Scott Turow: Lawyers Should Abandon Billable Hours

According to a blurb in the July 26, 2007 ABA Journal Weekly Newsletter, Scott Turow was not thrilled when his daughter considered becoming a litigator.  Billable hour requirements for lawyers at large firms have risen to 2,200 hours per year or more and are a primary way in which lawyers are evaluated.

Turow reports that when a lawyer is working 2,200 hours per year, chances to pursue fulfilling activities are lessened.  In addition, Turow notes that billable hours result in a financial misalignment of the interests of outside counsel and their clients.

If Turow could change one thing about the legal profession, he would move the profession away from billable hours and help lawyers stop selling their lives for time.  Billable hours, according to Turow, provide the wrong incentives for attorneys.

It's great to see someone of the stature and influence of Scott Turow speaking out against billable hours.

The 6-Minute Life (http://www.6minutelife.com) clearly needs to be changed and abolished.