UTBMS Code E102 — Outside Printing/Reproduction
Charges for printing and reproduction services performed by outside vendors, including large-format printing, binding, exhibit boards, and professional reproduction services that exceed in-house capabilities.
schedule When This Code Is Used
When the law firm uses external print shops or reproduction vendors for large print jobs, trial exhibit boards, bound copies of briefs, or other specialized printing needs.
warning Common Billing Violations
Marking up outside vendor invoices by 15-25% rather than passing through at cost
Using premium print vendors without obtaining competitive quotes when the engagement letter requires it
Billing for rush print services when better planning would have allowed standard turnaround
Charging for printing that could have been done in-house at lower cost
timer Typical Hours
N/A (expense item). Range: $100-$1,000 for bound briefs, $500-$5,000 for trial exhibit boards, $1,000-$20,000 for large productions.
flag Red Flags to Watch For
Outside printing charges that appear to include a markup over the vendor's actual invoice
Rush charges that were avoidable with better planning
Premium vendor pricing without evidence that competitive quotes were obtained
Repeated outside printing charges for documents that could be printed in-house
check_circle Best Practices for Review
Require that outside printing be passed through at vendor cost with no markup
Establish that vendor invoices must be attached as backup documentation
Require competitive quotes for outside printing exceeding a threshold amount (e.g., $500)
Mandate that rush charges require prior client approval
link Related Codes
analytics Key Statistics
Outside printing and reproduction costs have declined 45% over the past decade as courts and parties increasingly accept electronic submissions
Source: CLOC State of the Industry Report, 2024
Trial exhibit preparation and printing costs average $5,000-$25,000 per trial, varying based on exhibit volume and presentation format
Source: ACC Litigation Cost Benchmark Study, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What does UTBMS expense code E102 cover? expand_more
UTBMS expense code E102 covers Outside Printing and Reproduction services including commercial printing, large-format printing, binding, and specialized reproduction services obtained from external vendors. These costs should be passed through at actual cost.
When is outside printing justified under E102? expand_more
Outside printing under E102 is justified for trial exhibits, hearing binders, large-volume document production, and specialized formats the firm cannot produce in-house. Routine document printing should use in-house equipment under E101 rather than expensive external vendors.
What controls should apply to outside printing charges under E102? expand_more
Require advance approval for outside printing exceeding $500. Mandate competitive bids for large print jobs. Prohibit markups on vendor charges and require pass-through at actual cost with supporting invoices. Challenge outside printing for documents available electronically.