Ways To Reduce Attorney Fees

A Lawyer's Fee May Be Negotiable.      
Despite the importance of fees to both parties, consumers rarely choose a lawyer based on price, yet it is important to remember that a lawyer's fees can be negotiable. There are some common-sense tips to consider that may allow you to negotiate without outright negotiation. For example, smaller firms usually charge less than larger firms. If your case is interesting or novel or extremely lucrative, an attorney may be willing to negotiate. If the firm is actively seeking more work or is new to your locality, it may handle a case for less as a way to build its caseload.

There are two general situations in which you may wish to raise the issue of lower fees. First, if your case has the possibility of significant attorney's fees, you are likely to be in a strong position if you are willing to shop around and to negotiate.  It's wise to negotiate, for example, in personal injury cases. Most lawyers will propose a standard contingency fee for usually one-third of any damages that they win for you, nothing if they lose. Bear in mind, the contingency fee is designed to cover the risk the lawyer is taking yet some experts estimate that at least one out of every five contingency fee cases involves virtually no risk.

It makes sense to sit down with a few different lawyers before choosing one. The consultations will be free and you will come away with a more realistic sense of what fee arrangements to expect.  Generally, the higher the likelihood of success in a case, the lower the contingency percentage you may be able to negotiate. Some clients also prefer to pay their lawyers on a sliding scale. For example, 33 percent for the first $100,000 in damages, 25 percent for the next $100,000, and 15 percent above that.

Another arrangement that you may be able to negotiate and save money is flat fees instead of hourly charges; hourly rates up to a prearranged maximum for the entire project; and fees based partly on the outcome.

Comparison Shop for Flat Fees on Simple Cases     
When you need a simple transaction like a will, a real estate closing, or a power of attorney, you can comparison shop. Contracting for legal services is like any other consumer transaction in that the prices and the work product vary. Call several attorneys and compare their answers to your questions. Only after you get a sense of the range of fees will you be able to determine which rate and which attorney best suit you and your budget.

Ask about the Billing Method for Hourly Rates   
A written agreement specifying the fee arrangement and the work involved is the best way of assuring clear communication between you and your attorney about the total cost of the case. For example, if your attorney charges by the quarter hour, you will know that if you call and speak to your attorney for five minutes, you will be charged one-quarter of the attorney's hourly rate. Knowing that, you may choose to give the information to his secretary or write a brief note. Asking a lawyer to bill at 6- minute instead of 15-minute intervals can save you hundreds of dollars. For example, if a lawyer's minimum billing unit is 15 minutes, each 5-minute phone call will be billed at one-fourth of the hourly rate. At 6-minute phone intervals, a 5-minute phone call costs just one-tenth of the hourly rate.

Choose a Lawyer with the Appropriate Qualifications      
Most legal work is relatively routine. It often has little to do with complex legal theory or constitutional analysis, and much more to do with knowing which form to fill out and which county clerk will process it most quickly. Smaller firms, attorneys charging lower rates, and less experienced attorneys are often well suited for the broad range of legal work needed by many consumers. Recently graduated attorneys may offer to work for a somewhat lower price to compensate for the extra risk and time involved in becoming familiar with the specific area of law. Lawyers who charge $300 an hour and up are appropriate for very sophisticated trusts and estate work, corporate litigation, or complex criminal defense work.

Offer to Perform Some of the Work      
Discuss ways that you can help the attorney on the case. For example, if the attorney needs copies of birth certificates or other records, you can write the letter to request them and save your attorney the time needed to dictate and process the letter.

You can cut the cost of writing a will, a health-care power of attorney, or setting up a trust if you draft the document yourself, using a standard form as a guide, and then present it to your lawyer to review and finalize the work. Be sure that your attorney is willing to do this kind of work and discuss the fee if major rewriting is needed.

Hire the Attorney to Act as Go-between      
Some lawyers are open to negotiating a lawyer fee if you are only looking for their legal expertise to write a letter to the other side to settle. You may wish to hire the attorney for this type of limited assistance initially and follow up yourself. If you are unsuccessful, you may wish to retain the attorney to further pursue the case.

Hire the Attorney to Act as Your Pro Se Coach      
If you want to represent yourself in court (called appearing pro se), hire your attorney to act as a pro se coach who will review documents and letters that you prepare and sign. The attorney may also help you prepare for a hearing in which you represent yourself. Examples of when this might be appropriate if you want to appear in small claims court or if you want to enforce a lease or collect bills owed to you.

Choose a Lawyer Who Specializes in What You Need     
You are likely to save money by choosing someone who has the knowledge and office systems set up to handle cases like yours cost-effectively. That attorney is also more likely to be knowledgeable about specific procedures relating to your case, expert witnesses in the area, and other attorney experts for consultation.

Prepare for Your Attorney Meetings      
Come prepared with all of the necessary information and papers. Ask questions to make sure that you are providing everything the attorney needs. Think about your legal problem and gather the information your attorney will need. Write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of other people involved in the case. Write down the important events or facts. Bring any relevant papers such as contracts, letters, court notices, or leases. Keep copies of this information and provide it to your attorney. The more work that you do to prepare, the less time your attorney needs to spend (and charge you) for finding the information.

Answer Your Attorney's Questions Fully
Your communications to your attorney are confidential. Pay close attention to the questions your attorney asks you and offer complete and honest answers. If you are not sure if a piece of information is relevant, ask your attorney. If your attorney knows all the facts as early as possible in the case, it will save on time (and money) that might be spent later on further investigation or misdirected case development.

If the Situation Changes, Tell Your Attorney as Soon as Possible
You are a primary source of information about your case and your attorney will act based on the information you have provided. If something happens or if you find out new information which may affect your case, give the information to your attorney quickly. It may change what he or she is doing on your case. It may save the attorney's time (and your money) or save the attorney from heading in the wrong direction on a case.

Maximize the Value of Your Contacts with Your Attorney      
Keep in mind that you will pay for virtually every minute you spend with your attorney.  While a friendly relationship can facilitate the handling of your case, limit the phone calls and meetings to the business of the case. You will not want to pay for a long, friendly conversation about other matters. Consolidate your questions or information giving into a single call. Pass on information in writing or to other office staff rather than speaking directly with the attorney unless you have a specific reason to do so.

Examine Your Bill      
Request that your attorney bill you on a regular basis. Even if you have agreed on a contingency fee and will not actually pay the expenses until the case is settled, you should periodically examine the expenses. Question any items that you do not understand or that are not covered in your fee agreement. For example, your attorney may list the cost of attending continuing legal education seminars in the area of your case. Unless you have agreed to cover these costs, you may wish to question this entry.

Candidly Describe Your Financial Limitations      
Finally, if you have extremely limited funds, discuss the situation with your attorney. You may be able to work out a payment plan. If the situation is compelling, some attorneys may be willing to help someone who genuinely needs it.

Let TRUSTED REFERRALS help you 
to choose the right attorney. 

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so we can review your case and pair you
with a qualified attorney in your area today.

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