Current Professional Fee Structure
As discussed on our Pricing Options page, we offer clients a variety of options — hourly, flat fee, quarterly retainer, contingent fee, and hybrid — for how we charge for our services. For hourly-billing arrangements, we use a tiered-billing system that offers discounts to clients based on whether they were referred by a trusted source, the volume of legal fees, the length of the relationship, the number of matters for which we have advised, and other factors. We use the tiered-billing system to maximize the number of clients we serve and also to help further our client service goals on our mission to provide unexpectedly great service from a law firm.
Our Tiered-Billing System
Standard Rates
All new clients begin with our Standard Rates. After we have concluded our first set of projects with a new client, we conduct an “after first project” review to discuss the client’s experience with the Firm and whether we can be of assistance on any additional matters. As part of the discussion, we also explore whether we can grow the business relationship such that a lower-priced billing tier is available. Our business strategy is to attract relationship-based clients that align with our culture and who value and are willing and able to pay for great service. Working with clients that agree with this approach to business helps us further our mission of providing great service experiences to as many clients as possible.
Preferred Rates
Our Preferred Rates, representing approximately a 10% discount from our Standard Rates, are offered to all potential new clients that have been referred to us by our clients or other trusted professionals. Over the years, we have learned that clients, who have been referred to us, have a greater chance of building the relationship-based engagements we seek. We also reward other clients, who were not referred but consistently retain us for additional matters by offering them this discounted rate tier after the initial engagement projects.
Premiere Rates
Our Premiere Rates, representing approximately a 20% discount from our Standard Rates, are offered to clients with whom we have developed a long-term relationship, as demonstrated by the number of matters we have handled for them and the volume of annual billing. Clients offered Premier Rates consistently exhibit our Client Satisfaction Factors.
Non-Profit Rates
Our Pro Bono Rates, representing approximately a 30% from our Standard Rates, are offered exclusively to charities, 501(c)(3) entities, and other mission-oriented businesses that align with our values and with whom we wish to do business. Not all charities, 501(c)(3) entities, and other mission-oriented businesses will be offered this special tier of rate structure.
How Clients Achieve Discounted Rates
Changing a rate tier begins with a win-win relationship for the Firm and client.
See our Engaging With Us page for more details on how we manage client relationships and how those relationships affect the tiered-billing system and rate structure offered to clients.
