But the benefits can far outweigh the disadvantages. Better the Odds of Payment Compensation is inexorably tied to collections. Know the reasons for failure to pay. Clients may not pay for a variety of reasons, and these reasons run the gamut from anger concerning the quality or price of the legal services rendered to the client s inability to pay not only the legal bill but also other bills as a result of economic reverses. When a prospective client picks up the telephone hand-set to call a lawyer for the first time, the prospective client is already in a great deal of stress.
Most clients go to lawyers only when there is a problem that is stressful.
The lawyer whose office staff facilitates the reduction of that stress will experience an easier time collecting fees. During the first meeting between the lawyer and the client, the issue of fees must be discussed. Clients appreciate not having to raise the issue. It is better for the lawyer to acknowledge that the issue must be dealt with and to obtain an agreement that both parties can accept. Prepare a written fee agreement, to be signed by both the lawyer and the client.