Most lawyers charge an hourly rate, with the average fee landing at $391 an hour. A lawyer may also charge a retainer fee, essentially a downpayment, that they pull money from until it’s used up, and then they charge an hourly rate. Some lawyers choose a different form of payment for their services, such as a flat fee or a contingency fee — which is a percentage of what you’re awarded after your case is over. Costs depend on many factors, including your location, how the lawyer prefers to charge for their services, their experience and expertise, and how long or complex your case is.