Exploring the Subscription-Based Legal Services Model with Mathew Kerbis and Jack Shelton

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May 30, 2024

Mathew Kerbis and Jack Shelton discuss transitioning to a subscription-based legal services model, emphasizing automation, predictability, and cost transparency. Shelton highlights in-house software development for complex analyses. The guests explore scaling challenges and sustaining a subscription model for law firms.

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ANECDOTE

Inspiration for Subscription Model

Matthew Kerbis was inspired by a comment from ABA president James Silkenat, who admitted he couldn't afford his own billable rate.
This, coupled with Kerbis's early experience with a subscription-like model in foreclosure defense, led him to seek alternatives.

ADVICE

Client Preferences

Larger companies often prefer sticking with the billable hour, despite expressing dislike for it.
Smaller businesses prioritize predictability and budgeting.

ANECDOTE

In-House Software Development

Jack Shelton's firm developed in-house software for export control analysis, streamlining complex procedures.
This improved accuracy, record-keeping, and client experience.

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In this episode of The Geek in Review, hosts Greg Lambert and Marlene Gebauer, along with special co-host Toby Brown of DV8 Legal Strategies, discuss the subscription-based legal services model with Mathew Kerbis, founder of Subscription Attorney, LLC, and Jack Shelton, co-founder of Aegis Space Law. The guests share their experiences and insights on adopting a subscription-based model as an alternative to the traditional billable hour.

Mathew Kerbis explains that his inspiration for transitioning to a subscription and flat fee model stemmed from the realization that many attorneys, including himself, could not afford their own billable rates. He emphasizes the importance of automating processes and leveraging technology to manage workflow and client needs efficiently, especially when offering lower-priced services.

Jack Shelton, whose firm focuses on the commercial space industry, shares his motivation for adopting a subscription model. He highlights the benefits of predictability and cost transparency for clients, particularly startups and small to medium-sized businesses. Shelton also discusses the development of in-house software to streamline complex analyses and improve accuracy and record-keeping for clients.

The guests explore the challenges and opportunities of scaling and sustaining a subscription-based model. Kerbis notes that the model is highly sustainable due to the predictability of monthly recurring revenue, while Shelton emphasizes the importance of refining processes and forms to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.

Looking to the future, Kerbis predicts that the rapid advancement of AI and the changing nature of legal practice will lead to a significant shift in the industry within the next five years. He suggests that if big law firms do not adapt, there may be a mass exodus of young associates seeking better work-life balance and the opportunity to start their own practices. Shelton, while agreeing with Kerbis to an extent, remains cautious about predicting a flood of lawyers leaving big law due to their risk-averse nature.

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Music: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jerry David DeCicca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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