Legal Fee Calculator - Compare Attorney Cost Options
Estimate potential attorney fees.
Estimated Attorney Fees
Contingency fees typically 33-40%. Hourly rates $150-500/hr.
How to Use This Legal Fee Calculator
- Select fee type — Choose between contingency (percentage of settlement), hourly rate, or flat fee arrangements.
- Enter estimated settlement — For contingency fees, input your expected settlement or award amount.
- Enter hours and rate — For hourly billing, input the estimated hours and the attorney's hourly rate.
- Click Calculate — See your estimated attorney fees based on the selected fee structure.
Understanding Your Legal Fee Estimate
Legal fees vary widely based on case type and fee arrangement. Here is what you need to know about each structure:
- Contingency fees (33-40%): Common for personal injury cases. You pay nothing upfront; the attorney takes a percentage of your settlement. If you lose, you generally owe nothing beyond costs.
- Hourly rates ($150-$500+): Standard for divorce, criminal defense, and business law. Total cost depends on case complexity and attorney experience. Retainer deposits of $2,000-$10,000 are common.
- Flat fees ($500-$5,000): Used for simple, predictable matters like wills, uncontested divorces, and lease reviews. Provides cost certainty but may not cover complications.
- Additional costs: Most fee arrangements do not include filing fees, expert witness fees, deposition costs, or travel expenses — these are billed separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a typical contingency fee percentage?
Most personal injury attorneys charge 33.3% (one-third) if the case settles before a lawsuit is filed. If the case requires filing a lawsuit, the percentage typically increases to 40%. If the case goes to trial, some attorneys charge 40-45%. These percentages apply to the gross settlement before deducting expenses.
Do I pay anything if I lose my case?
Under a pure contingency agreement, you do not owe attorney fees if you lose. However, you may still be responsible for case costs such as filing fees, expert witness fees, and medical records retrieval. Some attorneys advance these costs and only seek reimbursement if you win. Always clarify cost responsibility before signing.
Can I negotiate attorney fees?
Yes. Fee arrangements are negotiable. You can ask for a lower contingency percentage, a blended rate (lower percentage for pre-litigation work), or a cap on hourly billing. Attorneys may be more flexible for strong cases with clear liability and significant damages. Always discuss fees during the initial consultation.
What is a retainer fee and how does it work?
A retainer is an upfront deposit paid to secure an attorney's services. The attorney bills against this retainer as work is performed (for hourly cases). When the retainer runs low, you replenish it. Unused portions are refundable. Retainers typically range from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on the case type and attorney.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Lawyer
During your consultation, ask: what percentage do you charge for contingency cases? Are there any costs I pay if we lose? Who will handle my case day-to-day (associate or paralegal)? How often will I receive updates? What is your typical settlement range for cases like mine? An attorney who answers clearly and transparently is more likely to communicate well throughout your case.