Why are you doing this? Lawyers love billable hours.
I don’t. I hate them…for the same reasons clients hate them. Billable hours provide an incentive for inefficiency. Consequently, the amount charged bears only a coincidental resemblance to the result obtained or the value received by the client. So, that’s the first answer: I’m doing it because I think it’s an initiative important to my clients. The second answer is that, by removing the fear of having the meter run with every phone call, I’m removing a significant barrier between my firm and my clients. Better communication means that we can be more valuable to our clients by: (1) stopping problems before they start; (2) spotting opportunities to provide valuable, pro-active advice; and (3) providing strategic suggestions and introductions simply because we are able to keep our finger on the pulse of our clients’ businesses. Love billable hours? Not really. What we love are solid, long-term client relationships.
What kind of phone calls and correspondence are covered under this Plan?
The EHP Plans cover all communications relating to general matters – meaning matters for which a specific case file has not been opened. This would include employment/HR questions, contractual interpretation questions, and inquiries relating to most every day-to-day business issue on which you’d like know the legal point of view. We open case-specific files when you ask us to file suit, defend you in a law suit, draft a contract, work on a specific transaction, etc. We’ll most likely have to work out a different fee arrangement for these. And don’t worry – we’ll tell you when we have to open a specific file, so you’re never left guessing as to whether certain communications are covered.
What are the payment arrangements?
Payments are processed automatically through ACH on the first of the month.
Do you accept alternate payment arrangements?
Yes. While we prefer ACH, we will accept a recurring credit card authorization to process monthly payments on the first of each month.
How do I sign up?
The short answer is: contact us by phone, fax or e-mail and we’ll walk you through it. During the process we’ll either meet with you or arrange a time for a telephone conference to discuss the program and answer your questions. We will also ask you to fill out an ACH authorization and provide information about your company if we don’t already have it (so we’ll be better able to put your questions in context). The Plan will take effect the first of the month following your registration.
Can I cancel at any time?
Yes. If you decide you no longer want to participate in the Plan, simply send us a note no later than the 20th of the month – e-mail, fax, or letter works (no need for certified mail or hand deliver unless you absolutely want to) – and the cancellation will go into effect at the end of the month. Cancellations received by the firm after the 20th of the month will not be effective until the end of the subsequent month.
Can I re-register after having cancelled?
Yes, after 6 months from the date of cancellation.
What goes into a contractual review?
Quite simply, we scour the contract and provide you with a report, in understandable letter form, which itemizes the areas of concern or possible renegotiation, as well as the deal-breaking, company-killing provisions that you should think long and hard before ever agreeing to. We provide you with suggested alternative language, as appropriate, and remove the legalese to explain all terms in bottom line language so you can make an informed business decision. If you’re signing a large contract, this service is invaluable.
What does the 5% billable hour discount on the Premium Plan apply to?
Everything. We apply the discount to every billable hour by every person in our firm on every matter on which you are paying us by the hour for as long as you’re on the Plan. No exceptions.
What if my company is registered in more than one state, will you perform a check on all states as part of your end-of-fiscal-year review?
Yes, WL will check up to 5 states to verify good standing and current, accurate information.
Do you correct any documents on file with the state as part of either Plan?
Yes. As part of the Plan, WL will correct administrative information, such as name and address of principal office and Resident Agent. As part of the Premium Plan, WL will also perform, free-of-charge, Board of Directors and Shareholders/Members’ Resolutions. We will prepare other, more substantive documents, such as revisions to a corporate charter, under a flat fee or other, separate billing arrangement.