LOUISIANA STATE BAR ASSOCIATION ATTORNEY'S FEES

• 33.3% of gross recovery if settles prior to filing suit
• 40% of gross recovery if suit filed
• 45% if appealed
• Fee not due until settlement or judgment

• 25% of gross recovery if settles prior to filing suit
• 33% if suit filed
• 40% if appealed
• Fee not due until settlement or judgment

• Quoted on a case by case basis depending on the nature of the Succession, i.e., whether it is disputed, whether administration is required, etc.

• Business Litigation: $150 per hour, plus court costs and fees
• Business Formations: $150 per hour, plus any associated fees/costs associated with formation
• Will: $200 flat rate
• Living Will: $200 flat rate
• Notary: $20.00 per document

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT FEES

What am I paying for, exactly?

Time and advice. Most of a lawyer's time is spent on details and planning, not necessarily in a courtroom. In fact, most legal work never involves court at all. So what you're really paying for is a licensed professional's specialized training and advanced educational degrees in law. Remember, one can only become an attorney after passing intense examinations to become certified to practice law and being admitted as a member of the Louisiana State Bar Association.

What will it cost?

That varies, of course. But one thing is certain: You should not let fears about cost prevent you from contacting a lawyer when you need one. A good lawyer will make sure you are happy both with the service and the ultimate cost. It's in their best interest to make sure you get great representation at a reasonable price, and they must abide by the Rules of Professional Conduct that govern all attorneys in Louisiana. The Rules of Professional Conduct require that the client must be told the fee amount, preferably in writing, upfront or very soon after beginning representation. It's worth noting that fees are often small when compared to the benefits gained or losses avoided.

What are the types of fee arrangements?

Hourly Rate – This is a fixed dollar amount for each hour spent on your behalf, whether in court, in an office, on the phone, researching, drafting documents or simply talking to and advising you. Attorneys will keep meticulous records of that time. Hourly rates vary greatly, based mostly on location, experience and certain specialties. Generally, that rate starts at about $100 per hour but can go to more than $200 per hour. If you agree to an hourly rate, it's probably a good idea to include a provision that the attorney not exceed a specified amount of time/money without first obtaining your permission.

Contingency Fee – This fee is a percentage of the amount recovered, less certain expenses. In other words, it is contingent on the outcome of the matter for which the service is rendered. No fees are collected if the attorney loses your case, though the client may still have to pay certain costs of the litigation. The percentage at which the lawyer is to be paid is not set by the court but is agreed upon between the lawyer and client.

Retainer Fee – This type of fee involves either the payment of an agreed upon fee to retain the lawyer's general availability to you for unspecified legal representation during a set period of time or a down payment or advance deposit toward the fee to be charged for a particular representation in the future on an hourly or other agreed upon basis. billed. You have a right to know and you have a right to have your questions answered.

Fixed Fee – This is a fixed fee for a specific job or particular representation, usually for legal work involving divorces, wills, purchases or sales of property, title examinations, etc. These are the types of cases in which an attorney can tell in advance approximately what the fees will ultimately be. When you agree to a fixed fee, be sure you know what it does and does not include.

Is there a way to hold down legal costs?

Absolutely. Start by meticulously gathering and photocopying all relevant information and putting it in logical order, assuming the originals will go to your attorney and the copies will be for your own files. Put together a written statement of what you need done and why. Be punctual for appointments and avoid visits or phone calls regarding details or matters that may be minor. Make sure you share all relevant information with your attorney to avoid mistakes or revisions down the line.

What if I feel I'm paying too much?

Disagreements sometimes arise. First, discuss it frankly and openly with your attorney; you'll find that simple communication is often enough to solve the issue. If that doesn't work, consider arbitration as an option. It's a quick, inexpensive method of resolving fee disputes between attorneys and clients without filing a lawsuit. Some city and parish bar associations provide free arbitration of fees. The Louisiana State Bar Association offers arbitration services for fee disputes for approximately $50 charged to each party to cover administrative expenses. While Brandy certainly wants you to feel you can trust her and that you're always getting what you're paying for, she also always wants you to be aware of your rights.