There are several different fees charged by attorneys. Each attorney has their own method of charging their clients. Make sure you ask how and for what you are being charged before signing on the dotted line. For example, some attorneys charge for the first consultation while others offer free first-time consultations. Also, you need to ask upfront how much time is allowed for any free consultations, as time can range from 15 minutes to no time limit. You will be charged for any time that you use after the free consultation time is used. Additionally, attorneys charge for copies, faxes, postage, and travel expenses. Know that the attorney has to keep their offices running and the only way they pay the bills is to charge the expenses on each client’s case back to that client. Make sure you know what you will be charged for things such as copies, faxes, mileage, etc. The following are some additional pointers for keeping your attorney fees down:
There are other charges that may be assessed by attorney. Be sure that you understand how you are being billed and for what you are being billed before you sign the employment contract. Do not be afraid to ask if you can take the contract home to read; most attorneys will agree to that request. If an attorney does not agree to allow you time to review the contract, you may want to seriously consider not hiring that attorney. Duana Loechel is the principal and founder of Loechel & Associates in |
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