What is block billing and why is it wrong?

“Block billing” is when an attorney provides no description or an inadequate description of the work performed.  For example, the attorney might have an entry on the invoice that states “case work” or “reviewed email”.    Such billing entries are insufficient, because they do not inform the client of either the nature of the legal services performed, the source and nature of the communication, nor why the work was reasonably necessary.  

When an attorney block bills, the attorney may face difficulties in seeking to recover legal fees based on either contract or quantum meruit.

A proper invoice from an attorney should be in a format that is clear and should be reasonably particular regarding the nature and the necessity of the legal services performed.

Comments are closed.

Articles
Article by Stewart A. Sutton featured in the Maryland Bar Journal:
Emotional Distress Damages - Recoverable in Legal Malpractice Actions
Contact Stewart Sutton

Receive Complimentary Case Consultation

To contact us simply complete this form or contact us using the information provided below.

[contact-form 404 "Not Found"]

Law Office of Stewart Andrew Sutton, LLC
8 Executive Park Court
Germantown, Maryland 20874
Telephone: 301-916-5000
Fax: 301-916-1201
E-Mail: stewart@stewartsutton.com

  • Insurer v. Defense Attorney in Legal Malpractice September 3, 2010
    It's not often that one sees an insurer v. defense attorney legal malpractice case, but this one seems to have very big damages. […]
  • Pa. Jury Awards $1.8 Million in Legal Malpractice Suit September 3, 2010
    A Philadelphia jury has awarded nearly $1.8 million in a legal malpractice case in which the plaintiff alleged her attorney failed to plead all of the relevant theories in her medical malpractice case, leading to the necessity of settling her case for $1 million, despite having received a $2.5 million verdict. […]
  • The Defense of Legal Malpractice Cases - Including Your Own September 2, 2010
    The story you have requested is available only to premium access subscribers. Premium subscribers have access to every news story, decision and special report we publish, including a complete one-year searchable archive and exclusive e-mail news alerts. […]
  • Motions to Dismiss and Legal Malpractice September 2, 2010
    The relationship between a motion to dismiss [CPLR 3211]. a request to amend the pleadings, and dismissal on the merits is wrought with both emotion yet is based upon logic. […]
  • Michigan Medical and Legal Professionals Turn to Geoffrey Brown for Malpractice Appeals September 2, 2010
    As a distinguished member of Michigan law firm Collins, Einhorn, Farrell & Ulanoff, P.C., Geoffrey Brown focuses primarily on defense of medical and legal malpractice at the appellate level. […]