It is impossible to set one fee or cost for one attorney that is good for all cases or clients. The practice of law has always been and always will be complicated and laborious. A great deal of education is required to obtain a law license, and lawyers are constantly under scrutiny from bar associations, courts, judges, and the IRS.

The fee is probably the most sensitive issue between you and your attorney. It must be handled promptly and honestly. You have the right to ask as many questions as you want, and you have the right to negotiate the rate if it’s something you can’t afford or think is excessive. There must also be a fee agreement that outlines what you are charged and all expenses associated with the representation. It should be clear and you have the right to review it with another attorney if you wish. You also have the right to reasonable demand accounting.

The fee is determined based on skill, experience, exposure to a particular type of law, and dedication. It cannot be based on the result in all areas of the law. In other words, a lawyer who guarantees you a result should be viewed with great skepticism. A lawyer who gives you the “odds” of winning should be in Las Vegas, not on your case.

You have the right to work hard, and hard work usually ends in a result that, at the very least, gives you the opportunity to make informed decisions about your future.

You want an aggressive lawyer, but a reasonable lawyer who is not aggravating. You want a lawyer who is respected by the courts, other lawyers and investigators, not someone who is considered unreliable or insincere. You want a lawyer on your side who will fight for you, not against you.

You can expect that the more complex your case, the more expensive it will be to hire a competent attorney. It is also more expensive to hire an experienced attorney who practices in different courts, such as state and federal courts, and in different states.

Often, the money you pay your attorney must be supplemented by money for investigators, experts, and others who make up your defense team. But this should be clear to you from the start.

While this may seem worrisome, it will be comforting to know that you have done the best you can to protect your future and obtain the most advantageous outcome possible.