Every consumer of legal services knows that billable hours can add up fast.  Savvy consumers figure out ways to keep billable hours low while still getting the most out of their attorneys.  Here are three tips to get you started down the path of the savvy legal consumer: 

1. Plan-out the conversation with your lawyer before your meeting.  When you are paying by the minute, it is important to optimize your time.  Don't be afraid to make a list of the questions that you want to address when you see your attorney; in fact, making a mapping out your questions (and the conversation) can help keep you focused and efficient.

2. Respond to document requests as precisely as possible.  If your attorney asks for your 2015 tax returns, don't send the file that has your taxes from 2007-2016.  Not only is this confusing, but bigger files take longer to download and longer to scroll through.  Those extra minutes can really add up!

3. Don't demand an attorney's time when a paralegal can do the job more efficiently.  Most paralegals are highly skilled professionals, and yet some legal consumers don't respect a paralegal's place within a firm.  Lower billable rates do no mean less quality service; save your money where you can.