The Law Entrepreneur 452. The Legal Pricing Rebellion: Why Flat Fees and Subscriptions Just Make Sense with Mathew Kerbis
Think the billable hour is just the way things are in law? Think again.
In this eye-opening conversation, guest host Bridgit Norris sits down with The Subscription Attorney Mathew Kerbis, who shares how shifting to a subscription-based legal model can transform your practice—financially, operationally, and ethically.
Mathew, founder of Subscription Attorney LLC and host of the Law Subscribed podcast, offers affordable, automation-powered legal services starting at just $20 a month. You’ll discover why traditional firm structures are failing both lawyers and clients—and how a modern, recurring-revenue model can help you build a scalable practice without burnout.
If you're tired of chasing hours, confused about AI’s role in your firm, or ready to design a legal business that supports your life—not consumes it—this episode is your permission slip to evolve. Your law firm deserves better, and so do you.
Key Takeaways from Bridgit and Mathew:
1. The Billable Hour Is a Broken Business Model
Many lawyers operate within a system that punishes efficiency and incentivizes burnout.
Once you stop tracking time and start delivering outcome-based value, a better way of practicing becomes not just possible, but inevitable.
2. Recurring Revenue Brings Predictability and Impact
Subscription-based legal services make it easier to serve clients proactively while generating stable, recurring income.
Instead of chasing invoices and hours, lawyers can focus on meaningful client work that builds long-term relationships.
3. Subscription Models Are Flexible Enough for Any Practice
From family law to immigration and even litigation, flat-fee and tiered subscription structures can be designed to accommodate complexity and shifting case dynamics.
What matters is communicating the scope and pricing thresholds upfront.
4. AI + Alternative Fees = Scalable, Leaner Firms
Law firms can now scale without scaling staff by leveraging AI tools to enhance—not replace—human expertise.
Firms that embrace AI see higher-quality work done faster and cheaper, making traditional staffing models less necessary.
5. There’s a Massive Market the Legal Industry Is Ignoring
With over 75% of legal needs going unmet, the industry is leaving behind a $1.3 trillion opportunity.
Firms that rethink how they serve and price legal help can tap into this underserved market while making law more accessible to everyone.
"The only people who are going to lose their jobs in this AI-powered world are employees who refuse to leverage AI." — Mathew Kerbis
Get in touch with Mathew Kerbis:
Website: https://mathewkerbis.com/ & https://subscriptionattorney.com/
Show: Law Subscribed: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/law-subscribed/id1586707101
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerbisverse/
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