Attorney's Fees
Attorney Fees
Many initial consultations are free but may be short and over the phone to determine if I can help. In a typical contested case, I charge 4 different rates depending on the task at hand. The purpose of these rates is to try to give a discount for administrative and ministerial tasks. The blended rate usually comes out to about $160/hour or less.
I have contributed over 3,000 pro bono legal hours for clients and non-clients. My office consultations are a minimum of $100 for 30 minutes. Hourly rates are reviewed from time to time and adjusted as and when appropriate. When an adjustment is required, you will be notified and advised accordingly.
Some or all of the following factors may be taken into account when determining a fee structure and setting an attorneys fee:
The time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved, and the skill requisite to perform the legal service properly.
The likelihood, if apparent to the client, that the acceptance of the particular employment will preclude other employment.
The fee customarily charged in the locality for similar legal services.
The amount/seriousness of the case involved and the results obtained.
Time limitations imposed by the client or by circumstances.
Nature and length of the professional relationship with the client.
Experience, reputation and ability of the lawyer or lawyers performing the services.
Type of fee structure (fixed fee or hourly rate).
Types of Fee Structures
The fee structure may be based on a flat rate (sometimes called "value billing"), an hourly rate, or on a contingency basis.
Flat Rate: A flat rate is a one-time payment to cover all of the costs of handling a specific legal matter such as an incorporation, an uncontested divorce or bankruptcy,
Hourly Rate: An hourly rate is an hourly charge for all the attorney's time devoted to handling a specific case.
Contingency Fee: When allowed by law, the attorney may charge a contingency fee which is based on a percentage of the judgment awarded to the client.
Flat Rates (Value Billing)
Flat rates are used primarily in routine, uncomplicated legal matters. A flat fee is always based on certain specific assumptions. If those assumptions are incorrect, changed, or modified, then the attorney [s] must revert to an hourly rate since [he/she/they] cannot provide competent professional services as requested and needed under a flat fee arrangement.
For example, a flat fee for a divorce proceeding might include: a meeting with the client, determining the client's needs; drafting and filing the divorce petition; having the spouse sign a document which waives service of citation; preparation of an agreed divorce decree; representing the client at the hearing; and obtaining a final agreed divorce decree.
For example, a flat fee for a DWI charge might include: a preliminary investigation into the facts and circumstances of the case; legal research; advice to the client regarding the case and any offers of plea bargain; and, a plea of guilty or no contest to the charges or to some lesser included offense that disposes of the charges.
However, if the matter cannot be resolved by agreement/plea bargain, then the flat fee arrangement would no longer apply due to the changed circumstances. In such a situation, I would apply the flat fee as a retainer or deposit against the total fee owed. Once the hourly rate fee exceeds the monies previously collected, I would bill the client at the stated hourly rate based on the time spent on the case.