Larke Nugus questions

PGGGGG

What is a reasonable cost of copying, let just say (because I can only guess) one large file of papers by a non-fee earner as opposed to an associate solicitor?
Anyone been charged or not been charged for the time it took the responding solicitor write the response letter?  
If charged for the copying and the solicitor's response - how much?  
To keep costs reasonable, is it entirely necessary for the solicitor to write a response ie couldn't they just provide the file.  
Do they have to provide the complete file if requested, as opposed to selected documents?

sassyblue

How long is a piece of string?
yes it’s cheaper for a non fee earner to photocopy a file of papers, how much have you been charged per copy? Find out how much it would cost locally and then decide if it’s extortionate. (I think my time was charged at £100 per hour if there was loads to do).
yes you are charged either per letter, or if the letter is long, preparation time too.
writing a covering letter is polite.
no they don’t have to provide the full file. Their own paperwork, memos and internal emails may not be included.

I used to hate clients picking apart our work in respect of costs, but then I worked for a decent solicitor who didn’t scam their clients, I respect this may not be the case for you though.  Always remember you have gone somewhere for professional legal advice. It’s not always cheap.