In the traditional legal world, fairness is often treated like an upgrade package—something you have to pay extra for, or worse, something you have to fight for.
That’s ridiculous. That’s insulting. And that’s how BigLaw likes it.
At FTE Legal, we decided to stop playing that game. Fairness isn’t a favor or an extra. It’s the first step.
Here’s what fairness actually looks like when it’s not tangled up in old-school legal theater.
1. Fair Rates—Not "Whatever We Can Get Away With"
Let’s be real here: most firms charge rates because they can, not because the work demands it.
The going rate at a traditional firm for an associate barely out of law school? North of $700/hour. What do you get for that? Someone is still googling how indemnification clauses work.
Meanwhile, the partner who charges you $1,200/hour for “review” spends maybe 15 minutes glancing at it. And when you ask why the bill is so high, you’ll get a word salad about "complexity" and "market alignment."
We skipped all the smoke and mirrors. We charge rates that make sense, that you know upfront, and are tied to the value of the work, not our egos.
At FTE Legal, I treat my legal practice more like a trade than a profession, with my pen (or laptop!) as tools of that trade
2. Minimal Overhead—Because You Shouldn’t Fund Our Office Art Collection
Traditional firms love overhead. Giant leases. “Client lounges.” Mahogany desks nobody uses.
The best part? You get to pay for all of it, whether you asked for it or not.
At FTE, we believe overhead should be as light as our billing practices. You’re not buying us skyline views. You’re buying legal solutions.
3. Straightforward Terms—No Maze, No Minotaur
Some law firm contracts need a second lawyer just to interpret all the fine print and jargon. And guess what? That's their plan.
Complexity hides imbalance. It hides junk fees. It hides leverage being shifted away from you.
At FTE, our terms are clear, balanced, and simple enough for you to read without having to call in reinforcements.
4. Free Consultations—Because the Meter Shouldn’t Start the Second You Say "Hello"
Nothing says “we value you” like slapping you with a bill for a handshake.
Our consultations are free, no strings attached. We figure the least we can do is let you understand what you’re getting into without needing a second mortgage.
5. No Billing for Nonsense—Respect, Not a Stopwatch
You send a two-sentence email. Some firms call that “.02 hours.” We call it “being human.”
We don't charge you for texts, quick questions, or minor communications. If it doesn't move the needle for you, it doesn’t show up on your bill. Full stop.
The Real Bottom Line
Fairness isn't a marketing strategy. It's not even really a differentiator. It's what we believe is the bare minimum.
If you're working with a lawyer who treats fairness like it's optional—or worse, like it's a loss leader to get you in the door—run. You deserve better.
At FTE Legal, we believe that clients deserve fair rates, fair terms, and a fair shake—every time, every case, every client. Not because we have to. Because it's the right thing to do.
And because we’re kind of tired of cleaning up the messes that "business as usual" leaves behind.
Ready for a Different Kind of Legal Partner?
At FTE Legal, we believe that fairness isn’t just about how we bill—it’s about how we build your business alongside you. Whether you're launching your first company, growing your startup, or managing day-to-day legal needs, you deserve counsel that works with you, not against you.
We offer fractional general counsel services for:
- Small businesses and entrepreneurs (from pre-formation to ongoing operations)
- Startups scaling through rounds of investment and growth
- Corporate and commercial contracting, governance, and risk management
- Support for non-profits, accelerators, and small business initiatives
We keep our rates fair, our practices efficient, and our terms transparent—so you can focus on running your business, not deciphering your invoice.
Fair rates. Fair terms. Real support. That's FTE Legal.
