What is essential for ensuring compensation for legal services rendered?

Securing payment for legal services is crucial because it directly reflects the transactional nature of the legal profession. This means that once services are rendered, the lawyer must take active steps to ensure they receive the agreed-upon payment. It is not just about completing the work; there has to be a clear expectation and agreement regarding compensation. By securing payment, a lawyer enhances their financial stability and the sustainability of their practice, allowing them to fulfill their obligations to clients effectively.

While billing clients directly, providing discounts, or offering payment plans may play a role in the overall client relationship and service structure, they do not inherently ensure that compensation is received. Simply having a billing process in place does not guarantee payment, and discounts or payment plans might affect the amount ultimately collected. Thus, the primary focus should be on securing the payment itself to ensure that the legal services rendered are properly compensated.