They will not return. Lawyers are scrambling to learn the new technology and adapt their practice methods to keep up with their clients needs. The days are long and the pace is unyielding. There is no time for reflection and little energy to resist the changes that may be harming the profession.
Most lawyers find themselves along for the ride.
Let s take a moment to think about the changes that have adversely affected the profession. Some are more obvious that others. The concept of hourly billing may not have come to mind. However, it may be the one change in the 20th century that did the most to erode professionalism and damage the profession. Hourly rate billing tends to produce charges for process, not for accomplishments.