Sometimes the need is one hearing, one conference, one week of coverage while lead counsel is in trial elsewhere. Appearance-level engagement exists — papered properly, briefed properly, and priced like the discrete task it is.
Preparation is real: even a status conference requires docket fluency, and the brief-in gets budgeted — courts notice counsel who appear uninformed, and so does your client's transcript. Scope is written: ad hoc means defined edges; the letter names the appearance, the authority granted, and where decisions revert to lead counsel. Ambiguity is the only expensive part of a small engagement.
Days are comfortable; hours have worked when dockets allowed — the honest answer depends on the brief-in required. Call before assuming either way.
Yes, with preparation time to own it credibly — courts and clients are both ill-served by a reader. The scope letter allocates that time explicitly.
Identically — a one-hearing appearance is still an appearance. Fast, because the practice is built lean, but never skipped.