UTBMS Code A104 — Review/Analyze Documents
Reviewing and analyzing documents, correspondence, filings, and other materials for substantive legal content, risks, or action items. This is one of the most frequently used activity codes across all matter types.
schedule When This Code Is Used
When attorneys are reviewing incoming documents, analyzing filings from opposing counsel, assessing contracts for risk, or reviewing any materials that require legal judgment to evaluate.
warning Common Billing Violations
Using A104 as a default catch-all code for any time that does not have a clear activity classification, inflating review hours
Billing for 'review and analyze' without specifying what was reviewed or what the analysis yielded
Multiple attorneys reviewing the same document at senior rates without differentiated analytical tasks
Padding entries with generic 'review correspondence' for emails that took seconds to read
timer Typical Hours
Highly variable by document type: 0.1-0.5 hours per email/letter, 1-5 hours per brief/motion, 2-10 hours per contract.
flag Red Flags to Watch For
A104 representing more than 30% of total activity hours across the matter, suggesting catch-all usage
Vague entries like 'review and analyze file' without specifying the documents reviewed
Multiple senior attorneys billing A104 hours for the same incoming filing
Consistent daily A104 entries at the same hour count suggesting template billing rather than actual review
check_circle Best Practices for Review
Require that A104 entries specify the document reviewed and the purpose of the analysis
Set a maximum percentage of total billing attributable to A104 (typically 20-25%)
Establish that routine correspondence review is captured in minimum increments, not padded
Track A104 usage patterns by timekeeper to identify those using it as a default code
link Related Codes
analytics Key Statistics
Document review and analysis accounts for 20-30% of total billed hours across all litigation phases, not just discovery
Source: EDRM Survey on Discovery Costs, 2024
Senior attorneys review documents at rates 2-3x higher than contract attorneys for equivalent quality on routine review tasks
Source: ACC Legal Operations Survey, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
What does UTBMS activity code A104 cover? expand_more
UTBMS activity code A104 covers Review and Analyze Documents, including reviewing opposing party filings, analyzing contracts, reviewing correspondence, and examining evidence. It is distinct from document review for production purposes under L320.
How do you prevent overbilling on document review under A104? expand_more
Ensure A104 is not double-counted with L320 document production review. Set expectations for review rates based on document complexity. Require that routine document review be performed at associate or paralegal rates and challenge partner-level billing for standard review tasks.
What is the difference between A104 document review and L320? expand_more
A104 is an activity code for reviewing and analyzing documents as part of any litigation phase. L320 is a phase code specifically for document review and production during discovery. A matter might use both, but the same work should not be billed under both codes simultaneously.