Learn what does TC with client mean for lawyers in legal practice and why it is so important to log communications accurately.
If you’ve ever been confused by the abbreviation “TC” when reading a lawyer’s notes or reviewing legal communication logs, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Legal jargon and abbreviations can often seem like a different language. As someone who’s worked in the legal industry and had to explain these terms to clients, I can assure you that understanding them can save both time and headaches.
In this article, we will delve into what “TC with client” really entails for attorneys in practice and why it’s so important. Whether you’re a law student, a new attorney, or an inquisitive client, this guide should give one a better understanding of what “TC” is and where it fits in the legal world.
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What does TC mean legally?
First things first: “TC” in legal terminology, of course, stands for the words “telephone call.” It is a code that any lawyer or law firm will use to denote that he or they have had a phone call with their client. You will perceive this as “TC with client” in many billing records, communication logs, and case notes.
For instance, suppose that an attorney spent 30 minutes on the phone with a client discussing the next steps in a matter. The conversation could be recorded in the case management system of that firm as:
TC with client – 30 minutes-discussed litigation strategy.
That’s because it’s a pretty easy way to track time spent on the phone, which is usually billable. It’s also good documentation for important conversations that may later need to be recalled.
Why do lawyers use abbreviations like “TC”?
One practical reason why abbreviations like “TC” have been employed by a lawyer is efficiency. Lawyers happen to be very busy people who must attend to more than one case at a time. Using abbreviations such as “TC” saves time for them since they could jot down all the important details without having to invest too much time writing out long descriptions.
When I first started working at the law firm, I drove myself crazy memorizing the innumerable different abbreviations used in everyday practice. Once I got the hang of it, I did in fact realize how much time these abbreviations save. Time, as they say, is money, and when it quite literally translates to that in a profession, every second counts.
How Lawyers Log Client Communications
Now that we know what “TC” stands for, let’s talk about how lawyers document communications with clients, including telephone calls. The significance of proper documentation in communication with clients demonstrates a number of the key reasons for doing so:
Legal Billing Abbreviations: Common Shorthands
“TC” is not the only such abbreviation that will be found in a lawyer’s notes or billing records. Here are a few others:
These abbreviations are a kind of lawyer shorthand that lighten the record without sacrificing clarity. And let me tell you, after years of usage, they become second nature.
Example of an Attorney Communication Log
The following is a fictional example of the daily communication log a lawyer may maintain, to give you an idea:
| Date | Time Spent | Communication Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/01/2024 | 0.5 hours | TC with client | Discussed settlement options |
| 10/02/2024 | 1 hour | MTG with opposing counsel | Negotiated terms of settlement |
| 10/03/2024 | 0.25 hours | EM to client | Sent draft of settlement agreement for review |
| 10/04/2024 | 0.75 hours | TC with client | Client had questions about agreement terms |
As will be observed, each communication is documented by time spent, type of communication, and with a note about what was discussed. This helps not only with the billing but also the lawyer can refer back, if needed, with ease regarding past communications.
Why Accurate Communication Logs Matter
Accurate logs of communication are of great importance for lawyers and clients alike. Now, let me give a quick story from early days in the practice of law.
One of the first cases I worked on involved a senior attorney who was a real stickler for making a note of every single communication with the client. It was searched in minute detail at the time, but I will never forget the day it saved us from trouble.
A client once complained that he was not informed of a critical update in his matter. Luckily, we had a well-detailed logging of a “TC with client” where all the explanations concerning the update had been given by the lawyer. That log became important evidence in resolving the issue and avoiding a potential complaint.
This story illustrates that the lawyer must maintain a record of detailed communication, and it is not only for billing purposes but also to protect both the attorney and the client against misunderstandings.
How do lawyers document the phone calls with the client?
The recording of client communications, particularly phone calls, can be a rather sensitive topic within the legal community. Although “TC” itself does indeed stand for “telephone call,” it is very important to note here that, typically, attorneys do not record telephone conversations without the express consent of the client.
Instead, they put that call in writing. Lawyers will often make a note in their client’s file of every telephone call and a summary of the discussion. This written account of the discussion serves for further reference in the case at hand regarding follow-up actions and decisions.
For example, following a telephone conversation one lawyer may write to the other:
“TC with client-discussed next steps relative to deposition preparation. Client agreed that necessary documents would be provided by the end of the week.
This type of documentation ensures there is no confusion as to what was discussed and what needs to be done.
Ethical Considerations in Attorney-Client Communication
Hence, lawyers must at all times be bound by the duty of confidentiality towards their clients. This means that communications between a lawyer and their client-pertaining to, but not limited to, TCs, emails, or personal meetings-must be kept private. The only exceptions are if the client allows such disclosure to other persons or where it is so required by law.
Apart from confidentiality, there are also obligations with regard to keeping clients reasonably informed about their cases. What this means is that if the lawyer has a telephone call with opposing counsel, or receives new information about the case, that must be imparted promptly to the client, often by way of a “TC with client.”
What does TC mean in legal billing?
Whenever you see “TC with client” on a legal bill, that is notation for the amount of time the lawyer spent on the phone with the client. Most law firms bill in minimum increments of 0.1 hours, or 6 minutes, which means even a very short telephone call will show up on the bill.
For example, suppose a lawyer has a 12-minute call with a client, and the entry on her bill reads:
“10/12/2024 – TC with client – 0.2 hours – discussed case update.”
Because lawyers are in the business of tracking time, it’s pretty easy for them to generate extremely detailed bills that itemize how much time was spent on particular aspects of the representation, right down to specific blocks of time dedicated to telephone calls.
How do law firms track the calls made regarding each client?
Law firms use a variety of tools to track client communications, from aggregating telephone calls to using case management software sophisticated enough to allow their lawyers to log phone calls once it happens. Others rely on more traditional methods, like handwritten notes or spreadsheets.
I’ve used both methods personally, and as much as there is something inherently satisfying about jotting down notes by hand, it simply can’t compare to the efficiency of modern software. In a couple of mouse clicks, I have logged an event of “TC with client”, added my notes, and tracked my billable time in one place. This also minimizes the possibility of things getting lost.
Other Common Legal Abbreviations
As I mentioned earlier, “TC” is only one of a myriad abbreviations you will find in a lawyer’s notes. Here are a few others that are commonly used:
Familiarization with all these abbreviations will assist the law student, the new attorney, and the client in more easily reading legal documents or logs of communication.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is TC in the practice of law?
TC will stand for “telephone call,” to document communications between lawyers and clients.
Q: What does TC mean in billing?
In legal billing, “TC” stands for the time spent on telephoning with a client-usually all billable.
Q: Do attorneys record their telephone conversations with clients?
Generally, lawyers do not record the calls without consent, but attorneys generally chalk down everything regarding the call in writing.
Q: How do law firms keep track of communications with clients?
Law firms keep track of communications in case management software, handwritten notes, or spreadsheets.
Final Thoughts: The Centrality of Clear Communication in Law
Everything in the legal profession revolves around clarity and articulation. Be it instructing a solicitor with a simple “TC with the client” or sending and receiving emails related to every minute detail, each little piece of communication plays an important role in managing the case and serving the best interest of a client.
And if you’re a client, do not be afraid to have your lawyer explain the “TC’s” when you see them pop up on your bill or in your case notes. If you are a new lawyer or law student, take the time now to learn those terms. Soon enough they will be second nature, and they will drastically help make your practice more efficient.
