The precise scope and terms of these new pricing models remain undisclosed. Details about how individual firms are implementing outcome-based arrangements, which client segments are subject to revised terms, and the financial impact of the transition have not been made public.
For in-house counsel and procurement teams, this shift carries immediate implications. Outcome-based pricing can reduce upfront costs but introduces new risks around performance measurement, dispute resolution, and fee disputes tied to subjective results. Firms should scrutinize engagement letters carefully to understand how success is defined, measured, and validated. The trend also signals that consulting demand is likely to remain robust despite AI adoption—meaning budget pressures on advisory spending may ease, but contract terms will become more complex and performance-contingent.