Law firms - FAQ
Case acquisition cost - common questions
The questions firms ask most about cost per signed matter, the rates behind it and what a price ceiling is worth.
For attorneys and firm administrators. Injured people should not use this page.
If your question is not here, the criteria conversation is where it gets answered.
Question 01
Why is cost per inquiry the wrong number?
Because it compares two sources that convert at completely different rates. A cheaper inquiry that never becomes a consultation costs more than an expensive one that signs. The figure that decides anything is cost per signed matter, and it is built from your rates alone.
Question 02
Which four rates produce the figure?
Contact rate - the share of inquiries you actually reach. Consultation rate - the share of those conversations that become real consultations. Retention rate - the share of consultations that sign. Average fee - your own figure for the matters this criteria set would produce. Multiplying the first three gives inquiries per signed matter; the fee sets what you can afford to pay.
Question 03
What if we do not track these rates?
Then that is the finding, and it is a common one. The calculator still runs on estimates clearly marked as estimates, and the first capped pilot exists partly to produce the real ones.
Question 04
What is a price ceiling?
The most you can pay per qualifying inquiry and still be comfortable, given your rates and your average fee. It is the only price question worth asking, because any source priced above it loses money no matter how good it looks.
Question 05
Why will you not publish typical figures?
Because a typical figure describes someone else's criteria, venue and intake. It would reassure without informing, and decisions made on it belong to the firm it described - not to yours.
Question 06
Does using the calculator cost anything or send our figures anywhere?
No. The calculation runs in your browser. Nothing is recorded or sent unless you choose to press send and share the figures with our team.
Your question
Ask about criteria or cost
Send the question this page did not answer, with your criteria if you have them. We reply in writing.
What happens next
- 01We reply within one business day and propose a time.
- 02We draft your criteria document and send it back for corrections. Nothing is delivered until you approve it.
- 03If we can meet the standard, we quote per billable inquiry. If we cannot, we say so.
We do not sell or share what you submit here, and we do not use it for anything other than responding to your enquiry.
Next step
Take the question to a call
Thirty minutes with our team on criteria and economics, with your questions on the table.