Former partner here who took time off for burnout recovery. Currently looking at easing back into it with a contract role at my prior mid-size national firm and am considering whether an hourly or project-based fee structure makes the most sense and what the going rates are in midwest metropolitan areas. Projects would largely include case/risk/settlement assessment and drafting memos to clients re: same. Any input would be greatly appreciated!

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I think it depends on how much control over your schedule you want. In my completely amateur assessment, it seems you would have more control over billing what you want/need if you went with an hourly structure. Project structure strikes me as something they will use to incentivize you to work as much as needed to get the project over the finish line. Projects also have a way of expanding in scope without necessarily expanding in compensation when there’s an agreed-upon flat fee.

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