{"id":357949,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:17","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/hirealawyer\/attorney-fees-and-agreements\/how-much-will-it-cost-to-hire-a-lawyer.html"},"modified":"2023-09-11T10:55:54","modified_gmt":"2023-09-11T15:55:54","slug":"how-much-will-it-cost-to-hire-a-lawyer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/attorney-fees-and-agreements\/how-much-will-it-cost-to-hire-a-lawyer.html","title":{"rendered":"How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Lawyer?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">How Much Will It Cost to Hire a Lawyer?<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            September 11, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p>The cost of legal help varies widely. Lawyers may charge an hourly rate, which means more time-consuming cases will be more expensive. Some charge a flat fee, so you&#8217;ll know the total cost after the first consultation. In other cases, a lawyer may charge a percentage of your compensation \u2014 but only if you win or settle your case. If they lose your case, you wouldn&#8217;t pay attorney&#8217;s fees.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Even after winning a court case, people may feel uneasy about the amount of money they have spent on attorney&#8217;s fees. An experienced lawyer&#8217;s assistance is invaluable to a case, but legal fees should be reasonable for the services provided.<\/p>\n<p>The difference between a fair price and an excessive one varies depending on the circumstances of your case. Complex cases cost more than simple legal matters. Understanding the nature of the legal services you need can help to explain\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/attorney-fees-and-costs.html\">your lawyer&#8217;s costs and fees<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The bottom line: The cost of hiring a lawyer depends on your case and what\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/attorney-fees-and-agreements\/types-of-legal-fees.html\">fee arrangements<\/a>\u00a0you make. This article can help you better understand your options. To get a more exact estimate of the cost, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">consult with a lawyer<\/a> near you.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>What Makes a Lawyer Expensive?<\/h2>\n<p>A few factors that can affect the cost of hiring a lawyer include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The type of legal case you have<\/li>\n<li>A lawyer&#8217;s specialized knowledge and experience<\/li>\n<li>The time it will take to resolve your case, which could be many weeks or several years<\/li>\n<li>In a civil dispute, whether you settle or go to trial<\/li>\n<li>How much research, investigation, and other services your case may need<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Your particular case determines what kind of legal representation you need and what it will cost. Finding the right lawyer for your case can also save you hundreds of dollars, no matter what the final cost. You should be sure you and your lawyer work well together. You want an attorney who responds to your questions and is upfront about your chances in court.<\/p>\n<h2>Legal Fees for Injury or Accident Cases<\/h2>\n<p>Most personal injury lawyers handle cases on a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/personal-injury\/what-is-a-contingency-fee\/\">contingency fee basis<\/a>, meaning the lawyer takes a certain percentage of the final settlement or award. Contingency fee arrangements are generally between 30% and 40% of the settlement. If you do not win the case, there are no lawyer&#8217;s fees.<\/p>\n<p>A contingency fee can also be paid on a sliding scale, meaning the lawyer gets a higher percentage if the settlement or judgment is large and a lower percentage if the award is smaller.<\/p>\n<p>The American Bar Association (ABA) requires written contingency fee agreements. The ABA also prohibits some types of cases \u2014 such as divorce, criminal matters, and most family law \u2014 from being taken on a contingency basis.<\/p>\n<h2>Fees for Non-Injury Civil Cases<\/h2>\n<p>Family law, estate planning, real estate, and other practice areas use hourly billing. Your attorney will bill you at an hourly rate, often broken into 6-minute or 15-minute increments. The hourly rate varies based on factors such as the lawyer&#8217;s experience and type of case. In larger firms, associate attorneys or paralegals may do some legal work on a case. Their hourly rates tend to be lower than those of the senior attorneys.<\/p>\n<p>In addition to the hourly rate, your bill will include any or all of these charges:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Court filing fees<\/li>\n<li>Other court costs, such as court reporters and equipment<\/li>\n<li>Legal document copying or retrieval<\/li>\n<li>Service costs<\/li>\n<li>Expert witness fees<\/li>\n<li>Travel expenses<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For some types of legal issues, an experienced attorney with specialization in the practice area may be worth the extra cost. Boutique law firms that focus on a single practice area have higher hourly rates but can provide better legal representation.<\/p>\n<p>Many attorneys charge flat fees for basic legal work, such as simple wills or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/divorce\/uncontested-divorce.html\">uncontested divorces<\/a>. The total cost will vary depending on your location and the amount of time needed to complete your documents. You should have a written fee agreement for simple legal work, even if it seems unnecessary.<\/p>\n<h2>Retainers<\/h2>\n<p>A\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/retainer.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">retainer<\/a>\u00a0is similar to a down payment for legal services. The client pays a set amount upfront, and the attorney bills additional charges to the retainer until it is gone. If the case has not yet been settled, the attorney and client may sign a new\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.findlaw.com\/definition\/retainer-agreement.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">retainer fee agreement<\/a>, or the attorney may bill at an hourly rate. Retainer agreements are useful when a case will take a long time, such as probate, or when the client cannot make regular bill payments.<\/p>\n<p>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/attorney-fees-and-agreements\/what-does-it-mean-to-have-a-lawyer-on-retainer.html\">Having an attorney on retainer<\/a>&#8221; means someone pays an attorney a regular fee to be available when needed. Small businesses that cannot afford full-time attorneys may keep a local attorney on retainer for legal advice.<\/p>\n<h2>Fees for Lawyers in Criminal Cases<\/h2>\n<p>Some criminal cases, such as DUIs and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/traffic\/traffic-tickets\/traffic-tickets-getting-an-attorney-s-help.html\">traffic violations<\/a>, may be taken on a flat fee basis. The legal process for these cases does not require a criminal defense attorney, and many solo practitioners handle them.<\/p>\n<p>For serious charges that may go to trial, a criminal defense lawyer will probably negotiate an hourly fee agreement. Felony and misdemeanor cases require more paperwork and court appearances, so the lawyer charges more for this representation.<\/p>\n<p>Serious criminal charges also allow you to work with a public defender instead of hiring your own private lawyer. This option provides <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/do-you-qualify-for-free-legal-aid.html\">free legal representation<\/a>. Public defenders are employees of the government, but they represent your best interests while appointed to your case. There are both benefits and drawbacks to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-legal-help\/public-defenders-by-state.html\">working with a public defender<\/a>, including the benefit of their low cost.<\/p>\n<h2>Discuss Costs and Budget Early<\/h2>\n<p>Don\u2019t be afraid to tell your attorney during your initial consultation if money is an issue. An experienced attorney has heard it before. They will be able to give you an estimate of the cost and hours your case will take. If you can\u2019t afford their services, they can refer you to another attorney who can provide good representation at a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/do-you-need-a-lawyer\/legal-aid-resources.html\">lower fee<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>How To Lower Your Legal Fees<\/h2>\n<p>If you explain your circumstances, attorneys are usually open to negotiation in legal fee agreements. You can negotiate a payment plan if you cannot make large payments. Law firms, like other businesses, typically bill monthly. You can offer to make a down payment and then make alternate payments when you are able. Attorneys will usually work with clients on fee arrangements.<\/p>\n<h2>What Should You Do?<\/h2>\n<p>An important thing to remember when seeking the right legal counsel for your case is not to let price dictate your choice. The best way to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">choose a lawyer<\/a>\u00a0is to meet them and establish a good attorney-client relationship. Take time to discuss your legal problems,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/ten-questions-to-ask-your-potential-lawyer.html\">ask questions<\/a>, and have your concerns addressed directly.<\/p>\n<p>Most lawyers will talk with you about charges and what you can expect to pay. They may be willing to work out payment plans or other arrangements. Most attorneys will give you referrals to other lawyers who charge less but still provide high-quality representation.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" 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          class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                      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class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Criminal cases, personal injury lawsuits, and child custody cases need an attorney&#8217;s help\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Business contracts, estate planning, paperwork review, and real estate legal issues may benefit from an attorney&#8217;s help\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some small claims court, traffic tickets, name changes, neighbor disputes, and more minor legal issues can often be handled on your own\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Not all bad situations require a lawyer. And some good circumstances can be even better with an attorney&#8217;s help. 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