Attorney Fee Estimator
Estimate attorney fees by case type for divorce, DUI, personal injury, and estate planning.
Returns flat fee and hourly rate ranges with projected cost.
Attorney fee and legal cost estimation helps clients understand the full financial scope of legal representation before engaging counsel. Legal fees vary dramatically by billing model, practice area, and geographic market.
Hourly billing total formula: Total Legal Cost = Attorney Hours × Hourly Rate + Paralegal Hours × Paralegal Rate + Disbursements
Where disbursements include: court filing fees, process server fees, expert witness fees, travel expenses, and copying/printing costs.
Contingency fee formula (personal injury, malpractice): Attorney Fee = Settlement or Judgment Amount × Contingency Percentage
Standard contingency fee: 33.3% if settled before trial; 40% if case goes to trial; 45% on appeal.
Flat fee structure: Total Cost = Flat Fee + Filing Fees + Other Disbursements
What each variable means:
- Retainer — an upfront payment deposited into the attorney’s trust account; billed against at the agreed hourly rate as work is performed. Not the same as total cost — it is an advance against fees.
- Hourly rate — varies by experience, practice area, and city. Associates: $200–$350/hr. Partners at large firms: $400–$1,000+/hr.
- Contingency — client pays no upfront fees; attorney collects only if the case is won. Common in plaintiff’s personal injury; banned in some jurisdictions for criminal and family law.
- Disbursements — out-of-pocket expenses charged to the client at cost; must be detailed in the engagement letter
Reference: average legal fees by practice area (US, 2024)
- Simple will: $300–$800 (flat fee)
- Uncontested divorce: $1,500–$5,000
- Contested divorce: $15,000–$50,000+
- DUI defense: $3,000–$10,000
- Personal injury (auto accident): 33% contingency
- Business contract review: $500–$2,000
- Immigration (green card): $3,000–$8,000
Worked example: Contract dispute. Attorney rate: $350/hr. Estimated 40 hours of work. Paralegal: $120/hr, 15 hours. Filing fee: $400.
Attorney fees: 40 × $350 = $14,000 Paralegal fees: 15 × $120 = $1,800 Filing fees: $400 Total estimated legal cost: $16,200
Opposing party offers $20,000 settlement. Net to client: $20,000 − $16,200 = $3,800 net gain if you win — compare to settling immediately for a lower amount without attorney involvement.