UTBMS Code L440 — Other Trial Preparation
General trial preparation activities including exhibit compilation, trial technology setup, war room organization, and trial logistics coordination that do not fall under more specific trial preparation codes.
schedule When This Code Is Used
When the trial team is assembling exhibit binders, setting up trial technology, organizing the war room, coordinating trial logistics, and performing general preparation activities that support the overall trial effort.
warning Common Billing Violations
Billing attorney rates for exhibit binder assembly, war room setup, and other logistical tasks that paralegals or litigation support staff should handle
Using L440 as a catch-all for vague 'trial preparation' entries that lack specificity
Partners billing significant hours for trial logistics that do not require legal judgment
Inflating L440 hours in the final week before trial when scrutiny is typically lowest
timer Typical Hours
Standard trial logistics: 15-40 hours (largely paralegal). Exhibit compilation: 10-30 hours. Trial technology: 5-15 hours. War room setup: 5-10 hours.
flag Red Flags to Watch For
L440 entries billed primarily at attorney rates rather than paralegal rates
Vague entries like 'trial preparation' or 'prepare for trial' without specificity about what was prepared
L440 hours exceeding the combined hours of L410-L430 specific preparation codes
Partners billing 10+ hours to 'organize trial exhibits' or similar logistical tasks
check_circle Best Practices for Review
Require L440 entries to specify exactly what was prepared and whether the task requires legal judgment
Mandate that logistical trial preparation be billed at paralegal or litigation support rates
Set a clear boundary between L440 catch-all entries and specific preparation codes (L410-L430)
Establish that trial technology setup is a vendor or litigation support function, not attorney work
link Related Codes
analytics Key Statistics
Only 2-3% of federal civil cases proceed to trial, yet trial preparation costs are incurred in 15-20% of cases that eventually settle
Source: Federal Judicial Center, 2024
Trial support technology and logistics costs have increased 55% over the past five years as courtroom presentations become more sophisticated
Source: CLOC State of the Industry Report, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
What does UTBMS code L440 cover for trial preparation? expand_more
UTBMS code L440 covers other trial preparation activities not captured by L410-L430, including preparing exhibit binders, organizing trial technology, coordinating courtroom logistics, and developing trial presentation strategies. It is the catch-all code for trial readiness work.
How do you manage general trial preparation costs under L440? expand_more
Require a detailed trial preparation plan with budget allocations for each component. Mandate that logistics and exhibit organization be staffed at paralegal rates. Set benchmarks for trial technology setup costs and require competitive bids for trial support vendors.
What are red flags for overbilling on L440 trial preparation? expand_more
Red flags include partner-level billing for logistical trial preparation, excessive hours on exhibit organization that paralegals should handle, trial technology costs that seem disproportionate to trial complexity, and L440 billing continuing well after trial has started.