The Subscription Attorney

Описание: In the legal world, the billable hour has reigned supreme for decades. But Mathew Kerbis, "The Subscription Attorney," is proving there’s a better way. With a practice built entirely on subscription-based services, Kerbis is reshaping how lawyers work - and how clients experience legal services.

Breaking Free from the Billable Hour

For years, Kerbis practiced insurance defense litigation, a role steeped in long hours and longer invoices. But after nearly a decade, he’d had enough. "I was fed up with billing by the hour," he said.

Inspired by services like Netflix, Kerbis created a subscription model for legal services, delivering help on a recurring basis and ditching hourly billing entirely. "I leaned into my gut, learned about running a business, and figured it out," he explained.

The “Costco” Model for Legal Services

Kerbis’s subscription model works like this: clients pay a monthly fee to access legal services. Depending on their tier, they get different levels of service.

“I take the Costco approach,” he said. “To access fixed-fee deals, you must first become a member.”

Clients can pay higher monthly rates for comprehensive services or start at $20/month for discounted fixed-fee options. Higher-tier clients enjoy bundled services and unlimited scheduled calls. “I’ve represented businesses where I’m essentially their fractional in-house attorney,” Kerbis said.

Lawyer Fears and the Role of Scoping

For lawyers worried about work overload, Kerbis offers a solution: proper scoping. “If a client has a long list of tasks, that’s a premium,” he said. “It’s about having a conversation. What’s the priority? What’s the value to the client? You price accordingly.”

He also emphasizes trust. “If you build trust, clients won’t leave after one month,” he said.

Leveraging Technology

Kerbis has streamlined his firm with automation and software. Tools like Calendly make scheduling calls effortless, while Stripe handles subscription payments seamlessly.

Kerbis offers unlimited scheduled calls, capped at 15 minutes each. “Clients don’t hoard calls because they know they can always reach out,” he said. “It builds trust and keeps the relationship strong.”

A Proactive Legal Approach


One standout benefit of subscription law is its proactive nature. "I don’t make money if my clients go to litigation," Kerbis explained. "So I focus on litigation avoidance."

This approach saves clients money and encourages regular communication. "I tell them, ‘You’ve paid for this. Use it.’ And they do.”

Teaching Subscription Law

Through his podcast, Law Subscribed and CLEs, Kerbis encourages other lawyers to embrace the subscription model.

“I’m happy to teach others,” he said. “Even lawyers in my backyard. A rising tide lifts all boats.”

The Future of Legal Practice

For Kerbis, subscription law creates a healthier dynamic for both lawyers and clients. "Lawyers don’t realize how freeing it is to stop tracking hours," he said. “It’s not just good for clients—it’s good for us.”

If you want to learn more from Mathew Kerbis, connect with him on

• LinkedIn:   / kerbisverse  
• Email: [email protected].

Connect with Jonathan Hawkins:

• Website: https://www.lawfirmgc.com/
• LinkedIn:   / jonathan-hawkins-135147  
• Podcast: https://lawfirmgc1.wpenginepowered.co...