Methodology
KPC Legal Audit Services Inc. has developed procedures and standards which allow for an efficient and complete analysis of legal billings. These procedures incorporate individual review, with an understanding of applicable legal guidelines. In order to perform a legal audit, a complete computer-assisted analysis is performed. We have developed a customized legal audit database, which allows more effective consideration of certain issues. The audit includes analysis of all charges for fees and costs and preparation of an opinion that includes relevant schedules illustrating the efficiency or inefficiency with which legal services were performed. Since each audit is unique and fact situation different, a customized approach to each audit is required. Depending on the client’s requirements, this may include a review of invoices on a line-by-line basis to determine if overstaffing, excessive conferencing, multiple billing for single events, or other general efficiency issues exist.
Each discrete service event is broken out of the billings on an individual basis to determine the amount of attorney hours expended with regard to that event. Judgment is applied to isolate individual events from “block billing” when utilized. An opinion regarding the reasonable charge for each isolated event can be rendered based upon the billing description presented and review of the files and work product of the involved law firms. With regard to costs, items may be reviewed to determine if sufficient documentation exists and is assessed for reasonableness.
KPC Legal Audit Services Inc. has created and customized an audit database using a combination of Microsoft Access and Excel features to allow for detailed analysis of legal fees and costs and compilation of relevant information. Our assistant auditors analyze invoice information and work with our auditors to manage data and prepare queries and reports. This detailed breakdown of billing statements allows for scrutiny on a variety of levels dealing with issues relevant to each matter. At the completion of each audit, the team prepares customized reports, including narrative information and relevant schedules for written testimony, as requested. If necessary, attorneys are available to provide expert testimony.
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