Illinois Upates Lawyer Professional Conduct Rules

The Illinois Supreme Court announced new Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct that take effect January 1, 2010.

Of particular interest to legal marketers:

Rule 7.1. Communications Concerning a Lawyer's Service
Rule 7.2. Advertising
Rule 7.3. Direct Contact with Prospective Clients
Rule 7.4. Communication of Fields of Practice and Specialization
Rule 7.5. Firm Names and Letterheads

Compare Legal Billing to ABA Guide

Alternative billing by law firms continues to be a hot topic. Here is a reference link to the ABA's Model Rule 1.5 on Fees in a Client-Lawyer Relationship.

(a) A lawyer shall not make an agreement for, charge, or collect an unreasonable fee or an unreasonable amount for expenses. The factors to be considered in determining the reasonableness of a fee include the following:

1. the time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved, and the skill requisite to perform the legal service properly;
2. the likelihood, if apparent to the client, that the acceptance of the particular employment will preclude other employment by the lawyer;
3. the fee customarily charged in the locality for similar legal services;
4. the amount involved and the results obtained;
5. the time limitations imposed by the client or by the circumstances;
6. the nature and length of the professional relationship with the client;
7. the experience, reputation, and ability of the lawyer or lawyers performing the services; and
8. whether the fee is fixed or contingent.

Read the full ABA Model Rule 1.5 on Fees. These factors can be used as a basis for formulating alternate billing arrangements that differ from the standard billable hour.