Rates & Fees
We recognizes that many clients' greatest fear in hiring a lawyer is the unknown question of how lawyers charge for their services and how much can they expect to pay for those services. In an effort to alleviate some of those concerns, we are providing the following information regarding the types of fees we charge and the manner in which we determine fees on different cases. While fees for each case vary depending on the specific case, the following should provide you with some basis for understanding the manner in which we charge clients depending on the type of case we are handling for them.
Three main types of fees
- Contingent Fees
- Hourly Fees
- Flat Fees
Contingent Fees
This is a fee that is based upon a percentage (usually 1/3rd or 33%) of the amount recovered in the case. Contingent fees are usually used in personal injury and wrongful death cases.
Hourly Fees
This is a fee that is based upon an hourly rate charged by the attorney who is representing you. Under this arrangement, the more hours the attorney has to spend on your case, the more it costs. Your attorney will explain his hourly rate as well as the rates of any other staff that might work on your case.
Flat Fees
This is a fee that is determined at the beginning of the case and the attorney agrees to handle your legal matter for that flat fee.
Please understand that this is a very basic explanation of the various fee types and that often fees may depart from these basic types. The key is to discuss the fee in your case with your attorney and make absolutely certain you have no confusion about the fee arrangements.