Lawyer Retainer Fee Links
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Lawyer Retainer Fees (continued)
A true retainer is a fee is paid to the lawyer (usually monthly or annually) to retain or keep the lawyer
available to the client. Many lawyer bill their clients at a higher rate for this type of service because it
means they will have to turn down other potential clients or cases to be available for the client on retainer.
This fee is often paid by large corporations to make sure they have access to their lawyers whenever they
need advice or representation.
Ask as many questions as possible about the billing procedure because you must understand the terms
of the fees arrangement completely. Your itemized bill should include: date of service; time spent; amount
charged; expenses incurred; advances received; the total amount due on the case; and the period of time
covered by the bill. In most cases lawyers do not give you exact figures of the total bill because the bill
amount depends on the time they take with your case and this will be determined only as your case
proceeds. So, you will have to be satisfied with rough estimates.
To lower your legal bill, offer your time. Ask if you can make phone calls, fax documents, pick up or deliver
documents, to reduce your legal costs.
Review the conditions of your agreement. Don't be afraid to ask tough questions about the fees and billing
procedure. For example, find out if the lawyer is likely to increase their fees. If so, what are the
circumstances that would warrant the change. Any changes should be noted on your itemized billing
statements. Do not sign the agreement if you don't fully understand it, or if something you have requested
is not included or vice versa. Avoid verbal agreements without a written record.
You have the right to know how your lawyer spent their time, money and resources on your case. When
you receive your bill review it carefully. Take your time. It should show your lawyer's fees and expenses
with an appropriate explanation for each. For example, if you were charged an hourly rate for a unspecified
service, make sure you know the specifics of the service. Contact the lawyer and ask for an explanation.
Make sure the charges add up. If they do not, give your lawyer a call. It's probably an honest mistakes. If
you find any other mistakes or discrepancies in your bill, don't hesitate to call and resolve the issue.
If you find that you are unable to pay your bill, call your lawyer as soon as possible. Try and work out an
agreement. Failure to do so may result in losing your lawyer's legal counsel and having a lien placed on
your house or property to secure the fees.
Fees can vary from lawyer to lawyer or law firm to law firm. Ask lots of questions to help you determine if
the layer's fees are affordable and reasonable. It also helps build a strong attorney-client relationship and
avoid any surprises when you get the bill.
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