The lawyer should advise the potential client up front about the fee structure and billing arrangements. Standard payment arrangements may include hourly rates, flat fees, and retainers or contingent fees. In some situations, litigating a case in court is not the best avenue for resolving a matter. Lawyers can help determine if mediation or arbitration, for example, might be suitable alternatives to litigation. The arbitrator's ruling is final.
Mediation involves a neutral person helping two or more parties to reach a voluntary settlement.
In mediation, both parties involved have an active role and ultimately decide the final outcome of the dispute with the assistance of the mediator. Arbitration and mediation, respectively, have advantages and drawbacks and the lawyer should be able to efficiently advise the client on which option may work best in a given situation. A competent lawyer should always be able to provide a general idea of the time frame in which the legal matter will be resolved. Small businesses must know what they are getting into. Get an estimate up front before a lawyer is engaged.