It can be difficult to determine how much money you should set aside for a litigation attorney when you have a legal issue to dispute. Partly, that’s because most reputable lawyers and firms don’t put their rates up as public information, but instead offer them as a quote for whatever services are requested. With that said, the national average is about $284 per hour, but what you’ll actually pay for a particular business attorney depends on a variety of factors, including the billing structure they use and the experience they bring to the table.
Attorney Billing Structures
There are a few different common billing structures used by litigation lawyers and law firms. The most common is an hourly rate, broken down into increments of an hour, for time spent working on behalf of a client. Some lawyers are generous with this structure, while others may bill you for every question and moment your case has their attention. A less common structure is the flat fee. In this case, they offer you a quote based on a project or task you request. For a general business attorney, this might include helping you draft a contract or finishing the operating agreement for your business, but the structure typically applies to simple tasks, because for these, an experienced lawyer often knows ahead of time about how long they take to complete. Other structures include contingency, which depends on a successful outcome, and retainer, in which you provide a lump sum upfront.
How Much It Costs to Use a Litigation Lawyer
With all that said, how much does it typically cost to hire a business lawyer for litigation? The answer depends on where you live and what your legal issue is. Rates vary widely based on your region, and they also take into account how much work has to be done. Unless you agree to a flat fee upfront with your attorney, the amount you end up paying for the legal issue to be resolved will be uncertain until it’s time to finish paying. When it’s on contingency, they might agree to a percentage, but you won’t know what that total is until you find out what settlement you’re entitled to if any. For hourly estimates, the issue is that they are truly only estimates and are subject to change. That’s why it’s important to demand transparency from your attorney about pricing.
Setting Aside Money for a Corporate Attorney
If you’re suffering from a business dispute, a civil liability claim, or a breach of your intellectual property, there’s no question that you need the services of a qualified litigation attorney. As you look for the right attorney for you, the important thing to remember is that the price you pay should get you results. It does you no good to find a cheap attorney without a lot of expertise with your particular problem. You might pay hundreds or thousands or more, but as long as you find someone who can get results, it’s worth it.
To find out about our transparent pricing policy, please contact us.