Lawyers. You never want to need one, but you cannot afford to go to court without one.
Hiring a lawyer can be a hassle. But, there are definitely factors that you need to consider to make sure you have the right one.
One factor that you will have to consider is how much potential lawyers cost. They could be affordable for what you are willing to spend or put you in a mountain of legal fees if you hire them.
But, there are a few different things that can determine cost. What are they? Find out in this guide.
Hourly Fee
The average national hourly fee is $225 an hour. However, it is not as simple as just expecting that from most lawyers you consider.
That will depend on how good they are, and what area you are in. An inexperienced lawyer may offer you a discounted hourly rate, while a proven winner might go a lot higher.
Say you want a specialized lawyer like a personal injury lawyer. Attorney rates for a lawyer that specifically handles personal injury cases can skyrocket.
If you are in a small town, you might be able to go as low as $100 an hour. In a big city, like New York, you could pay up to $400 an hour for a good lawyer.
Flat Fee
This is arguably the simplest version of paying a lawyer. A flat fee is exactly what it sounds like, basically a one-time payment for a lawyer for their services.
A flat fee is usually available in easier cases that do not have a lot of complications. These include uncontested divorces, wills, immigration, patents, and more.
Contingency Fee
These are usually for cases that could either end in a big settlement and/or the client not having the money to pay for the lawyer’s full services upfront.
Say you are in the middle of a personal injury case. Your injury put you out of work, so you do not have enough money to pay for all of the legal fees upfront.
Well, an option for you would be making a deal with your lawyer to offer them a contingency, which is a percentage of the money you may get awarded. The average ranges from around 25-40% of the settlement.
This is not guaranteed and it depends on your specific case, so you will have to speak to a lawyer and see if that arrangement is an option.
Other Fees
In court proceedings, there are hidden expenses that come out of your pocket in bigger cases that you may not consider, but you should be aware of.
These include things such as paralegal, investigator, and expert witness fees. All of these would come out of your pocket if they end up being needed to benefit your case, so plan accordingly.
See How Much Lawyers Cost
These are just some of the things you need to factor in when considering how much lawyers cost.
If you enjoyed this article, read more in the Law section to see other legal situations that may factor into attorney fees. We’ve got tons of great information, so make sure to read more!
