Most of the alternative fee arrangements generally require the client to advance or pay for related case costs. Just like you would want an estimate from your auto mechanic for repairs, you should ask for and receive at least a range of what it is going to cost for your legal services and some reasonable definition of the scope of the assignment – so that you are not overwhelmed when the bill comes or surprised when something comes up that is “outside of the scope.” Nobody likes surprises. 

Here is a list of some of the more common types of Fee Arrangements offered by Attorneys:  Flat Fee – when you need to know exactly what it is going to cost you to have an attorney represent you in a matter. 

• This method is generally used for traffic violation cases or other cases where there is a single service to be performed by the Attorney. 

• You always know exactly what it is going to cost for your professional services. 

 Contingency Fee – 100% of the Attorney’s Fee is based on a successful outcome of the matter. 

• This method is generally used for Personal Injury, Bodily Injury, Worker’ Compensation, Slip and Fall, and similar legal matters. 

• There are certain cases where a Contingency Fee is not permitted by ethics rules so please discuss this with the attorneys you interview. 

Blended Fee – a combination of a Flat Fee (for certain deliverables) and a Contingency Fee (based on a successful outcome).  Budget Fee – where you need to budget your costs over a period of time. 

• This method is generally used in Criminal, Family Law (Divorce) matters 

• Often there are provision if the budget is exceeded. 

Hourly Fee – where you are charged for the time spent on you case by the attorney and support staff. 

• This is the most common Fee Arrangement used by Attorneys. 

• You need to trust your Attorney to bill you for only the exact time spent on your matter (often calculated in 1/10^th hour increments). 

• The bill rate for Attorney Edward (“Ted”) Bills is currently $175 per hour with his administrative staff billing at the rate of $75 per hour. 

Pro Bono – where the Attorney works without charge to the client. 

• Occasionally Attorneys will take a case without charge to the client. 

• Every Attorney is expected to accept some Pro Bono work from time to time. 

• Even in Pro Bono cases, Attorneys generally charge the client for expenses paid by the Attorney on behalf of the client.
     

   Edward Bills, “The Attorney Who Cares”