UTBMS Code L250 — Other Pre-Trial Motions
Preparation and argument of motions not classified elsewhere, including motions in limine, venue motions, joinder motions, and other procedural motions that do not rise to dispositive motion status.
schedule When This Code Is Used
When the legal team files or responds to non-dispositive procedural motions, including motions in limine, motions to transfer venue, motions for joinder or severance, and similar procedural matters throughout the pre-trial phase.
warning Common Billing Violations
Using L250 as a catch-all dumping ground for miscellaneous time that does not fit neatly under other codes
Billing excessive hours for routine procedural motions that are well-established in the jurisdiction
Filing unnecessary motions to generate billable hours rather than for strategic benefit
Lack of specificity about which particular motion is being prepared under L250 entries
timer Typical Hours
Simple procedural motion: 5-15 hours. Motion in limine: 10-30 hours. Complex venue or joinder motion: 20-60 hours.
flag Red Flags to Watch For
L250 hours exceeding L240 hours, suggesting miscoding or unnecessary procedural motion practice
Vague L250 entries without identifying the specific motion being prepared
A pattern of frequent L250 billing that does not correspond to motions actually filed on the docket
High hours on L250 when the court docket shows no pending procedural motions
check_circle Best Practices for Review
Require that L250 entries specify exactly which motion is being prepared and the strategic justification
Cross-reference L250 entries with the court docket to verify that billed motions were actually filed
Set a per-motion budget for routine procedural motions based on complexity
Challenge firms that use L250 for more than 10% of total pre-trial billing
link Related Codes
analytics Key Statistics
The average complex commercial case generates 8-12 pre-trial motions, with each motion costing $15,000-$50,000 in attorney fees
Source: RAND Institute for Civil Justice, 2024
Meet-and-confer resolution of discovery disputes costs 70-85% less than formal motion practice on the same issues
Source: ACC Litigation Cost Benchmark Study, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
What does UTBMS code L250 cover for other pre-trial motions? expand_more
UTBMS code L250 covers non-dispositive pre-trial motions including motions in limine, motions to compel, motions for protective orders, Daubert motions, and other procedural motions filed before trial. This is a catch-all code for motion practice outside L220 and L240.
How do you control costs for L250 miscellaneous motions? expand_more
Set per-motion budget expectations based on complexity. Require advance notice before filing any motion under L250, particularly discovery-related motions that could alternatively be resolved through meet-and-confer. Compare motion costs against historical benchmarks for similar matter types.
What billing issues arise under UTBMS code L250? expand_more
Common issues include firms filing excessive motions to generate billable hours, using L250 as a catch-all for work that should be coded to more specific phases, billing partner rates for routine procedural motions, and lack of cost-benefit analysis before pursuing marginal motions.