Legal fees will vary depending on several factors including the complexity of the case and your lawyer’s level of experience. Some lawyers charge by the hour and will bill you at a rate of $100 to $500 an hour, again depending on the number of years of experience and their area of expertise. Some lawyers will quote you a flat rate or a block fee for cases so there is no need to keep track of the number of hours spent on your file. This also reduces the chance of a surprise at the end of the case.

The point is you have options. You can negotiate with your lawyer and you should work out the terms of the retainer before work commences. You should always address the issue of legal fees before agreeing to hire any lawyer. It’s also a good idea to get it in writing so everything is clear.