Ever hired a lawyer? How much is the hourly rate for a civil lawyer in Philadelphia?

Question by Tip Que: Ever hired a lawyer? How much is the hourly rate for a civil lawyer in Philadelphia?
I met with a lawyer because I have been having difficulty with a contractor I hired. The lawyer will be making a couple of phone calls and drafting a couple of letters on my behalf and no more.

This lawyer will be charging me a flat rate fee of $ 300 for 2 hours of service. In his contract, he states that I have to pay any additional expenses beyond his flat rate. I can not afford any more than the $ 300, especially since I could really handle this situation myself except I don’t have the strength to do it.

Is $ 150 an hour a fair rate. Can you recommend an attorney in the Philadelphia area who charges a reasonable rate and does a good job.

Best answer:

Answer by Peter W
There is a huge range – anywhere from ‘contingency’ – the lawyer collects only when you do, and then a pre-set percentage of that – to several hundred dollars an hour.

$ 150 is about an average rate. Will the lawyer do a good job? That is a matter of how well you have documented your position and how much the contractor is willing to fight, and how much is involved. Keep in mind that if the contractor gets wind of the fact that you have limited resources, he/she will be able to burn through that $ 300 very quickly, leaving you with the awkward choice of spending more money or giving up.

If, in fact, you are in Philadelphia I suggest you follow the links below and try at least the first few steps before expending money on a lawyer – you always have that option, but you may want to strengthen your position prior to taking it.

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