Barbara Hendrickson of Toronto-based BAX Securities Law says that 'careful screening of clients' is vital to see in which cases alternative billing will be successful. She adds: 'Demanding” clients or clients who need constant hand holding will not be good candidates for a fixed retainer.'  Amongst several other pointers, she says: 'An upfront cash retainer proportionate to the size of the total retainer and periodic billing as the services are provided is also critical.' Source: Canadian Lawyer