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The Happier Attorney: A Comprehensive Guide to Charging Flat Fees for Legal Services
Quarterly taxes were due in two weeks, and payday was in three days.
She was there again. No matter how many hours she worked, what a great job she did, how many practice management CLE’s she went to, she was always one or two clients a month away from making the money she should be making. She didn’t become a lawyer to make millions each year, but she shouldn’t be struggling.
What the hell was she doing wrong?
She was tired. Tired of spending time billing, reviewing statements, and cutting her time only to have her clients not pay her.
There had to be a better way – right?
If this sounds familiar, or you are already using flat fees, but not as well as you would like, The Happier Attorney is the book for you.
She was there again. No matter how many hours she worked, what a great job she did, how many practice management CLE’s she went to, she was always one or two clients a month away from making the money she should be making. She didn’t become a lawyer to make millions each year, but she shouldn’t be struggling.
What the hell was she doing wrong?
She was tired. Tired of spending time billing, reviewing statements, and cutting her time only to have her clients not pay her.
There had to be a better way – right?
If this sounds familiar, or you are already using flat fees, but not as well as you would like, The Happier Attorney is the book for you.
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 3, 2025
Excellent guidebook
I was honored to be able to receive an advanced copy to read prior to launch. I have the first edition which I skimmed. I had already decided to use flat fees.
This book showed me what a fool I have been not to have read every word. I read this one in a short period of time.
Before getting to the meat, I like that Brita uses easy language. I am always complaining that authors lose people when the grade level for the book/essay/short story is written too high. The readability level is on target.
The history of the billable hour was fascinating. I didn't know the history and I am glad that was included. It made the case for going back to a system that values predictability in cost.
I started my solo practice just 8 short years ago and have been using flat fees for 6 of them. This book has shown me that my pricing is too low, which I knew, but still didn't increase them. Not anymore. I always say the price is the price, but I have played it safe. That's over.
I have gained so much insight into what I am NOT doing correctly. I can not wait to implement the changes that I need.
This book has changed the way I move with my flat fee practice going forward.
Excellent book.
I was honored to be able to receive an advanced copy to read prior to launch. I have the first edition which I skimmed. I had already decided to use flat fees.
This book showed me what a fool I have been not to have read every word. I read this one in a short period of time.
Before getting to the meat, I like that Brita uses easy language. I am always complaining that authors lose people when the grade level for the book/essay/short story is written too high. The readability level is on target.
The history of the billable hour was fascinating. I didn't know the history and I am glad that was included. It made the case for going back to a system that values predictability in cost.
I started my solo practice just 8 short years ago and have been using flat fees for 6 of them. This book has shown me that my pricing is too low, which I knew, but still didn't increase them. Not anymore. I always say the price is the price, but I have played it safe. That's over.
I have gained so much insight into what I am NOT doing correctly. I can not wait to implement the changes that I need.
This book has changed the way I move with my flat fee practice going forward.
Excellent book.
February 3, 2021
Everyone Needs this Book
Seriously! Everyone practicing law needs to read this book. I think there would be far fewer unhappy attorneys. The idea of abandoning the billable hour is absolutely radical to some, but every argument she’s making makes sense. The clients I have suggested it to appreciate the transparency, and I save so much time and feel much less irritated about doing tasks knowing that I will be compensated for them. I don’t have to argue with clients about bills after they go out which ruins my entire day and eats up time I can’t bill. No more forgetting to track time then seriously underestimating the time I spent. She writes in a clear, conversational yet authoritative tone that’s easy to follow and an absolute breeze to read
Seriously! Everyone practicing law needs to read this book. I think there would be far fewer unhappy attorneys. The idea of abandoning the billable hour is absolutely radical to some, but every argument she’s making makes sense. The clients I have suggested it to appreciate the transparency, and I save so much time and feel much less irritated about doing tasks knowing that I will be compensated for them. I don’t have to argue with clients about bills after they go out which ruins my entire day and eats up time I can’t bill. No more forgetting to track time then seriously underestimating the time I spent. She writes in a clear, conversational yet authoritative tone that’s easy to follow and an absolute breeze to read
February 2, 2021
This book is a fantastic introduction to a refreshing alternative to hourly billing that benefits both the client and attorney. Brita helps you understand why the status quo does not work anymore and takes it to the next level as she walks you through the reasons why flat fee billing works for all parties. Her book is a must read game changer which provides a decidedly better path forward. It is a wicked quick, enjoyable read. I highly recommend this book for attorneys who want or need a different approach to billing.
June 11, 2022
Excellent read; I am a huge fan!
As a new attorney who does not have it in my personality to enjoy being my own collections agent, I thoroughly appreciate what Brita Long is teaching through her book “The Happier Attorney.” The book is well-thought out and I will certainly be implementing more and more of Brita’s ideas and advice into my own practice.
As a new attorney who does not have it in my personality to enjoy being my own collections agent, I thoroughly appreciate what Brita Long is teaching through her book “The Happier Attorney.” The book is well-thought out and I will certainly be implementing more and more of Brita’s ideas and advice into my own practice.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews