[WSBAPT] What is fair billing

[Diane J. Kiepe]

Hello to all of you out there,

I have recently been dong quite a bit more mediation courtroom work related to probate and trust disputes.  I’ve done more in my last 2 years then the 16 years that came before it combined.  Because we don’t “litigate” in the traditional sense of the word, I don’t have a paralegal that is available at the drop of the hat – currently 2 interns (new and very helpful to date) and 2 paralegals shared amongst 6.5 attorneys).  I find myself doing many tasks that I suspect some (if not most of you) have insiders to help with – I don’t mind doing the work and find it actually makes me much more prepared for the mediation or the court but I am concerned about billing.  I tend to put the entire time down in the description and then bill about one-half to two thirds tops.  My current rate is $410/hour and I work weekends, after hours and holidays as need for these matters – as we all do I’m sure.  My hourly rate is clearly disclosed in any engagement letter as well as costs in conflicts (and probates/trusts) generally cannot be even estimated as much of it depends on other side, what they do,  how long it takes to respond, continuances, etc. etc.  I do not mention I will discount my time usually – I just do it -

I wonder if any of you can help put my mind at ease with any good  pointers for this newbie (as to this world anyway 😉).


Diane J. Kiepe
Douglas Eden, P.S.
717 W. Sprague Ave., Suite 1500
Spokane, WA  99201
djkiepe at depdslaw.com<mailto:djkiepe at depdslaw.com>
509-455-5300

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