Lawyers “Billable Hour” Challenged by Clients

For years, lawyers relied on the system of billing their clients by the hour for their services. However, given the recent downturn of the economy and disgruntled clients claiming that their lawyer dragged their cases on, instead of resolving them, to get a heftier paycheck, many are calling for a change. Clients have begun to put pressure on their lawyers and ask that they charge a flat fee and change their entire business model.

Not all clients who have made this request have been successful, but experts are recommending that those clients who may find themselves in a financial bind, discuss alternatives with their lawyer, who may too, be in a financial bind. Many people charge for the individual meetings, the court dates and an allotment for the amount of time spent preparing for the case. However, exorbitant prices for “services rendered” will no longer be accepted. For more information, talk to your lawyer today!