Times They Are A Changin'

The American Bar Association reported today in two separate articles that a group of lawyers is starting a "virtual law firm," while law firm giant Holland & Knight is now offering discounted fees coupled with "success fees" if the firm wins their cases. The "virtual law firm" will employ lawyers who work at home, saving on overhead and costing clients less in legal fees. According to the firm founder, Craig Johnson, the typical large law firm business model, which includes high associate salaries, prestigious offices and billing rates as high as $800 an hour, is “a situation that can’t continue.”

The action taken by Holland & Knight seems to support this hypothesis. "The days of partners 50 and older playing golf on Wednesdays are long gone," said Steven Sonberg, H&K's new managing partner. The two articles reflect a common reality: clients are demanding that the legal profession lower fees and develop innovative approaches to the practice of law, including billing arrangements, in order to remain profitable.

The sophisticated, internet savvy, clients of today no longer care about or want the mahogany lined walls and luxurious trappings associated with traditional "big box" law firms. What clients want are results at a lower price. The only way to accomplish that objective is for the legal profession to engage in a fundamental shift in the way that legal services are delivered to clients. It is refreshing to see that other lawyers and law firms are beginning to recognize this fact, and adapt to the "next generation" approach to the practice of law.