What’s So Revolutionary?
We think everything, but you decide. Start with how we came together. Not a group of lawyers leaving one institution to form another. Rather, a collection of trial attorneys who shared an abiding belief that client service means everything. And the criteria wasn’t “how much business do you have?” It was:
- How committed are you to offering alternatives to the billable hour and re-creating the relationship between lawyer and client?
- How accomplished a courtroom lawyer and strategist are you?
- How well do you understand that for most clients, litigation is an economic headache, not a chance to take a case to the U.S. Supreme Court?
These are the other reasons we think we are different enough to make us worthy to work with you:
1. We focus on the values that are important to you, not hours.
We aren't shy about our dislike of the billable hour method because it fails to incentivize creativity, efficiency or collaboration – three values we live by. It also creates an inherent conflict with you, as lawyers are economically inclined to bill more hours, not less. But, we recognize that not all cases lend themselves to an alternative fee arrangement. That's why we provide alternative fee options, including straight billable hour arrangements if that is what works best for you and your company.
2. We are committed to Client Service. Not just because one of our founders writes a blog called In Search of Perfect Client Service, but because we know that this is what you want, and what will provide us with your return business. This includes:
- providing the budget control and certainty you need, and the tools that make your job easier;
- giving you advice that works in the business, not academic world; and
- being responsive to your needs, whenever they arise.
- That's why we created the Valorem ToolBox™
To learn about our ToolBox, click here.
3. Valorem is about Collaboration. When you engage a traditional firm, you typically get one senior partner and a bunch of subordinates. That partner’s experience drives the team – but he or she may not be creative, or an exceptional strategist or great tactician.
Because our alternative fee arrangements, with flat rates, hold-back buckets, contingency or even premiums upon certain milestones, give us an economic interest in achieving the results you desire, our lawyers have every incentive to collaborate on every matter.
So, how do you know we’re serious about this, especially when all firms are saying the same thing? Remember that Value Adjustment Line? So do we. We know that if we fail to serve you, you’ll send us a me$$age.
4. Trust. No relationship as sacred as a lawyer-client relationship is worth a hill of beans if there is a lack of trust. If you are not in the business of trusting the lawyers who are representing your business needs, you should look elsewhere.
“Differentiation” is a phrase used liberally by nearly every law firm we know. That’s why we have gone one step further – not just different; revolutionary. If you already have lawyers who are successfully resolving your cases while focusing on the values important to you; and, if those same lawyers encourage you to adjust their fees to reflect the value you think you’ve received – you are already in good hands. If not, give us a call. Contact Us.
