The pricing of legal services is no longer simply about setting rates. Properly optimizing a firm's pricing strategy is a critical source of competitive advantage and increased profitability, which now more than ever is crucial to staying relevant in the legal sector. Firms must start looking to demonstrate their ability to provide clients with greater value through alternative fee arrangements, effectively controlled budgeting methods, and the integration of innovative firm management practices - whilst continuing to operate as a profitable business. Standard business principles have become the norm for firms - as clients become increasingly proficient in negotiating costs and defining the scope of engagement, service delivery must now be framed by value, expertise, and profitability rather than hours billed alone. With contributions from pricing directors and expert consultants, Practical Innovations in Legal Pricing offers insight into newest effective approaches to pricing that top firms are undertaking. Taking an in-depth look at the role of shadow-billing and client collaboration in AFAs, integrating a firm's legal project management and pricing functions for greater client benefits, and effectively executing a newly formed pricing strategy, this title will provide a comprehensive overview of the best practices in innovative pricing functions.

Key report features In-depth advice on the need, impact, and profitability of hiring a pricing director Detailed insight into the function and skills of a pricing director Clear definition of the strategic position of pricing within a firm How to evaluate the benefit of a pricing director for your firm and its clients Real-world scenarios. The new path to profitability is paved with pricing directors. That's the trend we're seeing, with more than 50 pricing positions created for Am Law 200 firms in 2012. Put the 'ah!' in RFP The push is on for law firms and clients to focus on their pricing and matter management strategies. By hiring a pricing director with skills in analytics, technology, commerce, and communications, you're set to create effective pricing strategies and support your firm's competitive advantage. Who's in the hot seat? Your pricing director is the budget builder, the profit modeller, the counsellor, the monitor, and the approver: you want to make sure that those already in this role are comfortable with its evolution, or that a new hire can confidently take on the challenge. Brown and Cordo's Law Firm Pricing: Strategies, Roles, and Responsibilities clearly defines the skills and remit of the person required to fill this demanding and responsive role. It provides practical guidance into hiring and developing a strategic pricing role within your law firm that drives successful relationships and profitability.