Understanding legal fees.

Some attorneys offer a free first conversation, while others charge for the time they spend reviewing your situation.

• —Ask whether the consultation is free or paid before scheduling.
• —Confirm how long the meeting will last and what the fee includes.
• —A consultation does not always include document review or written advice.

With hourly billing, you pay for the time an attorney and other members of the legal team spend on your matter.

• —Different team members may have different hourly rates.
• —Calls, emails, research, preparation and travel may be billable.
• —Ask how time is measured and how often you will receive an invoice.

A flat fee is a set amount for a defined service, often used when the work and its limits can be described in advance.

• —Ask exactly which services and stages are included.
• —Find out what could require additional work or a new fee.
• —Court costs and other expenses may still be separate.

In some matters, the attorney receives an agreed percentage of money recovered for the client rather than charging hourly fees.

• —Contingency arrangements are not available for every kind of legal matter.
• —Ask how the percentage is calculated and whether it changes as the matter progresses.
• —Clarify who pays case expenses if there is no recovery.

A retainer or advance deposit is money paid before work begins. The agreement should explain how it is held, earned and replenished.

• —Ask whether the payment is refundable and under what circumstances.
• —Find out when you may be asked to add more funds.
• —Request an explanation of any balance when the representation ends.

Attorney fees and case expenses are not always the same. A matter may involve charges paid to courts, experts or other providers.

• —Common expenses may include filing, service, records, transcripts, travel or expert fees.
• —Ask which expenses require your approval before they are incurred.
• —Confirm whether expenses are billed as they arise or deducted later.

Read the written agreement before signing. It should describe the work, the fee arrangement, expenses and how either side may end the representation.

• —Ask about any term, charge or responsibility you do not understand.
• —Keep a signed copy of the agreement and every billing statement.
• —Discuss how changes in scope, staffing or strategy could affect the total cost.