What does Megan Porth mean by leaving the “mays” out of a contract?

Megan Porth advises listing only what you are required to do in a contract and leaving out anything you might do. Whatever appears in the contract, she says, the client believes they have paid for. Extras left out can then be delivered as no-fee bonuses, which builds goodwill instead of setting up a broken promise.

Why does Megan Porth say contracts can reduce disputes?

Megan Porth says most contracts are used outside a courtroom, as a way to communicate and manage expectations. When clients clearly understand what they are and aren't getting, especially payment and delivery terms, they are happier and, in her experience, less litigious. Clear boundaries, she adds, make the other party feel safe.

How does Megan Porth bill differently from most lawyers?

Megan Porth offers flat-rate billing and limited-scope representation rather than ongoing hourly retainers, and she posts her rates on her website. She doesn't charge clients for short follow-up questions. She says this started as an experiment and that those clients come back and refer their friends.

How often does Megan Porth think lawyers should bill against a retainer?

Megan Porth suggests reconciling retainer spending at least every 14 days and ideally every week. A short note showing how much of a retainer was used that week lets clients, and their business partners, manage their questions and spending, instead of discovering 30 days later that a $5,000 retainer is gone.