Is it normal for a lawyer to charge a client if the client talks to the receptionist?

Many times in a small law office employees have multiple roles. This may include imparting to clients minor standard legal advice with the approval of the attorney which is nevertheless valuable to the client.. This person may serve as both receptionist and as a paralegal. In this situation it is appropriate to be billed for this advice if the so called receptionist is acting additionally as a paralegal in giving legal advice. This is a benefit to you as the attorney could have taken the phone call and billed you at a higher hourly rate. Attorneys are encouraged by the bankruptcy courts to employ paralegals for this purpose in order to reduce the cost both to the Debtor and the bankruptcy estate.