Monthly Fixed-Fee Retainer Program

Proper Defense’s monthly fixed-fee retainer program makes our clients happy, but not our competitors. Most law firms bill by the hour because “that is how it has always been done” or “it is simply impossible to gauge the amount of work necessary.” We call BS on that. Most law firms just don’t want to put the time into figuring out how they can offer their services on a flat fee or monthly fixed-fee retainer program and still be profitable.

It’s a good thing we aren’t like most other law firms.

Our Desire to Offer Our Clients Budget Certainty is What Motivated Us to Create a Monthly Fixed-Fee Retainer Program

Many businesses forgo legal services entirely due to the cost and unpredictability of the legal bill. These businesses are afraid to pick up the phone because as soon as they do the meter starts running. They are afraid to ask for simple things, like an employee handbook, or some form contracts, because they may get a bill that is thousands of dollars. These same businesses only hire a lawyer when they have to which can be catastrophic financially. Research has shown that the cost to fix a basic legal issue can be 20 times costlier than being proactive and addressing the issue early on.

Our Monthly Fixed-Fee Retainer Program allows businesses to budget for their legal costs in advance. In addition, we have found that having a set monthly fee for specific legal services greatly reduces disputes with our clients over legal fees and costs. Our clients that utilize this program use our services more frequently than those that hire us on an hourly basis, develop stronger relationships with us than our hourly clients and save money on the amount of fees they would have spent if they had worked on an hourly basis.

We Share the Risk With Our Clients

One of the greatest benefits of our monthly fixed-fee retainer program is that the client is no longer the only one taking the risk of how long the legal project is going to take. Traditional law firms will tell you “however long the project takes is what you pay.” This puts all the risk on the client. Our monthly fixed-fee retainer program is our way of sharing in that risk with you. If we quote you a monthly price and down the line we figure out that it is not profitable for us, that is our problem, not yours.

How It Works

In order to come to an agreement that is mutually beneficial, we will talk with you in detail in order to fully understand your legal needs and what your expectations are. The factors we consider are:

How complex are the legal issues?
Is litigation involved?
What knowledge and skills are required?
Can some of the work be performed by a paralegal or law clerk?
What are your expectations?
What is at stake?
What risks are there? For both you and us.
Is the project document intensive?
How urgent is the matter?

If we feel that we can meet your needs and expectations we will put together a proposal and provide you with a price. The monthly price we give you will reflect the value we believe we are bringing to the table for your business. If during the course of your contract with us your legal needs change, we can simply re-evaluate your needs and come up with a modified arrangement. If your business grows and you require increased legal services, we will accommodate you.

If you agree to our price then we will have you execute a formal price agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long are the contracts?

You can choose either a 12-month, 24-month or 36-month contract.

2. Do you offer discounts?

Yes. If you sign a 24-month contract we will subtract 10% from the monthly fee. If you sign a 36-month contract we will subtract 20% from the monthly fee.

3. Do you require a large down payment?

No. In order for us to begin performing legal services for you, the first payment must be made. We do not require you to pre-pay several months up front.

4. What if I need more legal services than we initially agreed upon?

Then we can amend the contract accordingly.

5. What if I need less legal services than we initially agreed upon?

You are still obligated to pay the monthly rate each month for the duration of the contract whether you use the legal services or not. Remember, the initial quote was provided with the expectancy that the services would be provided over the course of the contract.

6. If I don’t use my allocated legal services one month, can I roll it over to the next month?

Absolutely. However, the services you purchased must be used before the contract expires.

7. Will you raise your rates?

Not during the term of your contract. However, our rates may go up over time and we cannot guarantee that the monthly rate for a new contract will be the same as a previous contract.

8. Is litigation covered?

It could be if we discussed that option up front. The costs of litigation are very difficult to anticipate. However, we have considerable experience pricing out these matters and feel confident we could come to an agreement that is mutually beneficial.

9. How does this save me money?

Let’s do the math. Let’s say we agree that you will require 5 hours per month on the phone and 5 hours per month of legal research. If you were to pay for these services on an hourly basis, they would cost you $2,000 per month (our hourly rates are $200 per hour for most matters). If you were to purchase a package of 10 hours per month of legal services the monthly rate would be $1,500. If you signed a 24-month contract the monthly rate would be $1,350. If you signed a 36-month contract the monthly rate would be $1,200. Try finding another law firm with our experience and skill set that will provide your business with ten hours of time per month for $1,200.

10. How much do your packages cost?

Each client has different needs and expectations. As a result, we do not attempt to pigeon hole your needs and expectations into a pre-packaged plan. However, our lowest monthly plan is $250 per month and our most complex plan (for large businesses with a variety of legal needs) is $10,000. The average business plan is between $1,000 and $2,000 per month.

Call or e-mail us now for more information about our monthly fixed-fee retainer program.

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(424) 284-4066 - Beverly Hills

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