How Do I Pay for an Attorney?
Volpe Law offers several options to make our legal services accessible to you.
Similar to a trip to the emergency room, being sued is an event that can wreak havoc on your finances. We understand that. That's why we endeavor to be up front with you about legal fees before you make the decision to hire us. And, that's why we try to offer various options to potential clients seeking legal representation. While a simple contract review or drafting job could cost you as little as $1,000, a lengthy multi-party litigation matter could cost you over $100,000 in the blink of an eye. While you may not have a choice if you are the defendant, you must consider these possible costs before becoming a plaintiff. No matter what you need, give us a call so we can discuss various fee structure options for you.
Fee Structures for Disputes, Mediation, and Litigation
- First, we offer free initial consultations--typically over the phone--to discuss your legal concerns and determine whether we will establish an attorney-client relationship to pursue resolution of the issues for which you reached out to us. Most often, this conversation gets down to brass tacks--what are the financial pros and cons of proceeding.
- Second, we offer paid consultations to provide legal analysis and advice. You may have a concern or need some legal work done, but you are not ready to hire a full-scope attorney. We can set up a time to sit down with you either in person or virtually and give a full review and legal analysis of the issues. This could include review of documents, legal research, and a memo to you giving our legal opinion. Typically, this is billed at the attorney's hourly rate. Maybe it's enough to give you a low-cost option to pursue the resolution to your legal matter on your own without further expenditure.
- Third, we offer limited scope representation, where we might perform a discrete task for you, such as draft a court document, with the understanding you are self-represented in the case as a whole.
- Finally, and most commonly, we offer full scope representation, where we handle your case from start to finish. This is usually the most successful path for clients in terms of outcomes, but can also be the most expensive.
There is not a one-size-fits-all approach to fee arrangements. Every client is different and each case or matter is unique. Payment for services can vary from up-front refundable retainers, to direct pay, to flat fees, depending on the complexity of the matter.
Our agreed-upon fee structure will be detailed in a fee agreement that you will sign prior to engaging our firm to provide any services to you. There should not be any surprises once you read your fee agreement.
Fee Structures for Contracts, Transactions, and Negotiations
If you are seeking assistance with a non-litigation or business/transactional matter, contract drafting, or a contract review, it is more likely we can estimate time it will take to complete the matter and offer a flat fee or capped retainer. However, oftentimes a "simple contract review or drafting" realistically turns toward time consuming contract redlining and negotiation, and we may need to have a discussion about whether hourly billing is more appropriate.
Fees earned are billed regularly with detailed invoices to keep you informed of your attorney's progress on your case.
We Offer Payment Plans
We are excited to offer payment plans through Law Pay's Client Credit Program for those who qualify. If you cannot afford to pay for legal services up front and need a pay later option, please ask about Client Credit.
If you have any more questions about fees, please complete our Consultation Request Form or call us at 720-441-3328.
