McCarthy Tetrault's national leader for markets, Matthew Peters, says that 'alternative fee arrangements' do not really address the issues. In the last two years the firm has been developing other options including outsourcing and paralegals. Paralegals represent 'untapped resources', he says. Another approach which can work is encouraging the client to do certain parts of due diligence themselves. In one example, a client saved 25 per cent on costs. 

Client involvement

But rethinking the approach involves discussion between client and firm, says Mr Peters. 'You can’t do it well if the client isn’t prepared to rethink how they are buying the services,' he added.. Source: Canadian Lawyer.