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What Does It Cost To Hire An Attorney?

The law is a noble profession.  It’s hard to argue that point.  After all, no matter the case, lawyers are trying to get to the truth and see that justice is served.  That said; it is important to realize that there is a business end to this transaction, not just a social one.

This article will explain what you need to know about attorneys’ fees so you can better employ your powers of negotiation.

How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?


There are three billing categories used in attorneys’ offices:
  1. Flat
  2. Hourly
  3. Contingency
​
Each of the categories listed above is a type of payment arrangement.  Out of the three listed, the hourly rate is the most common.  It means exactly what it indicates; that your lawyer is paid a certain rate per hour for the time she/he spends working on your case.

A flat rate works a little differently.  This arrangement is more selective.  There are times when your lawyer might agree to a flat rate upfront.  If you’re thinking “retainer” you’re on the right track.  There is one significant difference between a flat rate and a retainer: a flat rate is a one-time payment agreed upon to resolve a particular type of case or legal problem.  A retainer is an upfront, ongoing fee to secure legal services as needed.  Flat fees are used by individuals.  Retainers are used by medical facilities, corporations, insurance companies, etc.


A contingency fee is an arrangement based on an if/then equation.  As in, if you win your case, then your lawyer gets paid a percentage of the funds awarded.  If you do not win your case, then you don’t owe your lawyer for the services rendered.

Now, that last option may sound like a pretty good deal, but it is a gamble.  You have to have a pretty strong case for a lawyer to make that kind of an arrangement.  In fact, certain billing options only apply to certain cases.

So which cases apply to which fees?  That’s a good question.  Here are some examples:

You can negotiate between an hourly rate and a flat fee if your case involves:


  • Business partnership agreement
  • Leasing rights
  • Establishing power of attorney
  • Real-estate transfer
  • Marital dispute
  • Organizing a living trust

In matters of family and criminal law it is more likely you will agree on an hourly rate, however; many lawsuit and personal injury cases are done on contingency.  The payment arrangement really depends on the type of case and your lawyer’s experience.  

The best way to get a straight answer to the question of cost is to set up a consultation with a lawyer to discuss your individual case.  Payment arrangements can be discussed and agreed upon also.

Attorneys at
Stockard, Johnston, Brown, Netardus & Doyle, P.C. in Amarillo, Texas are available to discuss your case, contact us today.
To better serve you in your legal matters, please schedule a consultation
with one of our attorneys. We will be happy to answer any questions you have.
Request a Consultation

Stockard, Johnston, Brown, Netardus & Doyle, P.C. Law Firm

Amarillo Law Office:
1030 N. Western St.
Amarillo, TX 79106 

(806) 372-2202
​Borger Law Office:
300 W. 10th St.
Borger, TX 79007

(806) 273-9500

Our Attorneys

>  Dusty J. Stockard
>  B. Jarrett Johnston
>  J. Daren Brown
>  Kenneth Netardus
>  Benjamin Doyle

Practice Areas

>  Personal Injury
>  Criminal Law
>  Commercial Litigation
>  First Party Insurance Claims
>  Oil, Gas & Energy Law

>  Agriculture Law
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  • Home
  • About Us
  • Practice Areas
    • Personal Injury
    • Criminal Defense
    • Commercial Litigation
    • First Party Insurance Claims
    • Oil, Gas & Energy Law
    • Agriculture Law
  • Attorneys
    • Dusty J. Stockard
    • B. Jarrett Johnston
    • J. Daren Brown
    • Kenneth Netardus
    • Benjamin Doyle
  • News & Knowledge
  • Contact