How much does an employment lawyer cost?
How much does an employment lawyer cost?
30% – 40% average contingency fee
$300 – $500 average cost per hour
Average employment lawyer cost
Hiring an employment lawyer costs $300 to $500 per hour or 30% to 40% of the settlement amount, depending on the lawyer's experience level and the case complexity. Employment lawyers help clients during a wrongful termination, discrimination, or Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) case.
| Fee type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Contingency fee | 30% – 40% |
| Hourly rate | $300 – $500 per hour |
Contingency fee
An employment lawyer contingency fee is 30% to 40% of the settlement money you get. Most employment lawyers use a contingency fee instead of an hourly fee or flat rate. For example, the average award people receive with the help of an attorney is $40,000. 30% to 40% of that would be $12,000 to $16,000.
Hourly rate
Some employment lawyers charge an hourly fee of $300 to $500 per hour instead of a contingency, particularly if you have a complicated case or the lawyer doesn't know how long it'll take. Some very experienced lawyers charge upwards of $600 to $1,500 per hour.
Employment lawyers often ask for a retainer fee of $2,000 to $15,000 up front, which is based on their hourly rate and how many hours they expect to work on your case.
What is an employment lawyer?
An employment lawyer specializes in labor laws and can represent employers and employees in workplace-related cases. This includes the following responsibilities and case types:
Drafting contracts
Negotiating settlements
Discrimination claims
Wrongful termination cases
Wage and hour disputes
Compliance with employment laws
Employment attorney cost factors
These factors may influence the cost of hiring an employment lawyer:
Geographical location: Attorneys in areas with a higher cost of living tend to charge higher rates than those in rural or suburban areas.
Experience: Lawyers with stellar reputations and years of experience may have higher contingency fees or hourly rates than less experienced lawyers.
Case difficulty: Complicated cases involving litigation and criminal allegations take longer and may be more costly than straightforward cases.
Consultation: Many employment lawyers charge a fee for consultations, while others offer free initial consultation sessions.
Other fees
Some employment lawyers will charge separate fees for the following services:
Court appearance costs
Filing fees
Travel expenses
Paralegal wages
Related case types
If your case involves a work-related injury, assault, stalking, or other factors, you may benefit from consulting a lawyer with a different specialty:
| Case type | Average lawyer rate or contingency fee |
|---|---|
| Workers' comp lawyer cost | 10% – 30% |
| Disability lawyer cost | 25% or up to $9,200 |
| Personal injury lawyer cost | 30% – 40% |
Employment attorney FAQs
When does an employee need an employment lawyer?
An employee might need an employment lawyer in the following circumstances:
Discrimination: Your employer is treating you unfairly due to your race, age, gender, religion, disability, or your sexual orientation.
Sexual harassment: You're experiencing any kind of sexual harassment or you're in a hostile work environment.
Wrongful termination: You were fired without your employer giving you a valid, legal reason.
Unsafe conditions: Your work environment violates safety regulations.
Retaliation: You're facing backlash after you reported misconduct or exercised a legal right.
Wage issues: You're not receiving correct overtime pay, minimum wages, or proper breaks.
Contract disputes: You have concerns about your employment contract or a severance agreement your employer gave you.
Leave issues: You're having trouble taking leave or returning from a legally protected leave.
Waiver issues: Your employer asked you to sign a document that could waive legal rights.
Is it worth getting an employment lawyer?
It can be worth hiring an employment lawyer if you're facing discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful termination, or you need help negotiating an employment contract. Employment lawyers are familiar with the ins and outs of employment law and can help protect your rights.
While you can choose to represent yourself in court cases, you're much more likely to get favorable results with legal aid on your side.
Will my employer find out if I talk to a labor lawyer?
Speaking with an employment lawyer is confidential. Unless you tell your boss or you decide to file a claim, your employer will not know you met with a lawyer for a consultation.
What if I can't afford an employment lawyer?
Most employers use contingency fees for their cases, meaning you won't pay anything up front—and you won't have to pay them at all unless they win your case or get a settlement for you.
How to find the best employment lawyer
Follow these important steps when searching for employment attorneys near you:
Read client reviews on Lawful and Google.
Make sure the attorney has plenty of experience working on cases like yours.
Choose a law firm with a transparent fee structure.
Consult with them to see if your case is viable.
Get a contract in writing before you start.
Questions to ask an employment lawyer
When looking for experienced legal representation, ask them these questions:
How long have you been practicing employment law?
Do you charge an hourly rate or a contingency fee?
Will any other lawyers or paralegals be helping with my case?
Can you walk me through the basics of this case and the litigation process?
What's your approach when drafting an employment contract?
What steps can employers take to protect themselves and their employees from litigation?
Have you ever worked with this employer before?
Do you have any potential conflicts of interest?
Do you give free consultations?
How soon can we start?
How long should this court case take?
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.