Fear of a hefty legal bill prevents many people taking legal action. How do solicitors charge for their time?

Hourly rate

An hourly rate is commonly used for family law or commercial litigation. This will include time spent on phone calls or emails, for which the minimum unit of charge is usually six minutes. Fees vary widely, and will depend on whether the matter is settled prior to going to court, or whether the resultant court case is short or lengthy. Having some of the work carried out by a junior solicitor or paralegal assistant rather than a senior lawyer may help keep costs to a minimum. Remember though that a solicitor with more expertise and experience could also resolve your matter more efficiently. Barristers usually charge for their time on a daily basis.

Fixed fee

Courts may fix a fee based on an official scale of costs for a particular task. This is often used for personal injury, wills, workers compensation, conveyancing and divorces.

Negotiated fee

If your legal matter is straightforward, you may be able to agree on a cost in advance. Some solicitors offer their first interview free. In that case, come to the appointment prepared with relevant information and they will be able to give you an estimate of costs and the likely outcome. In some cases, there is also the possibility of having a “no win, no fee” rate, however, bear in mind that should you win, you could end up paying a higher fee. There may also be provisions for a capped amount or provision for additional expenses if the issue goes for longer than expected.

This information is provided as a guide only. Speak to your solicitor and obtain a written estimate of fees, costs and conditions before you engage them to act on your behalf. Then, if the charges differ significantly after your legal action is completed, you can have them assessed by a costs assessor.