Getting Paid: Part Four
Editor’s note: This is part four of a five-part series on making sure you get paid as an expert witness. Earlier articles included an introduction to alternative fees and effective communication methods.

By Melinda Starbird, J.D.

The quick answer to this question is, “It depends.” For some experts in some industries, a shift to alternative fee arrangements may be the smart way to go. For other industries, with more unpredictable factors, it is safer to remain using the billable hour. Continue reading »

Getting Paid: Part Three
Editor’s note: This is part three of a five-part series on making sure you get paid as an expert witness. We have already written about the three questions to ask attorneys and how to communicate throughout your project. This installment discusses the impact of alternative fees on experts.

By Melinda Starbird, J.D.

Since early 2009, legal industry publications have been announcing the transition to alternative fee arrangements (AFA). The enthusiasts claim these arrangements are going to kill the hourly rate, completely change the way companies work with outside counsel and allow the high quality law firms to thrive.

While there is quite a bit of support for a shift to alternative fees, there is also the belief that the media is simply publishing reactionary articles to economic pressures. Continue reading »