It is perfectly in order for you to discuss with your lawyer his or her fees in representing you. Bear in mind that the lawyer, like the doctor, has no fixed fees and most often cannot advise you in advance as to exact amount of the fee. Instead, fees will depend upon the circumstances of the case, the time required and certain other considerations. It is safe to say, however, that it will cost less for your lawyer to keep you out of trouble than to get you out of trouble. Many lawyers will afford you a free consultation or will charge you a nominal fee for an initial consultation.
Some attorneys establish a fixed hourly charge for their services.
The attorney's fee is computed by multiplying this fixed hourly charge by the number of hours the attorney has spent working for you. When retaining an attorney on this basis, you may wish to ask for an estimate of the charge for the requested service and to have explained what complications might arise and what effect the complications would have on your fee. Hourly rates of attorneys will vary depending upon an attorney's experience and the demand for the particular service. There is no set hourly rate and the rates do vary. For frequently performed services such as drafting an uncomplicated will or assisting with an uncomplicated real estate transaction, some attorneys charge a fixed or flat rate.