the agency's everyday expenses

Mine does not

Nor mine.

Still, some legitimate agencies do, or pass the cost to you by asking for six copies ready for submission up front.
Are you asking because you're trying to vet an agent?

At the conference I attended, this question was asked to a panel and the consensus seemed to be that photocopying is an expense that is completely legitimate to charge for. However, several agents said that although it is acceptable, they do not agree with it.

Karen

If they take you on they'll never charge you because they'll be worried about upsetting you. Before you're taken on, I can't imagine they'd charge you either.

No charge for me.

Tri

A former agent of mine used to ask me to provide x number of copies of a manuscript she intended to shop. Occasionally she used my FedEx number (with my permission) to overnight materials when that seemed appropriate. She was a fine agent and sold tons of books for me so I never thought anything of it and she never profited from the expense reimbursement.

My current agent has never asked for a dime in reimbursement or for me to provide copies or anything like that, and she was shocked when I said she could use my FedEx number to ship some overnight materials to editors -- and refused. She is also a fine agent who has sold books for me.

I wouldn't necessarily let a thing like photocopying expenses stop you from signing an otherwise acceptable contract with a legitimate agency. If it would make you (and your lawyer) feel better, have the clause revised -- it could say something like "author will provide copies as requested or reimburse agency expenses for same at the rate of $x per page" and you could also include something like "expenses above $50 must be approved by author first."

It's great to have a lawyer look over the contract -- wish more writers did -- but if he's not a literary lawyer accustomed to the standards of the business, he may unnecessarily do you out of a deal.

FWIW,
Jennifer Lawler

No charges for me.