---
title: Methods for Paying Outside Counsel
description: Methods for Paying Outside Counsel
---

[![2012 PLRisk Logo-Feb-28-2023-09-30-45-0928-PM](https://blog.plrisk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2012%20PLRisk%20Logo-Feb-28-2023-09-30-45-0928-PM.png?width=1650&height=500&name=2012%20PLRisk%20Logo-Feb-28-2023-09-30-45-0928-PM.png "2012 PLRisk Logo-Feb-28-2023-09-30-45-0928-PM")](https://plrisk.com/)

[![PL Risk](https://blog.plrisk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Pl_Risk_June_2020/images/plrisk-50x140-logo.png?width=300&height=300&name=plrisk-50x140-logo.png "PL Risk")](https://plrisk.com/)

- [HOME](https://plrisk.com/)
- [CUSTOMER CENTER](https://plrisk.com/#) 
    - [Make A Payment](https://plrisk.epaypolicy.com/)
    - [Submit An Application](https://www.plrisk.com/applications/)
    - [Confirmation of Coverage](mailto:info@plrisk.com)
    - [Download Applications](https://plrisk.com/applications)
    - [File a Claim](https://plrisk.com/file-a-claim)
    - [Claim Scenarios](https://plrisk.com/claim-scenarios)
    - [FAQs](https://plrisk.com/faqs)
    - [Industry Tools](https://plrisk.com/industry-tools)
    - [Free Cyber Hotline](https://plrisk.com/free-cyber-hotline)
    - [Get Appointed](https://plrisk.com/for-agents)
- [INDUSTRIES WE SERVE](https://plrisk.com/#) 
    - [Architects & Engineers](https://plrisk.com/architects-engineers/)
    - [Financial Institutions](https://plrisk.com/financial-institutions/)
    - [Healthcare / Medical](https://plrisk.com/healthcare-medical/)
    - [Insurance](https://plrisk.com/insurance/)
    - [Technology](https://plrisk.com/technology/)
    - [Consulting](https://plrisk.com/consulting/)
    - [Legal](https://plrisk.com/legal)
    - [Real Estate](https://plrisk.com/real-estate/)
    - [Media](https://plrisk.com/media)
    - [Miscellaneous Services](https://plrisk.com/miscellaneous-services/)
- [PRODUCTS](https://plrisk.com/#) 
    - [Overview](https://plrisk.com/products)
    - [Errors and Omissions](https://plrisk.com/products/errors-omissions)
    - [Directors and Officers](https://plrisk.com/products/directors-officers/)
    - [Commercial Crime](https://plrisk.com/products/commercial-crime/)
    - [Employment Practices](https://plrisk.com/products/employment-practices/)
    - [Cybersecurity](https://plrisk.com/products/fiduciary/)
    - [Fiduciary](https://plrisk.com/products/cybersecurity/)
- MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS 
    - [Reps and Warranties Sell](https://www.plrisk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/PLR-Reps-and-Warranties-SellSide-Onesheet.pdf)
    - [Reps and Warranties](https://www.plrisk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/PLR-Reps-and-Warranties-Onesheet.pdf)
- CANNABIS 
    - [Overview](https://www.plrisk.com/products/cannabis-insurance)
    - [Account Highlights](https://blog.plrisk.com/hubfs/PLR%20-%20Cannabis%20Assets/PLR-CANNABIS-account%20highlights_Onesheet-V2.pdf)
    - [Commercial Property](https://www.plrisk.com/cannabis-commercial-property/)
    - [Commercial Crime](https://www.plrisk.com/cannabis-business-insurance-commercial-crime)
    - [Cyber Liability](https://www.plrisk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/PLR-12-CANNABIS-Cyber-Insurance-Onesheet-V8.pdf)
    - [D&O](https://blog.plrisk.com/hubfs/PLR%20-%20Cannabis%20Assets/PLR-CANNABIS-D%26O-Onesheet-V1.pdf)
    - [E&O](https://blog.plrisk.com/hubfs/PLR%20-%20Cannabis%20Assets/PLR-CANNABIS-E%26O-Onesheet-V1.pdf)
    - [EPLI](https://www.plrisk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/PLR-10-CANNABIS-Employment-Practices-Liability-Onesheet-V9.pdf)
    - [General Liability](https://www.plrisk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/PLR-02-CANNABIS-General-Liability-Onesheet-V4-1.pdf)
    - [Product Liability](https://www.plrisk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/PLR-03-CANNABIS-Product-Liability-Onesheet-V2-4.pdf)
    - [Workers’ Comp](https://www.plrisk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/PLR-05-CANNABIS-Workers-Compensation-Onesheet-Reduced.pdf)
- [SELECT](https://www.plrisk.com/products/select-division/)
- [ABOUT](https://plrisk.com/#) 
    - [Our Team](https://plrisk.com/our-team/)
    - [Careers](https://www.plrisk.com/careers/)
    - [Our Charity](https://plrisk.com/helping-hands/)
- NEWSROOM 
    - [Blog](https://blog.plrisk.com)
    - [Newsletters](https://www.plrisk.com/plr-newsletters/)
- QUOTE ONLINE 
    - [Hiscox NOW Small Business Insurance](https://www.hiscox.com/partner-agent/plriskadvisors)
    - [Custom Quote](https://www.hiscox.com/partner-agent/plriskadvisors)

- CUSTOMER  
  CENTER
  
  
  
    - [MAKE A PAYMENT](https://plrisk.epaypolicy.com/)
    - [SUBMIT AN APPLICATION](https://www.plrisk.com/applications/)
    - [CONFIRMATION OF COVERAGE](mailto:info@plrisk.com)
    - [DOWNLOAD APPLICATIONS](https://plrisk.com/applications)
    - [FILE A CLAIM](https://plrisk.com/file-a-claim)
    - [CLAIM SCENARIOS](https://plrisk.com/claim-scenarios)
    - [FAQs](https://plrisk.com/faqs)
    - [INDUSTRY TOOLS](https://plrisk.com/industry-tools)
    - [FREE CYBER HOTLINE](https://plrisk.com/free-cyber-hotline)
    - [GET APPOINTED](https://plrisk.com/for-agents)
- INDUSTRIES  
  WE SERVE
  
  
  
    - [TITLE AGENTS & MORTGAGE BROKERS](https://www.plrisk.com/real-estate/)
    - [REAL ESTATE](https://www.plrisk.com/real-estate/)
    - [LEGAL](https://www.plrisk.com/legal/)
    - [MEDIA](https://www.plrisk.com/media/)
    - [ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS](https://www.plrisk.com/architects-engineers/)
    - [FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS](https://www.plrisk.com/financial-institutions/)
    - [CONSULTING](https://www.plrisk.com/consulting/)
    - [MISC. SERVICES](https://www.plrisk.com/miscellaneous-services/)
    - [HEALTHCARE MEDICAL](https://www.plrisk.com/healthcare-medical/)
    - [INSURANCE](https://www.plrisk.com/insurance/)
    - [TECHNOLOGY](https://www.plrisk.com/technology/)
    - [SPACs](https://www.plrisk.com/spacs/)
- PRODUCTS
  
  
  
    - [PRODUCTS OVERVIEW](https://plrisk.com/products)
    - [Errors & Omissions](https://plrisk.com/products/errors-omissions)
    - [Directors & Officers](https://plrisk.com/products/directors-officers/)
    - [Commercial Crime](https://plrisk.com/products/commercial-crime/)
    - [EPLI](https://plrisk.com/products/employment-practices/)
    - [Fiduciary Liability](https://plrisk.com/products/fiduciary/)
    - [Cybersecurity](https://plrisk.com/products/cybersecurity/)
- [MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS](https://www.plrisk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PLR-Managing-Insurance-Coverage-eBook-03272023.pdf)
  
  
  
    - [Reps and Warranties](https://www.plrisk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/PLR-Reps-and-Warranties-Onesheet.pdf)
    - [Reps and Warranties Sell](https://www.plrisk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/PLR-Reps-and-Warranties-SellSide-Onesheet.pdf)
- [CANNABIS](https://www.plrisk.com/products/cannabis-insurance)
  
  
  
    - [Overview](https://www.plrisk.com/products/cannabis-insurance)
    - [Account Highlights](https://blog.plrisk.com/hubfs/PLR%20-%20Cannabis%20Assets/PLR-CANNABIS-account%20highlights_Onesheet-V2.pdf)
    - [Commercial Crime](https://www.plrisk.com/cannabis-business-insurance-commercial-crime)
    - [Commercial Property](https://www.plrisk.com/cannabis-commercial-property/)
    - [Cyber Liability](https://www.plrisk.com/cannabis-business-insurance-cyber-liability/)
    - [D&O](https://www.plrisk.com/cannabis-directors-officers-do-liability/)
    - [E&O](https://www.plrisk.com/cannabis-errors-omissions-eo/)
    - [EPLI](https://www.plrisk.com/cannabis-employment-practices-liability/)
    - [General Liability](https://www.plrisk.com/cannabis-general-liability/)
    - [Product Liability](https://www.plrisk.com/cannabis-product-liability/)
    - [Workers’ Comp](https://www.plrisk.com/cannabis-business-insurance-workers-compensation/)
- [SELECT](https://www.plrisk.com/products/select-division/)
- ABOUT
  
  
  
    - [Our Team](https://plrisk.com/about-us/)
    - [Our Charity](https://plrisk.com/helping-hands/)
    - [Careers](https://www.plrisk.com/careers/)
- NEWSROOM
  
  
  
    - [BLOG](https://blog.plrisk.com)
    - [NEWSLETTERS](https://www.plrisk.com/plr-newsletters/)
- QUOTE  
  ONLINE
  
  
  
    - [Hiscox NOW Small Business Insurance](https://www.hiscox.com/partner-agent/plriskadvisors)
    - [Custom Quote](https://www.hiscox.com/partner-agent/plriskadvisors)

×

### Get A Quote

# Methods for Paying Outside Counsel

[Mike Smith](https://blog.plrisk.com/author/mike-smith)

 Mar 21, 2016, 3:38:15 PM

[![Methods for Paying Outside Counsel](https://blog.plrisk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/shutterstock_188617211-300x192.jpg?width=300&height=192&name=shutterstock_188617211-300x192.jpg)](http://www.plrisk.com/blog/methods-paying-outside-counsel/shutterstock_188617211/)As most business owners are aware, a successful business needs to have an effective law firm representing them. While we have discussed the benefits of hiring inside counsel in the past, many companies are more inclined to hire outside counsel. If this is the case, the payment methods and their repercussions should be considered. As the main decision-makers for their firms, [Directors and Officers Insurance](http://www.plrisk.com/products/directors-officers/) is a necessary asset that protects their respective business.

Your clients may choose to pay their outside counsel hourly. This is the most common, and often is a transparent method of tracking hours and progress on any case. The lawyers must provide your clients with a detailed invoice that documents how that time was spent, justifying the price.

The second option is paying lawyers a “blended rate” which means that all associates, partners, and paralegals will combine their efforts and provide your clients with one rate.

If the issue the lawyer was hired for is pretty cut and dry, they may agree to a flat rate. This will give your clients an upfront fee and will also encourage the lawyer to work faster to guarantee the number he/she agreed upon is accurate; or they might agree upon flat rates for different parts of the case. For example, you could agree to one amount through mediation, one amount through discovery and summary judgment, and a final amount for trial, says [Inside Counsel](http://www.insidecounsel.com/).

Another strategy is the contingency-based fee. This means the lawyer will not require your clients to pay a lot or anything up front, and will only gather money if they can win the case for them. This often works if your clients are suing someone else.

Lastly, paying in stock is an option. Bear in mind that this form requires a significant amount of trust in the lawyer and often exposes them to professional liability exposures. This means that equity in the company has to be forfeited to the lawyer.

Whichever payment form your client chooses to use, ensure they are protected with the right insurance policies to defend their decisions. While not all claims can be foreseen, many can be prevented and mitigated with the right insurance.

In addition to bringing you the latest news from the insurance industry,[ PL Risk](http://www.plrisk.com/) provides[ Resources for Agents and Brokers](http://www.plrisk.com/for-agents/) nationwide. We’ve recently implemented[ Hiscox Now](http://www.plrisk.com/hiscox-now/), which allows agents their own access to Hiscox and instant quoting. To learn more about our operations, contact us today at (855) 403-5982.

## Recent Posts

- [Tracking Cookies Beginning to Run Afoul of Consumer Data Protection Laws](https://blog.plrisk.com/tracking-cookies-beginning-to-run-afoul-of-consumer-data-protection-laws)
- [PLRisk welcomes Jeffery Phi to their growing Wholesale Broker roster](https://blog.plrisk.com/plrisk-welcomes-jeffery-phi-to-their-growing-wholesale-broker-roster)
- [PLRisk Welcomes Michelle Delaney as Wholesale Account Manager](https://blog.plrisk.com/plrisk-welcomes-michelle-delany-as-wholesale-account-manager)
- [PLRisk Spotlights Rachel Coughlin](https://blog.plrisk.com/plrisk-spotlights-rachael-coughlin)
- [PLRisk congratulates Matt Culkin on joining NJYIP Board](https://blog.plrisk.com/plrisk-congratulates-matt-culkin-on-joining-njyip-board)

Search

### Share this post

[![Share on facebook](https://7528309.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528309/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/facebook-color.png?width=24&name=facebook-color.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.plrisk.com%2Fblog%2Fmethods-paying-outside-counsel%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/linkedin-color.png?width=24&name=linkedin-color.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.plrisk.com%2Fblog%2Fmethods-paying-outside-counsel%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on twitter](https://7528302.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528302/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/x-twitter-color.png?width=24&name=x-twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.plrisk.com%2Fblog%2Fmethods-paying-outside-counsel%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fblog.plrisk.com%2Fblog%2Fmethods-paying-outside-counsel%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on email](https://7528311.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/7528311/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mV0_d-web-default-modules_hubspot/img/email-color.png?width=24&name=email-color.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.plrisk.com%2Fblog%2Fmethods-paying-outside-counsel%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fblog.plrisk.com%2Fblog%2Fmethods-paying-outside-counsel%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail)

### Subscribe to our blog

[![PLRisk-LogoWhite](https://blog.plrisk.com/hs-fs/hubfs/PLRisk-LogoWhite.png?width=400&height=123&name=PLRisk-LogoWhite.png "PLRisk-LogoWhite")](https://plrisk.com/)

### Stay connected to learn the latest from PLRisk

By clicking submit I agree to the  [Privacy Policy](https://www.plrisk.com/privacy-policy)  and [Terms & Conditions.](https://www.plrisk.com/terms-conditions/)

###### 795 Franklin Avenue, Suite 210 Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417 Tel: (855) 403-5982 Fax: 201-847-9174

- RESOURCES 
    - [DOWNLOAD APPLICATIONS](https://plrisk.com/applications)
    - [FILE A CLAIM](https://plrisk.com/file-a-claim)
    - [CLAIM SCENARIOS](https://plrisk.com/claim-scenarios)
    - [FAQs](https://plrisk.com/faqs)
    - [INDUSTRY TOOLS](https://plrisk.com/industry-tools)
    - [FREE CYBER HOTLINE](https://plrisk.com/free-cyber-hotline)
    - [GET APPOINTED](https://plrisk.com/for-agents)
- PRODUCTS 
    - [PRODUCTS OVERVIEW](https://plrisk.com/products)
    - [ERRORS & OMISSIONS](https://plrisk.com/products/errors-omissions)
    - [DIRECTORS & OFFICERS](https://plrisk.com/products/directors-officers/)
    - [COMMERCIAL CRIME](https://plrisk.com/products/commercial-crime/)
    - [EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES](https://plrisk.com/products/employment-practices/)
    - [FIDUCIARY LIABILITY](https://plrisk.com/products/fiduciary/)
    - [CYBERSECURITY](https://plrisk.com/products/cybersecurity/)
- PROFESSIONS 
    - [TITLE AGENTS & MORTGAGE BROKERS](https://plrisk.com/real-estate/)
    - [REAL ESTATE](https://plrisk.com/real-estate/)
    - [LEGAL](https://plrisk.com/legal)
    - [MEDIA](https://plrisk.com/media)
    - [ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS](https://plrisk.com/architects-engineers/)
    - [FINANCIAL INST.](https://plrisk.com/financial-institutions/)
    - [CONSULTING](https://plrisk.com/consulting/)
    - [MISC. SERVICES](https://plrisk.com/miscellaneous-services/)
    - [HEALTHCARE/MEDICAL](https://plrisk.com/healthcare-medical/)
    - [INSURANCE](https://plrisk.com/insurance/)
    - [TECHNOLOGY](https://plrisk.com/technology/)
- ABOUT 
    - [OUR TEAM](https://www.plrisk.com/about-us/)
    - [BLOG](https://blog.plrisk.com/)
    - [OUR CHARITY](https://plrisk.com/helping-hands/)
    - [CAREERS](https://www.plrisk.com/careers/)
    - [PRIVACY POLICY](https://www.plrisk.com/privacy-policy)
    - [TERMS & CONDITIONS](https://www.plrisk.com/terms-conditions/)
    - [ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT](https://www.plrisk.com/accessibility-statement/)
    - [STATE LICENSES](https://www.plrisk.com/state-licenses/)

Copyright © 2023 PLRisk | All Rights Reserved | [Privacy Policy](https://www.plrisk.com/privacy-policy)

PLRisk Specialty Insurance Agency LLC is a licensed insurance broker legally operating in the state of New Jersey under license number NJ 3002329782 and in California DBA NJ PLRisk Specialty Insurance Agency LLC, License number CA 6009937