If a return would be worth $1,000 at standard rates or the firm's standard fee, but the firm bills $850, billing realization on that job is 85%. If the client then pays $800, collection realization is 80%.
Low realization points to work that is underpriced, scoped too loosely, or taking longer than it should. Tracking it by service, client and staff member shows where.
Clear engagement letters, budgets per job and prompt billing are the usual levers for raising it.