• Home
  • Advice
  • Legal Trends
  • Legal Writing
  • Attorney Profiles

Big Legal Brain

Global Leader in Law Practice Management

Alternative Billing for the Modern Lawyer

Latest from C. Hank Peters

Alternative billing and pricing is all the rage in the legal profession, and for good reason. After all, it’s tough to deliver the news that an admiralty contract review can set you back $8,500. Which is why many professionals are turning to alternative ways to inform clients of amounts due. Here are two alternative billing arrangements that we’ve tested and that the modern lawyer should consider.

The Guest Check

The Guest Check is a simple and easy to use alternative billing system which comes with a built-in file numbering component, a big bonus. With optional carbon copy sets, the need for backup files is limited– just hang on to the carbon copy and you’ve got a great backup of your billing file. Plus, the retro feel and look will resonate not only with older clients who are used to such billing but also with younger clients who will think the system “is totally cool.” As an added touch, consider hand-delivering the bill in a padded guest check presenter.

The QR Code

QR codes are a great way to tell your client that you are technologically swift without presenting any information whatsoever. Which makes it a great fit for delivering your bill. While it can be done electronically or in print, we recommend printing out the QR Code bill and sending it to your client by regular mail. That way, you can save any details of the billing descriptions to the landing page for the QR Code, if the client can even figure out how to access it. Not sure what we mean? A typical QR Code bill appears at the left. Click on it to get the billing details. Nice, huh?

While we’ve outlined only two alternative billing systems, there are plenty of others to consider. Like reusable thermal fax paper (for the environmentally-conscious client), carved marble slabs (for pricier services), and crossword puzzles (for the creative professionals). Test them out by choosing one or two clients and then survey the clients afterwards for their reactions. If it works, go for it. You and your bottom line will be thankful.

Share this:

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest

Filed Under: Practice Management Tagged With: Billing, Invoice, Office Management

About C. Hank Peters

C. Hank Peters is Big Legal Brain's SuperMayor and a world-renowned legal marketing guru. Raised in the era of IBM mainframes and staplers, he knows how to make your firm efficient and awesomer. He does not speak or write Chinese.

Comments

  1. C. Hank Peters says

    June 17, 2011 at 12:06 pm

    Forgot to mention Fortune Cookies. Certainly big enough to fit a “For services rendered” bill in.

  2. Richard D. Allen says

    June 17, 2011 at 1:39 pm

    I keep paper bags of various sizes around the office. Based on the complexity of the case, I simply select an appropriately sized bag and instruct the client to stuff it as full of money as possible. Old school, yes, but it’s a time saver.

    http://www.allenlawnc.com

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Consider Vinyl for Your Next Podcast Release

Start a Law Firm for Under $57,000

How to Exude ‘Sexy Admiralty Attorney’

Top Yoga Moves for the Courtroom

Latest Free Advice

  • Legal Clauses, Rewritten with Exclamation Points
  • Tips for Staying Hydrated During Trial
  • When to Twerk in Court
  • We’ve Hit the Frickin’ Heyday
  • Motorola DynaTAC 8000s: Power and Portability in a Mobile Phone

Copyright © 2025 · Big Legal Brain Industries · gregoryluce.com, LLC