In the case of Jamie Walker (2001), Master O’Hare directed that time spent checking an invoice, checking the file to ensure the invoice had not already been paid, checking that there are sufficient funds in the account, and preparing the appropriate cheque and letter, is non-fee earner work.
More recently, in the case of Connor Kirby (2013), Master Haworth ruled that the amount claimed for making electronic payments (such as by BACS) should be no more than 3 minutes by a Grade D fee earner. This includes any time spent by the Deputy authorising the payment.
In our experience, the Costs Officers are unlikely to allow any more than 3 minutes at Grade D for the payment of invoices, therefore we recommend delegating this work wherever possible.
Julie Fitzpatrick, Head of Private Client