--- title: "In the News: Alternative Fee Arrangements Possible with Proper Tools" description: There’s a groundswell of interest in alternative free arrangements at law firms that has only gained momentum during the pandemic. image: https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/Working_on_laptop-1.jpg --- [AltFee Wins the 2026 Clio Integration Award for **Best Business of Law App**](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/in-the-news-altfee-wins-the-2026-clio-integration-awards) [![](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/AltFee-Logo.svg)](https://www.altfeeco.com/) [Product](https://www.altfeeco.com/product) ### Understand Your Past [![history-icon-firefly](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/Icons/Pricing_Pg/history-icon-firefly.svg) **Legal Pricing Intelligence** Transform years of historical billing data into actionable insights on profitability, efficiency, realization, collections, and pricing opportunities. Learn More ![](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/learn-more-arrow.png)](https://www.altfeeco.com/legal-pricing-intelligence-altfee) ### Monitor Your Present [![monitor-icon-coral-tree](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/Icons/Pricing_Pg/monitor-icon-coral-tree.svg) **Fixed Fee Intelligence** Get ongoing intelligence on completed flat fee matters without changing your existing workflow. Learn More ![](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/learn-more-arrow.png)](https://www.altfeeco.com/fixed-fee-intelligence) ### Control Your Future [![altfee-arrow-mango-orange](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/Icons/Pricing_Pg/altfee-arrow-mango-orange.svg) **AltFee Platform** Build a repeatable system for scoping, pricing, budgeting, and managing alternative fee arrangements. Learn More ![](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/learn-more-arrow.png)](https://www.altfeeco.com/product) AltFee Navigator: Tailored Pricing Consulting [Learn More](https://www.altfeeco.com/navigator) ![Two\_workers\_tablet](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/Stock%20Images/Two_workers_tablet.jpg) [Pricing](https://www.altfeeco.com/pricing) [Firm Size](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/clio-altfee_integration_announcement-0#firm-size) ### Solo Practitioner [![mega-menu-thumb01](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/mega-menu-thumb01.png) **Solo Practitioner** Whether your practice is just getting off the ground or in the process of growing, AltFee has pricing solutions for you. Learn More ![](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/learn-more-arrow.png)](https://www.altfeeco.com/firm-size/solo-practitioners) ### Small to Mid-Size [![mega-menu-thumb02](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/mega-menu-thumb02.png) **Small + Mid-Size** Scope, manage, and collaborate on pricing for all your projects with one comprehensive tool. Learn More ![](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/learn-more-arrow.png)](https://www.altfeeco.com/firm-size/small-mid-firms) ### Large Firms [![mega-menu-thumb03](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/mega-menu-thumb03.png) **Large Firms** Get the all-in-one pricing tool that allows you to scope, manage, and collaborate on your large firm’s AFAs. Learn More ![](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/learn-more-arrow.png)](https://www.altfeeco.com/firm-size/large-firms) The Future of Pricing in the Legal Industry: Embracing AI + Efficiency [AI Whitepaper](https://www.altfeeco.com/get-your-free-ai-whitepaper) ![ai-whitepaper-banner](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/ai-whitepaper-banner.png) [Resources](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources) ### Resources [![articles](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/articles.svg) **Articles** Articles to inspire you on your AFA journey.](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/tag/articles) [![webinars](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/webinars.svg) **Webinars** On-demand and live events, CLE/CPD webinars, interactive workshops, and more.](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/tag/webinars) [![podcasts](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/podcasts.svg) **Podcasts** Helping legal professionals receive timely and actionable advice on AFAs in a convenient audio format.](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/tag/podcasts) [![case-studies](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/case-studies.svg) **Case Studies** How AltFee is helping law firms across the globe.](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/tag/case-studies) ### AFA Law Firms [![law-firm-directory](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/law-firm-directory.svg) **Law Firm Directory** Find legal providers worldwide offering non-hourly pricing options.](https://www.altfeeco.com/afa-law-firm-directory) [![AltFee\_Modern-Pricing\_Certified](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/AltFee_Modern-Pricing_Certified_T.png) **Modern Pricing Certification** Recognizing innovative modern pricing law firms.](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/modern-pricing-certified) ### Tools [![roi-calculator](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/roi-calculator.svg) **ROI Calculator** See your single matter and annual revenue impact with AFA's.](https://www.altfeeco.com/roi-calculator) The Pricing Playbook for Modern Law Firms [Free Playbook](https://www.altfeeco.com/get-your-free-pricing-playbook) ![The Pricing\_Playbook](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/Stock%20Images/istockphoto-894315018-612x612-1.jpeg) [Login](https://app.altfeeco.com/) [Book A Call](https://www.altfeeco.com/get-a-demo-scheduler) [Product](https://www.altfeeco.com/product) ### Understand Your Past [![history-icon-firefly](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/Icons/Pricing_Pg/history-icon-firefly.svg) **Legal Pricing Intelligence** Transform years of historical billing data into actionable insights on profitability, efficiency, realization, collections, and pricing opportunities. Learn More ![](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/learn-more-arrow.png)](https://www.altfeeco.com/legal-pricing-intelligence-altfee) ### Monitor Your Present [![monitor-icon-coral-tree](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/Icons/Pricing_Pg/monitor-icon-coral-tree.svg) **Fixed Fee Intelligence** Get ongoing intelligence on completed flat fee matters without changing your existing workflow. Learn More ![](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/learn-more-arrow.png)](https://www.altfeeco.com/fixed-fee-intelligence) ### Control Your Future [![altfee-arrow-mango-orange](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/Icons/Pricing_Pg/altfee-arrow-mango-orange.svg) **AltFee Platform** Build a repeatable system for scoping, pricing, budgeting, and managing alternative fee arrangements. Learn More ![](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/learn-more-arrow.png)](https://www.altfeeco.com/product) AltFee Navigator: Tailored Pricing Consulting [Learn More](https://www.altfeeco.com/navigator) ![Two\_workers\_tablet](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/Stock%20Images/Two_workers_tablet.jpg) [Pricing](https://www.altfeeco.com/pricing) [Firm Size](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/clio-altfee_integration_announcement-0#firm-size) ### Solo Practitioner [![mega-menu-thumb01](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/mega-menu-thumb01.png) **Solo Practitioner** Whether your practice is just getting off the ground or in the process of growing, AltFee has pricing solutions for you. Learn More ![](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/learn-more-arrow.png)](https://www.altfeeco.com/firm-size/solo-practitioners) ### Small to Mid-Size [![mega-menu-thumb02](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/mega-menu-thumb02.png) **Small + Mid-Size** Scope, manage, and collaborate on pricing for all your projects with one comprehensive tool. Learn More ![](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/learn-more-arrow.png)](https://www.altfeeco.com/firm-size/small-mid-firms) ### Large Firms [![mega-menu-thumb03](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/mega-menu-thumb03.png) **Large Firms** Get the all-in-one pricing tool that allows you to scope, manage, and collaborate on your large firm’s AFAs. Learn More ![](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/learn-more-arrow.png)](https://www.altfeeco.com/firm-size/large-firms) The Future of Pricing in the Legal Industry: Embracing AI + Efficiency [AI Whitepaper](https://www.altfeeco.com/get-your-free-ai-whitepaper) ![ai-whitepaper-banner](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/ai-whitepaper-banner.png) [Resources](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources) ### Resources [![articles](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/articles.svg) **Articles** Articles to inspire you on your AFA journey.](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/tag/articles) [![webinars](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/webinars.svg) **Webinars** On-demand and live events, CLE/CPD webinars, interactive workshops, and more.](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/tag/webinars) [![podcasts](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/podcasts.svg) **Podcasts** Helping legal professionals receive timely and actionable advice on AFAs in a convenient audio format.](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/tag/podcasts) [![case-studies](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/case-studies.svg) **Case Studies** How AltFee is helping law firms across the globe.](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/tag/case-studies) ### AFA Law Firms [![law-firm-directory](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/law-firm-directory.svg) **Law Firm Directory** Find legal providers worldwide offering non-hourly pricing options.](https://www.altfeeco.com/afa-law-firm-directory) [![AltFee\_Modern-Pricing\_Certified](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/AltFee_Modern-Pricing_Certified_T.png) **Modern Pricing Certification** Recognizing innovative modern pricing law firms.](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/modern-pricing-certified) ### Tools [![roi-calculator](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/roi-calculator.svg) **ROI Calculator** See your single matter and annual revenue impact with AFA's.](https://www.altfeeco.com/roi-calculator) The Pricing Playbook for Modern Law Firms [Free Playbook](https://www.altfeeco.com/get-your-free-pricing-playbook) ![The Pricing\_Playbook](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/Stock%20Images/istockphoto-894315018-612x612-1.jpeg) [Login](https://app.altfeeco.com/) [Book A Call](https://www.altfeeco.com/get-a-demo-scheduler) ![](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/Working_on_laptop-1.jpg) - [News](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/tag/news) # In the News: Alternative Fee Arrangements Possible with Proper Tools Legal tech platform co-founder says trick is coming up with a fee that reflects all the inputs. - By AltFee - September 26, 2022 - [Resources](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources) - In the News: Alternative Fee Arrangements Possible with Proper Tools [Canadian Lawyer Magazine](https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/resources/legal-technology/alternative-fee-arrangements-possible-with-proper-tools-altfee-chief-operating-officer/370118) recently spoke with AltFee Co-founder + COO Digby Leigh Jr. about the uptick in AFA adoption in law firms as well as AltFee's integration with [Clio](https://www.clio.com/app-directory/altfee/).   Read the full article below or you can find the original article posted on the CLM website [here.](https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/resources/legal-technology/alternative-fee-arrangements-possible-with-proper-tools-altfee-chief-operating-officer/370118)   --- ## Alternative Fee Arrangements Possible with Proper Tools: AltFee Chief Operating Officer #### Legal tech platform co-founder says trick is coming up with a fee that reflects all the inputs ![DLCO\_team\_portraits\_template\_0018\_Digby C- Leigh](https://www.altfeeco.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DLCO_team_portraits_template_0018_Digby%20C-%20Leigh.jpeg?width=787&height=600&name=DLCO_team_portraits_template_0018_Digby%20C-%20Leigh.jpeg) By [Zena Olijnyk](https://www.canadianlawyermag.com/authors/zena-olijnyk) 23 Sep 2022   There’s a “groundswell” of interest in so-called alternative free arrangements at law firms – code for a flat-fee structure – that has only gained momentum during the pandemic, says the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of AltFee. “There’s a large number of law firms already using some form of alternative fee arrangements to complement their hourly billing model,” says Digby Leigh. His company has developed software that provides an alternative fee arrangement system to help lawyers scope out fixed fees and how to offer competitive pricing that also doesn’t undervalue the firm’s work. “It’s our belief that the industry as a whole is moving away from billing by the hour in many cases because that’s what clients are ultimately demanding.” He adds that a transparent fixed fee is a significant foundation for trust in the lawyer-client relationship.   Leigh also points out that while there is debate about how far a flat-fee approach should be extended, he believes “virtually every type of project can price in some form of alternative fee arrangement with the right tools.” Leigh notes that many law firms struggle without the traditional hourly rate model, yet clients appreciate a flat-fee structure because of the transparency it provides. So, by offering a way to determine an alternative fee structure, Leigh says that both sides of the lawyer-client relationship win. In a post-COVID world, Leigh says that there are more caps on budgets for legal services, “so there is possibly even less enthusiasm for letting the fee clock run as they have a tighter budget to work with.” The trick, he adds, is coming up with a fee that reflects all the inputs - the timeline to completion, travel, weather, and the number of shareholders if it is a corporate project. “It could be something fairly big or fairly granular, but it still affects pricing.” Leigh notes that certain legal services – putting together a will, acting for a buyer or seller of real estate – are often priced “all-in.” But “one of the challenges with alternative fee arrangements is dealing with the preconceived idea that it only suits more ‘commoditized’ legal products.” Lawyers don’t like missing out on money if they offer a flat fee and don’t correctly estimate the work involved. “That’s one of the reasons you don’t see much outside the billable hour strategy with projects that are more complex, they fear they will be charging an upfront price that is too low.” However, Leigh says AltFee has created a tool that supports the accurate pricing of various legal projects and provides a “platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration that facilitates continuous learning firm-wide.” He says the “real magic” is in the ability to collaborate and take advantage of the people’s collective knowledge on pricing a particular type of project and then feed that knowledge into the software.  “So often, this type of knowledge on what a certain type of project cost may be stuck inside one lawyer’s head,” Leigh says. “And it’s harder to unlock that knowledge these days with Covid creating more hybrid workplaces, where you may not be able to knock on your colleague’s door and talk about it.” “With the AltFee software, you are better able to provide a price that’s more reflective of the value that you’re going to be able to deliver,” he says. It also allows law firms to offer fee packages ranging from basic to premium. The AltFee software has a repository of different guidelines for different legal projects, consisting of a base fee and then numerous factors that the law firm can customize based on “all the experiences that they’ve had and the types of things that popped up on similar projects.” Leigh says the software’s other key ingredient is the ability of lawyers and other legal professionals to offer insights or feedback on a particular project that can be referenced in future guidelines. This type of information can help both senior lawyers and less experienced lawyers come up with a pricing system and can better scope new projects that are in the same area. Recently, AltFee announced its integration with Clio, a Canadian company that is a global leader in cloud-based legal practice management software. Leigh says that the integration with Clio, which has more than 200 integration partners, will automatically sync a firm’s contacts in Clio with its AltFee account. This ensures contact consistency when scoping and pricing matters within the software or managing operations in Clio Manage. Contact detail changes in Clio will automatically update in AltFee, saving lawyers time and ensuring consistency between platforms. “Our customer base is very similar to Clio’s, so that is a definite plus,” says Leigh, adding: “There’s this common thread that customers are demanding of their service providers – more upfront price certainty, and better transparency. And we hope to provide that.”     - Share this article - - - Popular Recent ![Post](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/afa.jpg) May 24, 2022 [A Complete Guide to Alternative Fee Arrangements](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/alternative-fee-arrangements) ![Post](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/realization%20rate.jpg) June 7, 2022 [Realization Rate 101 For Law Firms](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/realization-rate) ![Post](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20features%20a%20sleek%20and%20modern%20office%20space%20designed%20for%20legal%20professionals%20The%20room%20is%20filled%20with%20natural%20light%20filtering%20through%20large%20floo-Dec-05-2025-05-44-35-6234-AM.png) December 4, 2025 [From Hours to Outcomes: The Hybrid Legal Pricing Model That Actually Works](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/from-hours-to-outcomes-the-hybrid-legal-pricing-model-that-actually-works) ![Post](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/implement-attorney-flat-fee-pricing.jpg) April 20, 2023 [Flat Fee Pricing for Lawyers: Why Use Them & How to Not Lose Money](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/flat-fee) ![Post](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/value%20based%20pricing.jpg) April 22, 2022 [A Guide to Value Based Pricing for the Legal Industry](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/value-based-pricing) ![Post](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/AltFee_ClioCon_legaltechca.png) October 15, 2026 [In the News: LegalTech.ca Features AltFee Ahead of ClioCon 2026](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/in-the-news-legaltech.ca-features-altfee-ahead-of-cliocon-2026) ![Post](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/wide_cinematic_3d_rendered_photoreal_scene_of_an_a.png) October 6, 2026 [In the News: AltFee Wins the 2026 Clio Integration Awards](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/in-the-news-altfee-wins-the-2026-clio-integration-awards) ![Post](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-01-09%20at%203.02.01%20PM.jpg) January 9, 2026 [In the News: AltFee Included in LegalTech.ca's 10 Canadian Legaltech Startups to Watch in 2026](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/in-the-news-altfee-included-in-legaltech.cas-10-canadian-legaltech-startups-to-watch-in-2026) ![Post](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/The%20image%20features%20a%20sleek%20and%20modern%20office%20space%20designed%20for%20legal%20professionals%20The%20room%20is%20filled%20with%20natural%20light%20filtering%20through%20large%20floo-Dec-05-2025-05-44-35-6234-AM.png) December 4, 2025 [From Hours to Outcomes: The Hybrid Legal Pricing Model That Actually Works](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/from-hours-to-outcomes-the-hybrid-legal-pricing-model-that-actually-works) ![Post](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/undefined.png) October 15, 2025 [AltFee Launches Matter Analytics: Turning Data Into Pricing Power](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/altfee-launches-matter-analytics-turning-data-into-pricing-power) ## Newsletter Signup ### Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest news. ![](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/Pricing%20Playbook%20-%20iPad%20size.png) #### The Pricing Playbook for Modern Law Firms The way law firms price legal services is evolving. With growing demand for transparency, predictability, and value, firms need smarter pricing strategies. This **free playbook** introduces a **practical hybrid approach** that combines time-based inputs with value-based considerations, helping your firm **scope work effectively**, **price with confidence**, and **improve profitability**. [View Free Playbook](https://www.altfeeco.com/get-your-free-pricing-playbook) [![](https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/AltFee-Logo.svg)](https://www.altfeeco.com/) AltFee is award-winning legal pricing software that helps law firms price with confidence, forecast profitability, and make smarter pricing decisions using their own data. [Contact Us](https://www.altfeeco.com/contact) [Book a Call](https://www.altfeeco.com/get-a-demo-scheduler) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/altfee) [Follow us on Facebook](http://www.twitter.com/altfeeco) ### Site Map - [Product](https://www.altfeeco.com/product) - [Modern Pricing Certification](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/modern-pricing-certified) - [AFA Firm Directory](https://www.altfeeco.com/afa-law-firm-directory) - [ROI Calculator](https://www.altfeeco.com/roi-calculator) - [Resources](https://www.altfeeco.com/resources) - [About Us](https://www.altfeeco.com/about-us) - [Login](https://app.altfeeco.com) ### Become an AltFee Insider Get insights on modern legal pricing, industry trends, and practical strategies to help your firm price smarter, delivered straight to your inbox. ### Want to see AltFee in action? ### Send Us A Message #### Pricing a Single Matter Select a typical matter: Company Incorporation Will Shareholders Agreement Trademark Registration M&A Share Sale Employment Agreement Review Contested Divorce Civil Litigation Commercial Property Sale ##### Without AltFee (Hourly) Number of hours to complete matter Average blended hourly rate $ Average revenue collected 75% is industry average (taking into consideration both billing realization rate & collection rate) % ##### With AltFee Expected revenue increase using AltFee % Expected collection rate using AltFee Percentage of your billed fees which are actually collected % ##### Totals Amount recorded for the matter = total number of hours to complete matter x average blended hourly rate #### $ 1750 Net amount earned by law firm = amount recorded for the matter x average revenue collected #### $ 1313 ##### AltFee Impacted Totals Amount billed to client #### $ 2100(+ $345) Net amount earned by law firm #### $ 2058 (+ $745) #### AltFee Annual Impact ##### Firm-Wide AltFee Impact Number of billing individuals in firm Estimated number of AltFee priced matters (per individual, annually) ##### Annual revenue increase to firm #### + $186,375 Note: This calculator is for illustrative purposes only © 2026 AltFee Solutions Inc., All Rights Reserved - [Privacy Policy & Cookie Policy](https://www.altfeeco.com/privacy-policy-cookie-policy) - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.altfeeco.com/terms-and-conditions) - [Security](https://www.altfeeco.com/security) - [Contact](https://www.altfeeco.com/contact) ```json { "@context" : "http://schema.org", "@type" : "TechArticle", "dateModified" : "2022-11-24", "datePublished" : "2022-09-26", "description" : "There’s a groundswell of interest in alternative free arrangements at law firms that has only gained momentum during the pandemic.", "headline" : "In the News: Alternative Fee Arrangements Possible with Proper Tools", "image" : "https://9410069.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/9410069/Working_on_laptop-1.jpg", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.altfeeco.com/hubfs/AltFee-Logo.svg" }, "name" : "AltFee", "url" : "https://www.altfeeco.com/" }, "url" : "https://www.altfeeco.com/resources/clio-altfee_integration_announcement-0" } ```