From Innovation to Albatross.
Our readers will know from our posts (January 7, 2009, February 1, 2009) that the concept of the billable hour is under attack by some lawyers and clients. Fellow blawger, attorney John Derrick, has written an interesting book entitled “Boo to Billable Hours.” He has traced the history of the billable hour from the early 20th century, when it was initiated by the legal reformer Reginald Heber Smith, to its presented contested status. Along the way, John Derrick asks what is wrong with the billable hour, why there is so much inertia to change, and whether there are better alternatives — and he has constructive suggestions. The book can be purchased from Amazon, or viewed on-line for free. Check it out.