@nishdayngesheft
“Lawyers charge in 6 minute increments. I believe that lawyers cannot charge at hour minimums.”
NO, some lawyers may charge in 6 minute increments.
We (Law Offices of CTL) bill in quarter hour increments. 68 minutes is billed as 1.25 hours, 67 minutes is billed as 1.0 hour. Lawyers are free to set minimums, but it must be spelled out in the letter of engagement that every client signs.
These rules may vary by jurisdiction, but hold in the 4 states where I am licensed.
I would not bear the expense of taking in a new client: initial interview, determination that there is no conflict of interest with the firm and/or clients, signing a representation/retainer agreement, printing and filing the paperwork, invoice and payment handling for less than an hour’s billing. However, if an existing client called and said I’m renting property X to a new tenant, please issue a lease for signature with the following information on it….I’d have a paralegal do it on existing templates at a charge of 1/4 hour.