I just didn't have a case for him yet. But he came across in that meeting as the type of person who I would like to work with and who would do a good job for my client. And as Bernfeld pointed out during the interviews, we can't have a discussion of value without addressing cost. When the work product is very good but the price is ridiculously high, it is not good value, no matter how great the service and response is, according to Bernfeld. And hourly rates are only one indicator.
Cost is difficult to calculate in advance, just as trust is difficult to assess without experience.
For example, the lawyer Liipfert referred to earlier had a high hourly rate but could often give an answer from his store of knowledge and experience in 15 minutes that someone else would have to research for a much longer time. Cost is not the sole determinant of value and is only one factor in hiring decisions according to our panel. Willingness to work with me and to understand my budgetary concerns as we talk about the case and develop the strategy are key. I use both hourly rates and a variety of alternatives. It depends on the matter, the lawyer, the budget, and a host of other factors.