Your Case Load Math — How Many Clients Do You Really Need?

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Legal CFO, financial strategist Ryan Kimler breaks down one of the most important questions for law firm profitability—how many cases do you really need? Ryan explains how attorneys can calculate the right number of cases based on average case value, billing models, expenses, and staff capacity. He also shares practical KPIs for tracking firm health, strategies for avoiding feast-or-famine cycles, and the dangers of being under or over capacity. From pricing strategies and case math to financial planning and firm growth, this episode is a must-listen for lawyers who want clarity and confidence in managing their caseload.

Key Timestamps:

00:01 – Show introduction 01:05 – How to calculate the number of clients needed for profitability 04:15 – Setting revenue per case targets and client affordability 07:20 – Flat fee vs. hourly billing: how each impacts case math 10:45 – Risks of taking too many or too few clients 14:30 – Planning for capacity and avoiding feast-or-famine cycles 18:10 – The importance of open and close dates in caseload tracking 21:00 – Using KPIs to measure staff efficiency and firm profitability 24:20 – Old-school “3X rule” for payroll and modern adaptations 27:40 – One step law firms can take today to get a clearer picture of caseload needs 30:15 – Ryan’s favorite “Dwight Schrute” moments from The Office

About the Show:

The Legal CFO with Ryan Kimler helps attorneys transform their practices into profitable, sustainable businesses. By focusing on financial clarity, KPIs, and smart growth strategies, Ryan empowers law firm owners to understand their numbers, make informed decisions, and build firms that thrive.