Alan Schlesinger debates “The Billable Hour” at the Boston Bar Association
On March 17, 2010, Alan Schlesinger and Lori Yarvis participated in a lively “Debate on the Billable Hour” at the Boston Bar Association. The program was sponsored by the Solo and Small Firm Section of the Boston Bar Association, which is co-chaired by Lori.
Participants in the debate discussed the future of the billable hour which since the 1970’s has been the primary billing method for law firms. In an interactive and lively debate, the participants recognized that attorneys and clients need to continually review and revise traditional law firm billing models, and attorneys need to reflect client needs and circumstances in their billing practices.
In addition to billing by the hour, the participants discussed other current models including flat fee arrangements and hybrid approaches. Debate notwithstanding, the participants agreed that the key to client satisfaction is careful consideration of the client’s needs and goals in light of the scope of services and the context in which they are provided. There also seemed to be consensus among the participants that while a flat rate may be appropriate in certain cases, there is no one model that is appropriate for every client.