Attorney’s Fees

We are pleased you are considering us to provide your legal counsel. At Lies, Bullis & Hatting, PLLP Attorneys in Law, we believe professional legal services should be affordable. Our experience, efficiency, and computer networking all aid in providing counsel at reasonable rates. Our fees and billing procedures will be discussed with you and agreed upon during initial consultation. Fees vary depending upon the type of legal counsel you desire; however, the following common types of fee arrangements may clarify questions you have concerning fees and billing procedure.

Contingency Fee

A contingency fee occurs when the firm is paid a percentage of the amount of money obtained for you. There is no initial consultation fee for a personal injury matter. This is the most common arrangement in personal injury, wrongful death, and product liability cases. The amount of the percentage will be discussed with you and reduced to writing. There is no fee unless money is obtained; you are responsible for all costs, expenses, charges for transcripts and depositions, etc. even if there is no recovery; you will be billed for them as they are incurred.

Flat Fee

Some matter, such as adoptions, deeds, title examinations, wills, etc. may be fixed by a set or flat fee. Normally payment is expected when the work is complete or when expenses are incurred.

Hourly Fee

All matters not handled on a contingency fee or flat fee basis are billed on an hourly basis. Many of our clients need only a few minutes of consultation to resolve their problem situation. Hourly rate matters are billed in tenths of an hour. Therefore, if your consultation only requires twenty minutes, you will be billed for only 1/3 of the hourly fee. Hourly rate work is billed to the client monthly.

Retainer Fee

In many commercial and business transactions and domestic and criminal cases, a retainer fee is required before the firm will commence work. Under a retainer fee agreement, an initial sum is deposited with the firm against which the client is charged by the hour according to the client’s needs. If the initial retainer fee is depleted, bills will be rendered monthly for services provided; any unused amount is refunded to the client.

No matter which fee arrangement is appropriate for your case, you are entitled to an open discussion of the subject and a commitment from us as to what and how you will be charged. Do not hesitate to call our office if you have any questions concerning fees or billing procedures.

Again, we appreciate the trust you have placed in our firm, and we look forward to serving you in the future.