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What Does It Cost?
My compensation system is admittedly unusual. In short, I bill at $350 per hour
but do not require payment at this level. I request this compensation. Why do I
request a fee and then allow clients to select their own? Because I want my
clients to offer payment to the extent they are comfortable. My preference is
that my relationship with clients be founded in respect and appreciation.
What do clients end up contributing under this system? Around half of our
clients offer the rate I request. Others might contribute 90% or 75% of our my
request, or even on occasion, nothing. At times, clients provide in excess of my
request. In all, people offer at a level of their own choosing ($350 per hour,
$300 per hour, $250 per hour, etc). They do so because they believe my
services -- in saving them grief, time and money -- in deepening their
understanding of their own and another's needs -- significantly enhance the
quality of their lives. They either wish to contribute me, as I have contributed to
them, or wish to enable me to contribute to others in a similar fashion. My hope
is that they do so voluntarily, even happily.
Given the impersonal and often-harsh nature of the legal system, some find
this economic arrangement refreshing. Others however are somewhat
suspicious. They believe that I will somehow pressure them into offering at my
requested billable rate. While many attorneys (and others) may operate
through coercive means, I seek compensation motivated by appreciation and
value. I have found it simply unsatisfying to receive compensation arrived at by
shame or threat.
Many clients naturally wonder if I am independently wealthy or have some other
source of income. The answer is no. I have the same economic needs as
many others. I have a family, including children, and a Bay Area mortgage.
This is the way I make my living. I offer my services with the goal of contributing
significantly to the lives of my clients. I ask for compensation at a level
commensurate with the marketplace and that which I would like to earn. I hope
that clients will offer what we request, but the extent of the payment is
voluntary.
Please read the fine print on my fee structure for caveats and particulars.
but do not require payment at this level. I request this compensation. Why do I
request a fee and then allow clients to select their own? Because I want my
clients to offer payment to the extent they are comfortable. My preference is
that my relationship with clients be founded in respect and appreciation.
What do clients end up contributing under this system? Around half of our
clients offer the rate I request. Others might contribute 90% or 75% of our my
request, or even on occasion, nothing. At times, clients provide in excess of my
request. In all, people offer at a level of their own choosing ($350 per hour,
$300 per hour, $250 per hour, etc). They do so because they believe my
services -- in saving them grief, time and money -- in deepening their
understanding of their own and another's needs -- significantly enhance the
quality of their lives. They either wish to contribute me, as I have contributed to
them, or wish to enable me to contribute to others in a similar fashion. My hope
is that they do so voluntarily, even happily.
Given the impersonal and often-harsh nature of the legal system, some find
this economic arrangement refreshing. Others however are somewhat
suspicious. They believe that I will somehow pressure them into offering at my
requested billable rate. While many attorneys (and others) may operate
through coercive means, I seek compensation motivated by appreciation and
value. I have found it simply unsatisfying to receive compensation arrived at by
shame or threat.
Many clients naturally wonder if I am independently wealthy or have some other
source of income. The answer is no. I have the same economic needs as
many others. I have a family, including children, and a Bay Area mortgage.
This is the way I make my living. I offer my services with the goal of contributing
significantly to the lives of my clients. I ask for compensation at a level
commensurate with the marketplace and that which I would like to earn. I hope
that clients will offer what we request, but the extent of the payment is
voluntary.
Please read the fine print on my fee structure for caveats and particulars.
| Offices in San Francisco, Oakland and Walnut Creek 415.356.9834 |
| Resolving Conflict through Understanding |
Litigation is normally 5x to
20x the cost of Mediation.
This is because in
Litigation, each client
retains his/her own
attorney, who, instead of
working toward
resolution, typically first
uses all legal means
available to intimidate the
opposing side.
20x the cost of Mediation.
This is because in
Litigation, each client
retains his/her own
attorney, who, instead of
working toward
resolution, typically first
uses all legal means
available to intimidate the
opposing side.
Costs Compared
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