FAIR billing policy
Flexible | Adjustable | Interactive | Reasonable
we value transparency
We are upfront about our billing practices. IB Law Firm's fee arrangements and billing rates give our clients a competitive edge in the dispute resolution process.
- FlexibleF
Hourly rate
for representation in disputes
Advantages
Your attorney will bill by the minute using special software. Each task will be itemized on the billing statement and list the applicable rate and the time spent on the task.
Disadvantages
As in any dispute, it is hard to predict the duration of the services, so there is no guarantee of the total amount. However, your attorney will ask for your authorization if she expects a substantial expense or number of hours.
Your attorney will bill by the minute using special software. Each task will be itemized on the billing statement and list the applicable rate and the time spent on the task.
Disadvantages
As in any dispute, it is hard to predict the duration of the services, so there is no guarantee of the total amount. However, your attorney will ask for your authorization if she expects a substantial expense or number of hours.
Flat (fixed) rate
for limited scope services
Advantages
The rate is fixed and includes all agreed-upon services. Here are examples of possible flat-rate services:
o Case assessment.
o Document review, depending on the document's complexity and length.
o Consultation with a follow-up opinion letter, depending on the complexity of the issues.
o Opinion letter or report for another attorney or professional.
o Limited research of specific issues.
Disadvantages
This arrangement is for limited services only. It means that the attorney will not be able to go outside the scope of services. However, if the client does not plan to increase the scope of services, this arrangement will fit best.
The rate is fixed and includes all agreed-upon services. Here are examples of possible flat-rate services:
o Case assessment.
o Document review, depending on the document's complexity and length.
o Consultation with a follow-up opinion letter, depending on the complexity of the issues.
o Opinion letter or report for another attorney or professional.
o Limited research of specific issues.
Disadvantages
This arrangement is for limited services only. It means that the attorney will not be able to go outside the scope of services. However, if the client does not plan to increase the scope of services, this arrangement will fit best.
Mixed arrangement
didn't find the arrangement that fits you? We will customize it for you.
Advantages
Each client's situation is special. We will customize our arrangements to your finances to the extent we can. There may be payment plans, contingency, or financing.
Disadvantages
While we try our best to adjust to your needs, we cannot guarantee that we can take every incoming case because our resources are also limited.
Each client's situation is special. We will customize our arrangements to your finances to the extent we can. There may be payment plans, contingency, or financing.
Disadvantages
While we try our best to adjust to your needs, we cannot guarantee that we can take every incoming case because our resources are also limited.
- AdjustableA
Things we do not bill for
If the task is clerical (such as arranging files or filing), it is NOT BILLED.
Tasks we bill for
We bill only for tasks that are directly related to a specific client's matter. This includes:
- preparations and participation in conferences, calls, meetings, and hearings
- correspondence, emails, letters, and communication in the course of representation
- factual investigations, review of documents, including legal research and writing
- other tasks related to the representation of the client.
We apply the prevalent task's rate
In complex tasks, the prevalent task rate should apply. For example, if a conversation with the opposing counsel was mostly about your matter, but at the end included a scheduling discussion, then the attorney's rate will apply. However, if the conversation was mostly about filings and scheduling, and a little about the dispute itself, then a paralegal's rate will apply.
All costs and expenses are Pass-Through
Costs and expenses (such as court reporter fees, postage, or filing fees) are passed-through without any additional administrative fees.
- InteractiveI
Available for client's review and discussion
we are happy to discuss our billing at any time
We are available to discuss the billing at any time. We will provide all the billing information. Moreover, you will have an online portal where you can access all the invoices, payment history, and pay the bills online.
Substantial increases in costs and hours are discussed in advance
no one likes surprise bills. Neither do we.
If we expect a substantial increase in billed hours, we will first discuss it with you. For example, we will discuss a decision to file substantive motions not only in terms of case strategy but also in terms of financial burden.
Any substantial cost of more than $10,000 will first be discussed with the client. If the client cannot be reached, and the cost is urgent, then the attorney may, in his or her reasonable judgment, incur the expense. However, the attorney will inform the client about the incurred expense as soon as possible.
Any substantial cost of more than $10,000 will first be discussed with the client. If the client cannot be reached, and the cost is urgent, then the attorney may, in his or her reasonable judgment, incur the expense. However, the attorney will inform the client about the incurred expense as soon as possible.
Have a question? Let's discuss.
quick and amicable
We will discuss any disagreements about billings. If our discussion is unfruitful, we will ask to arbitrate or mediate the fee dispute, according to the Engagement Agreement's arbitration provision.
- ReasonableR
No double billing!
Time spent on a task can be billed only once. Yet, if several attorneys (and/or paralegals) are involved in the task, each of them can bill at the respective rate.
Only necessary for the task attorney or paralegal can bill
When two or more attorneys or non-attorneys are involved in a task (for example, two attorneys appearing at a hearing), then the only necessary attorneys for the task can bill (attorneys who are expected to argue at the hearing). However, a bigger task can be divided by several persons into smaller tasks. For example, a paralegal can come to a hearing to assist with filings, papers, and other tasks.
Combining tasks where possible
Where possible, the attorney will minimize fees by combining tasks (for example, reviewing the papers in preparation for the hearing on the ride to the court). However, this policy will not be prioritized over the quality of services. If multi-tasking affects the quality of services, the attorney will keep the tasks separate.
Assigning simpler tasks to the non-billing or lower-rate staff
Where possible, your attorney will assign simpler tasks to non-attorneys, other staff, or a vendor, but balancing this with the efficiency and quality of services. Where filing, copying, investigation, or the like tasks can be done more efficiently by a vendor, those tasks will be assigned to the vendor.
Using AI Responsibly
Attorneys and paralegals may use AI tools, according to IB Law Firm's Privacy, Confidentiality and AI policies, to minimize billable hours. Please read our policies here.
300 New Jersey Avenue NW, Suite 300, Washington, D.C. 20001
1 Embarcadero Center, Suite 1200, San Francisco, CA 94111
+1-202-725-0523
+1-415-237-3938
connect@iblawfirm.com
1 Embarcadero Center, Suite 1200, San Francisco, CA 94111
+1-202-725-0523
+1-415-237-3938
connect@iblawfirm.com