More in-house counsel are reviewing their outside counsel’s legal bills, and they’re not liking what they’re seeing.

In the old days, you may have just taken a cursory glance and signed off on lengthy billing statements. But with the economy in an extended slump, corporate counsel are going through billing statements with a fine-toothed comb and disputing some charges – both extravagant and not-so-extravagant, reports ABA Journal.

Here are five things you may want to pay special attention to when reviewing your outside counsel’s bill:

Remember, just because your outside counsel provides you with an excessive bill does not mean that you necessarily have to pay it. Ask them to explain questionable bills and to cut excessive expenses. They may cut costs accordingly, if they value your long-term relationship.

Related Resources:

  • Bank of America Seeks to Lower Legal Fees with Questionable Plan (FindLaw’s In House)
  • Top 5 Reasons Outside Counsel Are Fired (FindLaw’s In House)
  • Apple Sets the Bar for the $1,200 an Hour Patent Lawyer (FindLaw’s In House)

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