Yep, inflation hits us too. Keeping a good paralegal and secretary, billing software, internet, bar dues, CLE fees, trust accounts, rent for office space, buying and maintaining computers, scanners, printers (which usually refuse to work for no reason whatsoever), don't even get me started on fees charged by Lexis and Westlaw... Costs are up across the board.
I can't speak for your guys, but a quick phonecall or email shouldn't cost more than a few tenths of an hour. One thing that a lot of people miss is that the email or call may be short, but it might take us the better part of an hour to research the answer to a seemingly simple question. I feel pretty bad sometimes for sending a decently big bill for what was effectively a "yes" or "no" question, but I'd rather make sure I'm right rather then shoot from the hip. I try to make up for it in other ways when I can.
That said, some lawyers check their watch every half hour or so and say something to the effect of "
yeah, that's about 45 minutes on the [xxxx] deal, let's round that up." I use digital timers which, if anything, loses me money.
At least we're not as bad as doctors: we can actually tell you what our rates are
before getting started.
