What do lawyers charge per hour
- Thread starter Fudd
- Start date
I would say a more realistic minimum is about $300/hr, that's on the far low end. Assuming you're looking for a decent lawyer that works for a firm.
I've paid $200/hr, with a $2,000 retainer. Depends what you're going after, or protecting yourself from. Downtown lawyers pay higher rents, so their rates are tied to that, and of course their reputations or notoriety... From that point on, you may be charged a scheduled fee, published by the Law Society. If the hours don't generate enough income, then they'll fall back to the flat rates (fees). Just make sure you use an attorney that is experienced with your needs.
in the business world.....
Some times, it doesn't matter what price your paying your lawyer, you just want the letter head to do your talking....
Some times, it doesn't matter what price your paying your lawyer, you just want the letter head to do your talking....
lawyers' fees
All good advice... I would add
- rates are closely tied to seniority
- you don't always need the most expensive lawyer working on your case
- a senior lawyer may supervise a junior one or even a student lawyer if the case isn't "big", serious or complicated etc.
- so if it's a 100-hour case, those hours aren't all at top rates, other staff contribute to the file
- which leads to overhead -- as some of the guys have pointed out: support staff and rent cost more at the big firms
- I assume you're not planning an IPO, so may I suggest that sole practioners who specialize can be really good without the fancy offices
- check your bills, ask questions, don't be intimidated and remember you're paying him/her
- but don't be an asshole and assume that because you're freaked about the case, the money, you're intimidated by him/her, the judge, the other lawyer, whatever -- that he/she must be ripping you off...
...But all of this is backward. If you haven't hired a lawyer yet, remember when you go see him/her you're interviewing. Even if they're expensive, well-recommended etc., if you don't "like" them, don't hire them. Shop around. You don't have to "like them" like them, but you should trust them to explain things well and make decisions with you. Then you avoid the last line above.
Good luck!
All good advice... I would add
- rates are closely tied to seniority
- you don't always need the most expensive lawyer working on your case
- a senior lawyer may supervise a junior one or even a student lawyer if the case isn't "big", serious or complicated etc.
- so if it's a 100-hour case, those hours aren't all at top rates, other staff contribute to the file
- which leads to overhead -- as some of the guys have pointed out: support staff and rent cost more at the big firms
- I assume you're not planning an IPO, so may I suggest that sole practioners who specialize can be really good without the fancy offices
- check your bills, ask questions, don't be intimidated and remember you're paying him/her
- but don't be an asshole and assume that because you're freaked about the case, the money, you're intimidated by him/her, the judge, the other lawyer, whatever -- that he/she must be ripping you off...
...But all of this is backward. If you haven't hired a lawyer yet, remember when you go see him/her you're interviewing. Even if they're expensive, well-recommended etc., if you don't "like" them, don't hire them. Shop around. You don't have to "like them" like them, but you should trust them to explain things well and make decisions with you. Then you avoid the last line above.
Good luck!
Be prepared for a $2000 to $5000 retainer depending on the work (s)her feels is necessary. The less complicated the case, the less money likely to be spent and the smaller the retainer. Also, a common hourly rate seems to be around $200 - $250 per hour. If you arew low-income, then get a legal aid lawyer. There's usually one in an office on the courtroom floor, and (s)he can respresent you at your first court appearance. Afterwards you can continue with this lawyer or substitute with a more skilled private lawyer.
In Winnipeg using a "downtown" divorce lawyer I am paying 330/hr.
The rates in my case have gone up 10 per hour per year as my case
has dragged on.It's not neccesarily the rate to watch it's the hours they
bill you for. My guy's rate seems high but the listed hours are more than
fair IMO.
As much as I have paid he saved me more in the settlement but it sure
does suck getting a monthly bill from a lawyer!!!
Big k
The rates in my case have gone up 10 per hour per year as my case
has dragged on.It's not neccesarily the rate to watch it's the hours they
bill you for. My guy's rate seems high but the listed hours are more than
fair IMO.
As much as I have paid he saved me more in the settlement but it sure
does suck getting a monthly bill from a lawyer!!!
Big k
Their hourly rates are similar to those of escorts, but all lawyers fuck you with all the extras.
I know I advised you to get a lawyer in another thread but if you're hunting for a lawyer for the same charge, just plead guilty and forget the cost of a lawyer. You're screwed anyways.
Kinda hypocritical, no? Going on a peace march and hitting a cop with a protest sign?
I hope they throw the book at you and make you an example.
You NEVER hit a cop. They're just doing their job.
You're fucked for life, dude.
Panther
Kinda hypocritical, no? Going on a peace march and hitting a cop with a protest sign?
I hope they throw the book at you and make you an example.
You NEVER hit a cop. They're just doing their job.
You're fucked for life, dude.
Panther
contact the local civil liberties and see what they make of your case ...
and they can probably recommend some lawyers who handle that stuff.
Even if you take Panther's advice (which you shouldn't) its better to
have a lawyer deal with your case even if you start by apologizing
to the police officer and the court for your actions.
I am one of those people who believes that hitting an officer should
have mandatory jail time ... it would prevent others from getting
tazered to death every day!
But at this point in your life, if you hit a police officer, the last thing
you should be worried about is how much your lawyer will cost ...
because you're not making any money sitting in jail and try finding
a job with a criminal record ...
You'd be surprised how many lawyers don't follow through in the legal profession. Some quit immediately, some last only a few years, and some never even go into it period. It's not for everyone. It takes certain characteristics that not everyone has. And if you think lawyers have 9-5 jobs ... think again. If you want a life outside of work stay away from two fields, IT and Law.
That's not all he got wrong, take a look at his Legal fees; they date from the 1950s...
$250 per hour
Hello everybody,
I'm newly registered to perb and hopefully I will be able to contribute insightful and useful information in the near future.
With regards to the the question at hand, our company pays our legal counsel a going rate of $250 per hour.
Hello everybody,
I'm newly registered to perb and hopefully I will be able to contribute insightful and useful information in the near future.
With regards to the the question at hand, our company pays our legal counsel a going rate of $250 per hour.
Congrats Panther.
GBM ,God rest his soul, (if he has one), is no doubt jealous ,and wishing he could step up to absorb a few punches on the next ten hundred.
Panther. That is an even ten hundred posts there, congrats.
GBM ,God rest his soul, (if he has one), is no doubt jealous ,and wishing he could step up to absorb a few punches on the next ten hundred.
