How much does a lawyer cost?
How much does a lawyer cost?
$150 – $400 per hour
Average lawyer hourly rate
A lawyer costs $150 to $400 per hour, depending on their location, experience level, and field. Some lawyers charge a $500 to $5,000 retainer fee, which is based on their hourly rate. Other lawyers charge a flat fee for basic services. Some firms waive the consultation fee for your first visit.
| National Average Cost | $275 |
| Minimum Cost | $50 |
| Maximum Cost | $1,000 |
| Average Range | $150 to $400 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by Thervo members.
Lawyer fees by type
Lawyers charge clients in different ways depending on the case type and field of law. Common fee structures include hourly rates, retainers, contingency fees, and flat fees. Discuss your fee arrangement with a lawyer before casework begins.
Hourly rate
The average lawyer's hourly rate is $150 to $400, depending on their experience level and the complexity of the case. Hourly rates are the most common type of fee structure used by law firms. Most lawyers use 6-minute increments, or 1/10 of their hourly rate.
This structure is convenient for lawyers but can sometimes leave clients more anxious because they don't know how long the case will take or how much they'll end up spending.
Retainer fee
Lawyers charge $500 to $5,000 for retainer fees in conjunction with their hourly rate. A retainer fee is essentially a down payment charge for being on call. Lawyers calculate retainer fees based on how many hours they expect to work within a month or the total time they plan to work on your case.
Many attorneys keep track of time spent on phone calls or emails and apply that time toward their retainer fee. You'll pay extra if your case goes over the time covered by the retainer fee.
Contingency fee
Some lawyers work on contingency, which means they are paid a part of your settlement only if you win the case. Most contingency fees are 25% to 40% of the amount awarded. You may be able to negotiate a lower percentage if you have a strong case or severe injuries.
Fields of law that commonly work on contingency include:
Personal injury
Medical malpractice
Civil or non-criminal law
Family law
Debt collection
Traffic accident
Flat fee
Lawyers sometimes charge a flat fee for simple or common legal cases. A business lawyer might charge a flat fee of $200 to $2,000 for services like reviewing contracts or forming an LLC. A wills attorney charges a $300 to $1000+ flat fee to write a will for a simple estate.
Other services that may qualify for a flat rate include:
Filing for bankruptcy
Immigration cases
Trademarks or patents
Writing a prenup
An uncontested divorce without a custody arrangement
Average lawyer cost by field
The following table shows the average hourly rates for lawyers in different fields of law:
| Lawyer type | Average hourly rate |
|---|---|
| Divorce attorney cost | $100 – $400 |
| Tax attorney cost | $200 – $400 |
| Domestic violence lawyer cost | $250 – $450 |
| Immigration lawyer cost | $150 – $300 |
| DUI lawyer cost | $200 – $500 |
| Patent attorney cost | $200 – $400 |
Lawyer cost factors
The following factors affect the cost to hire a lawyer:
Location – Lawyers in states with more urban cities typically have higher rates than lawyers than rural areas. Washington D.C. has the highest average rates in the US.
Experience level – Senior partners in a law firm typically charge more than junior members because they have more experience or a higher success rate.
Case type – Complex cases like litigated divorces, lawsuits with multiple parties, or intellectual property disputes may take longer and cost more than average.
Pro bono – Most lawyers work on a certain number of cases for free every year. For those in need of pro bono representation, contact a legal aid society like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Consider reputation when choosing a lawyer. Cheaper rates may indicate a lower success rate.
Additional legal expenses
Your lawyer may charge extra fees for services such as:
Court filing fees
Expert witnesses
Private investigators
Paralegal assistants
Photocopies
Travel expenses
Lawyer FAQs
What does a lawyer do?
A lawyer gives legal advice and completes legal paperwork on behalf of clients. Lawyers who have passed the bar exam can represent clients in court and advocate on their behalf. These services save their clients time and may result in monetary settlements.
Does it cost money to ask a lawyer a question?
Many lawyers offer free consultations and questions before taking on your case. This helps them decide how long the case might take and whether you're likely to win. Once you hire a lawyer, you will be billed for phone calls, questions, and emails.
What education is needed to become a lawyer?
A person must get a juris doctor degree (J.D.) from an accredited law school to become a lawyer. To practice law in court, they must also pass the bar exam.
What's the difference between a lawyer and an attorney?
The terms "lawyer" and "attorney" are often used interchangeably, but they are technically not the same.
A lawyer is someone who has graduated from law school and gives legal advice but may or may not have passed the bar exam.
An attorney is a lawyer who has passed the bar exam and is qualified to represent clients in court.
How to hire the best lawyer near you
Follow these steps to find the best lawyers near you:
Decide which type of lawyer you need.
Compare reviews for lawyers on Lawful and Google.
Verify their credentials and make sure they've passed the bar exam.
Choose a lawyer who fits your budget and makes you feel comfortable.
Get a written contract before any casework begins.
Follow a payment plan instead of making large payments up front.
Questions to ask
Ask the following questions to ensure you hire the best lawyer for your needs:
How long have you been practicing law?
How long ago did you pass the bar?
Are you able to take on my case at this time?
How many cases like mine have you won lately?
Do you offer free consultations?
What are your rates? Do you charge by the hour?
What other fees should I expect?
Will you give me an estimate and contract in writing?
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.