In some cases, for more straightforward charges or situations, a lawyer may choose to offer a flat fee to handle the case. More often, though, lawyers charge an hourly rate because there can be a lot of variability as to how much time investment will be necessary. A lawyer who works on an hourly rate may often require a retainer fee to be paid before they agree to the case. This is a fee that covers a certain number of hours worked on the case. For any time after that, the hourly rate will be charged.