I get a lot of telephone calls from potential clients asking me how much I cost. Often times, the questions is stated like this: “Can you please tell me how much your retainer is?” First of all, what is typically thought of by potential clients as a retainer, is actually called an advanced fee deposit in Wisconsin. This is a deposit made toward legal work on a specific case. Whenever I am asked this question over the phone, I inform the caller that I do not quote fees over the phone, and that an initial consultation is necessary before I can give any individual potential client a fee quote or estimate. There are two reasons for this:
First, each case is unique. Therefore, it is necessary to meet the potential client prior to being able to give an accurate fee quote. If your case is relatively simple and straightforward, why would you want to pay the same advanced fee as the person who has a more complex matter? If I just quote a standard amount over the phone, chances are you may be paying much more up front than is necessary for your case.
On the other hand, if you have a very complex case, it would still be unfair for me to quote a standard advanced fee amount. Potential clients want to know an estimate of what their total legal fees might be. Potential clients tend to assume that the advanced fee deposit will cover most of their legal fees. If you have a complex matter, and I quote you a standard advanced fee deposit, you will likely be mad if that deposit runs out much earlier than you anticipated. By meeting in person, and discussing the specifics of your case, I can give you a better idea just how much money your case is going to take from start to finish. By discussing the specifics of your case, and your personal situation, I can better tailor an advanced fee or payment plan that will help you reach your legal goals in the most financially efficient manner.
Second, hiring a lawyer just based on cost can be a costly mistake for a potential client. Potential clients who are simply looking to hire the lawyer with the lowest advanced fee deposit are setting themselves up for a bad lawyer-client relationship. Your legal matter is important. You are going to be working closely with your attorney and it is important to know whether or not you and you attorney will work well together. Different client and different attorneys have different personalities. Knowing that your attorney is on the same page as you is key for obtaining your legal goals. Hiring an attorney based simply on price undermines the importance of your case, and indicates that the potential client is more concerned with money than with the outcome of their case. Both are important.
Finally, for some of the same reasons just mentioned, you don’t want an attorney who is willing to take your case simply based on the payment of a standard advanced fee. If a lawyer says over the phone that he or she will take your case as long as you pay a certain amount, all that lawyer cares about is the money. You then are an income stream for the lawyer, as opposed to a client. A lawyer should take the time to sit down with you and evaluate your specific situation before deciding whether or not they can help you.