Is It Time to Renegotiate? Why Law Firms Can’t Afford Static Vendor Contracts

Vendor contracts don’t age well. What worked five years ago is often outdated, overpriced, or completely out of step with a firm’s current needs. Yet we see many firms quietly renew agreements without a real review, leaving money, performance, and protection on the table.

The Hidden Risk of Rollover Agreements 

Some contracts include auto-renewal clauses. Others simply get extended during busy seasons when no one has the bandwidth to dig into the details. Over time, this creates agreements with outdated pricing, service levels that no longer align with the firm, or add-ons that provide little value.

Red Flags That Signal It’s Time for a Review

• Headcount or office footprint has significantly changed

• New technology or services have been layered in

• Pricing and terms haven’t been benchmarked in several years

• Vendor performance has slipped or become inconsistent

Why Proactive Firms Hold the Advantage 

Waiting until the month before a contract expires almost always limits options. Proactive reviews, on the other hand, give firms the time and leverage to:

• Benchmark pricing and service levels against the market

• Negotiate new terms that reflect today’s needs

• Build accountability and performance metrics into agreements

• Explore alternatives without operational disruption

The Mattern Perspective 

Contracts should evolve as your firm evolves. When agreements are revisited regularly, firms maintain control, strengthen vendor accountability, and unlock savings that directly support profitability.

We help firms uncover opportunities in existing agreements, negotiate stronger terms, and ensure contracts deliver long-term value while protecting continuity.