UTBMS Code E112 — Travel Expenses
Transportation, lodging, and incidental travel expenses incurred by attorneys and staff in connection with the matter, including airfare, hotel, ground transportation, parking, and car rental.
schedule When This Code Is Used
When attorneys or staff need to travel for depositions, hearings, trial, client meetings, site inspections, or other matter-related activities that require physical presence at a remote location.
warning Common Billing Violations
Booking first-class or business-class flights when the engagement letter specifies coach travel
Staying at luxury hotels ($500+/night) when mid-range accommodations are available and appropriate
Billing for travel that could have been avoided through video conferencing, particularly for routine meetings
Charging premium ground transportation (car services, limos) when taxis or rideshare would suffice
timer Typical Hours
N/A (expense item). Range: $200-$800 domestic airfare, $100-$300/night hotel, $50-$200 ground transportation per day. Per trip: $500-$3,000.
flag Red Flags to Watch For
First-class or business-class airfare without prior client authorization
Hotel rates exceeding GSA per diem for the relevant city
Multiple attorneys traveling to the same destination for an event that requires only one
Travel expenses for meetings that could have been conducted by video conference
check_circle Best Practices for Review
Require travel pre-approval for any trip exceeding $1,000 in total cost
Specify travel class, hotel budget, and meal per diem in the engagement letter
Benchmark travel expenses against GSA per diem rates for the relevant city
Require justification for in-person attendance versus video conference for each trip
link Related Codes
analytics Key Statistics
Travel expenses represent 8-15% of total legal disbursements and are the largest non-fee cost category for litigation matters
Source: ACC Legal Operations Survey, 2024
Remote hearings and depositions have reduced litigation travel costs by 25-40% since 2020, with most jurisdictions maintaining remote options
Source: CLOC State of the Industry Report, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
What does UTBMS expense code E112 cover? expand_more
UTBMS expense code E112 covers Travel Expenses including airfare, hotel, ground transportation, meals, and incidental costs incurred by outside counsel in connection with matter-related travel. It is one of the largest expense categories in litigation.
How do you control law firm travel expenses under E112? expand_more
Require pre-approval for all travel. Cap airfare at coach class, hotels at GSA per diem rates, and meals at $50-$75 per person per day. Prohibit first-class travel, luxury hotels, and alcohol. Require itemized receipts for all expenses and consider whether travel is truly necessary.
What billing rules should apply to travel time billed with E112 expenses? expand_more
Travel time should be billed at no more than 50% of standard hourly rates, or not billed at all. Prohibit billing for travel time when the attorney performs billable work during transit. Require advance travel budgets and challenge travel to proceedings that could be attended remotely.