Based on the type and complexity of your legal case, your attorney may apply any type of fee arrangement to your case. It may even be a combination of more than one arrangement. The various types of lawyer fee arrangements are:

• Initial Consultation Fee - This fee is what the lawyer charges for your first visit. Ask what the fee is when you make your initial appointment. During the visit, you interview the attorney and tell him about your case.
• Hourly Fee - This fee can vary from lawyer to lawyer. It can also vary from city to city, the type of lawsuit, and the amount of experience the lawyer has. Ask your lawyer for an estimate of how much time your case will take. But your case may take longer than the lawyer expected at the beginning. Remember that your lawyer will bill every minute spent working for you.
• Flat Fees: This is a fixed fee that you pay for routine legal matters. Ask your lawyer about the services that are included in this fee.
• Retainer Fee: It is usually a down payment or security deposit. The lawyer will deduct funds as the lawsuit proceeds. The client has to pay another retainer if it is used up. The unused funds are usually refundable.
• Contingency Fee: It is usually used in malpractice suits. If you win, you have to pay a percentage of the compensation to the lawyer. It varies from 25% to 40%.

         In addition, you will have to pay costs and expenses. Discuss this with your lawyer before hiring him.