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Tradition of Hourly Fees Ending as Lawyers Try to Improve Their Image

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Classification:Billable Hours
 
Date Published:03/20/1994
 
Title:Tradition of Hourly Fees Ending as Lawyers Try to Improve Their Image
 
Source:Atlanta Journal and Constitution/Shelley Emling
 
Summary:

Billing system disputes appear to be one of the casualties to transform their image from blood-sucking ambulance chasers to cost-cutting professionals with community consciences.
Emphasis on value in the 1990's is leading the way for attorneys to agree beforehand on a fair price for a project.
Competition from other attorneys is also a factor in billing since attorney numbers are growing---12,000 from 10,000 since 1989 in the Atlanta metro area.
Attorneys say that the end of billable hours has meant greater emphasis on quality work. Others are taking it a step further and being more aggressive in helping people instead of focusing on the monetary bottom-line. 1 page

 

[Revised: 07-28-2006]