Big Law - Big Fees - If You Can Collect Them

Link: Law.com - McAfee Sues WilmerHale Over $12 Million in Legal Fees. This dispute between McAfee and BigLaw Firm WilmerHale shows that clients and lawyers fight over fees, no matter the size of the firm. Except that, in the case of big law and big litigation, the fees are bigger. My question is, why did WilmerHale allow the bill to get so big? Where were the McAfee GCs responsible for monitoring the fees and litigation? As a solo, I can't afford to spend so much time on a matter without getting paid ongoing. Is Big Law different? Who was paying the salaries of all the Associates billing on the case? I guess I just don't understand the dynamics of large litigation. I practice small law for small fees. I still have a roof over my head, food on the table, and Internet access. What more do I need?