Some firms treat NTO filings as a loss leader: low-margin service to retain clients who will eventually need higher-value work. But when you run the actual numbers, the math often does not work as assumed.
The true cost
30 to 45 minutes of paralegal time ($20-$35) plus $27 to $36 in postage. Firm cost per filing: $47 to $66. Billing $100 to $150, the gross margin is $34 to $103. Thin but positive. Then add information chasing, error correction, and administrative overhead, and the margin erodes.
The opportunity cost
Every hour on NTO filings is an hour not spent on case preparation, document review, or client intake for matters that bill at attorney rates. The revenue your firm does not generate is the real cost.
The SimpleNTO alternative
At $59 paid by the client, your cost drops to zero. Your paralegal gets hours back. Your client gets faster service. And the relationship is maintained because you still handle everything requiring legal expertise.
The retention argument still works
Clients value attorneys who respect their budget. A $59 filing through SimpleNTO leaves a better impression than a $200 invoice for administrative paperwork. When a real legal issue arises, they call you because you gave them good advice, not because you handled their NTO paperwork.
SimpleNTO is a document preparation service, not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice or legal representation.
