How to pay less and bargain for legal work

If you’re looking for a lawyer to handle your case, there’s no doubt that bargaining can help you get the best deal.

There are a few key points to consider when negotiating with a lawyer. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your bargaining session:

1. Do your research.

Before you begin bargaining, it’s important to have a good idea of what the going rate is for the services you need. Talk to other lawyers in the area, read online reviews, and get a sense of what you can expect to pay. This will help you understand the market and ensure that you’re not overpaying for your lawyer’s services.

2. Be clear about your budget.

Be upfront about your budget. Let the lawyer know what you’re willing to spend and make sure they understand that you’re not willing to go over it. This will help you avoid any surprises down the road.

3. Negotiate on fees.

Lawyers often charge a variety of fees for their services, including retainer fees, hourly rates, and other costs. Look for ways to negotiate these fees to get the best deal. If your case might be worth a lot, lawyers might consider doing it on contingency, which is where they just take a percentage of your winnings.

4. Have them notify you.

Before they start work, have them tell you once they’ve reached a certain amount of fees. That way, you won’t be surprised by a big bill once your case is finished.

5. Do some of the work yourself.

You can unbundle your legal services. For example, maybe you can have your lawyer draft the court documents, but you’ll go down to the courthouse and file them.

When it comes down to it, lawyers are savvy negotiators. And they’ve seen lots of people come into their offices and ask for a better deal. So make sure your expectations are realistic.

Legal work is expensive. Sometimes, the best way forward might be to not use a lawyer. Often times, if you think you’re owed something and the other side won’t listen, a short, persuasive demand letter can help to get your point across. Write My Rights can prepare one for you, with free templates written by lawyers (no chatbots!) that work. We can write you a letter today.