The billable hour is a term and concept cemented in the practice of law. In recent years, some lawyers have argued that it may be time to rethink the billable hour. While this seems unlikely, Minnesota Lawyer reached out to two individuals—one in the legal industry and another in creative services—to talk about whether this is advisable or possible.
Law has been practiced without the billable hour. In 1958, the ABA published a pamphlet called “The 1958 Lawyer and His 1938 Dollar” in which it explained how lawyers earned less than dentists. It encouraged lawyers to keep more accurate time records and become more business-like. Enter the billable hour. By the 1970s, the billable hour became standard practice.
Of course, in 1958, the ABA recommended lawyers bill 1,300 hours yearly. That number is now dwarfed by many firms, especially large ones. Nationally, lawyers bill about 1,800 hours per year. Many lawyers bill well over 2,200 hours. Not surprisingly to anyone who practices law, lawyers spend much more time working than they actually bill.
Being stressed, overworked, burned out—those terms have also become synonymous with the legal profession. Law students in their excruciatingly difficult first year have this message reinforced. And the consequences are serious.
Sara Gross Methner, who is chief attorney talent officer and senior counsel at Nilan Johnson Lewis, states, “Suicidal thoughts, sleep problems, workaholism, and social alienation and isolation also are...
Welcome to a new season of Everything Compliance—Shout Outs and Rants. We have a new host, Adam Turteltaub, and a new panelist, Rebecca Walker, joining returning regulars Matt Kelly, Jonathan Armst...