How do you handle billing disputes? Already feel like we’re a steal compared to other firms, but it’s the pits when clients kvetch about the bill after working hard on their matters. For five figure disputes, anyone recommend collections? Don’t really want to institute retainers, especially since it doesn’t seem common for our practice area.

like
Posting as :
works at
You are currently posting as works at

What is your practice area?

A retainer doesn't have to be the whole amount up front, it can be a few grand that you bill against, and have them replenish anytime it drops below $1k.

like

We regularly require retainers for corporate work for new clients. We require replenishment for any ongoing client that is a slow pay.

Definitely get a retainer, at least $3-5k upfront. Or get their credit card on file

like

Can you try working out a payment plan? But yes, collections unfortunately.

Depends on collectabillity to me. 5 figures is worth pursuing if there's an easy seizure or garnishment. You don't want to throw good time (which is money) after the bad.

You already know where the bank account is located and there's money in the account. We all know those factors can change at any time and are out of our control. It's harder for an established business to simply change operating accounts versus an individual.

Send them to collections.

Related Posts

Best song to listen to as you walk in the office?

like

Best pizza delivery in Boston? I really like Picco. Upper Crust is trash. Regina is decent.

like

WFH/Layoff/Security
Hi,
CCTC including all benefits is 16.57 with 8.3 YOE, primarily focused on Manual Testing.
Is it worth looking for another opportunity?
I am afraid after seeing layoffs news of EPAM, Publicis Sapient & most of the other companies calling employees in the office.
I love my WFH in PwC India & base location of Kolkata. & the best thing is stability in PwC India, they never lay off!!

like

Fishes, how were the appraisals in general at Deutsche Bank for roles in Mumbai location? Understand that they got concluded only recently so it will be interesting to know. While it may vary from function to function but we will atleast got to know a ballpark figure. Also if you could add your designations, will be great.

like

What is a normal comp package for Google level 6 Cloud partner services?

like

Any systems Analyst or data engineers here that are open to have a quick private chat? (No, is not for referrals)

like

Fishes, any suggestions as to how to move into the VC role with a non-finance background (PS - exp. of working in founders office of a startup, management consulting in past and do understand corp. finance, financial statement analysis etc.)

like

I am interviewing at a startup ($50-100M revenue) for a VP role to lead a new line of business. What compensation package would you expect given the role and stage of the business?

like

How is Flipkart for Work life balance? I have ~5 years of exp and hold an offer of 32 + Stocks. Also the expectation is to know Java but during the interview process , there was no discussion of Java or any questions asked. Although the team has asked me to invest some time in learning Java but I’m skeptical about all of this as the position is Data Engineer II so not sure how the expectations will change. Even if I invest time in learning Java I can be at a beginner level.

like

Just found out my boyfriend of 3 months (talking stage was about 6 months before making it official) slept with his ex a couple times while we were talking. After we agreed to be exclusive. Without protection. I’m so crushed 😞

like

Hi everyone! My names Diana & as a new account manager I’m having a hard time building up my clientele, it seems a lot of companies aren’t up for as much contract work as there used to be. Any tips or companies you may know that would be good to go after? I work for a technical recruiting company and we specialize in contract (otherwise things would be a lot easier) please reach out!

like

Has anyone left consulting to go to Amazon? If so which level do you go from/to?

like

I have started exploring opportunities at Big tech and Fin Tech. My biggest challenge has been that all roles are individual contributors roles - looking at non product (bizops, BD, strategy etc.) ...

like

Gen questions for consultants who moved to MM PE, how is the work culture (cutthroat, competitive), stress (insane at closings), & ability to “unplug” on vaca/wknds at your firm?

like

Are corporate finance or pricing dead end ops?

like

Getting ready to do an audit of the latest and greatest in end-to-end influencer platforms. We currently use IZEA. It’s OK and gets the job done, but like any platform has pros and cons. What platforms are you all using, or would you recommend checking out.

like

I’m looking for feedback on PWC internal firm project roles, what is work life like?

like

Hello All, what is the difference in Data Scientist and ML engineer positions at Tiger Analytics. TIA.

like

Would anyone from MBB be interesting in have a 30 min discussion with me? I am looking to get a referral.

like

Single book recommendation for user research?

Goal is interview prep. Ideally focused on applications in tech.

like

Additional Posts in Small Law / Solos

Hi. I’m in need of advice and encouragement. I’m currently working as a public defender(2nd year) but I would love to pursue a solo private practice. I would like to leave the public defender because I am ready to make more money and I am no longer feeling the fulfillment I once felt. I have a family and work-life balance is a priority. What is a good way to gain experience in other areas of law as a solo practitioner? What areas of law are best for maintaining a work-life balance?

like

Does anyone run a business in addition to their firm? I’m a solo and I’m doing pretty well with about 60-70 billable hours a month. Though that leaves a lot of downtime. Curious if anyone has any second businesses that require about 20 hours a week. Not looking for passive income or franchise ideas though.

like

Recently I’ve been in the enviable position of receiving several job offers from other firms and attorneys. I am currently employed and very happy at my current firm. What is the best way to politely decline these offers, both those made via phone and email, without burning any bridges?

like

Young solo here w/ a question about fees: 1. A local solo criminal defense attorney has offered to pay me to go and make appearances before the Court on some of her cases to make announcements. (For example, “ready when reached”). I’m open to doing this and this attorney is asking what my fee would be? Does anyone have thoughts or opinions on what a reasonable fee would be to do something like this? Hourly? Flat Fee? 2. I want to ensure this is ethical. I don’t see an issue with this. Thoughts?

like

I believe improving one’s sales conversion rate is something everyone want to improve but no one wants to admit they would like to work it. Funny how lawyers will spend thousands on seminars to improve trial skills. But this topic is not discussed in our profession. I have read books in sales. But am unable to find any for lawyers. I want convert every lead I can. Does anyone have tips, books, cle’s or studied this topic?

like

Has anyone used a coaching service for their firm? If so, any recommendations?

like

Former client( filed a bar grievance that was dismissed, sent me a demand letter that an attorney responded to on my behalf, and filed a BBB complaint against my non-BBB law firm) has now pro se filed a lawsuit against me in small claims court. Alleging misrepresentation, failure to file a lawsuit, and failure to advise during the process. I have phone logs, emails, and billing notes (all of which she has) that show she’s lying. Should I notify my malpractice carrier? All advice appreciated!

like

A friend of mine and I are both starting our life firms from scratch. We both do two different areas of law. How can we help each other with referrals and networking? We live in an area that’s pretty geographically large in two different parts of town.

Hi all, I have been practicing for 5 years (admitted in NY & NJ) and recently went in house. I just started a side business of writing blog posts for firms or solo practitioners. DM for more info!

like

Solos - what does your day look like? Do you work traditional hours? Do you take breaks during the day for personal things such as errands and working out?

like

Which practice area has the most amount of room for creative problem-solving? (And enough $$)

like

JD/LLM in international and m&a Tax looking to leave corporate and start a firm in business/estate planning. If anyone has had success starting a firm in these areas please share any resources or insights. Thanks!

like

Best way to go about getting contract work for new solo/startup? Should I just ask around the area for people doing that type of work and see if they have anything?

like

Does anybody have a resource available for pricing and billing? I am 2 years out of law school, working as a corporate attorney, and wanting to go solo. Ideally, I will take my corporate client with me, but am working to build work on the side during the transition. Also, do you have any recommendations for document preparation? I would like to draft wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents, but would like a resource that has boilerplate provisions to utilize as a reference.

like

Advice for Of Counsel roles? I am of counsel at a firm where I can set my own rate and keep a percentage of collections, which varies slightly depending on whether the client is one I generated or not. I’m finding that a lot of my work is for firm clients where the lawyer negotiated a flat fee (and the hours worked are less, due to efficiency etc). What is the right way for me to be compensated in this scenario?

like

I'm entering my final year of law school but am going part time since I work full time as a paralegal. I have been a paralegal for more 10+ years and I want to open my own firm after I pass the bar.

I've worked at a lot of different size firms including a startup with a few attorneys and I was able to help with a lot of the ground work with getting the practice management system in place and still do some of that now at my current firm. Has anyone done this right out of law school? Any advice?

like

Has anyone does a course from New Law Business Model? If so, what did you think?

like

Does anybody have a good guide or resource they can point to in regards to show clients how to organize their documents for our firm? A lot of time is wasted here going through discovery documents we receive from clients because the docs are disorganized and not annotated - it just becomes a whole scavenger hunt and it’s eating into our time like crazy.

like

Bookkeeping service recommendations? Virtual service or through your CPA?

like

Has anyone received equity as contingency comp? I have a potential client with a founders dispute. He doesn’t have cash, and the other founder ripped him off and is now running the company. He wants to sue for equity and wants to pay me with whatever equity he wins. I’ve never done a deal like that. Is that even enforceable? CA law. The startup is actually quite promising.

like

New to Fishbowl?

Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
That was just a preview…
Sign Up to see all discussions
  • Discover what it’s like to work at companies from real professionals
  • Get candid advice from people in your field in a safe space
  • Chat and network with other professionals in your field
Sign up in seconds to unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.

Already a user?
Login here

Share

Embed this post

Copy and paste embed code on your site

Preview

Download the
Fishbowl app

See what’s happening in your industry
from the palm of your hand.

A phone with Fishbowl app

Scan your QR code to download
Fishbowl app on your mobile

Download app

Sign up for free to view this conversation on Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Already have an account? Log in

Sign up for free to continue using Fishbowl

By continuing you agree to Terms of Use(New) and Privacy Policy(New)
Messaging rates may apply

Already have an account? Log in

For account settings, visit Fishbowl on Desktop Browser or

General

Legal