Answered step by step
Verified Expert Solution
Link Copied!

Question

1 Approved Answer

Terry Smith and two of his colleagues are considering opening a law office in a large metropolitan area that would make inexpensive legal services available

image text in transcribed
Terry Smith and two of his colleagues are considering opening a law office in a large metropolitan area that would make inexpensive legal services available to those who could not otherwise afford services. The intent is to provide easy access for their clients by having the office open 360 days per year, 16 hours each day from 7:00 am. to 11:00 p.m. The office would be staffed by a lawyer, paralegal, legal secretary, and clerk-receptionist for each of the two eight-hour shifts In order to determine the feasibility of the project, Smith hired a marketing consultant to assist with market projections. The results of this study show that if the firm spends $490,000 on advertising the first year, the number of new clients expected each day will be 50. Smith and his associates believe this number is reasonable and are prepared to spend the $490,000 on advertising. Other pertinent informa- tion about the operation of the office follows: The only charge to each new client would be $30 for the initial consultation. All cases that warrant further legal work will be accepted on a contingency basis with the firm earning 30 percent of any favorable settlements or judgments. Smith estimates that 20 percent of new client consultations will result in favorable settlements or judgments averaging $2,000 each. It is not expected that there will be repeat clients during the first year of operations The hourly wages of the staff are projected to be $25 for the lawyer, $20 for the paralegal the legal secretary, and $10 for the clerk-receptionist. Fringe benefit expense will of the wages paid. A total of 400 hours of overtime is expected for the year; this will be divided . be 40 percent clerk one and one-half times the regular wage, and the fringe benefit expense will apply to the full wage. ally. Associated expenses will be $27,000 for property insurance and $37,000 for utilities $180,000 annually useful life of four years . Smith has located 6,000 square feet of suitable office space that rents for $28 per square foot annu . It will be necessary for the group to purchase malpractice insurance, which is expected to cost . The initial investment in the office equipment will be $60,000. This equipment has an estimated . The cost of office supplies has been estimated to be $4 per expected new client consultation. Required: 1. Determine how many new clients must visit the law office being considered by Terry Smith and 2. Compute the law firm's safety margin. his colleagues in order for the venture to break even during its first year of operations

Step by Step Solution

There are 3 Steps involved in it

Step: 1

blur-text-image

Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions

See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success

Step: 2

blur-text-image

Step: 3

blur-text-image

Ace Your Homework with AI

Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance

Get Started

Recommended Textbook for

More Books

Students also viewed these Accounting questions

Question

When should you avoid using exhaust brake select all that apply

Answered: 1 week ago