3,500 clients sent information about new alternative fees system

CMS Cameron McKenna has launched a major alternative billing campaign in a bid to boost client loyalty and attract new business.

The firm is offering a 'no questions asked' fixed-fee payment system, which will see clients pay for legal advice on a regular monthly basis.

Camerons has confirmed that one major power client has already signed up to the arrangement for one year, and that it is in talks with several other clients about similar deals. The firm has also said that it has offered a major oil client a fee cap tied to the price of oil.

As part of the campaign, Camerons has sent 3,500 clients information about the available alternative billing options, including five specific alternative fee arrangements.

These include fixed fees, hybrid fixed-fee/capped-fee deals and rate models based on added value and client loyalty.

The document, put together by managing director of business development Judith Prime, comes after a February client survey showed a significant increase in interest in alternative billing.

The guidelines come with a scorecard that lists the factors that make a client eligible for a reduction in fees, which include:

  • paying bills within 14 days;
  • giving Camerons more than 33% of all legal work;
  • supplying work across practice groups; and
  • agreeing to an associate as the main point of contact at the firm rather than a partner.

Camerons senior partner Richard Price (pictured) and managing partner Duncan Weston will personally visit clients to discuss fee arrangements.

Price commented: "This is part of a campaign to set ourselves apart from competitors, but there are also some clients that need help in understanding how these arrangements work.

"There is a lot of talk about value for money and fees but it doesn't provide you with much substance. These guidelines, while not comprehensive, give a good idea of how the client can achieve better value."

For more, see Special report: The future of fees – transforming client billing