If you're familiar with the concept of
software-as-a-service, consider this lawyering-as-a-service.
The Glover Law Firm in Minneapolis has launched a new practice aimed at serving tech startups, with a billing model inspired by the flat-rate, tiered pricing associated with many web applications.
"We're trying to build a firm that feels similar to the types of businesses we hope to represent," says owner/founder Sam Glover.
Clients choose from one of
four service plans that range from $150 to $1,200 per month and include document preparation, annual reviews, and weekly, monthly or quarterly check-ins.
It sounds simple, and that's what makes it such a departure for the legal industry. Since the 1960s, law firms have almost universally charged clients based on "
billable hours." Attorneys tally up every six-minute increment of work they do for a client and add it to their tab.
But that system, says Glover, rewards inefficiency and encourages clients to put off asking questions, even though a quick answer might help prevent bigger problems down the line. Glover's model allows an entrepreneur to call with a question without worrying about a new bill.
"It's great for the clients because they know how much they're going to pay next month," says Glover. "It's great for us because we know the money that's coming in next month."
Glover started his law firm in 2005 focusing on business and consumer protection law. He and business partner Aaron Street started signing up clients for the startup practice last month at
startuplawyer.mn.
Source: Sam Glover, The Glover Law Firm, LLC
Writer:
Dan Haugen