Law firms give fee quotes or engagement proposals when a prospective client is deciding whether to hire them, especially for flat-fee services, business matters, and litigation where the client wants a budget. Clients usually compare hourly rates, flat-fee scope, and expected total cost across several firms. A written quote becomes the basis for the fee agreement, so it should be specific about what is and is not included.
When to use estimates: Use estimates to provide project quotes and get client approval before starting work. Once approved, convert your estimate to an invoice with one click to collect payment.
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Say whether you are drafting an LLC operating agreement, handling a closing, or defending through trial. Broad language leads to disagreements about whether extra work is covered.
Clients need to know how they will be charged. State any hourly rates for each timekeeper, flat-fee amounts, or contingency percentage and how costs are treated.
Appeals, added parties, hearings, discovery disputes, and out-of-scope requests can all grow a matter. Naming them avoids surprise bills.
Filing fees, expert fees, depositions, title charges, and service of process are often separate from your fee. List known costs and note that others may arise.
Clients should know how much is due upfront, that it is held in trust in most states, and when it is applied or refilled.
A quote for an uncontested divorce assumes cooperation, and a lease review assumes a normal form. State assumptions so you can revise the fee if they prove wrong.
A quote is not an engagement until conflicts are cleared and the agreement is signed. An expiration date prevents old quotes being used after your rates change.
| Service | Priced | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney time (solo or small firm, general practice) | per hour | $200-450 |
| Paralegal time | per hour | $75-175 |
| Simple will or basic estate plan | flat fee | $500-2,500 |
| LLC or corporation formation | flat fee | $500-2,000 |
| Residential real estate closing | flat fee | $500-1,500 |
| Uncontested divorce | flat fee | $1,000-3,500 |
| Contract review or drafting | per hour or flat fee | $250-450 per hour |
| Litigation retainer deposit | advance deposit | $2,500-10,000 |
Typical US ranges. Rates vary by region, experience, and job size.
Wills, entity formation, trademark applications, and routine closings follow set steps and suit flat pricing. For disputes where the other side controls the pace, use hourly billing or a phased fee.
Provide an estimated range for each phase, such as pleadings, discovery, and trial preparation. Make clear it is an estimate, not a cap, and tell the client when you will update it.
Breaking a matter into stages lets the client approve each one and lets you reassess scope and fees at natural points, which reduces billing conflict.
Include time for client calls, emails, document review, and court travel. Many small firms underquote because they count only drafting or appearance time.
A flat-fee quote that the client accepts in a signed agreement is binding for the defined scope. An hourly estimate is usually a good-faith projection, but you should say so in writing and update the client if the work will exceed it.
Practices vary. Many firms charge a set consultation fee, often $100 to $500, while personal injury and some other practices offer free consultations. Whatever you choose, state it clearly before the meeting and say whether the fee is credited toward future work.
A signed engagement or fee agreement should come before substantial work. Most states require written fee agreements for contingency matters, and many encourage them for all matters.
Tell the client as soon as you see the scope change and send a revised estimate or written amendment. Billing beyond the agreed scope without notice often leads to fee disputes.
Use the Law Firm invoice template to bill the client, or convert this estimate once it's approved.
Law Firm invoice template