Attorneys, like accountants and other professional services, sell their expertise in the form of time. The time an attorney works on a case is billed to the client, usually in 6 minute - 1/10 of an hour increments. Hourly rates vary (wildly) depending on the type of law and firm. Many firms require their attorneys to bill a minimum number of hours per year and some even base their bonus structure on the hours that exceed that minimum. Is there an area you have specific questions about?