Alisa Parenti
Lawyers are changing how they bill their clients. I’m Alisa Parenti. Coming up in Money, Markets, and More, we’ll talk with estate planning and asset protection attorney Eido Walny — right after this.
Alisa Parenti
We’re talking with Eido Walny, a Wisconsin attorney, about a growing national trend: lawyers moving away from tracking billable hours and offering flat fees for specific legal services.
Eido, tell us how this works.
Eido Walny
For many attorneys, keeping track of billable hours is one of the hardest parts of the job. It takes time, creates stress, and can become a barrier between lawyer and client.
Flat-fee billing changes that. It allows for better communication because neither side worries about the clock every time there’s a call, question, or email.
As competition in the legal marketplace grows, building long-term relationships matters more than ever. Flat-fee billing gives attorneys a way to strengthen those relationships and improve the client experience.
Alisa Parenti
Are you seeing this trend spread nationwide?
Eido Walny
Yes. I work with clients across the country, from coast to coast. These trends usually start on the East Coast, move to the West Coast, and then reach the Midwest. Now, we’re seeing adoption almost everywhere.
Alisa Parenti
It sounds like clients might benefit, too. Often, when pricing models change, people worry they’ll pay more. But you suggest this approach helps create long-term relationships — and may even save clients money.
Eido Walny
Exactly. Clients can budget better. When you know the total cost of a project upfront, there are no surprises.
Under hourly billing, some months are quiet, others are busy. That makes it hard for both businesses and households to plan. With flat-fee billing, clients can see the total cost, decide whether to move forward, and even arrange installment payments.
They can also decide early whether a project makes financial sense — instead of finding out halfway through.
Alisa Parenti
Have any clients resisted the change?
Eido Walny
Not in my experience. No one has complained about the process. Of course, not every potential client moves forward, but at least both sides know the full cost before committing.
In the old model, lawyers could quote an hourly rate but not predict total hours. Clients would get larger bills than expected and lose trust. With flat fees, both sides make informed decisions upfront, saving time and improving efficiency.
Alisa Parenti
What types of legal work typically use flat rates? And how do those fees vary?
Eido Walny
Rates vary by region and project type. For instance, estate planning might cost differently than business formation or contract work.
Flat fees work best in areas where an attorney can accurately estimate time and effort — such as estate planning or asset protection.
Litigation is trickier because a case could settle tomorrow or reach the Supreme Court years later. Still, some firms now segment litigation — using flat fees for specific stages like discovery or mediation — which works well for clients.
Alisa Parenti
Any final advice for attorneys considering flat-fee billing?
Eido Walny
Yes. Know your practice inside and out. The biggest risk is underestimating time and cost. For small firms especially, it’s vital to set fees carefully.
If you quote too low, you can end up doing far more work than planned. Flat fees only work if they’re fair and sustainable — for both attorney and client.
Alisa Parenti
Eido Walny, thank you for joining us — and thanks to you for listening to Money, Markets, and More.