UTBMS Code E103 — Word Processing
Charges for word processing services, including overtime word processing charges, outsourced typing services, and document formatting performed by dedicated word processing staff.
schedule When This Code Is Used
When the law firm incurs charges for word processing beyond normal business hours or uses outsourced word processing services for document preparation, formatting, and production.
warning Common Billing Violations
Billing for standard word processing that should be included in the firm's overhead and not separately charged to clients
Charging overtime word processing premiums that result from the firm's poor time management rather than client urgency
Billing word processing charges for formatting changes that attorneys should handle themselves
Passing through outsourced word processing at premium rates when in-house staff could have handled the work
timer Typical Hours
N/A (expense item). Range: $50-$300 for routine formatting, $200-$1,000 for complex document production.
flag Red Flags to Watch For
Word processing charges appearing on invoices for matters that produce few documents
Overtime word processing charges without evidence of client-driven urgency
Regular word processing charges that suggest the firm is billing overhead as a disbursement
Word processing charges that duplicate attorney drafting time already billed under A103
check_circle Best Practices for Review
Establish that standard business-hours word processing is included in the firm's overhead
Require prior approval for overtime word processing charges and evidence of client-driven urgency
Cap word processing charges at a per-page or per-hour rate reflective of actual cost
Reject word processing charges for work that the attorney could reasonably perform
link Related Codes
analytics Key Statistics
92% of corporate legal departments classify word processing as non-reimbursable overhead in their outside counsel guidelines
Source: ACC Legal Operations Survey, 2024
Firms that still bill for word processing charge an average of $30-$60 per hour, representing a significant hidden cost center
Source: Wolters Kluwer Legal Market Insights, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What does UTBMS expense code E103 cover? expand_more
UTBMS expense code E103 covers Word Processing charges for secretarial and word processing services used in document preparation. Most modern outside counsel guidelines classify word processing as overhead included in hourly rates and prohibit separate charges.
Should word processing be a separately billable expense under E103? expand_more
No. The vast majority of corporate legal departments consider word processing a standard overhead cost included in attorney hourly rates. Charging separately for word processing is an outdated practice that most billing guidelines now explicitly prohibit as a non-reimbursable overhead expense.
How do you handle legacy word processing charges under E103? expand_more
Include an explicit prohibition on word processing charges in your outside counsel guidelines. Auto-reject any invoice line items coded to E103. If a firm persists in billing word processing, discuss updating their billing practices to reflect modern industry standards.