How Much Do Solicitors Charge for a Phone Call

When dealing with a solicitor, clients often prefer phone calls because they allow for quick updates and the opportunity to ask questions directly. However, many people are unsure whether solicitors charge for phone calls and, if they do, how the cost is calculated. Understanding how solicitors bill their time for calls helps clients manage costs and avoid surprises on their final invoice.

How Solicitors Bill Their Time

Most solicitors in the UK charge either an hourly rate or a fixed fee, depending on the nature of the legal work. When working on an hourly basis, solicitors record all the time they spend on a case, including meetings, emails, document preparation and phone calls. Calls are therefore treated in the same way as any other professional service, as they require the solicitor’s time, attention and expertise. Even a short phone call may be billed, as it involves the solicitor considering the matter, giving advice and often making a note of the conversation for the file.

Charging Units and Minimum Time

Solicitors who charge hourly usually record time in units, often six minutes each. This means that if a phone call takes up to six minutes, it may be charged as one unit. A ten minute call may be charged as two units. This system is designed to keep billing consistent and manageable, although it can come as a surprise to clients who assume a quick phone call is too minor to be billed. Fixed fee arrangements, on the other hand, may include a certain amount of phone communication within the agreed price.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Calls

The cost of a solicitor’s phone call depends on their hourly rate, which varies according to location, experience and the type of work being carried out. A junior solicitor may charge £150 per hour, while a senior partner in a large city firm could charge £400 per hour or more. As a result, a six-minute call could cost anywhere between £15 and £40 depending on the solicitor’s rate. Clients should always ask for a clear breakdown of hourly rates before instructing a solicitor so they understand how calls and other communication will be billed.

How Clients Can Manage Costs

For clients concerned about costs, there are ways to manage how much they spend on phone calls with solicitors. Preparing questions in advance and combining them into one call rather than several short calls can reduce the total time billed. Some solicitors also offer cost estimates or caps, which give clients reassurance that charges will not exceed a certain amount. Being clear about preferred methods of communication at the start of the relationship also helps, as some matters may be more efficiently handled by email.

Why Phone Calls Are Chargeable

Although clients sometimes feel frustrated by charges for calls, it is important to remember that these are not casual conversations. When a solicitor takes a phone call, they must focus on the details of the case, give considered advice and ensure an accurate record is kept. This is part of the professional service they provide, and charging for the time spent ensures fairness both to the solicitor and to other clients.

Conclusion

Solicitors do charge for phone calls when they work on an hourly basis, as calls form part of the professional service they provide. The cost depends on the solicitor’s hourly rate and the length of the call, with charges usually calculated in six minute units. Clients can manage these costs by preparing in advance, consolidating questions and discussing fee structures early on. Clear communication with your solicitor about billing practices ensures there are no surprises later.