Lawyers map
>322
experienced lawyers
Filter by
04 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Recently, while consulting our financial advisor, it was learned that we had no Will, no Advance Health Care Directives, no POA's, nor a Special Needs Trust for our disabled adult son. Our advisor pointed us straight to Chris Toews and Ann Murphy, whose firm, Toews & Murphy in San Luis Obispo, specialize in all of the above. Initially, we consulted with Chris so that we may ask questions and get some understanding of how it all works. Chris was so knowledgeable! He was not in a hurry, offered expert information to us, and put us completely at ease. Because there were so many unfamiliar documents, his partner, Ann Murphy met with us at a later date when the documents needed to be signed and notarized. She carefully explained each of the documents, again, taking her time and never rushing us, and made the task very informational, and enjoyable. The front office staff is also outstanding, cheerful, and efficient, making it a pleasure to call the office. The entire experience with this firm made my husband and me feel as if our concerns were the most important things on their calendars. At the end of the process, and in a short amount of time, we were handed a beautifully bound compilation of our new Family Trust, with each part delineated and organized for us. We cannot say enough about how we were handled by the Wonderful Team at Toews & Murphy! We highly recommend this firm!
Read more
02 Aug, 2015 by Anonymous
Some years after the death of my father, my mother was referred to Mr. Toews for estate planning. He has become our "to go to man". When issues arise about family trusts, ligation, estate taxes and securing assets upon death, Mr. Toews has been on task 100 percent. He has treated our family with complete respect and honesty. Legal and tax laws are intidimating for a lay person but Mr. Toews has demonstrated patience and an ability to simplify the information. Professionally, he and his office display a standard of excellence. Seeing the preparation needed for my mothers estate I have utilized his expertise. I have peace knowing family estate planning is securely in place and trusted consultation is available.
Read more
15 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
This attorney came highly recommended by a two people I work with locally. On my first call I was helped immediately by an associate and very impressed with her knowledge and manner. I was informed that Mr. Toew is the only tax attorney in San Luis Obispo who has his level of certification. I was greatly relieved after dealing with their office and felt that I was in great hands with my tax circumstance.
Read more
07 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Rossi and his assistant, Brooklyn were available with my questions about the procedure and what my role would be during the legal process. His explanations were clear and concise.
I knew I had made an excellent choice to hire Mr. Rossi as my attorney. That was confirmed when Mr. Rossi and I went to court for my case. All the items requested by the court had been addressed by Mr. Rossi.
Read more
02 Nov, 2021 by Mo
I had an excellent experience with Mr. Rossi not once but twice. Always Available to answer questions and very professional. He was also accommodating to my schedule.
Read more
06 Oct, 2017 by Joyce
Mr. Rossi was able to see me immediately after a threatening call from a debt collector. He listened attentatively, answered thoughtfully and explained thoroughly. He let me know my legal rights and made sure I understood them completely. He gave me a course of action for both handling this caller and clearing up my situation. I don't need a lawyer beyond this consultation, but would absolutely hire Mr. Rossi if I did.
Read more
25 Mar, 2021 by Anonymous
Although I would have preferred a mediated divorce, my ex wanted to fight it out with lawyers. I reluctantly asked around and, after false starts with others, landed in David Bodney's office. What a stroke of fortune. David's confident—but not cocky—demeanor granted me a much-needed measure of calm and relief as he explained how things would go, with just the right level of detail.
My divorce took almost two years to complete. Along the way were court filings, measures and counter-measures, court appearances (pre-Covid), a 3-hour deposition with my ex's attorneys, a re-start when she fired her attorneys and hired a new one, and finally a negotiated settlement just before the final court date. At each step of the process, David outlined what to expect, what was unpredictable, and what steps we could take to protect my interests and our kids. I felt expertly counseled. He was very efficient with his time and my money and I always felt that his interest was aligned with my own—to get through the process as quickly and fairly as possible. His staff was thorough and timely. Although he's a busy guy, he always found time to either answer my calls or respond quickly.
I have nothing but good to say about David Bodney. A good friend had a very similar experience so there's another vote of confidence. Family law is a tough arena to operate in. David has the just the right touch for it.
Read more
18 Jul, 2016 by Brandon glick
Separating from my wife was overwhelming. I felt as though I was lost and by myself in a foreign place. Luckily, a friend of a friend referred me to David. Instantly after meeting with David, I felt at ease. He has a calm, reassuring presence that was appreciated more than words can express. Through his help and expertise I was able to resolve my divorce in a fair, amicable way while still keeping my best interests in mind. If you are feeling the same way I was, contact David. During a time of a thousand hard choices, hiring David is one you will not regret.
Read more
21 Aug, 2014 by Leona
David Bodney helped represent me in an extremely difficult/high conflict divorce.
He has the highest level of integrity. He is an extremely sharp, bright man. A person cannot go wrong with him on your team.
He is a fair, honest person that respects and understands the court and family system extremely well.
I am blessed to have had him on my team.
Read more
09 Mar, 2017 by Anonymous
We had to hire him for a difficult eviction. Steven did a great job of explaining the process, filing the paperwork on time. When a deadline hit, he was filing the next action the following morning. Thank you for your help!!
Read more
29 Aug, 2016 by Paul
I have known mr. Rice since 1997. I can't think of a more skilled, passionate and dedicated person that I would want advocating on my behalf. mr. Rice has helped me both personally and professionally on countless occasions, and I am in debt to him forever. Whenever I need help or advice, mr. Rice is the first person I call, and he is always there figuring out solutions to my problems. He is a good guy, and a great lawyer.
Read more
24 Aug, 2016 by Anonymous
I was represented by Mr. Rice in a case where the district attorney charged me with 14 serious felony and misdemeanor counts. Mr. Rice fought for me from the beginning of the case to the end of the trial, and I was found NOT GUILTY of ALL charges. I was acquitted and walked out of court a free man. It is clear that Mr. Rice knows what he is doing and it was lucky for me that he does, because I put my life in his hands.
Read more
28 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
Nicole is an amazing and experienced professional. She is knowledgeable, understanding, and passionate. Her communication was always fluid and I always felt like a priority client with her! Nicole help me navigate a business partnership separation during an incredibly challenging time and during the global pandemic. She worked with me on installment plans to help me my payments financially manageable. I will continue to use Nicole for any legal services. I am grateful to have found her!
Read more
15 Feb, 2020 by Scott
As a small business owner who was just starting out, the thought of working with a lawyer was really intimidating. Nicole Norris at Stoneridge Legal immediately put my mind at ease and took care of everything. She guided me through the complex world of intellectual property and copyrights and took care of everything. It was like having my own personal concierge, there to help me with whatever I needed. She's the rock-star lawyer you want on your side!
Read more
01 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
I was connected with Nicole through an advisor of mine. I emailed Nicole on a Friday afternoon, explaining that my business had been served two weeks ago, and we need representation and help replying to the complaint within the 30-day deadline. Nicole noticed we didn’t have much time left until a default judgement would occur, so she offered to meet at my office on a Saturday afternoon to get a jump-start on representing us in the case. She offered up time on her Saturday to ensure we start off the case strong. Thank you!
Read more
11 Aug, 2018 by Bob and linda
Several years ago we hired Stephen Hall to write the documents for our estate. Since then we have retained him for counsel regarding gift-giving and other items throughout the years with the latest issue being the distribution of our father’s estate. When our father died with full blown dementia he left control of his sizable estate and a portion of his holdings to an unlicensed caregiver who had being living with him for a few years. Mr. Hall immediately petitioned the court to have the person removed as trustee. In the courtroom we found Stephen to be an experienced and well prepared negotiator, he sited where the State of California form to leave an inheritance to a caregiver had not been filled out and past cases where abuse occurred; he then met our objective to have the estate put safely in the hands of a fiduciary. Stephen was confident, authoritative and direct. When we met with the caregiver in mediation to resolve the issue of their inheritance Stephen sized up the possible outcomes as new information came to light and counseled us on our options. It came to the point where we had to make a pretty tough decision. Stephen was professional and supportive as he counseled us on the monetary, emotional and time costs to us if we went to trial. This was helpful in making our decision. Stephen Hall is a man who open and above board in every aspect of his dealings. His high moral fiber comes to surface as you work through a process with him. He is committed to giving his clients the best service from himself as well as from his staff.
Read more
26 Mar, 2017 by Randy
When my aging parents needed help with their estate planning I set out to interview attorneys for the job of reviewing and updating their existing trust. I gathered recommendations from other professionals in the community, and Stephen Hall was one of three that I met with for initial consultation. While the other two attorneys I met with were more than competent to handle the job, Mr. Hall stood head and shoulders above them both. Mr. Hall's in-depth knowledge of not only the law, but of estate tax issues as well, is a combination that I have not found with any other attorney. He asked questions none of the other attorneys asked, and provided ideas that none of the other attorneys offered either. It was a crystal clear decision to hire Mr. Hall. Since the initial work with my parent's trust, we have had him work on our own family trust, as well as my wife's parents. I have recommended him to anyone who asks, and without exception people have been profoundly pleased with the work of this office. Not only is Mr. Hall one of the most knowledgeable attorneys I've ever worked with, but his staff are all highly professional, competent, and responsive. I cannot recommend this team highly enough.
Read more
22 Nov, 2016 by Kayla
Taylor Ernst and the Ernst Law Group did a thorough job of evaluating and the case. They considered and looked into everything related to the case. They were diligent in getting all of the care that was appropriate and that the ongoing care needs were accounted for. Both the process and the outcome of the negotiated settlement were handled professionally and compassionately. I would (and have) recommended Taylor Ernst.
Read more
22 Oct, 2015 by Samantha
Taylor Ernst is everything you want in a lawyer: honest, professional, friendly, and successful. He is extremely approachable and understanding, and you can tell that he honestly cares about his clients and genuinely wants to help your situation. Throughout my entire case, Taylor Ernst was in constant contact with me to update me on how everything was turning out. He was very clear when explaining the aspects of my case and never made any promises he couldn't keep. The results of my case could not have turned out better and I owe it all to this wonderful lawyer and his dedication to his clients and work. You could not choose a better lawyer to represent you, and I am extremely satisfied with his work.
Read more
13 Nov, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Koory represented me in a personal injury case and was able to achieve a satisfactory settlement, which I would have been unable to do on my own. Not having any past experience with the legal system, I had many questions and concerns about the case. He answered my questions promptly and explained the process patiently without being patronizing. He offered sound advice based on his significant professional experience while remaining respectful of my point of view. He always returned phone calls and was very generous with his time. I would definitely recommend Lou Koory.
Read more
28 Jun, 2012 by Shawna
Lou Koory has gone above and beyond my expectations when I needed to hire an attorney. He always returned my phone calls and kept me fully updated on my case. He showed me he was genuinely concerned for my well-being by making sure I was receiving the medical attention I deserved and even attended a doctors appointment with me. Lou Koory, without a doubt, held the upper hand against the defense and earned my trust and confidence when he was able to negotiate medical bills and further medical treatment even after my case settled. Sometimes you need more than an attorney, but a friend to help you through difficult times. I greatly reccommend him to anyone in need of someone honest and caring as Lou Koory. The attoney you hire will matter in the out come of your case.
Read more
09 Nov, 2018 by Cindy
I hired attorney Roger Frederickson to assist me with a rather difficult family law matter. Roger, Sarah and the rest of his staff saw me through the process with compassion and professionalism. I highly recommend this law firm.
Read more
28 Dec, 2011 by Anonymous
Very smart and quick to resolve my problem.
Read more
25 Aug, 2015 by Matt
A wonderful attorney. I felt like my interests were just as important to him as they were to me. He explains the legal process simply and in a way that is easily understood. His trial presence is remarkable and he was able to form an almost instant bond with my jury. he obtained a better verdict then possibly hoped for.
Read more
16 Sep, 2019 by Andrea
Kevin fought hard to get my matter settled. would hire him for any and all legal matters.
Read more
12 Apr, 2019 by Jackie
Charron has been my attorney for more than 20 years, she is extremely efficient. She set up my trust & will & has always been able to answer any question that I have had. Charron's staff has always been very pleasant & helpful. I would highly recommend this attorney.
Read more
05 Oct, 2016 by Anonymous
Recently, while consulting our financial advisor, it was learned that we had no Will, no Advance Health Care Directives, no POA's, nor a Special Needs trust for our disabled adult son. Our advisor pointed us straight to Chris Toews and Ann Murphy, whose firm, Toews & Murphy in San Luis Obispo, specialize in all of the above. Initially, we met with Chris so that we may ask questions and get some understanding of how it all works. Chris was so knowledgeable! He was not in a hurry, offered expert information to us and put us completely at ease. Because there were so many unfamiliar documents, his partner, Ann Murphy met with us at a later date when the documents needed to be signed and notarized. She carefully explained all of the documents, again, taking her time and never rushing us, and made the task very informational, and enjoyable. The front office staff is also outstanding, cheerful, and efficient, making it a pleasure to call the office. The entire experience with this firm made my husband and me feel as if our concerns were the most important things on their calendars. At the end of the process, and in a short amount of time, we were handed a beautifully bound compilation of our new Family Trust, with each part delineated and organized for us. We cannot say enough about how we were handled by the Wonderful Team at Toews & Murphy! Highly recommended!
Read more
11 Sep, 2013 by Suzanne in santa monica
At a time when I was fairly desperate for information and felt like I was in a David versus Goliath battle with my homeowners association, Mr. Hirsh gave me much-needed information promptly, and effectively, and with kindness.
Read more
02 Aug, 2010 by Anonymous
I heard about Mr. Martinez from our financial adviser. He was one of three attorneys recommended. We met with all three attorneys before choosing Mr. Martinez. We had confidence in all three, but Mr. Martinez surprised my wife and I by how well he could convey the information to us, leaving us feeling like we were making a very informed decision. He answered every question we had with ease and spelled out what he was doing and why he was doing it. He also gave us options on how to proceed with our estate planning. Overall, it was a pleasurable meeting. After he prepared our documents, I was thoroughly impressed. We will continue to use him as needed, and would and have recommended him to others.
Read more
15 Aug, 2011 by Anonymous
We got the results we were seeking and felt very well represented. Babak took a geniune interest in our situation and provided excellent advice on how we should proceed. His written and oral presentations of our case were excellent.
We appreciated his no-frills office and helpful staff.
Read more
03 Oct, 2012 by Anonymous
Linda is an excellent attorney. She extremely hardworking, personable, organized, efficient and knowledgeable. She has a great staff that appeared to be just as hard working and great at communication. I really had a great experience working with Linda and would highly recommend her. Her services are worth every penny. I have worked with the other end of the spectrum in the past and she is hands down one of the best if not the best in her field in the area.
Read more
26 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
Shannon really understood my case and handled it quickly and professionally saving me a great deal of money.
Read more
06 Mar, 2013 by Anonymous
Anne did a tremendous job mediating a nasty intra-family probate and estate situation. She was tough when she needed to be, but treated all parties with utmost respect. She gave us peace of mind and guidance about how to deal with the situation, as well as acting as our attorney to handle the specifics. I would highly recommend her.
Read more
27 Apr, 2015 by Anonymous
Mr. Radding represented us in a business case, and his advice was knowledgeable, well-thought out, and his representation was very professional. His demeanor was calm and he didn't react to opposing counsel's hostility. He represented us in mediation, and his demeanor and advice was right on point. The matter was solved to our satisfaction, and we felt his services and costs were absolutely reasonable. We all felt over and over how grateful we were that we had chosen him as our lawyer in that matter, and he is now considered our entire family's lawyer.
Read more
11 Jun, 2014 by Anonymous
Although his specialty is business, employment and real estate law, Sean assisted me in this case on a personal injury claim.
Although this was not a huge claim - many other lawyers would deem me low priority- -Sean was very responsive, returned my calls promptly, kept me updated every step of the way. He was actually able to procure a settlement 20% higher than we had agreed upon.
I highly recommend him.
Read more
21 Oct, 2010 by Melissa
Jay was extremely helpful with our tenant/landlord issue we were having. He kept us from loosing a lot of money. He went above and beyond for us. I highly recommend contacting Jay Raftery for his services or any questions you have.
I want to keep going on how great our experience was with Jay, but the review box only allows 8,000 characters and thats simply enough room. =-)
Read more
13 Oct, 2015 by Tatiana
Robbi Rizzo is an exceptional counselor. I had a complicated case that involved a corporate issue (I shared ownership with my ex in the corporation). In addition, I and my minor child are residing in different county (with venue in SLO). My case lasted 3 years. I changed several attorneys. When Robbi picked up my case (6 months ago), it seemed almost hopeless. Highly ethical, she advised me about the best strategy to take, and went beyond my expectation professionally advising me on the corporate issues with the best outcome I could hope for. I appreciate her great personality, as I felt her sincere desire to assist me, and not just to perform her professional duty. Through the case, she lead me step by step, responding promptly to any of my e-mails with useful comments. I've always felt supported. Without any hesitation, I would recommend Robbi Rizzo to anyone who is looking for a strong legal defense.
Read more
16 Apr, 2015 by Barbara boulware
I am so relieved i finally have a good Lawyer.Who truely is out for my best interest .
With my horrible experience with lawyer's Rude mean Greedy. last lawyer, ripped me off and let my brother scam my inheritance.Trusted him I was working out of the country..give's me understanding why they are hated.
Mr. Nash is one out of a million.So Smart.well educated.talks in terms i understand.
kind fare. not judgemental
Educated Bad Ass.who will fight for his client.
God Bless Mr.Nash
His A . Keeper.
sinerely Barbara
Read more
18 Oct, 2010 by Justin
she has kept me out of trouble in the juvenile system she is a great attorney and very hardworking
Read more
22 Jan, 2020 by Garth
I had a rediculas charge brought upon me, that was "Harassment", in that I had called my ex girlfriends Father and inquired about a rumor in town that she had children of mine, from our relationship about 4 years prior. It was a single phone call, me wanting to know the validity of this rumor, because if true, I wanted to be part of their lives in every way, because, well, I am their Dad, and that's the way I was raised, so I inquired about it. Well, my ex's Father freaked out and screamed to "never call again...you don't exist", etc. As it turns out, I do in fact have daughters with her, and Los Angeles Superior Courts has awarded me "Full Custody" of our daughters! But now the same man (and my ex!) refuse to physically hand over my little girls! They are 7 years old, and what little time we've seen each other, it's obvious that we love each other very much! Anyway, Mr. Doherty was great about the whole thing. The "Harassment" got dropped to an "annoying phone call", which I don't believe is a crime. One call to see if I had kids! If ever I need to enforce this Judgment, well Joseph Doherty would be my pick. He didn't waiver, nor get intimidated or offer me anything less than what it was, an infraction I believe. I never have called again nor do I plan to, unless he has my daughters again! Even then, the Sheriff will handle that issue, if it comes up again. Joseph Doherty, the best attorney in Santa Barbara!
Read more
13 Jul, 2015 by Ate
I was going threw a rough patch in my relationship with my wife and got into some trouble with the law. I asked around to see who should represent me and was told that Ms. Ortiz was young and very passionate about defending her clients. I made an appointment, she was very professional, right to the point and very knowledgeable about my situation and my options. Thanks to Ms. Ortiz I was able to plea to a lesser charge and only paid a small fine.
Read more
18 Mar, 2016 by Scott
I was a victim of a Hit and Run as well as my grandson's Golden Retriever dog. While walking on a green light, an illegally parked vehicle was illegally parked in the RED zone, blocking a Fire Hydrant and blocking most of the cross walk. Commerce employee to move her car since it was parked illegally her response was . I retained the firm of Ryan Harris Personal Injury Lawyers.
I am represented by a incredible lawyer Tanya Ortega, esq. who first concern was the condition of my injuries and the dog. she made sure i got proper medical care, she is very honest, ethical, transparent. She is very knowledgeable of personal injury law, and is tenacious in getting the help one needs when your injured. She and the entire firm are like family and they are the best of the best . I would highly recommend the firm and especially Lawyer Tanya Ortega she is the best of the best. She got me the medical attention i needed, has done great job of represent me in the legal arena.
Read more
28 Jul, 2012 by John and carlie
We would recommend Daniel Shaw to any family and we already have several times. He is passionate about helping families and children navigate the very difficult process regarding Special Education. He is extremely knowledgeable and caring. He gave us much help securing a 504 Plan for our son with the school district and knowing what we needed to do at IEP. He also helped us get an IEE for our child.
Read more
Find Your Lawyer
By Practice Area
-
Business
-
Real Estate
-
Criminal Defense
-
Personal Injury
-
Litigation
-
Estate Planning
-
Family Law
-
Government
-
Intellectual Property
-
Probate
-
Tax
-
Insurance
-
Workers Compensation
-
Medical Malpractice
-
Trusts
-
Wrongful Death
-
Domestic Violence
-
Appeals
-
Car Accident
-
Immigration
-
Civil Rights
-
Juvenile Law
-
Consumer Protection
-
DUI / DWI
-
Mediation
-
Bankruptcy
-
Child Custody
-
Child Support
-
Class Action
-
Elder Law
-
Entertainment
-
Employment / Labor
-
Financial Markets And Services
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Sex Crime
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Adoption
-
Cannabis Law
-
Copyright Application
-
Debt Collection
-
Discrimination
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers
Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer
When meeting with a lawyer for the first time, it's important to ask the right questions to understand their expertise and determine if they're the right fit for your legal needs. Here are some top questions to consider:
-
What experience do you have with cases similar to mine?
Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience in the specific area of law pertaining to your case. -
How do you charge for your services, and what are the estimated costs?
Understand the fee structure, including hourly rates, flat fees, retainer fees, and any additional expenses. -
What potential outcomes can I expect from my case?
While no lawyer can guarantee results, they can provide an assessment of possible scenarios based on their experience. -
What is your approach to handling cases like mine?
Learn about their strategy, whether they prefer negotiation, mediation, or litigation. -
Who will be working on my case?
Find out if the lawyer will handle your case personally or delegate tasks to other attorneys or paralegals. -
How will you communicate with me throughout the process?
Establish expectations for updates, preferred communication methods, and response times. -
What is the likely timeline for resolving my case?
Get an estimate of how long the process may take from start to finish. -
Do you have references from past clients?
Testimonials or references can provide insight into the lawyer's professionalism and effectiveness. -
What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
Understanding potential challenges helps you prepare and sets realistic expectations. -
Are there alternative ways to solve my legal problem?
Discuss options like mediation, arbitration, or settlement to resolve the issue efficiently.
How to Check the Credibility of a Lawyer
Before hiring a lawyer, it's crucial to verify their credibility and ensure they're qualified to handle your case:
-
Verify Their License:
Check with your state's bar association to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing. -
Experience and Specialization:
Ensure the lawyer specializes in the area of law relevant to your case. -
Disciplinary Record:
Look up any history of disciplinary actions or complaints through the state bar association. -
Client Reviews and Testimonials:
Read reviews on legal directories like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to gauge client satisfaction. -
Professional Memberships:
Membership in professional organizations or specialty bar associations can indicate a commitment to their field. -
Awards and Recognitions:
Honors from reputable organizations reflect expertise and a positive reputation. -
Consultation Assessment:
Use the initial consultation to evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and willingness to address your concerns. -
Ask for References:
A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your initial meeting with a lawyer, come prepared with:
-
Relevant Documents:
Bring all documents related to your case, such as contracts, correspondence, legal notices, court papers, or evidence. -
Written Summary:
Prepare a concise written summary of your situation, including key dates, events, and involved parties. -
List of Questions:
Write down any questions you have about your case, the legal process, or the lawyer's experience. -
Financial Information:
If applicable, bring financial documents like pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements. -
Contact Information:
Provide details of any witnesses or other parties relevant to your case. -
Personal Identification:
Bring a valid ID for verification purposes. -
Pen and Notebook:
Take notes during the consultation to remember important points. -
Budget Constraints:
Be ready to discuss your budget and any financial limitations.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a lawyer varies widely based on several factors:
-
Fee Structures:
-
Hourly Rate:
Lawyers may charge anywhere from $150 to $500 or more per hour, depending on experience and location. -
Flat Fee:
For routine legal services like drafting a will or handling an uncontested divorce, lawyers might offer a flat fee. -
Retainer Fee:
An upfront payment against which the lawyer bills hourly fees. -
Contingency Fee:
Common in personal injury cases; the lawyer receives a percentage (typically 25% to 40%) of any settlement or award. -
Monthly Retainer:
For ongoing services, businesses might pay a monthly fee for a set number of hours or services.
-
Hourly Rate:
-
Factors Affecting Cost:
-
Complexity of the Case:
More complex cases require more time and resources, increasing costs. -
Lawyer's Experience:
Highly experienced lawyers may charge higher fees. -
Geographic Location:
Legal fees can vary significantly by region or city. -
Additional Expenses:
Court filing fees, expert witness fees, travel expenses, and administrative costs may be extra.
-
Complexity of the Case:
-
Estimating Total Costs:
Request a detailed fee agreement outlining all potential costs.
Discuss any additional expenses that may arise during the case. -
Negotiating Fees:
Some lawyers may be willing to negotiate fees or offer payment plans, especially for clients with financial constraints. -
Pro Bono Services:
For those who cannot afford legal services, some lawyers or legal aid organizations offer services at reduced rates or for free.
