Legal Fees

This page contains information about legal fees and rates we typically charge for specific legal work.  Please note that fees may vary based upon circumstances or time limitations imposed by the client.

Click on a link to learn more about legal fees and our rates

Types of Fee Arrangements

1. Retainer Fees

A retainer fee applies to any fee taken at the inception of representation to engage the lawyer’s services, i.e., an engagement fee.  The lawyer then charges separately to perform the work needed by the client.   In re Scimeca, 265 Kan 742, 759–760, 962 P2d 1080 (1998).  When a fee is taken on account for future work, the lawyer is required to return to the client any portion that is in excess of the work performed.  MRPC 1.16(d); RI-69 (Feb 14, 1991).

Some retainers are nonrefundable (i.e., where the lawyer keeps the entire retainer even if the lawyer is discharged before the end of the case).  A nonrefundable retainer may be charged in complex legal cases or other extraordinary or unique circumstances. RI-10 (Apr 6, 1989).

2. Hourly Fees

Instead, the lawyer must charge each client so that each client pays a fair share for the time actually devoted to that client’s matter.  RI-150 (Nov 12, 1992).

3. Contingent Fees

A contingent fee is one in which the lawyer’s compensation is dependent or contingent in whole or in part upon successful prosecution or settlement or upon the amount of recovery, the receipt, retention, or sharing by such attorney.  A contingent fee may not be charged for representing a client in a domestic relations case or a criminal case.  MRPC 1.5(d).

4. Fixed Fees

A lawyer and a client may fix a fee for a particular legal task. MRPC 1.2(b); RI-50 (May 29, 1990).  Here, the lawyer and the client agree at the onset on the scope of work and the cost to the client.

5. Mixed Fees

A lawyer may charge a client a mixed fee consisting of hourly fees, fixed fees, and percentage fees. RI-6 (May 19, 1989); CI-1089 (July 8, 1985). It is clear that as long as a fee is not illegal or “clearly excessive” under MRPC 1.5, a lawyer may charge and a client may agree to pay on the basis of a flat fee, an hourly rate, a percentage basis, or some combination of these. See also CI-962 (Sept 2, 1983); ABA Comm on Ethics and Professional Responsibility, Informal Op 1317 (May 1975).

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Our Fees

We pride ourselves on providing effective, compassionate, and affordable legal representation.  As such, we believe that our fees are competitive with those customarily charged in the locality for similar legal services.

Our fee depends on the amount of money in involved and the results obtained; the time limitations imposed by the client or by the circumstances; and, the nature and length of our professional relationship with the client.  

Generally, we charge a $1,500 retainer fee, which covers the first 12 hours of work or less and is applied against the work to be done.  The reason for this is that we will waive other work and begin on your case immediately in order to complete the work as soon as practicable.  We only accept as much work as we can conduct in order to meet this deadline and work is routinely turned away.

However, we have flat rates for particular work routinely performed for our clients.  Here’s a partial list:

      * Fees may vary based upon circumstances or time limitations imposed by the client

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     * Fees may vary based upon circumstances or time limitations imposed by the client

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     * Fees may vary base upon circumstances or time limitations imposed by the client

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     * Fees may vary based upon circumstances or time limitations imposed by the client

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     * Fees may vary based upon circumstances or time limitations imposed by the client

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