Legal costs frustrate even the biggest corporations. It seems even the simplest legal issue can become very expensive, very quickly. We are concerned about high legal fees and want you to be informed.
How your case is billed is decided when you hire us. We give you an engagement agreement to review and sign that clearly states the attorneys’ fees and other expenses and costs you will be required to pay. We want our clients to understand their legal bills and how they will be charged up front.
What we can’t tell you up front is the final cost. So many variables influence the amount that is billed every month. We can provide a basic idea of what similar cases have cost, but that is no guarantee. Your case may be more (or less) expensive.
We typically bill by the hour like most law firms. Hourly rates are based on many factors, including expertise and experience. The hourly fee generally includes all but direct costs and expenses. In our experience, Collin and Denton County lawyers generally charge between $175 to $500 (and up) per hour. Legal assistants, legal secretaries, interns, and clerks charge between $50 and $200 per hour. Dallas County has larger firms where lawyers can command much higher rates. Speciality lawyers, such as patent or appellate lawyers, also have higher rates.
Costs and expenses are out-of-pocket and vary greatly. Some examples include the fees Texas counties charge to file certain documents, transcripts from court reporters, expert witnesses fees, postage, large copying jobs, e-discovery, and personal delivery.
Certain types of cases are billed as a flat fee. The client pays an amount up front for the entire project. Criminal cases and some corporate work often use flat fees. Personal injury cases are usually done on a contingency basis – the lawyer gets paid based on the amount recovered.
Most law firms also charge a non-refundable retainer to get started. The retainer compensates the firm for several intangible costs. When you hire a firm, it assumes the responsiblity and liablity for your case. Your case may cause future conflicts of interest. Integrating a new client into a firm’s system is another hidden costs. Finally, while your case is ongoing, a firm will decline other potential clients to make sure you are well served.
Give us a call at 469.676.6644 or drop us an email at info@taggartfirm.com if you have more specific questions. We’re here to help!