Hawk Law Group | March 13, 2025 | Personal Injury
The biggest question most people have when encountering a legal situation is, “How much is a lawyer going to cost?”
It’s understandable that concerns about costs often keep people from seeking legal advice. Learning more about different fee structures can help you decide whether to hire a lawyer for the legal assistance you need.
Factors That Affect Attorney Fees In Georgia
Practice area is one of the most differentiating factors.
Most Georgia attorneys focus on one specific area of the law, such as family law and divorce, tax and business law, finance and estate planning, or personal injury. Each legal matter and field of law may charge fees differently because the services provided differ.
| Factor | How It Affects Costs |
|---|---|
| Type of Case | Personal injury lawyers use contingency fees, while criminal, family, and business lawyers often charge hourly or flat rates. |
| Attorney’s Experience | More experienced lawyers charge higher rates due to their expertise and track record. |
| Complexity of the Case | The more complex your case, the more time and resources are required, increasing costs. |
| Geographic Location | Lawyers in major cities like Atlanta typically charge more than those in smaller towns or rural areas. |
Almost all lawyers offer a free initial consultation or one at a lower cost than their usual rate. This isn’t required, though, so confirm the cost of a consultation before your appointment.
A free consultation allows clients to see if the attorney is a good fit for their legal matter and the lawyer to determine whether the client has a valid case. This kind of consultation is beneficial and free of risk for both parties.
How Different Types of Lawyers Charge for Their Services
Each Georgia law firm sets its own lawyer fees and determines how those fees will be paid, so if you need to know how much a particular lawyer costs, ask them directly. But here’s a rundown of the most common ways attorneys charge for services:
Contingency Fee
This model is used most often by personal injury lawyers, like those who handle car accidents. Essentially, a lawyer takes a client’s personal injury case, files a suit for damages against the at-fault party (or a claim against their insurer), and then charges the client only if they win or settle the case.
Attorney’s fees in these situations are assessed as a percentage of the final award, about 30-35% in most cases, and the lawyer gets paid only if they successfully settle or win the case. Although one-third of a compensatory award may seem steep, consider that the lawyer provides all resources up front, including:
- Their time and expertise
- Court fees and filing fees
- Paying for an independent investigation and depositions
- Fees for expert witnesses
And keep in mind that if the lawyer loses the case, they don’t get paid.
Best for: Personal injury, workers’ compensation, medical malpractice cases.
| 📌 Fictional Example: Sarah was injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence. She hired a personal injury lawyer on a contingency fee basis, meaning she didn’t have to pay anything upfront. After months of negotiation, her lawyer secured a $100,000 settlement. The attorney’s fee was 33%, so Sarah’s lawyer received $33,000, and she kept $67,000. |
💡Key Takeaway: Contingency fees are great for clients who can’t afford upfront costs—lawyers only get paid if they win.
Hourly Fees
Many types of lawyers charge by the hour – the more complex and time-consuming your case is, the more work the attorney does on your behalf and the more their services cost. Legal fees may be higher than one would think, ranging from $150 for a new lawyer up to $500 for an attorney with decades of experience and knowledge.
In these fee arrangements, a client pays a retainer, a deposit to the law firm, before the attorneys get to work. The funds are held in an escrow account, and the lawyer’s time is billed against the account. You receive a statement of the work done on your case.
Some cases, like a divorce, may require only a single retainer deposit, while other types of lawyers, like a tax attorney or business attorney, may have clients who require ongoing legal services and pay monthly retainers.
Best for: Simple, routine legal matters.
| 📌 Fictional Example: John was charged with DUI in Georgia. He hired a criminal defense attorney who charges $300 per hour. His case required 15 hours of work, totaling $4,500 in legal fees. John had paid a $2,500 retainer at the beginning, so he had to pay the remaining $2,000 once the retainer was used up. |
💡 Key Takeaway: Hourly rates can add up quickly, so understanding retainer agreements and getting a cost estimate upfront is crucial.
Flat Fee
Attorneys who have a high volume of the same type of legal matter may have a flat fee for certain services. For example, estate planning lawyers may charge a set fee to draft a will or create a trust.
Other flat-fee services typically include:
- Representing a first-time DUI offender or other misdemeanors
- Filing uncontested divorces
- Filing a patent or trademark application
- Conducting real estate closings
Flat fees are mostly for straightforward and uncomplicated legal matters.
Best for: Business law, employment law, ongoing legal advice.
| 📌 Fictional Example: Emily and her husband wanted to create a will and set up a trust for their children. They found an estate planning attorney who offered a flat fee of $1,200 for the entire process. The attorney prepared the necessary documents, reviewed them with the couple, and finalized everything without any unexpected costs. |
💡 Key Takeaway: Flat fees provide cost predictability, making them ideal for straightforward legal services.
Consultation Fees for Lawyers
Many lawyers in Georgia offer free or low-cost consultations, but some charge a set fee. Consultation fees for lawyers typically range from $50 to $500, depending on the attorney’s experience and practice area. Always confirm the consultation fee before scheduling an appointment.
Average Attorney Fees in Georgia
As you now understand, the cost of hiring a lawyer massively varies based on the area of law and the complexity of the case. But here are some average attorney fees in Georgia:
- Personal Injury Lawyers (Contingency Fee): 30-40% of settlement
- Criminal Defense Attorneys (Hourly Fee): $150 – $500 per hour
- Family Law Attorneys (Hourly Fee or Flat Fee): $200 – $400 per hour or $2,500 – $10,000 for full representation
- Estate Planning Lawyers (Flat Fee): $200 – $3,000 for wills, trusts, and probate matters
- Civil Case Lawyers (Hourly Fee): $150 – $400 per hour, depending on the complexity
Failing To Hire an Attorney Can Cost the Most
Many people are ill-equipped to navigate the justice system alone. The cost of not hiring a lawyer may be higher than you think and can significantly impact your future.
Fortunately, in the context of a personal injury case, you don’t need any money upfront to hire a lawyer. Further, you’ll only owe them attorney’s fees if they obtain compensation for you.
Contact the Personal Injury Lawyers In the Central Savannah River Area at Hawk Law Group for Legal Assistance Today
For more information, please contact the personal injury lawyers at Hawk Law Group at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve throughout the Central Savannah River Area and its surrounding areas:
Hawk Law Group – Augusta, GA
338 Telfair St, Augusta, GA 30901, United States
(706) 722 3500
Hawk Law Group – Evans, GA
4384 River Watch Pkwy, Evans, GA 30809, United States
(706) 863 6500
Hawk Law Group – Thomson, GA
146 Railroad St A, Thomson, GA 30824, United States
(706) 361 0350
Hawk Law Group – Waynesboro, GA
827 Liberty St, Waynesboro, GA 30830, United States
(706) 437 9122
Hawk Law Group – Aiken County, SC
156 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801, United States
(803) 226 9089
We also serve in Edgefield County, SC.