“Can’t you just write a letter?” he asked.
He’s certain that a threatening letter from a lawyer will make the difference and get her to do what she is supposed to be doing anyway.
He’s willing to pay you to write and mail the letter.
Should you do it?
Money IS the Object
Probably not. Small matters rarely justify the fee you receive for handling the issue.
A small file comes with administrative overhead just like a big file. In fact, the costs associated with a small file are proportionally much higher than they are with a case that generates substantial revenue because certain tasks must be addressed regardless of the size of the matter.
Every file, big and small, involves activity. You’ll have to deal with bookkeeping issues, conflict of interest issues, file storage, etc. Opening a file—even a simple file—involves overhead. Ten years after a file is closed, you’re still dealing with the records created in the matter. When that matter involved a $200 fee, you’re losing money over the long haul.
You need a minimum fee. Don’t open a file—don’t get involved—if the matter falls below your minimum.
. . . Unless the Matter Matters
Of course, there’s an exception. Isn’t there always an exception?
Go ahead and open the file if the matter matters. Do it if it’s likely to lead to additional work. For instance, if a referral source needs a letter written, then do it. In fact, consider doing it for free. If the client needing a letter written is likely to litigate the matter when the letter doesn’t produce the desired result, then go ahead and write away. Always consider the potential for additional work when determining whether to proceed on the work you’re currently considering.
Sometimes, in our desperation for paying work, we accept matters we shouldn’t. We do some quick math and decide that doing something is better than doing nothing, and we take on the cause.
The fact is that doing something isn’t always better than doing nothing. When the costs are high and the fee is low, doing something is worse than doing nothing. Carefully consider each matter before you accept the engagement.
