I just read an article in the Times (linked below) that explores the impact of the economy on the billable hour. Much of it tells us what we already know. Mainly, law firms (and their clients) are facing difficult times in the midst of the economic downtown. It goes on to suggest that more firms are considering alternative billing plans (flat rates, smaller fees, etc…). The article caused me to question two things; the first is whether change is really near and the second involves the extent to which law school has trained me to be conscious of my time.