If you are looking to hire an attorney, you may be worried about the potential effects on your pocketbook. Lawyers are expensive, but you can adopt several different strategies to save money while finding the representation you need. Don't rush out and take out a loan just to pay an attorney a retainer fee. Get creative and follow the advice below.
Look for Low-Cost Representation
Before searching for an attorney, you should consider asking for help from your county's legal referral program. If you are involved in a criminal matter and can't afford an attorney, you will be assigned one through the state's assigned-counsel program. If you are facing something as simple as a traffic ticket, you likely do not need a highly paid attorney. Most people who are issued traffic citations simply represent themselves in court. This is known as “pro se” representation.
Approach Up-and-Coming Lawyers
When you are searching for legal representation, don't hire the first attorney you come across. Shop around. You can often find affordable options by speaking to several different attorneys. Many young, up-and-coming attorneys who operate out of small offices with low overhead expenses will offer to represent you at an affordable rate. Experienced attorneys who have established reputations in the community may charge a significant retainer fee of $5,000 or more.
Find a Law Student
If you merely need legal advice and not necessarily representation, contact law students at local colleges to see if they will consult with you for free. Many of these students are looking for experience that they can include on resumes and discuss during job interviews.
Barter with Your Skills
A little known fact is that attorneys are legally permitted to accept goods and services in return for legal consulting and representation. If you are a butcher, offer to reduce the cost of your attorney's fees by offering him or her some fine cuts of meat. If you are a handyman, tell your attorney that you'd like to barter your services. Leverage your skills to gain access to those of legal professionals.
Do a Portion of the Work
Many attorneys will charge you for simple things like filling out court-ordered forms, filing documents with the court, and even making copies. Tell prospective attorneys in your initial meetings that you do not want to be billed for such menial services. Also, if the attorney says you'll need copies of documents that are hundreds or thousands of pages in length, offer to make the copies yourself so that you can find the most affordable printing options.
