The Goldilocks pricing problem

Running a law practice today requires more than sharp legal analysis, it demands thoughtful decisions about value, technology and accountability. In this issue, we look at how to price your services, explore the rapid rise of wearable tech, highlight a podcast that offers a deeper look at disability advocacy and break down why measuring your marketing matters more than ever if you want to know what’s actually driving clients to your door.
 
But first, did you see this viral post about a clever legal ad spotted in a movie theater? 

“...we’ll sue your ass off.”
Totally normal statement from the White House press secretary. We still don’t know whether she was joking. Maybe SNL can include this in next week’s cold open after having almost the whole cabinet satirized for their “legal-ish” work this past week.

Esse Quam Videri indeed.
The lawsuit alleging former Senator Krysten Sinema is a psychedelic drug-pushing homewrecker may be generating a lot of headlines. But it’s got nothing on this other alienation of affection case involving a TikTok influencer that was tried to a $1.75 million verdict. Kudos to WRAL in North Carolina for putting together an explainer on the history of this antiquated law.

Federal judges argue they should be allowed to pack heat.
Judges rarely comment on proposed legislation, but three of them signed this Wall Street Journal op-ed in support of a proposed law that would allow them to carry firearms.

“Offering compassion and offering refunds are not the same thing…”
A Florida wedding venue is taking heat for enforcing the no-refunds clause in its contract even after a would-be groom passed away.

Pennsylvania judge dinged for keeping a "Book of Grudges”
To be fair, she encouraged her staff members to jot down their complaints as well. 

Why U.S. law firms are hiring more remote legal talent*
Hiring reliable legal help is slow and expensive, which helps explain the growing shift to remote legal talent. Platforms like HireParalegals.com connect firms with pre-vetted professionals with U.S. legal experience. Raise the Bar readers can get $500 off their first hire with code RTB2026. (*sponsored content)

Too low, too high, or just right?

Pricing your legal services is a classic Goldilocks problem: charge too little and you’ll be overwhelmed, charge too much and you won’t get enough clients in the door. Either way, your firm’s in trouble. Alay Yajnik of the Law Firm Success Group and Attorney Chelsea Pagan, co-hosts of the Lawyer Boss Life podcast, have put together a couple of quick videos that outline the “Top 3 Signs You’re Underpricing Your Legal Services” and “The Top 3 Signs Your Hourly Rate is Too High.” Both are worth a watch since they give you different indicators to look out for (think referrals who can’t afford your fees vs. lots of disputes and delayed payments).  

Why this matters: Many attorneys struggle with setting and adjusting their fees. But that doesn’t mean it is a task you can ignore. These videos can help you decide if it is time to charge more (or less) for the work you do. (Signs of Underpricing / Signs Your Rate is Too High)

Wearable tech is so fetch

Tech companies have been trying and failing to make augmented reality (AR) glasses a must-have accessory for years. They promise features that once sounded like science fiction, but are rapidly becoming mainstream. For lawyers, understanding this technology isn’t just about staying on trend; it’s about anticipating the legal risks these tools present while considering that they might also enhance your practice. 

Law firm Jackson Lewis covers the risk side of things in a series of blog posts it is doing on AI-enabled smart glasses. Meanwhile, the ABA just published a product review done by an attorney who is using auto-captioning glasses to assist him since suffering major hearing loss. 

Why this matters: Smartphones and smartwatches are ubiquitous. If smart glasses are the next big thing, lawyers need to be prepared to guard against unnecessary risk while incorporating them if useful. (Jackson Lewis / ABA’s GPSolo eReport)

Accessible advocacy

Disability Deep Dive is an interview-based podcast that explores the ways laws and policy collide with the lived experience of those in the disability community. Hosted by Keith Casebonne and Jodi Beckstine of Disability Rights Florida, the series covers everything from accessibility, identity and discrimination, to voting rights and broader rights protections, always with an eye toward real-world impacts.  

Why this matters: This podcast gives listeners a broad understanding of current legal and social debates, but it also spotlights areas where lawyers may engage in advocacy, policy reform or litigation on behalf of clients with disabilities. (Disability Deep Dive)

• Fed Chair attends SCOTUS arguments
• Suing ICE agents is possible, but not easy
• Electronic health records company, Epic, sues over health record sharing, suggests lawyers may be posing as medical record companies
• Florida Supreme Court follows Texas’s lead, will no longer rely on ABA for law school accreditation
• Tracking state-level legislation that impacts courts

Do you know where that client actually came from?

By the time a potential client reaches out, they may have been referred to your firm by a friend, checked out your website, then seen an online ad for your services. But as John Hinson of Legal Marketing Blog points out, if you ask how they found you, they might say “Google.”

This piece is a reminder that legal customer journeys are often long and complex, and if you don’t have a plan in place for accurately measuring your marketing, you may over-credit the last touchpoint before a contact (like a search click) while under-valuing the other steps you took that built the awareness and trust needed to inspire that search. It then offers some practical tips for better client acquisition tracking.  

Why this matters: Marketing needs to be measured in order to know if it is working. But it’s a bit more difficult than looking at click rates or even asking clients what led them to you. (Legal Marketing Blog)

You're all caught up!

 Thanks for reading today's edition! You can reach the newsletter team at raisethebar@mynewsletter.co. We enjoy hearing from you.

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 Raise the Bar is written and curated by Emily Kelchen and edited by Bianca Prieto.