from $50 to $1,000 or more. Make certain to get a written fee agreement that also states when the amount due is payable. It should also specify what other charges you are responsible for, such as court costs, phone calls, and so forth. There may be room for negotiation. It’s also important to know that more expensive does not mean better representation. When the total amount of work is uncertain, get a written estimate of the probable number of hours and require that you be notified when it appears that the total will exceed the estimate.
Flat fees are most common for routine matters where the time involved is predictable. House closings are a good example. Bolger suggests not forcing your lawyer to set a flat fee because the lawyer may build in a hefty risk premium. Chances are you’ll end up paying more than you would have if billed by the hour. The benefit of a flat fee is that if the case requires more time and effort than originally anticipated, the attorney may not later demand more money.
Contingent fees are commonly used when seeking money damages, such as in personal injury and workers compensation cases. The lawyer receives his fee out of the amount he helps you obtain. Attorneys typically receive about one-third of the recovery, but it may range between 20% and 40% of the client’s recovery. These fees can vary.
Retainers are considered advanced payment or an initial fee paid by the client. The lawyer will bill against the retainer at whatever hourly rate you agree on. The attorney then agrees to be available to handle the client’s day-to-day legal affairs. Bolger suggests that most people don’t have enough legal concerns to keep an attorney on retainer. He also says if the lawyer asks for what seems to
be an excessive retainer, it may mean that the lawyer isn’t really interested in your business or sees real problems in pursuing the matter effectively.
Credentials: Don’t be embarrassed to ask questions: How long an attorney has been in practice? What percentage of the lawyer’s cases is similar to your type of legal problems? How the lawyer accepts payments?