Hovey Williams Announces Freeze in Billing Rates for 2009
Overland Park, KS—The local Intellectual Property (IP) law firm of Hovey Williams LLP recently announced its decision to freeze all partners’ and senior associates’ billing rates for the 2009 calendar year. The firm has also decreased flat fees for some of its service offerings.
“We feel the rate freeze is a prudent precautionary move, given the current status and outlook of the economy,” says Thomas B. Luebbering, Partner of Hovey Williams. “We want our clients to know we always have their best interests in mind, and we are hopeful this gesture will provide welcomed relief to their financial situations.”
The freeze of Hovey Williams’ billing rates is contrary to the trends of most U.S. law firms, according to The American Lawyer. In its sixth annual Law Firm Leaders Survey, The American Lawyer questioned managing partners from 112 firms nationwide on three main areas, including their outlook for 2009. While the overall consensus among managing partners surveyed was that
they too are feeling the effects of the recession, the majority of firms are also hiking their billing rates for 2009. Specifically, 98% of the firms surveyed stated they are increasing their billing
rates this year, despite the fact that 75% reported more clients are requesting discounts and 65% reported clients are paying bills later than usual. The complete survey results can be found here: http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202426433148.
Beyond recent industry trends, Hovey Williams prides itself on its background of being sensitive to client concerns during difficult economic times, dating back to the Great Depression which began just weeks after the firm’s inception. The firm’s particular focus on IP law further enhances its cost savings approach through its group of specialized attorneys who have varying technical backgrounds and levels of experience, allowing the firm to efficiently serve a broad range of clients. Additionally, Hovey Williams’ Midwest office location offers a low overhead and cost of living, which allows its clients to receive world class service at more affordable rates.
Founded in 1929, Hovey Williams LLP is an Intellectual Property law firm specializing in patents, trademarks, copyright, trade secret, and IP litigation. The firm’s practice before the U.S.
Patent and Trademark Office includes patent and trademark prosecution, appeals, oppositions, cancellations, and interferences. In addition, Hovey Williams has appeared before the United States Supreme Court, regional Courts of Appeal, the Federal Circuit for patent cases, and state courts. The firm’s team consists of more than 25 attorneys, including 12 partners, who collectively possess over 300 years of IP experience. For more information about Hovey Williams, visit http://www.hoveywilliams.com.