UTBMS Code L240 — Dispositive Motions
Drafting and arguing motions for summary judgment, motions for judgment on the pleadings, and other motions that could resolve all or part of the case without trial. These are high-stakes filings that can determine case outcomes.
schedule When This Code Is Used
When the legal team believes the case or specific claims can be resolved through dispositive motion practice, typically after discovery is substantially complete. This includes both offensive motions and oppositions to the other side's dispositive motions.
warning Common Billing Violations
Double-billing legal research under both L120 (Analysis/Strategy) and L240, paying twice for research that naturally evolved from analysis into a motion
Billing significant hours to L240 in cases where summary judgment is clearly premature or unlikely to succeed
Over-staffing summary judgment briefing with four or more attorneys when two would suffice
Charging for extensive factual summaries in the motion that restate work already performed under discovery codes
timer Typical Hours
Standard summary judgment motion (moving party): 80-150 hours. Opposition: 60-120 hours. Partial summary judgment: 40-80 hours.
flag Red Flags to Watch For
L240 hours exceeding 200 hours for a motion on a single straightforward legal issue
L240 entries appearing before discovery is substantially complete, unless the motion addresses purely legal issues
Research hours under L240 that duplicate research previously billed under L120
Multiple senior partners billing for drafting the same motion brief
check_circle Best Practices for Review
Require a motion budget before work begins, with separate line items for research, drafting, and revision
Flag L240 entries that appear before discovery is substantially complete unless pre-approved
Cross-reference L240 research against earlier L120 billing to identify potential overlap
Set expectations for revision cycles: typically one associate draft, two rounds of partner review
link Related Codes
analytics Key Statistics
Dispositive motions represent 15-25% of total pre-trial litigation spend and are the most cost-intensive motion category
Source: Thomson Reuters Legal Department Benchmarking Report, 2024
Summary judgment motions are granted in full in approximately 30% of cases and partially in another 20%
Source: Federal Judicial Center Empirical Research, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What does UTBMS code L240 cover for dispositive motions? expand_more
UTBMS code L240 covers preparation, filing, and arguing dispositive motions including motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, and motions for judgment on the pleadings. These are case-determinative motions that can resolve some or all claims before trial.
How many hours should a summary judgment motion take under L240? expand_more
Simple summary judgment motions typically take 40-80 hours. Complex motions with extensive factual records may reach 100-250 hours. Costs should reflect the scope of issues addressed and volume of supporting evidence. Multiple motions in the same case should share common research.
What are red flags for overbilling on dispositive motions under L240? expand_more
Watch for duplicative research already performed under L120, excessive revision cycles beyond two partner reviews, research on well-settled legal standards that should be within the firm's expertise, and significant L240 billing continuing after the motion has been fully briefed and submitted.