How Much Do Solicitors Charge for a Phone Call

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Legal advice is often time-based, and many clients are unsure how charges work when speaking to a solicitor on the phone. Whether you’re asking a quick question, seeking reassurance about your case, or arranging next steps, it’s important to understand when and how these calls might be billed.

This article explains how solicitors charge for phone calls, what affects the cost, and how you can manage communication effectively to keep fees transparent.

Do Solicitors Charge for Phone Calls

In most cases, yes. Solicitors often charge for their time, and phone calls are part of that. Every minute a solicitor spends discussing your matter, providing advice, or reviewing details contributes to the total cost of their service.

However, whether you are charged depends on the nature of the call. A quick introductory conversation to discuss your situation or provide a quote is usually free. Once you have formally instructed the solicitor to act on your behalf, any advice or updates given during phone calls are normally billable as part of the overall case work.

How Solicitors Calculate Phone Call Charges

Solicitors typically charge by the hour, and the cost of a phone call is calculated based on the duration and the solicitor’s hourly rate.

Average hourly rates vary depending on experience and location:

• Junior solicitors or paralegals: £120 to £180 per hour.

• Experienced solicitors: £200 to £300 per hour.

• Specialist or senior partners: £300 to £500 per hour.

If a phone call lasts 15 minutes, for example, you would be charged one quarter of the hourly rate. That means a 15-minute call at £200 per hour would cost £50 plus VAT.

Most firms record the time spent on calls in six-minute increments (known as billing units). This means that even a short call might be billed at the minimum time unit, depending on the firm’s policy.

When You Might Not Be Charged

There are some circumstances where phone calls are not billed separately:

• Initial consultations: Many solicitors offer a free first call or meeting to discuss your situation.

• Routine updates: Some firms include short progress updates in their overall fee.

• Fixed-fee services: If you’ve agreed a fixed fee for a service, phone communication related to that work is often included.

• No win, no fee arrangements: Under conditional fee agreements, calls are not charged individually, as payment is only due if the case succeeds.

Always check with your solicitor how communication is billed before instructing them. Transparency upfront prevents confusion or unexpected charges later.

Why Solicitors Charge for Calls

Phone calls often involve more than just conversation. Solicitors may need to:

• Review your file before calling.

• Take notes during or after the discussion.

• Update documents, records, or case plans based on the conversation.

• Advise you on next steps or legal risks.

Each of these tasks takes time and professional judgment, which is why calls are treated as part of the overall work being done on your behalf.

How to Keep Costs Manageable

Good communication with your solicitor doesn’t have to become costly. There are several ways to stay informed while managing expenses effectively:

1. Plan your questions. Write down what you need to ask before calling to keep discussions focused.

2. Use email for quick updates. Some queries can be resolved faster in writing.

3. Ask for time estimates. Before scheduling longer calls, request an estimate of how much time will be billed.

4. Combine topics. If you have several small questions, cover them in one call rather than multiple short ones.

5. Set communication preferences. Agree with your solicitor how often you’d like to receive updates to avoid unnecessary check-ins.

These habits can help you stay in control of both your time and your budget.

Fixed-Fee vs Hourly Billing

Some legal services, such as conveyancing, wills, or lasting powers of attorney, are offered on a fixed-fee basis. In these cases, all communication, including phone calls, is typically included in the agreed price.

Hourly billing, by contrast, applies more often to complex or open-ended matters such as disputes, employment issues, or family law cases. Under this model, every call, letter, and meeting contributes to the final bill.

If you’re unsure how your solicitor charges, ask for a clear written breakdown before work begins.

Transparency and Client Communication

All solicitors in the UK are required by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to be transparent about pricing and billing practices. This means they must explain how their fees are structured and how communication time is calculated.

You should receive a client care letter or terms of engagement at the start of your instruction. This document outlines:

• The solicitor’s hourly rate or fixed fee.

• How time spent on calls, emails, and letters is recorded.

• When invoices will be issued.

Review this information carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear. A good solicitor will always prioritise clarity and fairness in billing.

When It’s Worth Paying for a Call

While the idea of being charged for every call might feel daunting, there are times when a short phone discussion can save far more in the long run. A 15-minute call could prevent a misunderstanding, clarify your position, or help you make a faster decision—all of which can reduce delays or costly mistakes later in your case.

A well-timed conversation with your solicitor is often more efficient than exchanging lengthy emails, particularly when complex issues need immediate clarification.

Expert Advice from Lillian Purge

1. Clarify billing early. Always ask how calls are charged before instructing a solicitor.

2. Use time efficiently. Prepare your questions in advance to keep discussions concise.

3. Review documentation. Read your engagement letter carefully for details about call charges.

4. Don’t avoid communication. Keeping in touch prevents errors and improves case outcomes.

5. Seek transparency. Choose solicitors who explain their pricing clearly and offer fair updates.

Solicitors charge for their professional time because every discussion contributes to managing your case properly. Understanding how these charges work allows you to budget confidently and maintain a productive, transparent relationship with your solicitor.

For related costs, read how much do solicitors charge for probate and how much does a solicitor letter cost. More advice at our Solicitors Hub.