Lawyers 101

Lawyers tend to be expensive because, like doctors, when you hire a lawyer you pay for his or her education and expertise.

However, you may be able to get a discount, negotiate for a lower price than the lawyer's standard price, or even get a laywer's services for free. In any event, as a general matter, the more you prepare for a meeting with a lawyer, the less expensive the legal costs. (To learn how to prepare for a meeting with a lawyer, see the document in "To Learn More"). 

Discounts

Lawyers tend to give discounts for members of a group. Check to see if there is a group to which you belong that qualifies for such a discount. For example, through work, or a fraternal or a religious organization.

If you are a senior, discounts are available through AARP's Legal Services Network, www.aarp.org/money/legalissues/lsn . In general, experienced lawyers in the network provide:

• A free initial consultation. 
• A discount of 20% off that lawyer's usual rate
• Low fixed rates for simple wills and for powers of attorney.

Negotiation

It cannot hurt to ask a lawyer for a discount by either charging a lower hourly fee or a smaller flat fee. If you are not a good negotiator, ask a family member or friend to do it for you).

If your situaiton involves getting money for you, such as from Social Security, ask if the lawyer will work on a contingency basis so he or she only gets paid if you get paid.

For information about hourly charges, flat fees and contingency fees, click here.

Keep in mind that the more prepared you are for a meeting, and the more work you do yourself, the less work the lawyer has to do - which means a cost savings to you. For example, if you want to write a will with a lawyer, it helps to collect the information the lawyer will ask about before the meeting. See Survivorship A to Z's form: Information for Your Will.

Free Legal Services

Free legal services may be available in your local area. Most lawyers do at least some work for free. This is known as working "pro bono". There may also be free legal clinics. To learn more, contact:

• www.findlegalhelp.org
• www.lawhelp.org
• your local bar association or law school. To find contact information for your local bar association, see: /www.abanet.org/barserv/stlobar.html .

Free legal information is also available. See Free Legal Information.

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