With a flat fee arrangement, the attorney agrees to perform a specific service for a specific fee. The client knows in advance how much the service will cost. Flat fee arrangements are most often used in uncontested divorces, incorporation of small businesses, simple wills, and simple bankruptcies. Where there is a significant amount of disagreement, or a complicated situation, it is usually not possible for the attorney or the client to know in advance how difficult the problem will be. In any type of fee arrangement, it is common for the attorney to require advance payment of some fees and expenses.
Legal matters differ widely.
No two situations are exactly alike. A lawyer's fee will depend upon a variety of factors. The Rules of Professional Conduct, which govern the conduct of lawyers, provide guidelines to be considered in setting legal fees. The Rules Of Professional Conduct also point out to lawyers that the legal profession is a branch of the administration of justice and not a mere money making trade. Most lawyers keep accurate records of the time they and other lawyers and the office staff spend on your case.