Flat-Fee Legal Services vs. Hourly Billing: What’s Best for Business Owners?
Hiring a lawyer shouldn’t feel like signing a blank check. Yet for many business owners, that’s exactly how hourly billing feels. Every phone call, every email, every quick question — it all adds up. And too often, that means avoiding legal advice until it’s too late.
At Liermo Law, we believe there’s a better way: flat-fee legal services and predictable subscription counsel.
The Hourly Billing Model
For decades, the legal industry has billed by the hour.
Pros:
You only pay for the time spent.
Works well for unpredictable, complex litigation.
Cons:
Hard to budget — bills can vary wildly from month to month.
Creates a barrier to communication (clients avoid calling to “save money”).
No incentive for efficiency.
The Flat-Fee Model
Flat-fee pricing means you pay one transparent price for a defined service.
Pros:
Cost certainty — you know the price before we begin.
Aligns with business budgets and cash flow.
Encourages communication — no fear of the “ticking clock.”
Focuses on outcomes, not hours.
Cons:
May not fit highly unpredictable, open-ended cases.
Scope needs to be clearly defined up front.
Why Business Owners Prefer Flat-Fee & Subscription Counsel
Businesses run on predictability. Knowing your legal costs in advance lets you:
Plan your budget with confidence.
Call your attorney when issues arise (instead of waiting until they become crises).
Build an ongoing relationship with your lawyer — like having in-house counsel without the overhead.
That’s why Liermo Law offers both:
Flat-fee legal projects for one-time needs (contracts, entity formation, employment agreements).
Month-to-month subscriptions for continuous outside general counsel.
Which Is Best for Your Business?
If you have specific projects, flat-fee pricing is often the most efficient choice.
If you want ongoing support, a subscription plan gives you proactive guidance and predictable monthly costs.
For complex litigation or highly unpredictable disputes, hourly billing may still apply (but we’ll always discuss this before any work begins).
Final Thoughts
Your business deserves legal support that’s both high-quality and predictable. Flat-fee and subscription models allow you to get answers when you need them — without worrying about surprise invoices.
At Liermo Law, we’re redefining how business owners work with attorneys. Clear pricing. Flexible options. Counsel that feels like an extension of your team.