Attorneys traditionally charge for legal services by the hour. However, hourly billing has disadvantages to both the attorney and the client. From the client’s perspective, being charged by the hour means that the client does not know in advance how much the attorney’s services will cost. The client does not receive a bill until after the services are performed by the attorney. It is only then that the client learns how much he or she must pay.

Hourly billing can create suspicion on the part of the client that the lawyer spent more time than necessary on a particular task. It seems counterintuitive  - the longer it takes the lawyer to do something, the more the lawyer is paid.

There are alternatives to hourly billing
One of the most common alternatives to hourly billing is the flat fee. For example, my office charges flat fees for bankruptcy filings and uncontested divorces. This means that you pay one flat fee for handling your case from start to finish. However, keep in mind that the flat fee generally applies only when the case proceeds as planned. For instance, if an uncontested divorce becomes contested, then the flat fee would no longer apply.

Phase Fee Billing
Phase billing arrangements are another type of alternative billing that my office offers. Very few attorneys are using this method of billing. However, it provides advantages to both the attorney and the client. Essentially, a set fee is established for each phase of a case. Generally, this type of arrangement is used in civil litigation. For example, a fee is established for each of the following phases of a case:

1.Drafting and filing a complaint
2.Document discovery
3.Depositions
4.Motions
5.Trial

The fee for each phase is paid prior to commencement of that phase. Under this arrangement, the client knows in advance how much the litigation will cost. Further, because work is not charged by the hour,  the client can freely communicate with the attorney without worrying about the cost of each phone call or email.

My office also offers phase fee billing for representation in contested divorce cases.

Alternative billing provides incentive for the attorney to work efficiently, as opposed to hourly billing where more time equals higher fees.

Please call my office if you would like to know if your case can be handled on an alternative fee arrangement.

Alternative Billing