How much does an attorney cost?

The answer can vary widely.  Where you live and what kind of attorney you need affect the cost.  Many lawyers charge a flat rate or standard fee for something like drawing up a simple will.  But for most things, a lawyer will charge by the hour.  The rate generally runs anywhere from $75 to $300 per hour.  Some cases may be paid on contingency, meaning that the lawyer isn't paid unless the case is won.  This is how many civil lawsuits are handled.  You can also keep an attorney on retainer.

Many law offices offer a free or reduced cost initial consultation.  It may be wise to consult with a few different attorneys to find the one that matches your personality and is well versed in your type of case.

Hourly Fee.  All attorneys keep very close track of the time spent on each case.  Hourly billing is usually broken down into one-tenth (1/10) of an hour.  So if you talk to your lawyer on the phone for two  minutes, you may get charged for 6 minutes, or one-tenth of an hour.  Make sure you understand the billing process, and what all gets billed.
 
Dealing with staff in the law office may save you money.  Paralegal's, researchers', and administrative assistant's time is not billed as high.  A paralegal's time runs $35 to $75 per hour.  If you have a simple question, you may not need to talk to your attorney, just get the answer from someone in the office.  Be sure you fully understand the billing procedures and what all gets billed, and how much each contact will cost.

Be sure to talk about ways to keep the cost down and how much you can afford to spend on this case.  You can ask about a discounted rate.  Some attorneys will bring down their hourly rate after the first 25 hours, for example. 

Don't contact your attorney any more than necessary.  Send a letter or email rather than come in the office if you can.  Only discuss items directly bearing on your case.  You lawyer isn't trained and doesn't want to be your counselor, but he will bill you for the time that you cry on his shoulder.

Contingency. Contingency rates in person injury cases generally run 33% in a settlement, increasing as the trial gets closer.  As a trial nears, an attorney begins to put an enormous amount of time into preparation.  If the case goes to court it may be a higher percentage, if there is an appeal, the percentage may be higher still.  Court costs and other fees are your responsibility, not your lawyers  and will not be taken out of his compensation. 

There are also some more complicated fee schedules, some of which may actually be advantageous to you, so you be sure to ask. 

Disclaimer: This website is not equivalent to legal advice, and should not be relied upon as such. Any specific questions concerning your legal rights should be presented your attorney.