Is hiring a lawyer per case cheaper than ongoing legal advisory services?

Should businesses hire a lawyer on a case-by-case basis or use ongoing legal advisory services to save costs? This is a common question among business owners facing increasingly complex legal risks. Making the wrong choice may not only increase expenses but also expose the business to disputes, penalties, or reputational damage. So which option is truly more cost-effective and suitable for businesses?

Hiring a lawyer per case – seemingly cheaper, but is it really cost-saving?

Many businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, tend to hire lawyers only for specific cases. The common mindset is “we only need a lawyer when problems arise” to avoid fixed monthly costs. However, behind this short-term saving lie legal risks that are often overlooked.

When do businesses usually hire a lawyer per case?

Hiring a lawyer per case often happens when the business is already facing problems, such as:

• Being sued by partners over contract disputes

• Undergoing tax or labor inspections

• Internal shareholder disputes

• Administrative penalties

• Commercial disputes or court litigation

At this stage, lawyers play a “firefighting” role—handling consequences rather than preventing risks from the outset.

Is the cost of hiring a lawyer per case really low?

In reality, hiring a lawyer per case is often not cheap. Businesses may have to pay for:

• Initial consultation fees

• Fees for reviewing documents, contracts, and evidence

• Representation fees when working with partners or authorities

• Litigation fees (hourly or by stage)

When cases become complex or prolonged, total legal costs can reach hundreds of millions of VND, not including indirect losses such as management time, business disruption, or reputational damage.

Ongoing legal advisory services – fixed costs with long-term benefits

Instead of waiting for problems to arise, more businesses are choosing ongoing legal advisory services as an outsourced legal department. This solution is increasingly preferred by FDI companies, fast-growing startups, and medium-to-large enterprises.

What are ongoing legal advisory services?

Ongoing legal advisory services involve a long-term contract with a law firm, where lawyers continuously support the business, including:

• Reviewing and drafting commercial contracts

• Advising on corporate, labor, tax, and investment laws

• Identifying legal risks before transactions

• Supporting dealings with authorities

• Legal strategy advice for expansion or restructuring

Lawyers not only solve problems but help prevent legal risks early on.

Cost comparison: are ongoing legal advisory services more economical?

Although monthly fees may seem high, in practice:

• Legal advisory costs are stable and predictable

• Businesses do not pay separately for minor issues

• The risk of major disputes and lengthy litigation is significantly reduced

Compared to high costs incurred in resolving legal consequences, ongoing legal advisory services are often far more cost-effective in the long run, especially for active businesses.

Which option should businesses choose to optimize costs?

Not all businesses are the same. The decision depends on size, industry, and legal risk exposure.

When hiring a lawyer per case may be suitable

• Simple business operations with few contracts

• Limited complex legal transactions

• Legal issues occur very rarely

Even then, periodic legal consultation is still recommended.

When ongoing legal advisory services are more suitable

• Fast-growing businesses

• Companies with many contracts, partners, and employees

• FDI enterprises, startups raising capital, M&A activities

• Businesses seeking long-term legal risk and cost control

These businesses are more vulnerable to disputes without early legal involvement.

Ongoing legal advisory solutions at DEDICA Law

At DEDICA Law, we believe businesses need not only a good lawyer during disputes, but a long-term legal partner.

Why businesses choose DEDICA as their outsourced legal department

• Highly experienced lawyers

• Strong expertise in corporate advisory, contract disputes, and foreign investment

• Transparent and flexible fees tailored to business needs

• Proactive risk prevention rather than reactive problem-solving

DEDICA not only resolves issues but helps prevent them.

Make the right choice early to save legal costs

Many businesses approach DEDICA only after problems arise. By then, costs include not just legal fees, but lost opportunities, reputation, and time.

Are you facing similar concerns?
Unsure whether to hire a lawyer per case or use ongoing legal advisory services?

Contact DEDICA Law for the most suitable legal strategy for your business.

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Contact us now for a free initial consultation with our professional lawyers.