How to Use This LNC Invoice Calculator
Fill in your rates, then enter the time (in minutes) you spent on each service type for the case. The invoice builds in real time. Each service is automatically rounded up to the nearest billing increment — 6 minutes by default, matching law-firm standard.
- Consulting rate — applied to records review, report writing, research, and attorney conferences.
- Deposition / Trial rate — typically higher, applied to expert-witness testimony. Enable the deposition or trial section and enter actual time; the calculator enforces your stated minimum (standard: 4-hr deposition, 8-hr trial).
- Rush surcharge — a percentage added on top of the consulting subtotal for expedited work.
- Retainer — enter any retainer already received; it's subtracted to show the net balance due.
- Travel — toggle travel on to add billable travel time (at a percentage of your base rate) and mileage at the IRS 2026 standard rate of $0.725/mile.
When done, hit Print / Save PDF for a clean one-page invoice, or Copy CSV to paste the line items into your own spreadsheet or billing software.
Why a Separate Tool for LNC Invoices?
Generic hourly-rate calculators don't capture the complexity of an LNC case invoice: multiple service types at different rates, testimony minimums, retainer accounting, and IRS-rate mileage all on one document. Most LNCs track this in personal Excel sheets or hand-type invoices, creating room for math errors and missed minimums. This calculator captures the whole workflow in one page.
Billing Increment Reference
The legal industry standard is the 6-minute increment (one-tenth of an hour). Every partial unit rounds up:
- 1–6 minutes → 0.1 hr
- 7–12 minutes → 0.2 hr
- 13–18 minutes → 0.3 hr
- 19–24 minutes → 0.4 hr
- 25–30 minutes → 0.5 hr, and so on.
Some LNCs prefer 15-minute increments; a few bill whole hours. Choose your preference in the "Billing Increment" selector — the calculator applies it consistently across all service lines.
Deposition & Trial Minimums Explained
Most experienced independent LNCs specify a 4-hour minimum for deposition testimony and an 8-hour minimum for trial testimony in their fee agreements. Even if a deposition runs only 45 minutes, the billed amount is 4 hours × the deposition rate. This protects against half-days and last-minute cancellations. The minimums in this calculator are editable defaults — override them to match your own fee agreement.
Travel & Mileage
Travel time is commonly billed at the LNC's full consulting rate, though some practitioners charge 50%. Mileage defaults to $0.725/mile, the IRS 2026 business standard mileage rate (IRS Notice 2026-10), which is the most-cited benchmark for professional reimbursement. You can override both the travel-time percentage and the per-mile rate.
Retainer & Rush Fees
A retainer paid upfront is deducted from the gross invoice to show the net balance due. The rush surcharge (a percentage you set) is applied only to the consulting subtotal — testimony, mileage, and expenses are typically not subject to rush fees, but your fee agreement governs.
Professional Reference
The American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC) publishes practice standards and community rate benchmarks. The LNCC® certification it offers is the nationally recognized credential for independent LNCs. Billing practices described here reflect common industry conventions — your own fee agreement with each attorney client controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
What billing increment do legal nurse consultants use?
Most independent LNCs bill in 6-minute increments (tenths of an hour), the same standard used in law firms. Each 6 minutes equals 0.1 hour. A 22-minute task rounds up to 0.4 hours (24 minutes). Some LNCs use 15-minute increments — this calculator supports both, plus whole-hour billing.
Do LNCs charge a minimum for deposition testimony?
Yes. A 4-hour minimum for deposition testimony is standard industry practice for independent LNCs. Even if the deposition runs only 1 hour, the LNC bills for 4 hours at the deposition rate. Trial testimony typically carries an 8-hour (full-day) minimum. These minimums should be specified in your written fee agreement with the attorney before the case begins.
Should I charge a different rate for deposition vs. records review?
Yes. Most experienced LNCs use a tiered rate structure. Records review, chronology drafting, and report writing are billed at a base consulting rate. Deposition and trial testimony are expert-witness services and command a higher rate — often 25–75% above the base consulting rate. This calculator supports separate rates for each service type.
How does a retainer work on an LNC invoice?
A retainer is an upfront deposit paid before work begins, typically sized to cover a defined number of hours. On the invoice, the retainer is subtracted from the gross total. This calculator shows the gross billed amount, the retainer offset as a line item, and the net balance due — making it easy to send a clear, professional invoice.
How do LNCs bill for travel and mileage?
Travel time is typically billed at the LNC's standard consulting rate (or a reduced rate — practices vary). Mileage is commonly reimbursed at the IRS standard business mileage rate — $0.725 per mile for 2026 (IRS Notice 2026-10). Parking and tolls may also be added separately. This calculator defaults to the 2026 IRS rate but lets you adjust it freely.
What is the AALNC and why does it matter for LNC billing?
The American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants (AALNC) is the primary professional organization for LNCs. It offers the LNCC® certification, publishes practice standards, and provides community benchmarks for fee schedules. LNCs with LNCC® certification can typically command higher consulting and expert-witness rates. See aalnc.org.
Disclaimer: This tool produces estimates for planning and invoicing guidance only. It is not legal, tax, or professional billing advice. Verify all rates, minimums, and terms with your own attorney fee agreement and consult a qualified professional for compliance questions.