Internet Law Firm: How Much Does An Internet Attorney Charge?
The question isn’t how much an Internet attorney charges…it is, “How much money can an Internet lawyer save you?”
If seeking qualified legal counsel prevents just one lawsuit or government investigation, chances are you’ve made an excellent return on your investment.
When you do retain Internet legal counsel to represent your Web business, the attorney fees for professional services rendered will vary. For example, some projects take a little time. Others are complex and involve a lot of time.
Where the scope of work can be defined in advance, your Internet lawyer may handle a particular legal project for a flat fee. If the work is going to take an unknown amount of time because it is ongoing or open-ended, you’re likely to be charged by the hour billed in 1/10 or 1/4 hour increments.
For flat fee Internet legal work, you’ll probably have to pay in advance. For hourly work, your Internet law firm may require a retainer to bill against. This type of prepayment is done to protect your lawyer’s interest and you in the process. Because practicing law is a business, your lawyer is going to want to be paid. The longer a law firm waits to collect (just like any business), the odds of receiving payment decreases exponentially.
Because of rules of professional conduct (and it is the right thing to do), your Internet lawyer will explain billing practices and procedures at the beginning of your relationship.
About the Author
With an advanced international law degree from Georgetown University and more than 15 years of real world legal experience, Attorney Mike Young is President of the Internet Ethics Council and creator of Website Legal Forms Generator software. He helps entrepreneurs protect and grow their businesses online.
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Excellent Post!
Even if you discuss payment prior to any service, there is always the chance that an issue or situation will present itself which will effect what you will be paying. (or charging)
Of course the issue must be a clear one–made clear—an obvious one— with good reason to “adjust” billing.
The client and the person charging, both need to know this going in with regards to any situation, with any service oriented profession.
Flat fees are good- but all too often after putting in your time etc. a client might expect more than what they have paid for.
This makes for an even more delicate and often uncomfortable spot to be in.
Best is a starting point flat fee-
kinda like haircuts— 50.00 and up
what does that mean? well if you are still in my chair after 3 hours because you either;
a.) you keep changing your mind –and time is spent re cutting… several times in spite of our agreement of service— which we both “agreed” to during our consultation then you need to be charged accordingly—
b.)if during the consultation you did NOT inform me that you had 10 perms and 48 colors in the last six weeks- or you weren’t fully disclosing important info when asked; then when the situation DOES arise and it will- then you need pay the fees for THE EXTRA work and SERVICE!
that’s just me though…I could be wrong—
Good points, Karin. And of course, my favorite warning flag is the person who starts out in the first two sentences asking how much something will cost. They’re looking for the cheapest deal and hoping to get the best quality in the process. Not going to happen. Usually turn these types down flat and avoid headaches.