Blog Post

When it comes to finding legal representation, attorney fees are often the first concern on people's minds. Many individuals find themselves unsure about how much their case will cost, which can keep them from seeking the help they need.

At the Law Office of Daniel J. McCrorie, transparency about fees is a key part of our client-first approach. We believe that understanding the financial aspect of your case is crucial for making informed decisions.

In this blog, we'll break down the most common types of attorney fee arrangements and explain when each one is the best choice for your case. It's important to note that different practice areas, such as personal injury versus criminal defense, often utilize different fee structures.

Contingency Fee: "You Don’t Pay Unless We Win"

One of the most commonly used fee arrangements, particularly in personal injury cases, is the contingency fee. This means the attorney takes a percentage of the settlement or verdict if the case is successful. There are no upfront costs for the client, and the attorney covers expenses like filing fees, expert witnesses, and investigation costs. If the case is lost, the client owes nothing for attorney fees.

This structure is most often used in personal injury cases, such as car accidents, trucking accidents, slip and fall incidents, wrongful death, or nursing home abuse. Injured victims are often unable to afford high hourly rates while they recover. This allows people to get legal representation regardless of their financial situation.

At the Law Office of Daniel J. McCrorie, we offer contingency fee arrangements for personal injury cases, ensuring that clients can access quality legal representation without the worry of upfront costs.

Flat Fee: Predictable Costs for Defined Services

A flat fee arrangement involves one set price for the entire case or a specific service. The client pays the agreed-upon amount regardless of how much time the attorney spends on the case. This fee is usually paid upfront or in installments, and it covers all work related to the specific legal matter.

Flat fees are ideal for simple and routine legal matters that have a predictable scope. Common examples include uncontested divorces, simple will preparation, traffic ticket defense, and straightforward DWI (first offense) cases. The main advantage with flat fees is no surprises: clients know from the start exactly how much they will be paying.

Keep in mind that any complications or unexpected issues that arise during the case may result in additional fees, so it’s important to have a written agreement that specifies the exact work covered by the flat fee.

Hourly Rate: Traditional Billing for Complex Matters

The hourly rate is a traditional method of billing, where the attorney charges for each hour of time spent working on the case. This arrangement typically requires an upfront retainer, which acts as a deposit against future work. The attorney then bills against the retainer as work is completed, and the client receives detailed billing statements.

Hourly rates are commonly used in complex legal matters where the scope of work is unpredictable. This includes cases such as criminal defense (especially in more complicated criminal cases), ongoing legal representation, and federal criminal cases. The main advantage of the hourly rate structure is that it’s fair for both parties when the case's complexity is unknown. Clients only pay for the actual time spent working on their case.

When working with hourly rates, it's essential for clients to ask about the hourly rate upfront and understand the minimum billing increments (e.g., six minutes or 15 minutes). Regular billing statements should also be requested to keep track of costs. At the Law Office of Daniel J. McCrorie, we offer competitive rates for criminal defense cases, ensuring that clients receive high-quality legal representation at fair prices.

Pro Bono: Free Legal Services

Pro bono work refers to free legal services provided to clients who cannot afford to pay. This arrangement is typically offered when a case involves significant public interest, or when the attorney chooses to donate their time. Pro bono services are most often offered through legal aid organizations, bar association programs, or law school clinics.

While most private attorneys, including those at our firm, cannot offer extensive pro bono services, we may take select cases on a pro bono basis, depending on the circumstances. If you’re seeking free legal representation, it’s worth exploring legal aid societies or bar association referral programs.

Hybrid Arrangements & Payment Plans

Some cases may involve hybrid arrangements or payment plans. For example, a payment plan might allow clients to spread the cost of a flat fee or hourly rate over time. Additionally, a reduced retainer with a contingency component is sometimes used in more complex cases (though this arrangement varies by state rules). Sliding scale fees based on income may also be available.

During your consultation at the Law Office of Daniel J. McCrorie, we can discuss various payment options to find the solution that works best for your situation. We believe in providing flexibility so that everyone has access to quality legal representation.

Choosing the Right Fee Arrangement

The right fee arrangement depends on both the nature of your case and your financial situation. For personal injury cases, contingency fees are almost always the preferred choice. For criminal defense, the fee structure will depend on the complexity of the case and whether an hourly or flat fee is more appropriate. No matter what, it's crucial to get everything in writing before the attorney begins work.

At the Law Office of Daniel J. McCrorie, we prioritize transparency in discussing both your case and the associated costs. We want to make sure you fully understand your fee arrangement so you can make the best decision for your future.

Call us at (910) 212-5127 or schedule your consultation online today. Don’t let concerns about legal fees stop you from seeking the help you need!