A senior technology executive who owns your roadmap, holds your vendors to account, and puts AI to work safely. Part-time commitment, full accountability, starting at $2,500 a month.
TECHNOLOGY ROADMAP · EXCERPT
Client: 28-attorney litigation firm (sample)
Horizon: next 12 months
25+ yearsin legal technology, eDiscovery and litigation support
Former Director of Legal Technologyat Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP
Microsoft 365 certifiedwith hands-on AI and automation delivery
Vendor-neutral by policyno hidden resale margin on what we recommend
Your MSP keeps the lights on. Someone still has to decide where the firm is going, what it should cost, and who is accountable when it goes wrong. At most firms of 10 to 150 people, that someone is a managing partner who would rather be practicing.
A client sent a security questionnaireand nobody is sure how to answer question 14.
Partners want to use AIbut there is no policy, no data review, and no plan for Copilot.
Cyber insurance renewal is comingwith new control requirements and a longer application.
A big system change is duepractice management, document management, or a cloud move.
IT spend keeps risingand no one can explain what the firm is paying for.
Your IT lead just leftor is stretched past what one person can carry.
In 3 to 4 weeks we interview leadership, inventory systems, vendors and contracts, review Microsoft 365 security, and check how staff already use AI.
You get a findings report, risk register, 12-month roadmap, budget outline and a 90-day action plan, presented to your partners or owners.
On a monthly retainer we own the roadmap: vendor management, security program, AI governance, and the projects that move the firm forward.
Retainers start with a 6-month term, then continue month to month with 30 days’ notice.
Up to 50 users, 3 weeks. Larger or regulated organizations: $12,500, 4 weeks.
10 to 40 people with an IT provider in place. Up to 8 hours a month.
25 to 100 people. Up to 20 hours a month.
75 to 150 people or an active transformation. Up to 36 hours a month.
50% of the assessment fee is credited toward your first three months on a retainer signed within 30 days of the readout. Interim CIO coverage for leadership gaps starts at $15,000 a month. Additional hours are $250 an hour with your written approval.
| AIS Fractional CIO | MSP-provided vCIO | Full-time CIO or IT Director | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical monthly cost | $2,500 to $9,500 | $1,000 to $3,000, often bundled | About $18,500 with benefits |
| Recommendations | Vendor-neutral by written policy | Usually favor the MSP's own stack and services | Neutral |
| Legal practice knowledge | Former AmLaw firm technology director | Varies | Depends on the hire |
| AI governance | Included in every package | Usually extra or absent | Depends on the hire |
| Time to start | 1 to 2 weeks | Immediate for existing clients | 3 to 6 months to recruit |
| Help desk support | Directs your support provider | Included | Builds or manages a team |
Market figures from 2026 published pricing guides. Full-time estimate uses the BLS May 2024 median pay for computer and information systems managers ($171,200) plus a 30% benefits estimate.
Founder & CEO, Automated Intelligent Solutions, Inc. (A.I. Solutions)
Every engagement is led by Jeff as your named technology executive. Delivery support handles documentation and vendor administration so your fee goes to senior judgment.
Usually yes, if you are past about 20 people. Your MSP fixes problems and maintains systems. A fractional CIO sets direction, budgets, and holds the MSP to its service levels. We work alongside your current provider and do not try to replace them.
Up to 25% of unused hours roll forward one month. Most clients use their hours steadily because roadmap and vendor work never really stops.
Our recommendations carry no hidden resale margin. A.I. Solutions does offer managed IT support. If you use both, we disclose it in writing and you can request an independent review of our recommendations once a year.
Yes. The Fractional CIO and Embedded packages include four questionnaires a year, and the security program we build gives you documented answers for future ones.
Law firms are our specialty, and we also serve accounting firms, professional services firms and other businesses of 10 to 150 people.
Assessments typically begin within one to two weeks of signing.
We will talk through what is on your plate, tell you whether a fractional CIO fits, and recommend a starting point. No obligation.
Fractional CIO services are provided by Automated Intelligent Solutions, Inc. Prices in USD, current as of October 2026.
