal costs are consistent with the work performed or whether they deserve closer scrutiny.

Why Do Lawyers Charge for Emails and Phone Calls?

Lawyers generally charge for the time they spend working on your matter, not just the time they spend in court or drafting documents.

This often includes:

• Reading emails
• Drafting and sending emails
• Telephone calls with you
• Telephone calls with the other party
• Discussions with barristers or experts
• Reviewing correspondence
• Following up outstanding issues



If the work is necessary for progressing your matter, it may be appropriate for your lawyer to charge for that time.

How Is the Time Calculated?

Many law firms bill in six-minute units.

That means a task taking only a few minutes may still be recorded as one billing unit. Longer conversations or emails are generally charged according to the actual time spent.

• For example:
• A short phone call may be recorded as one six-minute unit.
• A 20-minute conference may be recorded as four billing units.
• A lengthy email requiring legal advice may take considerably longer than simply reading a message.



Every firm has its own billing practices, which should be explained in your costs agreement.

Does Every Email Result in a Charge?

Not necessarily.

Some emails may involve substantial legal work, while others require only a quick acknowledgement.

An email that provides detailed legal advice, analyses documents or prepares instructions may reasonably take significant time.

On the other hand, if your invoice contains dozens of very similar email entries with little explanation, it may be worth asking for further clarification.

The description on your invoice should help you understand the work that was actually performed.

What Should You Look Out For?

While charging for communication is normal, there are situations where the billing deserves a closer look.

Some common examples include:

• Numerous short emails charged separately throughout the same day.
• Multiple lawyers charging for the same phone call or meeting.
• Repeated file reviews immediately before or after each email.
• Vague descriptions such as "telephone attendance" or "attention to correspondence" without meaningful detail.
• Charges that appear excessive compared to the work completed.



These issues don't necessarily mean you've been overcharged, but they may justify asking questions or seeking an independent review.

Should Your Lawyer Explain These Charges?

Yes.

Your legal invoice should provide enough information for you to understand what work was completed and why you have been charged.

If you cannot tell what a phone call or email related to, or the descriptions are too vague to understand, you are entitled to ask your lawyer for clarification.

You should also ensure that the charges align with the costs agreement and any estimates that were provided throughout your matter.

What If the Communication Charges Seem Excessive?

If you believe you've been billed for an unreasonable number of emails or phone calls, don't ignore your concerns.

Start by reviewing:

• Your costs agreement.
• Your itemised bill.
• Any updated cost estimates.
• The descriptions recorded against each communication.



Sometimes the charges are entirely justified. In other cases, a detailed review may identify duplicate work, excessive time entries, unnecessary attendances or disclosure issues that affect the overall bill.

How Law in Check Helps

Lawyers can generally charge for the time they spend communicating with clients and progressing a legal matter. Emails and phone calls are often a legitimate part of legal work and are commonly included in legal invoices.

The important question isn't whether your lawyer charged for communication. It's whether the time charged was fair, reasonable, properly described and consistent with the work that was actually required.

If you've received a legal bill containing significant communication charges that don't seem to make sense, obtaining an independent review can help you better understand your invoice and whether there are grounds to challenge the costs.

At Law in Check, we regularly review legal invoices for individuals and businesses across Australia. If you're unsure whether the communication charges on your legal bill are reasonable, our team can help you understand your options and determine whether further action may be available.