How much does a civil attorney cost?
How much does a civil attorney cost?
$150 – $550 average cost per hour
$500 – $5,000+ flat fee cost
Average attorney fees for a civil case
Civil lawsuit attorney fees range from $150 to $550 per hour or $500 to $5,000 or more in flat fees if your case is relatively simple. For complex or long-lasting cases, a civil attorney may charge a $5,000 to $15,000 retainer fee, which is similar to a deposit or down payment.
| Fee type | Average rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $150 – $550 per hour | Depends on location and attorney experience |
| Flat fee | $500 – $5,000+ | For simple, well-defined cases |
| Contingency fee | 25% – 40% of award | Common in personal injury and employment cases |
| Retainer | $5,000 – $15,000 | Deposit drawn from during the case |
Hourly rate
Hourly rates for civil litigation range from $150 to $550 per hour, with higher rates in expensive markets or for highly experienced lawyers. Attorneys commonly charge clients by the hour, especially for cases involving ongoing work.
Flat fee
For straightforward or routine matters, like drafting a contract or overseeing an uncontested divorce, civil attorneys may charge a flat fee of $500 to $5,000 or more instead of an hourly rate. This provides predictability, which is useful in cases with limited scope.
Contingency fee
In cases such as personal injury or employment litigation, civil lawyers may work on contingency, taking 25% to 40% of any settlement or award. If you lose, you will most likely pay nothing for attorney fees, but you may still owe other case-related costs.
Retainer
A retainer is an upfront deposit for attorney services, often ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, against which the attorney bills as they perform casework. Once this amount is depleted, you will need to replenish the retainer for continued service.
What is a civil lawsuit?
A civil lawsuit is a legal case in which an individual, business, or organization sues another party to resolve a dispute and receive compensation for damages. Parties in a civil case are often seeking money or other relief for harm, breach of contract, or other grievances instead of criminal punishment. Examples include:
Personal injury claims (car accidents, slip and fall, medical malpractice)
Breach of contract (failing to deliver goods or services as promised)
Property disputes (disagreements over boundaries or ownership)
Landlord or tenant issues (eviction, unpaid rent)
Class action lawsuits (a group harmed by a defective product)
Family law matters (divorce, child custody, division of marital property)
Defamation or reputation harm (libel or slander cases)
Complaints against government entities (challenging a city ordinance)
When to hire a civil law attorney
You should hire a civil law attorney when a dispute escalates beyond informal resolution, such as in contract breaches, property disagreements, or personal injury claims, and you need guidance through complex legal procedures or negotiations.
An attorney is especially crucial if significant financial or reputational risks are involved, legal deadlines are approaching, or the other party has legal representation, ensuring your rights and interests are protected throughout the process.
Civil lawsuit attorney fees by service
The exact rate a civil attorney charges will depend on the type of case and the services they provide. Representing a client in court and appearing at hearings costs more than filing simple paperwork in-office.
| Case type | Average total cost | Fee structure(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Personal injury lawyer cost | $9,000 – $100,000+ | Contingency |
| Employment litigation cost | $12,000 – $16,000+ | Hourly, contingency |
| Medical malpractice | $250,000 – $700,000+ | Contingency |
| Simple contract dispute | $2,500 – $5,000 | Hourly, flat fee |
| Complex contract dispute | $20,000 – $500,000+ | Hourly |
| Defamation or libel | $15,000 – $100,000+ | Hourly, flat Fee |
Look for a lawyer that specializes in or has extensive experience working on cases like yours.
Civil lawyer cost factors
The following factors can affect the cost of hiring a civil lawyer:
Case complexity: The more complex the case (multiple parties, extensive evidence, novel legal issues), the more time and resources required, leading to higher fees.
Attorney experience: More experienced or specialized attorneys charge higher rates, but their expertise may lead to better or faster outcomes.
Geographical location: Legal fees are higher in major metropolitan areas and states with higher living costs, such as California or New York.
Fee structure: The type of fee arrangement (hourly, flat, contingency, retainer) directly affects how and when you pay for legal services.
Case expenses: Beyond attorney fees, clients are responsible for costs such as court filing fees, expert witness fees, travel, and document production. These can add thousands to the total bill.
Other fees
Some civil attorneys charge extra fees for the following services:
Filing fees: The court charges paperwork fees to initiate or respond to a lawsuit.
Expert witness fees: Specialists sometimes charge
$250 to $1,500+ per hour
for testimony or analysis.
Deposition or discovery costs: This includes court reporters, document production, and travel.
Administrative costs: Some lawyers charge separate fees for copying, postage, and other office expenses.
Other attorney costs
Attorney fees range from $100 to $400+ per hour, depending on the type. If you're not sure which type of attorney would be best, consider reaching out to lawyers with these specialties:
| Attorney type | Average cost per hour | Average flat fee |
|---|---|---|
| Tax attorney cost | $200 – $600 | $500 – $10,000+ |
| Real estate attorney cost | $150 – $500 | $500 – $2,000 |
| Immigration lawyer cost | $150 – $600 | $1,000 – $15,000 |
| Tenant lawyer cost | $200 – $500 | $500 – $5,000 |
| Eviction lawyer cost | $150 – $400 | $1,000 – $1,800 |
| Family lawyer cost | $200 – $500 | $2,500 – $15,000 |
| Divorce cost | $100 – $400 | $7,000 – $15,000 |
| Estate lawyer cost | $200 – $400 | $2,000 – $15,000+ |
| Debt settlement lawyer cost | $150 – $400 | $500 – $5,000+ |
Civil attorney FAQs
How long does a civil lawsuit take to settle?
A civil lawsuit can take anywhere from a few months to several years to settle, depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of parties to negotiate, and whether the case goes to trial.
Simple cases may resolve in a few weeks, but most personal injury lawsuits take at least a year, and complex cases can last much longer.
How can I protect my assets from a civil lawsuit?
You can protect your assets by keeping personal and business finances separate, using legal structures like trusts or LLCs, maintaining adequate insurance coverage, and avoiding fraudulent transfers. Consulting an attorney for asset protection strategies tailored to your situation is the most effective way to safeguard your wealth.
Can I file bankruptcy while a civil lawsuit is filed?
Yes, you can file for bankruptcy while a civil lawsuit is pending, although it may halt your case through an automatic stay. Certain actions, like those involving fraud or recent debts, may proceed. It’s important to consult a bankruptcy attorney to understand how it'll affect your case.
Can social security be garnished for a civil lawsuit?
The government protects most Social Security benefits from garnishment by civil creditors. However, exceptions exist for debts like federal taxes, child support, or alimony. For most civil judgments, creditors cannot garnish your Social Security income directly.
Is divorce a civil lawsuit?
Yes, divorce is a type of civil lawsuit. Unless the divorce involves criminal issues like abuse, it is a legal process handled in civil court where spouses resolve issues such as property division, child custody, and support.
Choosing a civil lawyer
Follow these steps when searching for a qualified civil attorney in your area:
Review client feedback on sites like Lawful and Google to assess the attorney’s reputation.
Confirm the attorney has a successful history with cases similar to yours.
Select an attorney who provides a clear, upfront explanation of their fee structure to prevent surprise charges.
Get a written contract before any work begins to safeguard your interests.
Questions to ask a civil attorney
When looking for an experienced civil attorney, gauge their knowledge by asking them these questions:
How long have you practiced law, and what is your educational background?
What percentage of your practice is devoted to civil cases like mine?
Have you managed cases similar to mine, and what were the outcomes?
Who will be working on my case?
Will you delegate any tasks to junior attorneys or paralegals?
What is your approach to resolving cases? Do you prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation?
What are the possible outcomes of my case, and what alternatives do I have besides going to trial?
How long do you expect my case to take to resolve?
What is your fee structure?
Can you provide a ballpark estimate of the total costs, including fees and expenses?
How often will you bill me, and how will you keep me informed about the progress of my case?
What is your typical client like, and do you have testimonials or references from past clients?
Do you have time to take on my case, and how accessible will you be for questions or updates?
What is your assessment of my case, and do you see any major challenges or strengths?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.