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December 18, 2008
Don't compete on price, especially now.
If a client comes to your firm for price, it will leave your firm for price.
Value, not price alone, is the point. You're in a services profession, so value will be conferred on and experienced differently by different clients in different engagements. It's all in the work--i.e., first rate legal products mixed with real client service for every client you serve--and the billing.
It's case by case. It's very hard, and it takes thought.
But no matter how your firm bills--hourly, "value", flat or a combination--don't lower the price for your firm's services, especially for new clients or to attract work.
Don't lower rates. Don't change anything. If a new client (especially via an in-house lawyer, but we doubt you'll see that happen) demands a "discount" these days, it is likely both unsophisticated and a pain in the ass; refer it to that firm down the street you just never liked.
Posted by JD Hull at December 18, 2008 11:59 PM