Library Collection

Seriously! Everyone practicing law needs to read this book. I think there would be far fewer unhappy attorneys. The idea of abandoning the billable hour is absolutely radical to some, but every argument she’s making makes sense. The clients I have suggested it to appreciate the transparency, and I save so much time and feel much less irritated about doing tasks knowing that I will be compensated for them. I don’t have to argue with clients about bills after they go out which ruins my entire day and eats up time I can’t bill. No more forgetting to track time then seriously underestimating the time I spent. She writes in a clear, conversational yet authoritative tone that’s easy to follow and an absolute breeze to read.

I just finished reading this book and I’ve learned a great deal on how to start charging flat fees instead of the traditional hourly fee. I am most excited about not having to send a bill at the end of the month and receive a call from a disgruntled client. For attorneys who wish to switch to a flat fee method or if you are an attorney and want a better understanding on charging flat fees, this book is a must read!

I want to say a big THANK YOU to Brita Long and this group for helping me have confidence in setting my patent registration flat fees this past week and not lowballing them just because I’m new to patent practice. I kept all your posts and comments about value, overall experience, and personal goals in mind and then uses the AIPLA survey to see what the range of fees patent attorney charge is (they break it down into quarterlies and a few percentages) and decided where I felt the right place for my fees was in that range – NOT the lowest part! I may not be the most efficient patent attorney yet, but I know I will give good value from the beginning based on how my non-patent practice has gone.

A huge case settled and OC is finally outta my hair about it. Also booked my plane ticket to Hawaii. Trip wouldn’t have been possible without Brita Long and her showing me how I can live a happier attorney life.

I purchased this to help me make my practice more efficient, whether or not I intended to fully implement flat fee billing. The book is an excellent read – concise, practical, useful and straightforward. As an attorney we know what we should do often but don’t take the steps to do it. This book has a very straightforward frank tone from one attorney to another on how to improve your practice. The mechanics for how to implement flat fee billing are provided in a concise straightforward, and practical way, that provides a useful outline without lots of unnecessary reading. It was a short read but has re-inspired me with regard to the practice of law. In addition, there are many other useful tips relating to efficiency that are not strictly related to flat fee billing. I am starting out my week re-inspired this week and it is already going better after I just finished this book. Highly recommend.

I finished it, and it was so life changing I bought a copy for a friend! Finish it