US lawyer fee guides
What does a lawyer really cost?
Plain-English guides to what lawyers and legal processes cost in the United States: hourly rates, flat fees, retainers, contingency percentages and court costs, with sources for every figure. Pick a category below, then use the fee agreement checklist in each guide before you hire.
16fee guides
8practice areas
152dated sources cited
Lawyer Fees Explained
Hourly rates, flat fees, retainers and contingency percentages.
2 guides →Criminal & DUI
DUI, misdemeanors, felonies, traffic tickets and expungement.
3 guides →Personal Injury
Car accidents, medical malpractice and contingency math.
2 guides →Divorce & Family
Divorce, child custody, prenups and family court costs.
3 guides →Immigration
Green cards, visas, citizenship and deportation defense.
1 guides →Work & Disability
Workers’ comp, disability and employment lawyer fees.
2 guides →Wills, Trusts & Probate
Wills, living trusts, probate and estate planning.
1 guides →Bankruptcy, Tax & Debt
Chapter 7 and 13 bankruptcy, tax attorneys and debt relief.
2 guides →How we research feesEvery range is built from dated, cited sources. Fees vary by state, court, lawyer and case — always ask for a written fee agreement and compare quotes. This site gives general information, not legal advice. Read our methodology