Scope a flat-fee CAM review
A fixed fee needs a fixed work box.
This guide adds an original readiness and work matrix.
It uses ABA billing guidance and one firm offer.
Neither source sets a CAM fee benchmark.
Start with file readiness. Then set the legal review and stop rules.
Do not quote an open dispute as routine work.
The attorney growth pillar shows where fixed-fee scope fits.
The Practice Growth hub compares other firm growth paths.
The attorney page keeps the offer under counsel's review.
Define one base service
Name one client result. Keep the promise narrow and clear.
For example, offer a CAM evidence and clause review.
The base service may include:
- Intake and conflict clearance
- Signed lease chain check
- CAM statement evidence review
- Cited issue packet
- Attorney review meeting
- One approved client summary
State what the service excludes. Court work and tax advice may sit outside it.
The responsible lawyer sets the real terms. This guide is not legal advice.
See the client-file steps before quoting work.
Gate the file first
Do not quote from a short email.
First check the governing files. Check the statement and delivery proof.
Then log the client's goal. Note any past landlord messages.
Use these file states:
| State | File facts | Quote action |
|---|---|---|
| Ready | Core files are present | Scope the base service |
| Conditional | One clear gap remains | Quote after the gap closes |
| Stop | Governing facts are unclear | Do not quote yet |
A conflict hold stops this quote. An unknown client also stops intake.
An open contract deadline needs lawyer review. Intake staff should not calculate it.
Score the review work
Next score the work inside the file.
Use this original scope matrix:
Your firm sets these classes. They are not market benchmarks.
| Factor | Simple | Conditional | Outside base scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lease chain | One clear chain | One conflict needs review | Governing file is missing |
| CAM proof | Statement and backup | Limited backup | No statement |
| Evidence paths | One clause and one line | More than one clause or year | Non-CAM proof controls |
| Dates | Proof is logged | Counsel must confirm | Urgent legal risk |
| Output | One client summary | Extra review round | Pleading or expert report |
Do not total these labels like a legal score. Use the highest concern.
One outside-scope factor stops the base quote. Counsel may offer new terms.
Name lawyer review
The scope must show the attorney's work.
List who reviews the clauses. List who checks each client message.
The ABA says tools can reduce drafting work. Its article favors value billing.
That view is guidance, not a required fee model. It proves no profit result.
Tools may change task mix. They do not remove lawyer judgment.
Set change triggers
Write the change rule before work starts.
Use facts the client can see. Avoid vague words like "complex."
Possible triggers include:
- A missing amendment appears
- The landlord sends new backup
- A new lease year enters scope
- The client adds another property
- The issue shifts beyond CAM
- The client requests a legal letter
- The matter enters a court case
Each trigger needs an approver. Record the new scope before added work.
The draft review guide covers one letter review.
Route three sample matters
These examples are fictional. They are not fee or profit benchmarks.
Quote the Oak file
Oak has a signed lease chain. Its statement and backup are present.
The client wants one cited CAM review. Counsel sees no open stop.
Result: scope the base service. Price it with the firm's own inputs.
Hold the Pine file
Pine has its statement. The signed second amendment is missing.
That file may change the CAM terms. The base scope is not ready.
Result: hold the quote. Request the signed amendment.
Re-scope the Elm file
Elm began with one CAM question. It now alleges fraud and spoliation.
Those claims need separate legal review. They exceed the base service.
Result: stop the flat-fee work. Counsel decides the new path.
Use the legal intake filter for mixed disputes.
Test the fee in-house
Your firm sets its own fee. Use its real cost data.
List every expected task. Assign the right role and internal cost.
Add review time, client delivery, and normal file control.
Do not use an invented market margin. Do not promise a savings amount.
One firm markets flat-fee lease review. That fact proves only its own offer.
The margin calculator can hold firm assumptions. Its sample values are not market facts.
Keep duties local
Fee rules and ethics duties vary by state.
The ABA Model Rules serve as models. Each state sets its own rules.
Counsel must check local rules. Counsel must approve the work terms.
Browse the attorney resource hub for more firm controls.
Where CAMAudit fits
Oak passed the base scope. The scope names its lease chain and CAM proof.
The file also names dates, lawyer review, and the output.
The law firm sends those files into CAMAudit.
CAMAudit may flag cited review items. Fixed rules run the financial math.
It builds a branded CAM audit for the law firm.
The tenant attorney reviews and signs the audit. Counsel controls each legal point.
CAMAudit may prepare a dispute letter draft from reviewed findings.
Counsel checks each claim and decides what may be sent.
It is a draft for your review, not legal advice.
Have counsel review it before sending.
Use the service line guide for launch steps.