How to get paid: Opinions

The How to Get Paid series provides barristers with simple estimating tools to help them bill for all the work they do on client matters. This post deals with Opinions.

Opinion-writing.  How long have you got?

Estimating how long it will take to write a good opinion is like estimating how long it will take the Volga River to flow from Moscow to the Caspian Sea.

On the one hand. On the other hand.  You see the problem.

Estimating the time to form your opinion is tricky, but it’s not the only task you need to do to deliver the opinion.   These are the tasks that you can estimate with a greater degree of accuracy.

Routine tasks associated with opinion-writing.

When you sit down to write an opinion, you will already have completed a number of tasks.  You will have read the papers, researched the law and communicated with your solicitors, for example.

After you’ve written your first draft, you’ll complete another set of tasks. For example you’ll probably review the draft with your leader or solicitor,  plan and host a con with the client, and make further updates before finalising it.

These tasks will happen every time you write an opinion.   This is all chargeable time to the client.  But are you charging for it?

Creating good habits 

While you’re acquiring experience, tracking your time to a task is helpful. This is a habit which helps you see clearly how much time you actually need to complete your work.

It will also increase the level of transparency over your billing and this will help you build trust with your clients

Planning tools to help you

I’m asked frequently in my conversations with barristers how they can ensure they are fairly paid for all the work they do on a client matter.  It’s easy when you have the right tools to help you estimate your time accurately.

I’ve created a planning tool to help you estimate how long it will take you to write your next opinion.  Click the template to download.

 

Opinion Planning Tool

By Heidi Smith
Creator of Jurilogical.com

Heidi Smith writes about change and technology in the legal sector.  She is the creator of Jurilogical.com, an online resource hub for barristers

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