10 Smart Ways to Align Expectations Around Speed, Quality, and Price with Your Legal Team
Legal services are most effective when clients and attorneys are aligned—not just on outcomes, but on how the work is done. These tips will help you engage with your legal team more strategically, avoid misunderstandings, and make better decisions about tradeoffs between speed, quality, and price.
We posted a 3-part series of posts focused on how to think about the triad of speed, quality, and price in the context of legal services.
Read PART 1: Speed, Quality, and Price - Rethinking the Legal Service Triad at Intellectual Strategies
Read PART 2: The Triad in Practice
Read PART 3: Breaking the Triad
Here's a follow-up with 10 quick tips to help clients align with attorneys when it comes to speed, quality, and price.
1. Clarify What “Done” Looks Like
Define the outcome you're looking for. Are you expecting a review, a redraft, or full negotiation support? The more clearly you describe your goal, the easier it is to align timelines and pricing.
2. Ask for Milestones
For larger or more complex projects, request a milestone map—a breakdown of the project into phases or key checkpoints. This makes timing and pricing more predictable, and gives you visibility into progress.
3. Flag What’s Truly Urgent
Not everything is a fire. Let your legal team know which matters are time-sensitive and which are flexible. Be honest about external deadlines, internal pressures, or decision-making dependencies.
4. Balance Speed with Thoughtfulness
Fast turnaround can be valuable, but not at the cost of oversight or risk. Ask your attorney what level of review is appropriate for the situation, and be open to phased work when needed.
5. Align on Goals Before Work Starts
Misunderstandings often happen when goals aren't clear. Ask:
- What’s included in this project or retainer?
- What would trigger a scope change?
- How will we handle unexpected complexity?
6. Talk About Pricing Early
Don’t be afraid to ask how fees are structured and what alternatives are available (fixed fee, phased pricing, retainer, etc.). Good legal partners will work with you to create cost visibility.
7. Request Framed Options
For more nuanced matters, ask your lawyer to give you tiered recommendations (e.g., a minimal vs. robust review) so you can weigh risk, timing, and cost based on business priorities.
8. Stay Engaged
Timely client input often keeps legal work moving. Mark key milestones or decision points on your own calendar so you can review drafts, respond to questions, or make decisions without delay.
9. Give Feedback Along the Way
Don’t wait until the end to say something didn’t land. If something feels off, such as timing, tone, or communication, speak up. Feedback makes your legal team stronger and the service more aligned.
10. Remember: Legal Strategy Is a Collaboration
Your lawyer brings legal expertise. You bring business context and priorities. The best results happen when both sides are transparent, proactive, and willing to adjust.
Bonus Tip: Keep a “Legal Question Bank”
Capture legal questions or issues that aren’t urgent, but still matter. Share them during check-ins or at the start of each month. This helps your lawyer spot patterns, prioritize smarter, and prevent fire drills later.
*Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice in any jurisdiction or create an attorney-client relationship with any attorney or law firm, including Intellectual Strategies. This might include legal advertising for applicable jurisdictions. Any discussion of past results, strategies, or outcomes does not guarantee similar results in any future matter. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Intellectual Strategies or any affiliated organizations. Listeners, viewers, and readers should consult a qualified attorney for legal advice specific to their situation.
Other articles you might like...
