Fixed fees and hourly billing each have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the nature of the legal matter. Here are some reasons why fixed fees may be better than hourly billing:
Predictability: With a fixed fee, you know exactly how much you will be paying for legal services, which can help with budgeting and financial planning.
Transparency: Fixed fees are usually agreed upon in advance and are based on the scope of the work required. This can help provide transparency in the billing process and prevent surprises or disputes.
Incentives: Fixed fees incentivize attorneys to work efficiently and complete the work as quickly as possible.
Client satisfaction: Fixed fees can help ensure that clients are satisfied with the legal services provided, as they know exactly what to expect in terms of costs and deliverables.
Better focus: Fixed fees can help attorneys focus on achieving the best possible outcome for their clients, rather than worrying about the number of billable hours they are accumulating.
It is important to note that fixed fees may not be appropriate for all legal matters. For complex or uncertain matters, hourly billing may be a more appropriate billing method.
Ultimately, the most important factor is finding an attorney who is experienced and trustworthy, regardless of the billing method used.