Whether you are running a business or managing a budget, you need to be able to predict how much something will cost. This page explains some basic information about attorney’s fees in our firm.

Reasonableness of Fees

We consider the following factors in determining a reasonable fee:

  1. the time and labor required, the novelty and difficulty of the questions involved, and the skill requisite to perform the legal service properly;
  2. the likelihood, if apparent to the client, that the acceptance of the particular employment will preclude other employment by the lawyer;
  3. the fee customarily charged in the locality for similar legal services;
  4. the amount involved and the results obtained;
  5. the time limitations imposed by the client or by the circumstances;
  6. the nature and length of the professional relationship with the client;
  7. the experience, reputation, and ability of the lawyer performing the services; and
  8. whether the fee is fixed or contingent.

Fee Types

We offer a variety of fee structures to accommodate our clients:

  1. flat fees
  2. hourly fees
  3. contingency fees
  4. alternative fees

A hybrid fee arrangement may also be available. This is merely a combination of the other fee types.

Flat Fees (i.e. Fixed Fees)

Flat fees, sometimes called fixed fees, are a specific dollar amount for a specific task.

Although flat flees are not possible in every situation, for many routine legal matters where the amount of attorney time required is known in advance, there is no reason why attorneys cannot provide a fixed fee to clients. Clients usually prefer flat fees because they can know in advance how much a service will cost. Here are some examples:

  • new business – form a corporation or LLC
  • contract drafting – draft a standard business contract
  • contract analysis – analyze a contract (under 15 pages) and discuss legal rights and options
  • estate planning – draft a will
  • nonprofit organization – form a nonprofit organization
  • trademark registration – register a federal trademark
  • attorney meeting – meet with an attorney for any purpose for one hour
  • other services – this is not a complete list—contact us for a quote

We are happy to provide a customized quote for your specific legal matter. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to ascertain the costs involved with your legal problem.

Hourly Fees

Hourly fees are typical for traditional law firms. Hourly fees are based on the time an attorney spends working for a client.

When we work on an hourly basis, we provide clients with an estimate of costs ahead of time, so clients know what they can expect.

Traditionally, our rates have been approximately one-half the rates of our peers at large firms. We can provide our clients with lower rates and maximize value for our clients because

  1. we leveraged technology and
  2. we eliminated the high overhead, inexperienced attorneys, and pyramid business model existing in many large law firms.

Related: Which Lawyers Have the Highest Rates? How Much Do They Charge?

Contingency Fees

Contingency fees mean that the client doesn’t pay attorney’s fees unless the attorney recovers money for the client.

Contingency fees can be unfair for clients. However, contingency fees are sometimes necessary. For certain cases, such as personal injury accidents, contingency fees are the preferred option because clients generally cannot afford hourly fees. Minnesota has strict rules regarding contingency fees. We rarely do contingency fees. If you have a legal matter and want legal help on a contingency basis, you are welcome to contact our office for a case assessment.

Learn more about contingency fees and what to watch out for.

Alternative Fees

Alternative fees include annual plans, success fees, risk collars, and more. Our firm will make alternative fee structures available to you on any matter.

Payment Types

Our firm accepts payment by check, credit card, wire transfer, electronic bank transfer, and major cryptocurrencies.

Find Out More

If you are wondering how much legal fees will cost for your particular legal matter, we are happy to provide you with an estimate.

Please note that sometimes we cannot accurately estimate a cost without at least spending time analyzing the details of your circumstances. Like doctors charging for an examination, our attorneys generally charge to examine legal issues and explain to our clients their legal rights and options.

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If you have questions or would like to learn more about fee options for your legal issue, we invite you to contact us.