The billable hour is now dead for Harrison & Ford’s 190-attorney firm, according to law.com‘s blog, Newswire. The full-article from The National Law Journal, states that Harrison & Ford does not expect first-year associates to bill time.
Wow. This innovative idea should filter on down to brand-new paralegals. Think about it: Paralegal schools cannot teach absolutely everything a paralegal needs to know just as law schools cannot teach new lawyers the practical aspect nor on-the-job expectations. Clients are savvy enough to know that first-year associates train on their dime and frankly, are tired of it. Law firms continuously adjust and write-off new associate and paralegal time in an effort to get these entry-levels trained.
Why not give paralegals entering law firms for the first-time a six-week period where they have no billable expectations? The first six-weeks should be dedicated to enhancing their schooling. Law firms, most likely, will experience less turnover and get a better-prepared, better-trained paralegal. The six-week investment should pay for itself.
I like it. Any thoughts?