What is the difference between a contingency fee, an hourly rate, and a flat fee?
A contingency fee agreement allows an attorney to be paid a percentage of the total amount that he or she recovers on a client’s behalf. Therefore, if a client loses a case, the attorney receives nothing. If the case settles or a court awards money, the attorney is entitled to a percentage of the recovery. Personal injury cases such as motor vehicle accidents are routinely taken on a contingency basis.
When a case is billed on an hourly basis, the attorney will keep track of the time he or she spends working on that case, and will bill you a certain rate for the time that is spent. Frequently, an attorney will require a retainer on these types of cases. A retainer is an amount of money to be paid up-front before any services are rendered. Family law cases are generally billed by the hour.
A flat fee means that the attorney will quote you a price to be charged for the service to be provided, rather than billing by the hour. For example, an attorney normally charges a flat fee to draft a will.
Does your firm offer free consultations?
Clay Hinds, Attorney at Law offers free consultations on some matters, but requires an appointment and consultation fee for others. Please call our office to schedule an appointment and find out whether free consultations are offered for the case you wish to discuss.
What kind of law does your firm practice?
Our law office offers legal advice and representation in a variety of areas. Please click here for a complete list of our practice areas.
Where are you located?
Our office is located at 804 Ferris Avenue in Waxahachie, Ellis County, Texas. Please click here for more information about where we are located and how to contact us.